Sponsoring Company: STEMscopes

Literacy strategies, such as analyzing, discussing, and summarizing, can be utilized while reading science-based articles, authentic science research, journals, and textbooks. The use of these strategies provides a cross-curricular bridge that not only increases understanding but also increases a student's ability to think critically. Our professionally trained STEM coaches know what it takes to effectively integrate literacy and writing into the science content. Using a constructivist approach, participants will experience hands-on learning that will give them a greater understanding of literacy in science.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. work in a collaborative group to understand the importance of a constructivist approach; 2. understand how constructivist strategies provide a cross-curricular bridge that not only increases understanding but also increases a student's ability to think critically; and 3. work on an interactive activity to know what it takes to integrate literacy into the science content.

SPEAKERS:
Ashley Mathis (STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning: Houston, TX), Jessica Morse (STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning: Houston, TX)

Sponsoring Company: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Join Global Educator and Into Science author Michael DiSpezio for an engaging and motivating session on the tenets of an equitable approach to phenomena-based learning. Profiling an assortment of investigation phenomena, you'll discover how these process interactions are presented using everyday and inexpensive materials. Driven by experiences common to a diverse student population, the approach levels the often more exclusive playing field of traditional experimentation. Plus, it's fun! So, whether you are teaching face-to-face, hybrid, or remotely, this informative and practical session offers ideas for immediate implementation and success.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Tenets of an equitable approach to phenomena-based learning; 2. Discover how the process interactions are presented using everyday and inexpensive materials; and 3. Approaches that level the often more exclusive playing field of traditional experimentation.

SPEAKERS:
Michael DiSpezio (Master Educator, Presenter, and Author: North Falmouth, MA)

Sponsoring Company: STEMscopes

With the increased focus on accountability for science, we can offer a play- and literacy-based program for young learners. This hands-on science program supports child development and socio-development in a meaningful way. There is always time for science!

TAKEAWAYS:
Science: 1. provides real-life applications for math and language arts; 2. develops problem-solving and critical-thinking skills; and 3. fosters curiosity and creativity.

SPEAKERS:
Mindy Stroup (STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning: Houston, TX), Amber Gunner (STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning: Houston, TX)

Sponsoring Company: STEMscopes

Claim-Evidence-Reasoning (CER) is a way for students to explain observed phenomena in a scientific way. This structured approach allows students to use observations and data from an investigation. Students use critical reasoning to connect the claim and evidence together. CER is an acclaimed and highly successful instructional strategy that is changing how students understand concepts and write explanations for phenomena.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will explore how to: 1. encourage student curiosity and engagement in authentic science and engineering practices; 2. engage students in deeper skills of inquiry; and 3. empower students to lead discussions about scientific phenomena, based on logical protocol for using evidence to make a claim.

SPEAKERS:
Maeve Green (STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning: Houston, TX), Susan Arnette (STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning: Perdido, AL)

Sponsoring Company: Legends of Learning

With the amount of time for science instruction constantly under scrutiny, developing experiences beyond traditional classroom hours is critical. Learn how educators can leverage game-based learning to introduce, review, and deepen student content understanding. Through student-driven learning, Legends of Learning helps educators ensure that not a moment of time is lost.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. New ways to engage students through game-based instruction; 2. How student-driven learning resources can maximize instructional time; and 3. Strategies for using game-based learning to introduce, reinforce, and enrich student content experiences.

SPEAKERS:
Joselyn Whetzel (Legends of Learning: Laurel, MD), Aryah Fradkin (Legends of Learning: Laurel, MD), Sean Reidy (Legends of Learning: Laurel, MD)

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; and 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:
Samantha White (NINDS - National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Bethesda, MD), Nina Lichtenberg (NINDS - National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Bethesda, MD), Diana Andriola (NINDS - National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Bethesda, MD)

Sponsoring Company: Ward's Science

Explore the life cycle of a butterfly using our Ward’s Science live butterfly larvae! During this virtual workshop, educators will go through all the steps required to “build” a butterfly and observe its life cycle in a classroom. Motivate and meet the needs of all learners with daily observations and growth recordings as well as art projects building models and creative writing suggestions for language arts. We’ll see why butterflies are beneficial to our environment and an exciting living learning tool for the classroom. Door prizes to multiple winners!

