NSTA Engage: Spring21

May 12-8, 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.
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Rooms and times subject to change.
39 results
Save up to 50 sessions in your agenda.

Master Data Analysis

Wednesday, April 21 • 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM

Show Details

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:
Kathy Biernat (Zanilu Educational Services, LLC: No City, No State), Nicole Bayeur (Estes Industries: , United States)

WhiteBox Learning: The E in STEM  

Wednesday, April 21 • 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM

Show Details

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:
Tom Robertson (WhiteBox Learning: Louisville, KY)

Inquiry-Based STEM, Featuring the PocketLab

Wednesday, April 21 • 1:00 PM - 1:45 PM

Show Details

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:
David Bakker (PocketLab: San Jose, CA), Kathy Biernat (Zanilu Educational Services, LLC: No City, No State), Nicole Bayeur (Estes Industries: , United States)

Adding NOAA's SOS Explorer to Your Data Visualization Education Toolbox

Wednesday, April 21 • 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM

Show Details

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:
Beth Russell (NOAA's Global Systems Laboratory: Boulder, CO), Hilary Peddicord (NOAA Earth System Research Laboratory: Lyons, CO), Stephen Zepecki (NOAA Office of Education: Silver Spring, MD)

NMLSTA-Sponsored Session: Meet Me in the Middle Virtual Share-a-Thon, Session 1

Wednesday, April 21 • 4:00 PM - 4:45 PM


(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
EarthKAM User Guide
Everything you need to know so that you can have your students remotely control a camera on the International Space Station.
Link to additional EarthKAM Resources
Useful documents to use when getting started with NASA's EarthKAM

Show Details

Join us for a variety of short, modified Pecha Kucha–style presentations, after which the presenters will be available for questions and further discussion.

The presentations included in this session are:

EarthKAM: Have Your Students Take Photos from ISS
Presenter: David Curry

The Post-COVID Dissection Lab
Presenters: Nicole Green and Bailee Henderson

Teaching Physics on the Cheap
Presenter: Shannon Hudson

Shape of Life: Virtually Teaching The Greatest Story Ever Told—Evolution of the Animal Kingdom on Planet Earth
Presenter: Denise Ryan

NMLSTA Award Opportunities
Presenter: Alison Betz Seymour

Parent/Family Involvement in Science: Why It's Important and How to Make It Work
Presenter: Jessica VanValkenburg

Teaching the Engineering Design Process Through Urban Gardening
Presenters: Elizabeth Weissman and Rebecca Somogyi

Moderator: Mary Lou Lipscomb

Note: This session involves Breakout Rooms. In order to participate, you must have the latest version of Zoom downloaded to your computer. Before accessing our Zoom platform, please visit Zoom.us/download, click on Download, and then click on Execute file to initialize.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Discover a variety lessons, units, professional development opportunities, and resources for hybrid or virtual instruction; 2. Learn ways to engage middle level students in exciting inquiry learning; and 3. Become aware of ways to involve parents and/or community in science.

SPEAKERS:
Denise Ryan (Shape of Life: Capitola, CA), David Curry (Newtown Middle School: Newtown, PA), Nicole Green (Animalearn: Jenkintown, PA), Bailee Henderson (Animalearn: , United States), Shannon Hudson (Crawfordsville Middle School: Crawfordsville, IN), Alison Betz Seymour (Science Teacher: Winchester, 0), Jessica VanValkenburgh (Columbus State University: Columbus, GA), Elizabeth Weissman (The Ramaz School: New York, NY)

Examining Nature of Science and Standards in a Post-COVID World

Wednesday, April 21 • 4:00 PM - 4:45 PM


(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Additional resource for teaching Nature of Science with superhero movies
Bergman, D.J. (2019). The “Marvel”-ous nature of science: Using superhero movies to teach methods and values in science. The Science Teacher, 86(9), 20-25.
NGSS Appendix H - Nature of Science (NOS)
Includes the "NOS Matrix" from NGSS
PowerPoint Slideshow - NOS, NGSS, COVID
Slideshow featured with links to articles, websites, NGSS, and additional resources for examining Nature of Science (NOS) themes and standards in context of COVID-19 news and resources.

