Displaying 58 results
Master Data Analysis
Sponsoring Company: Estes Industries
Learn how model rocketry altitude tracking is a great way
to get students comfortable with collecting, graphing, and analyzing data. Win a
Mini AltiTrak set for your classroom!
Takeaways: 1. Tips to incorporate graphing into a lesson; 2. Information on data analysis activities for students; and 3. How to use the Estes Mini AltiTrak as a technology tool for data collection.
Speakers
WhiteBox Learning: The E in
STEM
Sponsoring Company: Flinn Scientific, Inc.
This workshop will demonstrate an authentic engineering
practice so compelling that science and engineering students create an average
of 62 virtual design iterations of balsa wood bridges, gliders, mousetrap cars,
wind turbines, drones, and many others before (optionally) building a physical
model of their optimized design.
Takeaways: 1. Time and money (nearly) prohibits science and engineering classrooms from presenting an authentic engineering practice; 2. WhiteBox Learning provides an authentic experience by utilizing powerful web-based tools with roots in industry that leverage gamification for motivation; and 3. It is possible to leverage familiar projects like balsa wood bridges, balsa wood gliders, mousetrap cars, and others to teach engineering in an authentic way. This is great news because the familiarity of these projects makes it easier for teachers to take on engineering.
Speakers
Save a Nickel and Learn to Trickle!
Sponsoring Company: Texas Instruments
Learn how to create a project-based camp or classroom
lesson that enable students to apply concepts, such as photosynthesis and the
water cycle, to design a smart irrigation system. Inspired by real-world events,
students are motivated to apply problem-solving skills and learn some basic
programming to come up with innovative solutions to using water more
efficiently.
Takeaways: 1. Developing models to better understand a process; 2. Constructing explanations and designing solutions; and 3. Introducing students to coding to solve a science problem with an engineering solution.
Speakers
Presenter Materials for this Session:
Inquiry-Based STEM, Featuring the
PocketLab
Sponsoring Company: Estes Industries
Give your students the opportunity to nurture their
inquisitive nature with our Does Mass Matter? lesson plan. Learn more about how
Estes is working with cool educational companies and industry professionals to
provide you with hands-on, real-world learning experiences for your classroom.
All participants will be entered to win our Green Eggs™ Starter
Kit!
Takeaways: 1. Improve inquiry-based learning techniques; 2. Foster students' inquisitive nature with the PocketLab; and 3. Incorporate all four elements of STEM with the Does Mass Matter? lesson plan.
Speakers
Tapping into the Phenomena of Drinking
Water
Sponsoring Company: LaMotte Co.
Water is the single most valuable resource essential for
life on Earth, yet is subject to increasing scarcity, pollutants, and overuse.
The Tapwater Tour curriculum makes the real-world connection between the
phenomena explored in the lesson and actual hands-on laboratory activities that
students experience while revealing the quality of their own tap water. Group
discussions, activities, and analysis of class data provide opportunities for
teamwork, collaboration, and reflection.
Takeaways: 1. Simple hands-on methods that students can easily and safely perform in the classroom, or as teacher demonstrations for distance learning, will be presented; 2. Examples of phenomena to engage students in water quality testing will be given; and 3. Ideas for adapting lessons to suit student audience/grade levels/abilities will be shared.
Speakers
Virtual Amazon Fulfillment Center Tour
Sponsoring Company: Amazon Future Engineer
Give your students real-world computer science and
career exposure through Amazon Future Engineer's new live, virtual, and
interactive Fulfilment Center Tours! From our online store to doorstep, students
will discover how computer science, state-of-the-art engineering, and incredible
people deliver customer orders at Amazon.
Takeaways: Attendees will learn: how Amazon uses computer science, engineering, and amazing people to deliver customer orders around the globe; 2. how algorithms, sensors, cloud computing, machine learning, databases, and more all help make Amazon possible; and 3. what it's like to be an engineer at Amazon.
Speakers
Adding NOAA's SOS Explorer to Your Data Visualization
Education Toolbox
Sponsoring Company: NOAA Office of Education
Modern society is awash with data that tell complex
stories in the language of mathematics, physics, and chemistry. Most humans are
intensely visual and find it difficult to find meaning in just numbers. NOAA's
answer—SOS Explorer (SOSx), now available as a FREE APP on your tablet or
smartphone!
Takeaways: 1. Interpreting data through visualizations; 2. Using mobile device apps in teaching; and 3. Resources available from NOAA.