TAKEAWAYS:
1. How to handle LIVE larvae for your life cycle of a butterfly unit; 2. Care and feeding of larvae and newly emerged butterflies; and 3. Create life cycle models incorporating Art and Language arts.

SPEAKERS:
Holly Ahern (Ward's Science: Austin, TX), Peter Tucker (Ward's Science: West Henrietta, NY)

Sponsoring Company: Brain Chase

Dive into interactive, educational Escape Rooms, and learn how you can design your own programs using dozens of electives and different Escape Room themes. Plus, there will be a fun sneak-peek of our fun Escape Room experience with NSTA that is scheduled on May 6.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Using escape rooms and treasure hunts makes learning feel like an adventure for students; 2. Adventures incentivize learning, progress, and engages 21st-century skills; and 3. Hands-on projects to engage students add to a more robust experience that straddles virtual and physical worlds.

SPEAKERS:
Gracie Helms (Brain Chase: Austin, TX)

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)

Sponsoring Company: Amplify

Students learn best when they are empowered to draw on and make connections to their own experiences, prior knowledge, and cultural and social backgrounds. In this interactive session, participants will explore how an asset-based approach can inform strategic adaptations to core science instructional materials to promote equity, relevance, and deep learning for all students.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. learn how to empower students to draw on and make connections to their own experiences, prior knowledge, and cultural and social backgrounds; learn how an asset-based approach can inform strategic adaptations to core science instructional materials; and 3. gain strategies on how to promote equity, relevance, and deep learning for all students.

SPEAKERS:
Leslie Stenger (The Lawrence Hall of Science: Santa Rosa, CA), Rebecca Abbott (The Lawrence Hall of Science: Berkeley, CA)

Sponsoring Company: NSTA Press

The authors of the Picture-Perfect STEM series will share lessons that integrate STEM and literacy through the use of engaging STEM-related picture books.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Picture-Perfect lesson you can use in your classroom right away; 2. Picture book recommendations for integrating STEM and literacy; and 3. Padlet of Picture-Perfect STEM resources.

SPEAKERS:
Emily Morgan (Picture-Perfect Science: West Chester, OH), Karen Ansberry (Picture-Perfect Science: Lebanon, OH)

Sponsoring Company: TCI

Essential to good scientific practice and mitigating learning loss is the ability to communicate an argument effectively. You’ll be mining chocolate chip cookies to see the cause and effect between human activity and Earth Systems. We’ll demonstrate how to integrate language skills while guiding students in developing their science knowledge.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Mitigate learning loss by integrating literacy skills in science investigations; 2. Learn to integrate literacy skills into elementary science classrooms; and 3. Leave with practical real-world tips that can be immediately incorporated into the classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Dawn Smith (TCI: Murray, KY), Kelsey Moore (TCI: Mountain View, CA)

Sponsoring Company: Brain Chase

Dive into interactive, educational Escape Rooms, and learn how you can design your own programs using dozens of electives and different Escape Room themes. Plus, there will be a fun sneak-peek of our fun Escape Room experience with NSTA that is scheduled on May 6.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Using escape rooms and treasure hunts makes learning feel like an adventure for students; 2. Adventures incentivize learning, progress, and engages 21st-century skills; and 3. Hands-on projects to engage students add to a more robust experience that straddles virtual and physical worlds.

SPEAKERS:
Gracie Helms (Brain Chase: Austin, TX)

Sponsoring Company: PASCO Scientific

How can you infuse computational problem solving into your science lessons? In this session, we will work through the process to incorporate data collected from active physical science explorations into coding challenges.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Reinforcing forces and motion concepts through computational problem solving; 2. Authentic application of mathematical practices; and 3. Utilizing data in programming applications.