STRAND: Community and Global Impacts on Classroom Learning

Show Details

Using COVID data and multimedia sources, teachers can elevate students’ understandings of science as a human endeavor, and explore diverse contributions and other nature of science themes.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will: 1. acquire multiple classroom resources for COVID data, updates, and multimedia; 2. examine connections among pandemic examples and grade level nature of science (NOS) themes in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS); and 3. explore opportunities to enhance science lessons with key NGSS NOS themes such as science as a human endeavor, diverse contributions and cultures, using a variety of methods, and knowledge open to revision in light of new evidence.

SPEAKERS:
Daniel Bergman (Wichita State University: Wichita, KS)

Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching: Recognizing Quality Teaching in STEM

Thursday, April 22 • 1:00 PM - 1:45 PM

Show Details

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:
Robert Mayes (National Science Foundation: Alexandria, VA)

To the Sky with STEM Learning!

Thursday, April 22 • 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM

Show Details

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:
Nicole Bayeur (Estes Industries: , United States)

NMLSTA-Sponsored Session: Meet Me in the Middle Virtual Share-a-Thon, Session 2

Thursday, April 22 • 6:45 PM - 7:30 PM


(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Bioprospecting for Medicine - Coral Reef Locations Maps
Accompany student acitivity. Students determine who has rights to life on coral reef.
Bioprospecting for Medicine - Simulated Screening on New Medicine
Accompanies student activity. Students simulate screening of potential new medicines to determine if they will move on to the next phase of development.
Bioprospecting for Medicine - Simulated Testing of Potential New Medicines
Accompany student activity. Students use simulated testing to identify if a medicine will go to the next level of development.
Bioprospecting for Medicine - Student Pages
Student pages for activities in the Bioprospecting unit.
Bioprospecting for Medicine - Teacher Pages
Teacher pages to support implementation of all activities within the unit.
Innovation in Biology

Show Details

Join us for a variety of short, modified Pecha Kucha–style presentations, after which the presenters will be available for questions and further discussion.

The presentations included in this session are:

Innovation in Biology
Presenter: Jessica Kohout

Eureka! Bioprospecting for Medicine
Presenter: Liz Martinez

FIRST at Home
Presenter: Libby Simpson

Opportunities and Resources for All Middle Level Educators!
Presenters: Anne Schoeffler and Edralin Pagarigan

Inspiring the Future of Aerospace
Presenter: Melissa Sleeper

Ten STE(A)M Skills for Everyone
Presenters: Lydia Kidane

Moderator: Mary Lou Lipscomb

Note: This session involves Breakout Rooms. In order to participate, you must have the latest version of Zoom downloaded to your computer. Before accessing our Zoom platform, please visit Zoom.us/download, click on Download, and then click on Execute file to initialize.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Discover a variety lessons, units, professional development opportunities, and resources for hybrid or virtual instruction; 2. Learn ways to engage middle level students in exciting inquiry learning; and 3. Become aware of ways to involve parents and/or community in science.

SPEAKERS:
Edralin Pagarigan (Golden Ring Middle School: Rosedale, MD), Lydia Kidane (Sustainable Forestry Initiative: Washington, DC), Jessica Kohout (Howard County Conservancy: Woodstock, MD), Liz Martinez (Curriculum/Professional Development: Escondido, CA), Libby Simpson (FIRST®: Manchester, NH), Anne Schoeffler (Seton Catholic School: Hudson, OH), Melissa Sleeper (Storm Grove Middle School: Vero Beach, FL)

To the Sky with STEM Learning!

Friday, April 23 • 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM

Show Details

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:
Nicole Bayeur (Estes Industries: , United States)