Speakers
Integrating Science and Literacy in Middle and High
School Classrooms with Argument-Driven Inquiry
Sponsoring Company: NSTA Press
Learn about Argument-Driven Inquiry and how it can help
students engage in real-world science while using literacy-based materials in
the service of sensemaking.
Takeaways: In this session, participants will: 1. how to use this instructional model, or way of teaching, to give students an opportunity to learn how to use the core ideas, crosscutting concepts, and practices of science to make sense of natural phenomena; 2. how to give students an opportunity to talk, read, and write in the service of sensemaking in science; and 3. ways to support students as they engage in real-world science while using literacy-based materials in the service of sensemaking.
Speakers
Biodiversity and the Environment
Sponsoring Company: Texas Instruments
In this session you will learn how to use a simulation
of an aquatic ecosystem to help students see the relationships between biotic
and abiotic factors such as dissolved oxygen, pH, and temperature. The
simulation makes it possible to model environments that would otherwise be very
difficult to monitor and experiment with. Plus, the fish animations are really
cool!
Takeaways: 1. Using simulations with students can help them better visualize the mechanisms behind phenomena; 2. Simulations are a great complement to hands-on learning and work best when hands on isn't possible/practical; and 3. Effects of changes to certain variables in aquatic ecosystems can have negative effects on the organisms that live there.
Speakers
Presenter Materials for this Session:
Biodiversity and the EnvironmentIn this activity, students will observe model environments, adjust abiotic variables in those environments, observe the results of those adjustments, and then draw conclusions about the effects of the abiotic world on the biotic world.
Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and
Science Teaching: Recognizing Quality Teaching in STEM
Sponsoring Company: PAEMST
Come learn about the highest recognition for STEM
educators in the United States. We will discuss eligibility criteria,
nomination, application, and review process for the awards. Awardees receive a
certificate; a $10,000 award; a trip to Washington, DC, for a recognition event;
and access to over 5,100 award-winning teachers.
Takeaways: 1. How you can win $10,000; 2. How you can apply for this prestigious award from the U.S. Government; and 3. The benefits of applying for this award.
Speakers
To the Sky with STEM Learning!
Sponsoring Company: Estes Industries
Ready to take STEM learning to new heights? Join Estes
and receive a FREE model rocket to build with us. We will cover model rocketry
basics and how you can implement this exciting, low-cost STEM tool in your
classroom!
Register here to
receive your FREE rocket for this workshop.
Takeaways: Attendees will learn: 1. the basics of model rocketry; 2. how to use rocketry in the classroom; and 3. the benefits of hands-on, real-world science.
Speakers
To the Sky with STEM Learning!
Sponsoring Company: Estes Industries
Ready to take STEM learning to new heights? Join Estes
and receive a FREE model rocket to build with us. We will cover model rocketry
basics and how you can implement this exciting, low-cost STEM tool in your
classroom!
Register here to
receive your FREE rocket for this workshop.
Takeaways: Attendees will learn: 1. the basics of model rocketry; 2. how to use rocketry in the classroom; and 3. the benefits of hands-on, real-world science.
Speakers
Doing Science According to the Next Generation
Science Standards
Sponsoring Company: Flinn Scientific, Inc.
This workshop will focus on how to provide all students
opportunities to use the science practices to understand things of interest to
them and to construct knowledge. Ideas for simple hands-on activites, how to use
digital media, and how to build straightforward simulations with free
spreadsheet programs will be presented.
Takeaways: How to: 1. do NGSS-aligned science; 2. promote scientific thinking skills in students; and 3. use hands-on activities, digital media, and spreadsheet programs to make science accessible to all students and to construct knowledge.
Speakers
Neuroscience Education for Children and Teens from
NIH
Sponsoring Company: Nat'l Institute of Neurological Disorders & Stroke
Discover exciting brain educational resources from the
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke! Join this interactive
workshop to learn about engaging, interactive online videos; activities; lesson
plans; and games for children and teens that are sure to engender excitement
about the brain. Share your insights with federal staff.
Takeaways: 1. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) has an array of resources for children in grades K–12, including stroke awareness lesson plans, introductory information about the brain, and brain-related classroom activities and videos; 2. Attendees will learn how to access and use these resources to promote excitement and curiosity about the brain and brain science with students.