SPEAKERS:
Heidi Brennan (PASCO Scientific: Roseville, CA)

Sponsoring Company: University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

In this workshop, participants will discuss how sustainability can be an integrative thread throughout STEM topics, such as climate change and environmental science. Participants will identify strategies for integrating sustainability into their existing curricula and will define sustainability in terms of systems thinking and future orientation. This workshop will be led by faculty and staff from the University of Wisconsin-Steven Point’s Ed.D. in Educational Sustainability Program.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. discuss how sustainability can be an integrative thread throughout STEM topics; 2. be able to identify strategies for integrating sustainability into their existing curricula; and 3. be able to define sustainability in terms of systems thinking and future orientation (e.g., beyond reduce, reuse, recycle).

SPEAKERS:
Elizabeth Potter-Nelson (University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point: Stevens Point, WI), Erin Redman (University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point: Stevens Point, WI), Rachael Rost (University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point: Stevens Point, WI)

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: Oak Creek, WI), Nicole Bayeur (Estes Industries: Pueblo, CO)

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)

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:
Jessica Kohout (Educational Consultant: Ellicott City, MD)

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: Oak Creek, WI), Nicole Bayeur (Estes Industries: Pueblo, CO)

Sponsoring Company: TCI

Designed to be engaging no matter where learning takes place, TCI’s Engineering Challenges get students thinking and acting like real-world engineers, but most importantly, excited about science. Discover the power of the TCI approach and get practical real-world tips for your classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Explore TCI’s unique approach to engineering; 2. Learn to engage students anytime and anywhere with engineering challenges; and 3. Leave with practical real-world tips that can be immediately incorporated into the classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Brian Thomas (TCI: Mountain View, CA), Deanna Morrow (TCI: Rancho Cordova, CA)

Sponsoring Company: STEMscopes

Claim-Evidence-Reasoning (CER) is a way for students to explain observed phenomena in a scientific way. This structured approach allows students to use observations and data from an investigation. Students use critical reasoning to connect the claim and evidence together. CER is an acclaimed and highly successful instructional strategy that is changing how students understand concepts and write explanations for phenomena.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will explore how to: 1. encourage student curiosity and engagement in authentic science and engineering practices; 2. engage students in deeper skills of inquiry; and 3. empower students to lead discussions about scientific phenomena, based on logical protocol for using evidence to make a claim.

SPEAKERS:
Kristen Wheat (STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning: Long Beach, MS), Michele Cozza (STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning: Plainfield, IL)

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

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 Office of Education: Silver Spring, MD), Hilary Peddicord (NOAA Earth System Research Laboratory: Lyons, CO), Stephen Zepecki (NOAA Office of Education: Washington, DC)

Sponsoring Company: STEMscopes

In this workshop, we will utilize a simple yet effective talk process that can encourage students to more fully own their thinking and effectively communicate their ideas to peers. Join us in this interactive session to learn various talk strategies that support the NGSS Science and Engineering Practices, Argument-Driven Inquiry (ADI), and best-practice instruction for all learners!

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Setting the stage for student-centered talk success; 2. Shared experiences around the power of talk; and 3. Resources to support the implementation of science talk.

SPEAKERS:
Pam O'Brien (STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning: Houston, TX), Kristan Buckman (STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning: Houston, TX)

Sponsoring Company: Discovery Education

The 16 units in Discovery Education’s brand-new Science Techbook for middle school are driven by engaging anchor phenomena that prompt students to ask driving questions. Students engage in storylines using the science and engineering practices to collect evidence that answers their questions, learning both core ideas and crosscutting concepts along the way.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Curriculum units should begin with an anchor phenomena that stimulates student questions; 2. A unit should be designed to allow students to collect evidence from investigative phenomena that they can use to answer their questions; and 3. Students should make sense of phenomena by engaging in practices that lead them to develop disciplinary core ideas and crosscutting concepts.

SPEAKERS:
Hailey Adams Mangum (Discovery Education: Plainfield, IL), Ted Willard (Discovery Education: Derwood, MD)

Sponsoring Company: Legends of Learning

It is no surprise that the more engaged a student is with their learning, the more knowledge they retain. One significant takeaway from this past year is that many students thrived in an asynchronous learning environment. Learn how to support educators within any instructional model through game-based learning, increasing student engagement and content retention.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. How asynchronous learning can help engage students through content experiences; 2. How to support educators within any instructional model through game-based learning; and 3. Understanding of how game-based learning can increase engagement while teaching content.

