2021 Portland Area Conference

October 28-30, 2021

All sessions added to My Agenda prior to this notice have been exported to the mobile app and will be visible in your account when the app launches. Any sessions added now, will also have to be added in the app.
Grade Level


Topics

















Strands







Session Type




Pathway/Course

FILTERS APPLIED:PreK - 5, Supporting the Social and Emotional Needs of Students Post-COVID-19, Physical Science

 

Rooms and times subject to change.
13 results
Save up to 50 sessions in your agenda.

Developing Engaged, Future-Ready Science Learners:  Using Innovative Technology Tools to Develop Essential Skills and Concepts

Thursday, October 28 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Oregon Convention Center - A106


Show Details

Attendees will actively engage with innovative, technology-rich tools, learning strategies to teach data collection and analysis, engineering design processes, coding, and robotics, and engaging ways to apply coding to make devices “work,” adding rigor and complexity as learners gain skills and understanding.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to: 1. design accessible, equitable, hands-on learning experiences, in which ALL students actively participate and engage with innovative technology tools, helping students learn essential science concepts, engineering processes, and learn how to collaborate with peers to increase understanding; 2. teach authentic data collection and analysis, so that students can learn how to explore and test variables and measure and analyze their effects; and 3. use programmable technology tools and devices as effective teaching tools, helping students learn how to input code to achieve a desirable outcome, and how to analyze, diagnose, and correct the code when the device doesn’t perform as intended.

SPEAKERS:
Donna Knoell (self: Shawnee Mission, KS)

Connecting NGSS to Student Interests and the Science That Surrounds Us in Real Life

Thursday, October 28 • 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Oregon Convention Center - E144


Show Details

Learn how to create engaging lessons, connecting to student interests and to the science and natural phenomena that surround us. Pick up strategies to engage K–6 students in explorations, helping them recognize and understand real-world science, while creating a lifelong love of science. Handouts!

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn: 1. innovative strategies to help children identify, explore, and understand a variety of interesting, real-life science that surrounds them in their everyday world; 2. how to design lessons that emphasize exploration, and give students the opportunity to test variables and analyze their effects; and 3. effective questioning strategies to engage students and increase the depth of student thinking, also helping to make student thinking visible; and to help teachers use effective questioning strategies to help students clarify and articulate their understanding of essential science phenomena and concepts.

SPEAKERS:
Donna Knoell (self: Shawnee Mission, KS)

Helping Teachers and Students Learn Science Through Picture Books!

Thursday, October 28 • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Oregon Convention Center - D133/134



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Helping Teachers and students learn science through picture.pptx

Show Details

Explore ways to integrate science and ELA with picture books to help students master science concepts, while at the same time enforcing literacy standards!

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Using picture books will help bring the science to life while enforcing ELA National and State Standards; 2. Inquiry can be embedded and implemented with the use of interactive picture books; and 3. You can use any picture book to engage and help students practice crosscutting concepts and engineering skills.

SPEAKERS:
Douglas Hunnings (Elkhart Community Schools: Elkhart, IN), John Taylor (Marvin Ridge High School: No City, No State)

Capturing Students’ Wonder and Curiosity Using Amateur Radio

Thursday, October 28 • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Oregon Convention Center - A106



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1_veRCEaT9T_tLoNpt8NSXLJQBIWTap1Ab2HFAW_fcYA/copy
Google Slides presentation of Amateur Radio activities that can be done in the classroom
Supply List
If you want to make your own Morse Code key, but don't want to search for the supplies...

STRAND: Innovating the Future of Education: Technology and Science Education

Show Details

I will showcase and demonstrate hands-on, low-cost activities using amateur radio, including speaking with astronauts on the ISS, and tracking transmitters that orbit Earth.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. What amateur radio truly is (and isn’t); 2. Ways to use amateur radio in the classroom; and 3. Hands-on activities using radio, regardless of if you have a radio license .

SPEAKERS:
Joanne Michael (Wiseburn Unified School District: El Segundo, CA)

Using the Excitement of Science Demonstrations to Create an Engaging Learning Experience

Thursday, October 28 • 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Oregon Convention Center - D137/138


Show Details

It is easy to get students interested in science, but how do you extend interest to engagement and learning? This workshop will show you how.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Changing interest to engagement; 2. Using process to teach content; and 3. Using a unique approach to discrepant events.

SPEAKERS:
Mary Jean Lynch (North Central College: Naperville, IL), John Zenchak (North Central College: Naperville, IL)

Teachers as Curriculum Writers: Design for NGSS with Our Articulated Writing Process

Friday, October 29 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Oregon Convention Center - A103/104



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Slideshow
PDF version of presentation slides
Slideshow (Google slides)
Presentation slides in Google slides format

STRAND: Developing More Inclusive Classrooms

Show Details

Writing your own NGSS units? Learn about our articulated writing process that achieves NGSS and English Language Proficiency standards. Applicable to all levels!

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn: 1. how we unpack PEs and approach writing a unit; 2. how to consider NGSS from a language perspective; and 3. why the investment in time upfront leads to a more effective writing experience and a more coherent experience for students and teachers.