Speakers
Carolina 3D Science: Hands-On Science in Flexible
Settings
Sponsoring Company: Carolina Biological Supply Co.
Engage in three examples of hands-on
investigations, digital investigations, and digital teacher demonstrations from
Carolina 3D® kit lines for biology, chemistry, and Earth and space science.
Activities illustrate how modified in-class, hands-on laboratory investigations
are used in socially distanced, in-person classrooms, and remote learning
settings.
Takeaways: 1. Three hands on activities; one in life science, chemistry, and Earth and space science; 2. Techniques for altering hands-on labs for remote or socially distanced learning; and 3. Information about Carolina 3D Kit lines.
Speakers
Presenter Materials for this Session:
Complement Hands-On with Simulations!
Sponsoring Company: Texas Instruments
You will see how easy and engaging it can be to use
simulations in your chemistry (actually most sciences) class! Simulations are
great to speed up the very slow, slow down the very fast, zoom in on the very
small, and shrink the very large so students can better understand these
scientific processes.
Takeaways: Simulations: 1. are great complements to hands on; 2. can help students better see the really small, really large, really fast, or really slow processes in nature; and 3. are NOT the only approach to teaching science but do serve a role in helping students better understand phenomena.
Speakers
Presenter Materials for this Session:
Teaching with Protozoa, NGSS, and Research
Articles
Sponsoring Company: uHandy Mobile Microscope
Since History and English classes teach students how to
read and analyze primary sources, why can't Science classes do the
same? In this workshop, you will learn how to teach NGSS using
research articles and how to seamlessly tie it all into a lesson, with
the help of some pond protozoa.
Takeaways: Learn how to: 1. teach NGSS using research articles; and 2. seamlessly tie it all into a lesson, with the help of some pond protozoa.
Speakers
Presenter Materials for this Session:
The Post-COVID Dissection Lab
Sponsoring Company: Animalearn
Discover how you can make your dissection lab dynamic
and innovative after COVID-19! Learn about new life science resources, including
mixed reality (AR/VR) education technology; and explorative, hands-on teaching
tools that will amaze and engage your students. Participants will be
entered to WIN FREE PRIZES like dissection resources.
Takeaways: 1. Life science resources; 2. Education technology; and 3. Hybrid classrooms.
Speakers
It's Phenomenal! Using Real-World Connections to Support
Three-Dimensional Learning
Sponsoring Company: Savvas Learning Co.
Phenomena-based instruction is a proven way to create
connections between the content we present in our classrooms and the knowledge
and experiences our students bring to the table. In this interactive session,
we'll explore ways teachers can use phenomena to present new material, as well as
review previous topics of study. Teachers will leave with ideas they can
immediately implement into their own classrooms.
Takeaways: 1. What is phenomena-based instruction?; 2. How can I use phenomena to introduce a topic? and 3. How can I use phenomena to review many topics?
Speakers
Day in the Life of a Robotics Engineer at
Amazon
Sponsoring Company: Amazon Future Engineer
Interested in exposing your students to the careers of the
future? Join three Amazon Robotics Engineers as they discuss what it's like to
build a future in technology. Then, sign up for our Class Chat Program to bring
a virtual speaker to your classroom this spring!
Takeaways: Attendees will learn: 1. what a robotics engineer does day to day at Amazon; 2. an idea of the potential career path required to become a robotics engineer; and 3. how to sign up to bring a speaker to their class.
Speakers
Fueling Success for Students—Win Cash and Prizes Up to
$15K
Sponsoring Company: Shell Science Lab
Come start your winning application for one of three
Shell-sponsored programs. We'll walk through the application step by step and
you'll be able to begin your application or nomination form
live.
Takeaways: Learn: 1. tips to complete a successful application; 2. who's eligible to apply; and 3. how to nominate a deserving teacher.
Speakers
Presenter Materials for this Session:
Space Science for Online Learning
Sponsoring Company: Simulation Curriculum Corp.
Experience Simulation Curriculum’s award-winning Starry
Night astronomy simulator. Accurate and stunning visualizations allow students
to make precise observations of sky motions, moon phases, planets, the universe,
and much more. NGSS-focused lessons engage students with interactive
simulations joined to exercises, animations, and images including current
astronomical phenomena. Designed for online learning and compatible with
iPads, Android tablets, PCs, Macs, and Chromebooks. Free trial access
provided!