SPEAKERS:
Joselyn Whetzel (Legends of Learning: Laurel, MD), Aryah Fradkin (Legends of Learning: Laurel, MD), Sean Reidy (Legends of Learning: Laurel, MD)

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)

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: Pueblo, CO)

Sponsoring Company: BrainPOP

Learn about three-dimensional formative assessment design and insights for student learning with the new BrainPOP Science.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. In this session, we will share how BrainPOP Science uses 3-D formative assessments strategically embedded in lessons to gather actionable data on student progress; and 2. Additionally, session participants will work through classroom scenarios to identify the best implementations of BrainPOP Science, focusing on the checks-for-understanding (formative assessments) and the resulting dashboards and reports.

SPEAKERS:
Laurel Ozersky (BrainPOP: Durham, NC)

Sponsoring Company: Brain Chase

Dive into interactive, educational Escape Rooms, and learn how you can design your own programs using dozens of electives and different Escape Room themes. Plus, there will be a fun sneak-peek of our fun Escape Room experience with NSTA that is scheduled on May 6.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Using escape rooms and treasure hunts makes learning feel like an adventure for students; 2. Adventures incentivize learning, progress, and engages 21st-century skills; and 3. Hands-on projects to engage students add to a more robust experience that straddles virtual and physical worlds.

SPEAKERS:
Gracie Helms (Brain Chase: Austin, TX)

Sponsoring Company: Amplify

What if coding were integrated into core science instruction instead of being an isolated, after-school activity for a select few? Join the curriculum developers from UC Berkeley’s Lawrence Hall of Science to experience cutting-edge and research-based instructional materials designed to make coding an interactive, collaborative, and science-based endeavor in service of students finding solutions to real-world problems. Explore how Coding Science Internships for Amplify Science grades 6–8 can play a prominent role in providing equitable access to coding and computational thinking for all students.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. experience how cutting-edge and research-based instructional materials can make coding an interactive, collaborative, and science-based endeavor in service of students finding solutions to real-world problems; 2. explore how Coding Science Internships for Amplify Science grades 6–8 can play a prominent role in providing equitable access to coding and computational thinking for all students; and 3. have access to strategies that aim to increase access to positive experiences in computer science learning.

SPEAKERS:
Leslie Stenger (The Lawrence Hall of Science: Santa Rosa, CA), Rebecca Abbott (The Lawrence Hall of Science: Berkeley, CA)

Sponsoring Company: BrainPOP

Learn how to facilitate student exploration of phenomena through simulations and virtual worlds that support three-dimensional learning with the new BrainPOP Science.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. As the students interact with the Sims and virtual worlds, they develop disciplinary knowledge, crosscutting concepts, and science and engineering practices in authentic and engaging ways; 2. Sims and virtual worlds provide rich student-generated artifacts and process data that can be used for effective teaching, learning, and formative assessment (e.g., the number of trials performed, evidence collected in support of scientific argumentation); and 3. Sims and virtual worlds foster student collaboration and discussion when focused around well-crafted driving questions that are correctly answered in multiple ways, creating a robust learning experience that reaches beyond the screen.

SPEAKERS:
Brendon Trombley (BrainPOP: New York, NY)

Sponsoring Company: Discovery Education

Discovery Education’s brand-new Science Techbook for middle school provides multiple opportunities to assess students’ proficiency with all three dimensions. This session highlights the opportunities for formative assessments throughout the unit as students engage in practices, as well as a summative unit project and a set of performance-based assessments (PBAs) targeting every performance expectation.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Students' engagement in science and engineering practices provides an opportunity for formative assessments; 2. Assessments should be tied to phenomena; and 3. Assessments should be three-dimensional.

SPEAKERS:
Nikki Brassell Snyder (Montgomery County Public Schools: Germantown, MD), Ted Willard (Discovery Education: Derwood, MD)

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: Pueblo, CO)

Sponsoring Company: Savvas Learning Co.