NMLSTA-Sponsored Session: Meet Me in the Middle Virtual Share-a-Thon, Session 3

Saturday, April 24 • 4:30 PM - 5:15 PM


(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Jet Streams Activity
Full Jet Stream lesson PDF that can be copied for use in your classroom.
Science Simulations and Digital Notebooks
Stack the Deck - Shipping Container Template
Template for making shipping containers that will be filled and used for simulated ocean journey.
Stack the Deck - Graphics & Effects of COVID on Closing West Coast Ports
COVID has impacted supply chains. Article contains graphs and impact information about the impact of COVID from the slowing of and closing ports ion the West Coast.
Stack the Deck - Ocean Currents Maps
Accompany student activity. Maps students use to help track the path of items spilled by a cargo ship to where they washed ashore.
Stack the Deck - Stuck in the Suez Canal
Video of young childern explaining their ideas as to how to free the Ever Given from the Suez Canal.
Stack the Deck - Student Pages
Accompany Shipping Industry Unit.
Stack the Deck - Teacher Pages
May be used to assist in implementing the shipping unit.
Stack the Deck - Washed Ashore
Accompanies student activity. Shows items washed ashore from shipping containers that have fallen into the ocean. Students then trace the path from the point of the spill to where items wash ashore.
Stack the Deck - Whats Old is New
Accompanies student activity. Students repurpose a used shipping container. This PowerPoint shows examples of actual repurposed shipping containers.

Show Details

Join us for a variety of short, modified Pecha Kucha–style presentations, after which the presenters will be available for questions and further discussion.

The presentations included in this session are:

Telling Data Stories
Presenter: Loris Jean Chen

AMS Project Atmosphere: Jet Streams
Presenter: David Curry

3 Cs of Bridging the Gap to Science Literacy
Presenters: Jennifer Ledbetter and Lisa Reis

Stack the Deck
Presenter: Liz Martinez

Greetings from Mars!
Presenter: Melissa Sleeper

Science Simulations and Digital Notebooks
Presenter: Stacy Thibodeaux

NGSS-Focused STEM Projects
Presenter: Vanessa Ueltzen

Moderator: Mary Lou Lipscomb

Note: This session involves Breakout Rooms. In order to participate, you must have the latest version of Zoom downloaded to your computer. Before accessing our Zoom platform, please visit Zoom.us/download, click on Download, and then click on Execute file to initialize.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Discover a variety lessons, units, professional development opportunities, and resources for hybrid or virtual instruction; 2. Learn ways to engage middle level students in exciting inquiry learning; and 3. Become aware of ways to involve parents and/or community in science.

SPEAKERS:
Loris Chen (Science Education Consultant: Fair Lawn, NJ), David Curry (Newtown Middle School: Newtown, PA), Jennifer Ledbetter (University School: Johnson City, TN), Lisa Reis (University School: Johnson City, TN), Liz Martinez (Curriculum/Professional Development: Escondido, CA), Melissa Sleeper (Storm Grove Middle School: Vero Beach, FL), Stacy Thibodeaux (Southside High School: Youngsville, LA), Vanessa Ueltzen (Walther Christian Academy: Melrose Park, IL)

Complement Hands-On with Simulations!

Wednesday, April 28 • 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM


(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Complement Hands-On with Simulations!
Complement Hands-On with Simulations!
Simulations can be great ways for students to visualize abstract concepts.

Show Details

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:
Stacy Thibodeaux (Southside High School: Youngsville, LA)

Doing Science According to the Next Generation Science Standards

Wednesday, April 28 • 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM

Show Details

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:
Mike Marvel (Flinn Scientific, Inc.: Batavia, IL)

It's Phenomenal! Using Real-World Connections to Support Three-Dimensional Learning

Wednesday, April 28 • 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM

Show Details

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:
Jessi Davis (Savvas Learning Co.: Paramus, NJ)

Day in the Life of a Robotics Engineer at Amazon

Wednesday, April 28 • 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM

Show Details

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:
Erica Aduh (Amazon Corporate Affairs: Seattle, WA), Joe Lee (Amazon Corporate Affairs: Seattle, WA), Mikell Taylor (Amazon Corporate Affairs: Seattle, WA), Hilah Barbot (Amazon Corporate Affairs: Seattle, WA)

Fueling Success for Students—Win Cash and Prizes Up to $15K

Wednesday, April 28 • 1:00 PM - 1:45 PM


(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Instructional Method and Teaching Philosophy questions
Kermit winner testimonial
Shell Award winner - Gary Koppelman
Shell Award winner - Kristen Poindexter
Shell Lab testimonial - Mark Parker
Shell Programs flyer
Shell Regional winner testimonial - Tyler Dufrene
Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge winners - Geismar
Shell Science Teaching Award winner - Jose Rivas