Takeaways: 1. Online science simulations are effective tools to compliment your instruction; 2. Become familiar with Starry Night as a resource for teaching Space Science; and 3. Learn how to integrate simulations into your course.
Speakers
Presenter Materials for this Session:
Engaging with Grants
Sponsoring Company: Ward's Science
Join us as we explore how you can identify and leverage
new and existing resources to bring funding and awesome projects to your
students. In this not-your-typical grant-writing workshop, we will delve into
the relationship between engagement and grants and consider best practices for
engaging students, colleagues, partners, and the community. You'll leave this
workshop with the information you need to prepare a grant proposal that will wow
funders! Takeaways include materials with ideas and activities to sharpen
engagement and grant writing toward increasing student outcomes and
impacts.
Takeaways: How to: 1. get information for grant applications; 2. engage partners; and 3. find grants.
Speakers
Presenter Materials for this Session:
Using HHMI BioInteractive’s The Biology of Skin
Color to Practice Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning Skills
Sponsoring Company: HHMI BioInteractive
Use the short film The Biology of Skin Color to
practice argumentation skills of developing claims with supporting evidence and
reasoning techniques. This content can easily connect to learning in units of
genetics, evolution, or cellular structure from middle school through AP/IB
courses. Scaffolds and online learning suggestions included.
Takeaways: 1. Biological traits are not inherently good or bad. Some traits can provide an advantage to an organism in certain environments but be a disadvantage in other environments; 2.
Different human populations living many generations in a particular part of the world may have different variations in certain traits. In spite of these differences, all humans are very closely related and share most traits; and 3.
A claim is a statement that answers a question using clear and supporting evidence connected by reasoning.
Speakers
Presenter Materials for this Session:
A Teaching Case for Analyzing and Interpreting Data on
Blue Whale Feeding
Sponsoring Company: American Museum of Natural History
American Museum of Natural History teaching cases are
curriculum materials designed to facilitate student exploration of sets of data
they did not collect themselves. Participants will use videos, essays, and
analysis tools to investigate how blue whales, the largest animal to ever live,
survive by eating some of the smallest.
Takeaways: Participants will learn about: 1. how blue whales have evolved into the largest animal to have lived on Earth; 2. the AMNH teaching case model designed to contextualize large sets of data for students; and 3. opportunities to explore AMNH teaching cases with other teachers.
Speakers
From Food Safety to Biotechnology—Using the FDA
Curriculum in Your Classroom
Sponsoring Company: FDA/ Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition
Join us in exploring FDA's free curriculum designed for
middle level and high school students. The Science and Our Food Supply
series
provides hands-on lessons in food safety, nutrition, and agricultural
biotechnology…and provides a bridge for students to experience science in the
real world.
Takeaways: Teachers will: 1. explore the variety of lessons found in the FDA curriculum; 2. understand how this curriculum can be integrated into a variety of science classes; and 3. be exposed to how this curriculum can be adapted to both hands-on and distance learning.
Speakers
Lab Safety Protocols with Flinn Scientific, the
Leader in Safety!
Sponsoring Company: Flinn Scientific, Inc.
Please join Flinn for a quick refresher on common safety
concerns and issues that arise in the classroom and remote settings. This is a
must-attend session for new teachers and experienced teachers alike who want to
deliver the most comprehensive and safe program possible! Come for an overview
of best practices in the lab with Flinn!
Takeaways: 1. Refresher on science safety best practices; 2. Safety awareness culture; and 3. Practical :what to do in case of emergency" trainings.
Speakers
Presenter Materials for this Session:
Modifying Mosquitoes: Use HHMI BioInteractive Resources
to Teach Emerging Infectious Diseases
Sponsoring Company: HHMI BioInteractive
Many viral diseases are spread by vectors like the
mosquito Aedes aegypti. Various factors are increasing the spread of
these vectors and the diseases they carry. Use free HHMI BioInteractive
resources to explore how scientists are using biotechnology to reduce the number
of infections by reducing mosquito density. You’ll experience how your students
can analyze and interpret data to support an argument based on
evidence.
Takeaways: 1. Analyze and interpret data from a controlled experiment to support an argument related to the effectiveness of modifying mosquitoes genetically to reduce population density and spread of disease; 2.
Explain advantages, disadvantages, and unintended consequences of mosquito reduction strategies; and 3.
Apply understanding of human impacts on ecosystems to the increase in spread of infectious disease.