No one likes to fail, but failing doesn’t make us failures! Join Savvas’ National Science Specialist Erin Horner for an engaging and interactive workshop as we look at ways to encourage Social and Emotional Learning in our middle school science classrooms. Participants will work through a series of famous failures and see how these “mistakes” led to greatness. Teachers can then take these same principles and apply them in the classroom as they strive to support students in developing emotional intelligence and STEM knowledge at the same time.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. How embracing SEL will help your science students succeed; 2. The power of encouraging students to make mistakes; and 3. Tips on using collaborative groups most effectively.

SPEAKERS:
Erin Horner (Savvas Learning Co.: Paramus, NJ)

Sponsoring Company: BrainPOP

Join us as we walk you through the brand-new BrainPOP Science, the next step in teaching science with BrainPOP. Our new product is designed to drive student mastery and inspire the next generation of scientific thinkers with turnkey investigations and embedded interactive tools to prepare students for assessment success.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Leave with tangible strategies that you can use to connect kids to real-world science in remote, hybrid, and in-person learning environments; 2. Discuss and reflect on facilitating the connection between trusting science and doing real-world science; and 3. Leave with a menu of turnkey activities that you can use to propel how you approach phenomena-driven virtual lab instruction.

SPEAKERS:
Kari Stubbs (BrainPOP: New York, NY), Mike Jones (Illinois State University: Bloomington, IL)

Sponsoring Company: Brain Chase

Dive into interactive, educational Escape Rooms, and learn how you can design your own programs using dozens of electives and different Escape Room themes. Plus, there will be a fun sneak-peek of our fun Escape Room experience with NSTA that is scheduled on May 6.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Using escape rooms and treasure hunts makes learning feel like an adventure for students; 2. Adventures incentivize learning, progress, and engages 21st-century skills; and 3. Hands-on projects to engage students add to a more robust experience that straddles virtual and physical worlds.

SPEAKERS:
Gracie Helms (Brain Chase: Austin, TX)

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:
Nina Lichtenberg (NINDS - National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Bethesda, MD), Diana Andriola (NINDS - National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Bethesda, MD), Samantha White (NINDS - National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Bethesda, MD)

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, Ph.D. (Flinn Scientific, Inc.: Batavia, IL)

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:
Nicole Green (Animalearn: Jenkintown, PA)

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)

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: Venice, FL), Amanda Upton (NSTA: Fresno, TX)

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:
Elena Stowell (Kentwood High School: Kent, WA), Laurie A Hayes (Retired Biomedicine Teacher: Clovis, CA)

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:
Tim Herman (3D Molecular Designs: Milwaukee, WI)

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)

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:
Tim Herman (3D Molecular Designs: Milwaukee, WI)

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:
Dan Burns (PASCO Scientific: Roseville, CA)

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: Mahtomedi, MN)

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:
Carla Johnson (North Carolina State University: Raleigh, NC)

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:
Tim Herman (3D Molecular Designs: Milwaukee, WI)

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:
Jeffrey Lukens (Roosevelt High School, Sioux Falls, SD: Sioux Falls, SD)

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)

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:
Chris Chou (Longmont High School: Longmont, CO)

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:
Hilah Barbot (Amazon Corporate Affairs: Seattle, WA), Maria Rocco (Amazon Corporate Affairs: Seattle, WA), Luu Tran (Amazon Corporate Affairs: Seattle, WA), Natalie White (Amazon Corporate Affairs: Seattle, WA), Michael Shao (Amazon Corporate Affairs: Seattle, WA)

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:
Karen Avery (Pennsylvania College of Technology: Williamsport, PA), Daniel Williams (Shelter Island Union Free School District: Shelter Island, NY)

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:
Barbara Pugliese (PASCO Scientific: Roseville, CA)

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:
Chris Chou (Longmont High School: Longmont, CO)

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:
Barbara Pugliese (PASCO Scientific: Roseville, CA)

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:
Doug Smith (XR Guru: Dublin, OH)

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:
Daniel Williams (Shelter Island Union Free School District: Shelter Island, NY), Karen Avery (Pennsylvania College of Technology: Williamsport, PA)

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:
Elena Stowell (Kentwood High School: Kent, WA), Laurie A Hayes (Retired Biomedicine Teacher: Clovis, CA)