SPEAKERS:
Jennifer Mayo (Portland Public Schools: Portland, OR), Jennifer Scherzinger (Portland Public Schools: Portland, OR), Geoff Stonecipher (Portland Public Schools: Portland, OR)

Twist and Shout: Unraveling Chromosomes with Hands-On Models

Friday, October 29 • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Oregon Convention Center - C124


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

Mitosis, meiosis, chromosome structure, and crossing over will be explored in this hands-on modeling event. Bring your student hat and be ready to engage.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Model chromosome structure and anatomy; 2. Compare and contrast mitosis and meiosis; and 3. Model mechanisms that contribute to genetic variation.

SPEAKERS:
Christina Bowers (Meridian School: Round Rock, TX)

Beyond Labz: Realistic Virtual Labs That Bridge the Gap Between Real Labs and Scientific Inquiry

Friday, October 29 • 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Oregon Convention Center - B117/118/119


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Beyond Labz

Built on a platform developed over 20 years, Beyond Labz creates an open-ended environment providing students the opportunity to experiment, practice, fail, discover, and learn.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Beyond Labz simplifies and reduces the cost and expertise needed to provide crucial laboratory experiences and practice for Secondary and Higher Ed students; 2. Attendees will learn how the labs are used for pre- and post-lab experiences, credit recovery and lab make-up, student engagement in class, and meeting NGSS standards; and 3. Basic onboarding and start-up instructions will be provided for drop-in solutions, and instructions for using some of the more sophisticated features will also be described.

SPEAKERS:
Brian Woodfield (Brigham Young University: Provo, UT)

Three Ways to Make Your STEM PBL a Main Course

Friday, October 29 • 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Oregon Convention Center - B117/118/119


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Pitsco Education

The framework of our STEM PBL units includes a meaningful STEM challenge, authentic inquiry, student choice, applied development, and public engagement.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Elements of a STEM PBL unit; 2. Ways to incorporate hands-on STEM learning into an open-ended STEM PBL unit; and 3. Leave with the right tools and confidence to integrate a STEM PBL unit into your learning environment.

SPEAKERS:
Molly Underwood (Pitsco Education: Pittsburg, KS), Mohit Abraham (Pitsco Education: Pittsburg, KS)

Universal Design for Learning Science

Saturday, October 30 • 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Oregon Convention Center - E146



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
FREE sample chapter from NSTA
Interactive UDL Guidelines
Session Slides
Universal Design for Learning Science
This NSTA Press book is featured in the session.

Show Details

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) provides a framework for reducing barriers and increasing access for all students in science. Learn how elementary teachers are applying this framework in science!

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn: 1. about the UDL Framework; 2. how curriculum and teaching methods create barriers for students; and 3. how to reduce barriers through intentional planning with UDL.

SPEAKERS:
Debi Hanuscin (Western Washington University: Bellingham, WA)

Using Objects and Pictures to Welcome All Students to Phenomena-Based Science Learning

Saturday, October 30 • 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Oregon Convention Center - D133/134



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
resources for visual and objects.docx

STRAND: Developing More Inclusive Classrooms

Show Details

Have you ever wondered how using a single picture or object can spark any student’s curiosity about science? Get the tools to help all your students embrace science with open arms and excitement.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will: 1. learn how to use pictures to spark interest in science phenomena; 2. experience a Visual Thinking Strategy (VTS) lesson incorporated with science; and 3. experience how using objects can spark students' interests and leads to students asking their own questions.

SPEAKERS:
Melissa Pearcy (Jefferson Elementary School: Spokane, WA), Carrie Ryan Walls (Woodridge Elementary School: Spokane, WA), Emily O'Halloran (Linwood Elementary School: Spokane, WA)

Communication: Sending Information with a Micro:bit

Saturday, October 30 • 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Oregon Convention Center - A107-109



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Curricula Sign Up
Sign up to receive the other free (grant funded) science units.
CYBER.ORG
Check out the other amazing resources that are free (grant funded) for teachers!
Student Files
Here are the associated student handouts to use in your classroom.
Teacher Guide
As a teacher, this will help to show you how to do the activities that we did together in the workshop with your students while reaching the Next Generation Science Standards.

STRAND: Innovating the Future of Education: Technology and Science Education

Show Details

Learn how to reach the three-dimensional science standards in your classroom through hands-on coding with the BBC micro:bit and free online Microsoft MakeCode simulator.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. gain personal hands-on experience using a BBC micro:bit to teach the Next Generation Science Standards; 2. learn how to teach problem solving through coding at an age-approprite level with tips and pointers from presenters who each have over 10 years' experience in the elementary classroom; and 3. walk away with a free sample lesson from CYBER.ORG, which includes the corresponding Next Generation Science Standards for their upper elementary classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Laurie Salvail (CYBER.ORG: Bossier City, LA), Brittany Pike (CYBER.ORG: Bossier City, LA)

Art and Science: A Powerful Combination

Saturday, October 30 • 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Oregon Convention Center - E146


STRAND: Successful Collaborations Between Informal and Formal Educators

Show Details

Learn how Mid-Columbia Ballet, LIGO, and teachers created an exciting unit combining art and science to engage students. Participants will engage in activities and discussions.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. understand how multiple informal and formal educators can work together to achieve their goals; 2. be able to identify possible partners in their region; and 3. learn how informal and formal partnerships can teach content standards, crosscutting concepts, and engineering practices in a unique way.

SPEAKERS:
Renee Kollman (Adams) (Mid-Columbia Ballet: Richland, WA), McKenzie Munn (Marcus Whitman Elementary School: Richland, WA), Amber Strunk (LIGO Hanford Observatory: Richland, WA)

Back to Top