Speakers
Presenter Materials for this Session:
CRISPR as an Adaptive Immune System in
Bacteria
Sponsoring Company: MSOE Center for BioMolecular Modeling
Explore CRIPSR as an adaptive immunity system in
bacteria using 3DMD’s new Adaptive Immunity Kit©. A classic 2012 paper proves
how this system works and will give your students practice in interpreting
scientific data. Model how restriction enzymes connect to a CRISPR endonuclease
for editing the human genome.
Takeaways: 1. Learn about CRISPR as an adaptive immunity system in bacteria; 2. Give students practice interpreting scientific data; and 3. Use modeling to connect restriction enzymes, CRISPR, and genome editin.
Speakers
Learn About the Science of Food!
Sponsoring Company: Feeding Tomorrow, Institute of Food Technologists
Do your students know about the science of
food? The world needs the brightest minds engaged in the science of food to
meet the challenge of feeding a projected population of 9 billion in 2050. To
help meet this challenge, we want to help you introduce your high school
students to the science of food and career opportunities in food science and
technology.
Takeaways: 1. Food science lesson plans; 2. Food science pedagogy; and 3. Food science careers.
Speakers
Engaging Your Students in Today’s Digital
World
Sponsoring Company: Savvas Learning Co.
As educators, you know what student engagement looks
like in the classroom. Students are focused on their work in front of them, they
are collaborating with their peers, they are asking good questions, and
creativity is flowing. But now that things have moved online, what does
engagement look like? In this session we will explore the wealth of tools within
the Mastering® technology from Pearson that you can use in your digital or
hybrid classroom now to boost engagement.
Takeaways: 1. Student engagement in a digital/hybrid classroom; 2. How to utilize resources within the Mastering® technology from Pearson to boost student engagement; and 3. Learn about resources within Mastering to support digital teaching.
Speakers
Using Motion Models to Improve Student Understanding of
Kinematics in Physics
Sponsoring Company: PASCO Scientific
In this workshop, we will demonstrate an engaging way
for students to test motion models using a Smart Cart and a Smart Cart Motor.
Operated using time-based commands or sensor readings, this modern motion model
provides students with immediate feedback to confirm their designs or inform
their revisions.
Takeaways: 1. Complete classroom activities and labs; 2. Sample control programs; and 3. Ideas for coding in the classroom.
Speakers
Presenter Materials for this Session:
CRISPR Cas9: A Powerful new Tool for Editing the Human
Genome
Sponsoring Company: MSOE Center for BioMolecular Modeling
Using 3DMD’s new CRISPR Kit©, explore the Cas9
endonuclease’s unique ability to recognize a statistically unique site in the
3.2 billion base-pair human genome, before moving to an accurate 3D-printed Cas9
model to explore enhancements of the system that become an even more powerful
genome editing tool.
Takeaways: 1. What is CRISPR?; 2. Explore the CRISPR Cas9 endonuclease and its role in genome editing; and 3. Learn how scientists have enhanced Cas9 to make it even more powerful in genome editing.
Speakers
Whet Your Appetite for Learning with the Water
Kit!
Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs
Whether breaking bonds, dissolving NaCl, or exploring
states of matter, your students will be captivated by 3D Molecular Designs’
magnetic Water Kit©. The versatile kit will engage students in chemistry,
biology, biochemistry, Earth science, or physical science and its usefulness
spans from middle and high school to college.
Takeaways: 1. Teach bonds and bond strength with models; 2. Teach solutions and states of matter with models; and 3. Teach polarity with models.
Speakers
Rock Their Worlds: Teaching Earth Science Using Online
Simulations
Sponsoring Company: Simulation Curriculum Corp.
Simulation Curriculum is a pioneer in developing online
simulation-based curriculum to help enhance students’ understanding of Earth
science topics as diverse as climate change, plate tectonics, volcanism, Earth
materials, and geological processes on Earth’s surface. NGSS-focused
lessons engage students with interactive simulations and thought-provoking
exercises. Designed for online learning and compatible with iPads, Android
tablets, PCs, Macs, and Chromebooks. Free trial access
provided!
Takeaways: 1. Online science simulations are effective tools to compliment your instruction; 2. Become familiar with Layered Earth as a resource for teaching Earth science; 3. Learn how to integrate Earth science and literacy.
Speakers
Presenter Materials for this Session:
Eye Love Dissection
Sponsoring Company: Carolina Biological Supply Co.