Show Details

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:
Ruth Ruud (Cleveland State University: Cleveland, OH), Amanda Upton (NSTA: Arlington, VA)

Spreading and Retaining Black Girl Magic in STEM Classrooms and Beyond

Wednesday, April 28 • 6:00 PM - 6:45 PM


(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
BGM in STEM Classrooms (PowerPoint Deck)
BGM STEM Case Study Notes.pdf
Culturally Responsive Instruction Observation Protocol (CRIOP) Rubric
Culturally Responsive Sustaining Education (CRSE) STEAM Scorecard

STRAND: Supporting Equity in the Science Classroom

Show Details

Learn strategies to be more culturally responsive from an equity framework to not only retain but spread Black girl magic in STEM in school settings!

TAKEAWAYS:
1. The school-based and classroom-based factors that are contributing to Black girls starting off with the highest interest in STEM but resulting in the lowest retention of STEM; 2. The seven elements of the ICUCARE equity framework in the classroom; and 3. Three to five strategies (to then develop and apply) for providing learning experiences in the school setting that empower our Black girls to remain in STEM.

SPEAKERS:
Princess Francois (Math, Engineering, and Science Academy: Brooklyn, NY)

Investigation DarkSky: A Virtual Escape Room–Type Activity

Wednesday, April 28 • 6:00 PM - 6:45 PM


(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
NSTA 2021 CREDC DarkSky .pdf

STRAND: Continuing Effective Distance Learning Strategies Post-COVID

Show Details

Participate in an energy delivery–themed virtual escape room activity. Solve puzzles and pursue clues to discover the origin of a cascading blackout.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. The U.S. power grid is the system of producers and consumers of electricity. It includes power generators, switches that control the flow of electricity, substations, miles of power lines, and millions of transformers; 2. Nearly all electricity is used the moment it is generated. The power grid is continually evolving as we integrate alternative power resources and invent technologies; and 3. This challenging process allows us to deliver energy to homes and businesses in cleaner, more efficient ways and makes the system more resilient to disruption.

SPEAKERS:
Jana Sebestik (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign: Champaign, IL), Logan Marlow (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign: Urbana, IL), Michael McKelvey (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign: Urbana, IL), Christina Tran (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign: Urbana, IL)

NARST-Sponsored Session: Impact of Earth Science Integration on Student Learning in a High School Chemistry Course

Wednesday, April 28 • 6:00 PM - 6:45 PM

Show Details

Participants will have the opportunity to engage in sample activities that integrate chemistry, Earth science, and science practices and to review example student work.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn: 1. about integrated chemistry and Earth science activities; and 2. how to support student engagement in creating models of scientific phenomena.

SPEAKERS:
Jonathon Grooms (The George Washington University Graduate School of Education: Washington, DC), Kevin Fleming (Cardozo Education Campus: No City, No State), Bess Caplan (Howard County Conservancy: Woodstock, MD), Alan Berkowitz (Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies: Millbrook, NY), Vonceil Anderson (Baltimore City Public Schools: Baltimore, MD)

With Liberty and Justice for All: A Climate Perspective

Wednesday, April 28 • 7:00 PM - 7:45 PM


(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
CLEO Institute links and resources
CLEO Institute links and resources
This handout provides links to the CLEO Institute's no-cost programs for teachers and other resources referenced in the presentation.

STRAND: Climate Justice and Climate Science

Show Details

The Climate Resilient Schools program developed by The CLEO Institute brings vetted climate science into classrooms with an emphasis on equity, justice, advocacy, and empowerment.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Students are eager to learn about climate issues and many feel that it is not being adequately addressed in their general curriculum. Building climate literacy in both students and teachers creates a more robust learning experience that prepares students for future challenges; 2. Teachers play a key role in bringing climate action into the community. There should be a focus on solutions, both technological and societal, as well as environmental issues. This leads to higher engagement from students who feel empowered to take action; and 3. Materials should follow the latest scientific consensus to provide the most up-to-date information and follow standards such as the ACE (Action for Climate Empowerment) Framework and NGSS.

