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.
88 results
Save up to 50 sessions in your agenda.

STEM and Bloom: Hybrid Explorations for Early Childhood

Tuesday, April 13 • 5:45 PM - 6:45 PM


(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
NSTA STEM and Bloom.pptx.pdf
Gardening as engineering; early childhood approaches and ideas

STRAND: Integrating Science and Literacy

Show Details

STEM in early childhood is challenging…and more so in a hybrid environment. Come play and explore a progressive series of STEM experiences.

To best enjoy this session, have the following items ready:

  • an eye dropper
  • water in two small cups
  • wax paper or sheet protector
  • some dark flower petals
  • a little vinegar and baking soda solution
  • a regular water bottle
  • a teaspoon of dirt

TAKEAWAYS:
1. STEM habits of mind are the goal in early childhood; 2. A great STEM curriculum is progressive and fun; and 3. STEM experiences can be shared using hybrid technologies.

SPEAKERS:
Juliana Texley (Lesley University: Cambridge, MA), Ruth Ruud (Cleveland State University: Cleveland, OH)

Supporting Educator Understanding of the NGSS Three Dimensions of Learning While Engaging Elementary Students in Engineering Design and Design Thinking

Tuesday, April 13 • 5:45 PM - 6:45 PM

Show Details

Learn to access hundreds of free hands-on engineering design activities that exemplify the interconnected three-dimensional elements of K–5 science learning.

For this beginner-level hands-on activity, each participant will need: 

  • 4–6 Lifesaver® mints
  • 4–6 plastic straws (with diameters smaller than the Lifesaver® mint’s hole diameter)
  • 2–4 popsicle sticks
  • 1–2 index cards (or thin cardboard or poster board scraps)
  • tape (duct or masking)
  • scissors
  • paper
  • pencil
  • ramp (made from sturdy poster board or rigid cardboard)
  • meter stick
  • 10–30 pennies

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. engage in a hands-on NGSS engineering design–aligned activity for elementary students from the FREE TeachEngineering digital library; 2. experience the integration of design and design thinking through 3-D learning while exploring a fun way to ignite student creativity; and 3. experience the interconnectivity of 3-D learning while strengthening their own ability to implement 3-D teaching and learning practices in their classrooms.

SPEAKERS:
Dua Chaker (Teach Engineering: No City, No State), Michael Soltys (TeachEngineering: Boulder, CO), Jennifer Kracha (Teach Engineering: No City, No State)

Where's All the Water? Using Models to Engage in Climate Justice Discussions

Wednesday, April 14 • 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Savvas Learning Co.

Our ever-changing world brings new discoveries and concerns regarding environmental preservation and sustainability. Join Savvas Science Specialist and former teacher Monica Wadler and discover ways to use models to promote lively discussions, stimulate ideas, and engage students into designing solutions for filtering our Earths fresh water into drinkable water.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Using models in STEM; 2. Open inquiry; and 3. Engineering and design solutions.

SPEAKERS:
Monica Wadler (Savvas Learning Co.: Paramus, NJ)

Integrating Science and Literacy with FoodPrints Curriculum

Wednesday, April 14 • 4:00 PM - 4:45 PM

STRAND: Integrating Science and Literacy

Show Details

Experience the interdisciplinary approach of the FoodPrints Curriculum with a Science and ELA focus to teach nine major garden and food education themes.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Engage in three different lessons (Edible Plant Parts, Seed Dispersal, and the Garden Ecosystem) for grades 1–3 that can be used in the classroom, and adapted for virtual instruction using literacy-based approaches aligned to Common Core ELA and hands-on science investigations aligned to NGSS; 2. Learn methods for teaching vocabulary in the garden, using visual literacy as a tool for teaching science content, addressing speaking and listening standards, using creative approaches to early writing, and using read alouds to support instruction; and 3. Explore the FoodPrints Curriculum’s interdisciplinary approach to teaching elementary science lessons with garden and food education themes and gain free access to our lessons and resources for preK–5.