Have you missed dissections? Sign up and receive a
Carolina’s Perfect Solution® cow eye dissection kit, including PPE! We’ll
dissect during this hands-on workshop and construct a Scienstructable 3D Eye
Dissection Model®. Have your colored pencils and glue sticks ready! See how
dissection and NGSS converge; you won’t believe your eyes! Limited
quantity available—sign up now! Open to continental U.S. residents
only.
Takeaways: 1. Eye dissection techniques; 2. How dissections correlate to NGSS standards; and 3. Dissection safety.
Speakers
STEM Road Map Curriculum Series: Integrating STEM
Challenges into High School
Sponsoring Company: NSTA Press
In this workshop, participants will learn how to do
integrated STEM challenge-driven projects in high school, including an overview
of STEM and introduction to the STEM Road Map Curriculum series
published by NSTA.
Takeaways: 1. Understanding of integrated STEM pedagogy; 2. Knowledge of how to integrate STEM into high school science; and 3. Sample lesson plans from STEM Road Map curriculum.
Speakers
Virtual Amazon Fulfillment Center Tour
Sponsoring Company: Amazon Future Engineer
Give your students real-world computer science and
career exposure through Amazon Future Engineer's new live, virtual, and
interactive Fulfilment Center Tours! From our online store to doorstep, students
will discover how computer science, state-of-the-art engineering, and incredible
people deliver customer orders at Amazon.
Takeaways: Attendees will learn: 1. how Amazon uses computer science, engineering, and amazing people to deliver customer orders around the globe; 2. how algorithms, sensors, cloud computing, machine learning, databases, and more all help make Amazon possible; and 3. what it's like to be an engineer at Amazon.
Speakers
Choosing the Right BIOZONE NGSS Series for Your
High School
Sponsoring Company: BIOZONE
BIOZONE’s two NGSS series have been designed to
fully embrace the spirit of the NGSS. We will compare their features,
guiding you to select the series best suited to your program. We will show how
BIOZONE’s flexible print and digital solutions support you to teach
face-to-face, remotely, or through hybrid programs.
Takeaways: 1. Comparing features of the standard and integrated NGSS series; 2. Guiding participants to select the series best suited to their program; and 3. Print and digital solutions to support teachers who are teaching remotely or face-to-face.
Speakers
Presenter Materials for this Session:
NSTA Press: Instructional Sequence Matters:
Explore-Before-Explain, Grades 9–12 Physical Science
Sponsoring Company: NSTA Press
This session shows how simple shifts in the way you
arrange and combine activities will help students construct knowledge while
allowing you to put the NGSS into practice.
Takeaways: 1. Why sequence matters—a concise review of cognitive science and science education research explains why the order in which you structure your lessons is so critical; 2. How you do it—ready-to-teach lessons that use an explore-before-explain sequence; and 3. Connections to modern standards—Next Generation Science Standards and makes interdisciplinary connections to the Common Core State Standards.
Speakers
Kiss the Ground
Sponsoring Company: Kiss the Ground
This workshop demonstrates how ecosystems can be
replenished, carbon can be sequestered into the soil, and global warming can be
reversed through a process called regeneration. This workshop is relevant to
general science, environmental science, chemistry, and
biology.
Takeaways: 1. Carbon can be sequestered into soil; 2. Ecosystems can be restored through a process called regeneration; and 3. The co-benefits to regeneration are more photosynthesis, more food crops, and deeper and more carbon rich soils.
Speakers
Proteins—Now That Everything Has
Changed
Sponsoring Company: MSOE Center for BioMolecular Modeling
Using engaging and powerful kits, model how proteins are
simply long linear sequences of amino acids that spontaneously fold into complex
3-D shapes, following basic principles of chemistry. Then explore how a stylized
enzyme model can help students understand basic concepts while an accurate model
leads to increased levels of complexity.
Takeaways: 1. Teach protein folding with models; 2. Explore enzymes using models; and 3. Learn how AI is assisting in determining the shape of complex proteins.
Speakers
Using Maggots, Flies, and Flesh to Solve a
Mystery!
Sponsoring Company: Texas Instruments
A decomposing corpse is found in a field. Four possible
missing persons fit the description. But who is it? Using clues near the scene
will help determine identity. Forensic anthropologist Diane France helped to
develop this free middle school and high school forensic science
lesson.