SPEAKERS:
Julieta Rodrigo (The CLEO Institute: Miami, FL), Karolyn Burns (The CLEO Institute: Tallahassee, FL)

Making Science Inquiry Work for Emergent Bilinguals

Wednesday, April 28 • 7:00 PM - 7:45 PM

STRAND: Supporting Equity in the Science Classroom

Show Details

Learn how the language and structure of your inquiry activities can produce roadblocks for emergent bilinguals, and how subtle shifts dramatically increase engagement and success.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. A resource versus-deficit perspective and building lessons around abilities; 2. Breaking down language barriers in student-student collaborations through effective modeling; and 3. Using multiple representations in science, utilizing emergent bilingual's strength with translanguaging.

SPEAKERS:
Christopher Moore (University of Nebraska Omaha: Omaha, NE)

Empower Environmental Changemakers with Soil Quest’s Action Project to Sequester Carbon and Reduce Climate Change

Wednesday, April 28 • 7:00 PM - 7:45 PM


(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Instructional Storyline - Soil Quest.pdf
This storyline pdf describes what happens on each of the Quest's webpages, and offers additional instructional ideas.
Project Hero's Soil Quest (Captain Planet Foundation)
Our session will explore how you can use this Quest as a local action PBL experience. It was developed in collaboration with Kiss the Ground.
Soil QUEST Overview.pdf

STRAND: Climate Justice and Climate Science

Show Details

Using Project Hero’s online Soil Quest and Q-U-E-S-T framework, guide learners to design projects that sequester carbon, restore soil’s health, and slow climate change.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. work with the online PBL Soil Quest platform (https://herofortheplanet.org/healthysoils) as a model for empowering students to use the understanding of science concepts to design and carry out a solution to a local soil problem; 2. understand how to teach the connection between soil-carbon-climate change concepts through Quest activities and investigations (aligned to the NGSS), and lay the foundation for designing and carrying out this project; and 3. gather ideas for how the soil project, and lessons for supporting concepts, could fit into current NGSS-focused curricula (i.e., concepts around healthy soil ecosystems, carbon cycle and sequestration, climate change, and design of conventional and regenerative farming and gardening practices), and connect to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

SPEAKERS:
Laura Arndt (Global GreenSTEM: Franktown, CO)

Lab Safety Protocols with Flinn Scientific, the Leader in Safety!

Thursday, April 29 • 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM


(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Science Safety Best Practices for Teaching in COVID environments

Show Details

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:
James Palcik (Flinn Scientific Canada, Inc.: Hamilton, ON)

Engaging Your Students in Today’s Digital World

Thursday, April 29 • 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM

Show Details

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:
Brian Vaccaro (Savvas Learning Co.: Paramus, NJ), Debra Gipson (Savvas Learning Co.: Paramus, NJ), Matthew Barber (Savvas Learning Co.: Paramus, NJ), Monica Wadler (Savvas Learning Co.: Paramus, NJ)

Whet Your Appetite for Learning with the Water Kit!

Thursday, April 29 • 1:00 PM - 1:45 PM

Show Details

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:
Jim Lane (Mahtomedi High School: Saint Paul, MN)

Rock Their Worlds: Teaching Earth Science Using Online Simulations

Thursday, April 29 • 1:00 PM - 1:45 PM


(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Layered Earth Software Access Code Information
If you wish to follow along with the presenter during this workshop, this PDF file contains details on how to access a free trial of the Layered Earth web-based software.

Show Details

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:
Martin Gabber (Retired Educator: Toronto, ON)

Virtual Amazon Fulfillment Center Tour

Thursday, April 29 • 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM

Show Details

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:
Tony Wallin (Amazon Corporate Affairs: Seattle, WA), Hilah Barbot (Amazon Corporate Affairs: Seattle, WA), Trinidad Cisneros (Amazon Corporate Affairs: Seattle, WA)

Choosing the Right BIOZONE NGSS Series for Your High School

Thursday, April 29 • 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM


(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
BIOZONE NSTA Workshop Presentation Slides
Please download a copy of our workshop slides

Show Details

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:
Lissa Bainbridge-Smith (BIOZONE Corp.: Parker, CO), James Leggett (BIOZONE Corp.: Parker, CO)

Developing Science as a Second Language: Vocabulary Acquisition for All

Thursday, April 29 • 5:30 PM - 6:15 PM


(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Presentation: Developing Science as a Second Language

STRAND: Integrating Science and Literacy

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In this session, learn how to engage all students in vocabulary development in the science classroom. Instructional strategies for all students, with a focus on English Learners, will be highlighted.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn: 1. how to teach vocabulary alongside content; 2. immediately implementable activities to promote vocabulary acquisition; and 3. about resources to support vocabulary instruction.