Takeaways: 1. Forensic science is a great career field that combines science with criminal justice; 2. Natural processes of decomposition of flesh can be clues to determining cause of death; and 3. Storytelling is a great way to engage students in science.
Speakers
Presenter Materials for this Session:
Anchoring Ecology Lessons with HHMI BioInteractive
Phenomenal Images
Sponsoring Company: HHMI BioInteractive
Make science class phenomenal! Engage in an ecology
lesson using HHMI BioInteractive Phenomenal Images as an anchor and learn
strategies to help students use the science practices and crosscutting concepts
to make sense of phenomena. Consider how to design phenomena-based lessons using
free resources associated with the images.
Takeaways: 1. Using phenomena provides an anchor for understanding and explaining science concepts and is a pedagogical practice supported by the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) that connects learning with the natural world; 2.
Using the science practices of Modeling and Asking Questions can support students in engaging with phenomena; and 3.
The crosscutting concepts are a lens through which students can deepen their understanding of phenomena.
Speakers
Exploring the Wonderful World of Cell
Membranes—Proteins, Lipids, and Ions, Oh My!
Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs
In this hands-on interactive workshop, participants will
learn how to utilize physical phospholipid and transport protein models to
explore the structure of the cell membrane, the role of transport proteins in
moving ions and small molecules across membranes, and how defects in transport
proteins can cause diseases such as cystic fibrosis.
Takeaways: 1. Teach membrane transport with models; 2. Teach the role of transport proteins with models; and 3. Teach how defects in transport can cause diseases.
Speakers
Fast-Tracking Artificial Selection Investigations with a
New Wisconsin Fast Plant Trait
Sponsoring Company: Carolina Biological Supply Co.
Carolina and Wisconsin Fast Plants® are introducing a
new easy-to-observe trait to make artificial and natural selection studies
easier. We will present how to set up experiments and demonstrate options for a
fast-track selection timeline that can be used effectively in either remote- or
classroom-based contexts.
Takeaways: 1. Introduction to new WFP varieties; 2. How to use WFP to teach artificial selection; and 3. Data analysis to support or refute the hypothesis of artificial selection.
Speakers
Day in the Life of a Software Development Engineer at
Amazon
Sponsoring Company: Amazon Future Engineer
Interested in exposing your students to the careers of the
future? Join four Software Development Engineers as they discuss what it's like
to code at Amazon. Then, sign up for our Class Chat Program to bring a virtual
speaker to your classroom this spring!
Takeaways: Attendees will learn: 1. what a normal day looks like as a software developer at Amazon; 2. potential career paths that can lead to becoming a software developer; and 3. how to register to bring a virtual guest speaker to your class to talk about careers in technology!
Speakers
Hands-On, Authentic Science for All Students
Sponsoring Company: Flinn Scientific, Inc.
This workshop will focus on how to incorporate more
hands-on experiments into science courses in a way that connects the experiences
to the broader world. The workshop will also discuss how to make the experiences
doable for all students regardless of prior knowledge, training, or learning
environment.
Takeaways: 1. How to do more hands-on, authentic experiments; 2. How to make experiments relevant; and 3. How digital media and adaptable platforms can help cater experiences to all students.
Speakers
Tackling Genetics, Mathematics, and Computational
Thinking in Biology
Sponsoring Company: PASCO Scientific
How do we know when genes are on or off? In this
workshop, we will use carbon dioxide to study gene regulation, while also
demonstrating software tools that make interpreting data easier. In the bonus
demonstration, well explain how students can express their understanding of
metabolic rates using code.
Takeaways: 1. Simple gene regulation investigation; 2. Linear equations as mathematical models; and 3. Coding as computational thinking.
Speakers
Presenter Materials for this Session:
Modeling How Cells Talk: Making Sense of Synapses
and Signals
Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs
Spark questions with the Synapse Construction Kit© and
provide hands-on activities to achieve Concept Explanation and Visual
Representation goals in a topic that students find intrinsically interesting.
How does the neurotransmitter not only get back in the presynaptic cell, but
back in the vesicle? What energy is involved in the transport of these
molecules?
Takeaways: 1. Evaluating models; 2. Teaching cell communication through modeling; and 3. Teaching difficult concepts using hands on modeling.
Speakers
Making Connections Between DNA and
Chromosomes!
Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs
Explore and compare mitosis and meiosis in this hands-on
interactive workshop. You will see how the Chromosome Connections Kit© and
Chromosome Student Modeling Pack© can take your students from the cellular scale
to the molecular scale connecting DNA nucleotides to chromosomes, whether
modeling mitosis or Punnett Squares.