SPEAKERS:
Kimberly Thesing (Thomas Worthington High School: Columbus, OH), Stephanie Matson (Thomas Worthington High School: Columbus, OH)

Experience Kinematics: Using Data to Understand Motion

Thursday, April 29 • 5:30 PM - 6:15 PM

STRAND: Reimagining Assessment

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Learn what representations and data your students can use to bridge phenomena and mathematics, and how to assess kinematics understanding, as opposed to rote algebra skills.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Using authentic data from real, open-access journal articles to model motion; 2. Students using multiple representations to shift back and forth from pictures, graphs, and math; and 3. Assessing students' understanding through their performance using real data.

SPEAKERS:
Christopher Moore (University of Nebraska Omaha: Omaha, NE)

Hands-On, Authentic Science for All Students  

Friday, April 30 • 1:00 PM - 1:45 PM

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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:
Mike Marvel (Flinn Scientific, Inc.: Batavia, IL)

COVID Teaching Strategies That Are Keepers!

Saturday, May 1 • 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM


(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1k64AO6Fp3J4tzXBGh--CcwWj-fGOW0JoulIS7trtv6M/copy
Strategies that the NSTA High School Committee used during our year of "Covid teaching" that we will continue using.

STRAND: Continuing Effective Distance Learning Strategies Post-COVID

Show Details

NSTA High School Committee members will discuss the strategies that they will bring forward from COVID teaching.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Teaching for student engagement; 2. Distance, hybrid, in-person techniques; and 3. Time for questions and discussion between the presenters and particpants.

SPEAKERS:
Demetrice Smith-Mutegi (Old Dominion University: Norfolk, VA), Ruth Hutson (Blue Valley High/Middle School: Randolph, KS), Johanna Brown (Washington State OSPI: No City, No State), Brenda Walsh (Eden Prairie High School: Eden Prairie, MN)

Beyond Polar Bears: Disproportionate Impact of Climate Change on Low-Income and Marginalized Communities’ Health

Saturday, May 1 • 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM


(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Beyond Polar Bears slides

STRAND: Climate Justice and Climate Science

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Critical examination of public social and scientific data resources will provoke awareness of the legacy of bias, as well as identify mitigation and reparation activities.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Due to legacy of bias, as reflected in the redlining of urban communities in the early 20th century, extreme heat events associated with climate change have a disproportionate impact on low-income and marginalized urban communities; 2. This legacy can be integrated into NGSS ESS activities thanks to publicly available digital social and scientific data; and 3. Science knowledge coupled with a value for justice can orient and inform students and teachers to make decisions and identify mitigation (e.g. changing surface material and/or color) and reparation activities (orienting efforts toward low-income and marginalized communities). A virtual national network of NSTA members can advance this work.

SPEAKERS:
Susan Meabh Kelly (University of Connecticut: Storrs Mansfield, CT), Michelle Ellis (Hunter Huss High School: Gastonia, NC)

Effective Questioning Strategies to Engage Students in STEM

Saturday, May 8 • 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM

STRAND: Integrating Science and Literacy

Show Details

Collaborate and share tools that can be used either in person or in a distance-learning environment. Discover how you can use these tools in the science classroom, especially with STEM projects and competitions.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Collaborate and share tools that can be used either in person or in a distance-learning environment; 2. Discover how you can use these tools in the science classroom, especially with STEM projects and competitions; and 3. Engage with educators that are interested in improving science literacy with K-12 students via interactive engagement strategies for students.