Takeaways: 1. Model chromosome structure and anatomy; 2. Compare and contrast mitosis and meiosis; and 3. Model mechanisms that contribute to genetic variation.
Speakers
Chemical Reactions with Computational Thinking and
Acid-Base Phenomena
Sponsoring Company: PASCO Scientific
How do fossil fuels contribute to ocean acidification,
and what are the consequences of an increasingly acidic ocean? Next time you
introduce acids and bases, pique your students' interest with this ocean
acidification model and pH activity. Then, put their computational thinking
skills to the test with an engaging coding activity.
Takeaways: 1. Combustion and acid-base reactions; 2. pH; and 3. Human activity and effect on environment.
Speakers
Presenter Materials for this Session:
Using Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality in Science
Classes
Sponsoring Company: XR Guru
Integrate VR/AR science modules to help your students
understand complex topics in an immersive engaging
environment.
Takeaways: 1. Learn the research on using VR/AR in education; 2. View sample science module content; and 3. View the teacher portal and receive immediate free access to all content.
Speakers
Sharing Microscopy Techniques and Images in Person or
Remotely
Sponsoring Company: Ward's Science
How do we get students engaged and inspired in hands-on
labs and experiments while learning remotely without access to classroom
equipment and supplies? Microscopy can be especially difficult for students who
can't touch or adjust the microscope the same way as if they were sitting right
in front of it.
Takeaways: 1. An affordable solution for sharing microscopy techniques and images in person or remotely; 2. Entire class benefits from seeing the image as it should appear; and 3. Included software enables instructors and students to view, capture, share, save, annotate, and manipulate images.
Speakers
From Food Safety to Biotechnology—Using the FDA
Curriculum in Your Classroom
Sponsoring Company: FDA/ Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition
Join us in exploring FDA's free curriculum designed for
middle level and high school students. The Science and Our Food Supply
series
provides hands-on lessons in food safety, nutrition, and agricultural
biotechnology…and provides a bridge for students to experience science in the
real world.
Takeaways: Teachers will: 1. explore the variety of lessons found in the FDA curriculum; 2. understand how this curriculum can be integrated into a variety of science classes; and 3. be exposed to how this curriculum can be adapted to both hands-on and distance learning.
Speakers
Argument-Driven Inquiry in High School
Sponsoring Company: NSTA Press
Argument-Driven Inquiry is an instructional model that
gives high school students a chance to learn how to use DCIs, CCs, and SEPs to
explain natural phenomena and provides them with a meaningful context to talk,
read, and write in the service of sensemaking.
Takeaways: 1. How to use this instructional model, or way of teaching, to give students an opportunity to learn how to use the core ideas, crosscutting concepts, and practices of science to make sense of natural phenomena; 2. How to give students an opportunity to talk, read, and write in the service of sensemaking; and 3. Ways to support students in both remote and in-person contexts.
Speakers
Inspiring Student Questions with a TWIST in DNA
Modeling
Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs
Inspire curiosity, questions, and discussion with 3DMD’s
hands-on DNA modeling kits. Students will discover the dynamics of DNA—twisting,
untwisting, separating for replication and transcription, and coming back
together. Upon examining the intricacies of DNA anatomy, students can analyze
the crosscutting relationship of structure and function.
Takeaways: 1. Eliciting questions through modeling; 2. Crosscutting relationship between structure and function of DNA; and 3. Teaching the dynamics of DNA for replication and transcription.
Speakers
Outrun an Outbreak? Tracking Viral Variants Using HHMI
Biointeractive Resources
Sponsoring Company: HHMI BioInteractive
Don a “biohazard” suit and join us to track an infectious
disease outbreak. In this session we will introduce you to HHMI
BioInteractive’s Ebola: Disease Detectives activities that highlight how
nucleotide sequences can be used to track the evolution and spread of disease
variants (a model for tracking SARS COv2 variants).
Takeaways: 1. Patterns in nucleotide sequences represent shared derived and shared conserved characteristics that can establish relatedness and groupings; 2.
The differences in nucleotide sequences also allow scientists to establish an order of “appearance” for variants; and 3.
This is a model for the processes being used to track our current SARS CoV2 outbreak. Genetic change in virus strains can result in phenotypic changes that affect pathogenicity.
Speakers