SPEAKERS:
Acacia McKenna (NSTA: Arlington, VA)

A Differentiated Approach to Supporting Adult Learners

Saturday, May 8 • 4:30 PM - 5:15 PM

STRAND: Social Emotional Learning and the Science Classroom

Show Details

Join us to learn more about our journey to support teachers' social and emotional well-being by designing differentiated learning experiences as we implemented three-dimensional science.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Methods to design effective differentiated learning for science educators; 2. Ways to support adult learners via differentiation; and 3. Ways to strengthen the implementation of 3-D science teaching, learning, and assessment across districts.

SPEAKERS:
Tonya Woolfolk (Houston County Schools: Perry, GA), Denise Richardson (Rockdale County Public Schools: Conyers, GA)

Fueling Success with Students—Win Up to $10K!

Saturday, May 8 • 4:30 PM - 5:15 PM


(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Instructional Method and Teaching Philosophy questions
Shell Award winner - Gary Koppelman
Shell Award winner - Jose Rivas
Shell Award winner - Kristen Poindexter
Shell Programs flyer

STRAND: Community and Global Impacts on Classroom Learning

Show Details

Do you impact your school and community with STEM? If you teach K–12, come learn how to apply to win one of eight Shell-supported awards.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Learn how to apply for a Shell-sponsored award; 2. begin your application or nomination of a Shell-sponsored program and receive a prize; and 3. collaborate with past winners and judges to learn how to strengthen your application.

SPEAKERS:
Amanda Upton (NSTA: Arlington, VA), Richard Embrick (Wright Junior High: No City, No State)

Data, Graphs, Tables, Oh My! Strategies to Integrate Data Literacy and Pedagogy into Existing Science Curricula

Saturday, May 8 • 5:30 PM - 6:15 PM


(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
“Data, Graphs, Tables, Oh My!" Resource Document
We will use this interactive Resource Document during the workshop to access activity materials and additional resources related to the topics discussed.

STRAND: Integrating Science and Literacy

Show Details

Leverage how people learn to integrate key data skills with your science content through tips and strategies to engage with real-world data, science, and literacy.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will gain: 1. a framework for thinking about how people learn with data and what the steps are along the progression from being a novice to expert user of data in STEM; 2. strategies and resources to use in our existing science teaching to better set students up for success in the future as they build their mastery of data skills to become more data and science literate, without adding more stress on a crowded curriculum; and 3. a suite of tips and tricks to integrate into your current science curriculum that enhance how students work with data to learn the content, ask questions and explore the data, analyze and interpret the data, and critically evaluate evidence and claims.

SPEAKERS:
Kristin Hunter-Thomson (Dataspire Education & Evaluation, LLC: No City, No State)

ASTC-Sponsored Session: Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in STEM

Saturday, May 8 • 5:30 PM - 6:15 PM

STRAND: Supporting Equity in the Science Classroom

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Do you care about inspiring girls to pursue STEM careers? Then join us to learn about the IF/THEN Collection designed to help ensure equitable gender representation in STEM! The IF/THEN Collection is the world’s largest FREE library of images, videos, and other content portraying women in STEM.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. learn about the background and purpose of the IF/THEN Collection; 2. learn how to use the IF/THEN Collection to support STEM learning programs; and 3. get hands-on experience utilizing assets from the IF/THEN Collection.

SPEAKERS:
Jessica Hay (National Girls Collaborative Project: Seattle, WA)

Urban Science Educator Discussion and Panel

Saturday, May 8 • 5:30 PM - 6:15 PM

Show Details

Educators share challenges and strategies to enhance STEM learning in the urban environment. A variety of real-world issues and their successful solutions will be shared.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Engage with educators who have led their school systems to meet various challenges; 2. Learn from successful programs; and 3. Discuss relevant issues related to urban science educators.

SPEAKERS:
Michelle Ellis (Hunter Huss High School: Gastonia, NC), Acacia McKenna (NSTA: Arlington, VA), Pat Shane (UNC-Chapel Hill Emerita: No City, No State), Brad Rhew (Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools: Winston Salem, NC), Rabiah Harris (Jefferson Middle School Academy: Washington, DC), Mary Beth Berrien (Greenfield Commonwealth Virtual School: Greenfield, MA), Charles Hayes (Highland Oaks Elementary School: Memphis, TN)

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