SPEAKERS:
Susan Bandler (FRESHFARM FoodPrints: Washington, DC), Jennifer Ramsey (FRESHFARM FoodPrints: Washington, DC)

Integrating Inquiry and Literacy in the Elementary Science Classroom

Wednesday, April 14 • 5:00 PM - 5:45 PM


(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
2021 SPDI Brochure (web version).pdf
Digital Toolkit. .pdf

STRAND: Integrating Science and Literacy

Show Details

Investigate using inquiry-based learning and the SEPs to deepen students’ understanding of both science concepts and literacy strategies remotely or in the classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. l eave with a toolkit of hands-on, inquiry science investigations inspired and enhanced by literature; 2. l earn about distance-learning tools that support integrating the Science and Engineering Practices with literacy strategies to engage students in real-world science; and 3. identify strategies and resources for using books, productive talk, and science writing to integrate science, literacy, and discussion in ways that foster critical thinking, academic language, and meaning making.

SPEAKERS:
Sandra Ryack-Bell (Wade Institute for Science Education: Quincy, MA), Kathy Renfrew (Wade Institute for Science Education: Quincy, MA)

Connecting Reading, Writing, Science, and Nature with the Next Time You See Books

Thursday, April 15 • 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: NSTA Press

The author of the Next Time You See series will share a mentor text study where students can write their own Next Time You See book about a natural object of their choice.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Educator Guide for Mentor Text Study; 2. Series of YouTube videos guiding the study; and 3. Ideas for balancing screen time with green time.

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

NESTA and CLEAN 1: Strategies for Integrating Climate Science into the Elementary Classroom

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

STRAND: Climate Justice and Climate Science

Show Details

Teachers will explore how to break down this controversial topic, teach it across disciplines, make it culturally relevant, and motivate students to develop climate change solutions.

TAKEAWAYS:
Elementary teachers will: 1. walk away with peer- and science-reviewed lessons they can immediately put to use in their teaching; 2. walk away with a variety of strategies and resources that will help integrate climate science into their classrooms; and 3. learn how to break down the complex and controversial subject of climate change.

SPEAKERS:
Tiffany Boyd (Classrooms for Climate Action: Louisville, CO), Alicia Christensen (Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences: Boulder, CO), Rae Han (EarthGen: No City, No State)

Cooped Up Kids? Students Explore STEM Indoors and Out

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

STRAND: Social Emotional Learning and the Science Classroom

Show Details

Discover free age-appropriate "Cooped Up Kids" activities that connect kids to the outdoors and exciting science content whether in school, remote, or blended.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Discover free hands-on lessons that are tied to the NGSS and Common Core Standards and discuss how to implement them whether learners are at home or in school; 2. Describe the socio-emotional benefits of place-based outdoor experiences for diverse K–8 students; and 3. Learn how to access a variety of free educational interactives, online multimedia resources, and citizen science projects scaffolded by lessons that are perfect for K–8 settings.

SPEAKERS:
Jennifer Fee (The Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Ithaca, NY)

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

Friday, April 16 • 12:00 PM - 12:45 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)

Designing Culturally Responsive Makerspace Pop-Up Activities

Saturday, April 17 • 4:30 PM - 5:15 PM


(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
CRTMakerspace_April17.pdf
Designing Culturally Responsive Makerspace Pop-Up Activities.pdf

STRAND: Integrating Science and Literacy

Show Details

Discover research-based approaches on how to build a strong makerspace community that taps into foundational scientific literacy skills. Participate in a makerspace project-based literacy challenge.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Improve culturally responsive teaching in an informal makerspace environment through the development of makerspace pop-up activities and training approaches following a makerspace project-based literacy process; 2. Increase scientific literacy achievement through informal literacy hands-on makerspace pop-up activities focused on STEM real-world activities; and 3. Describe opportunities and hands-on mobile approaches to build capacity of existing informal makerspace learning of remote communities, diverse learners, and STEM professionals serving underrepresented minority populations.

SPEAKERS:
Jennifer Miller (Sul Ross State University: Alpine, TX), Thomas Tomas (Little Singer Community School: Winslow, AZ)

Earth Day: Data Stories

Tuesday, April 20 • 5:45 PM - 6:45 PM


(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Handout
Teacher Survey

Show Details

My NASA Data shares scientifically interesting stories and other resources that can be implemented for Earth Day.

Click here for a list of materials needed and activity instructions.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. gain access to data stories that can be used on Earth Day; 2. learn of interactive models that incorporate NASA Earth data; and 3. walk away with access to NASA resources for their Earth science classrooms that can be linked directly to their learning management systems.

SPEAKERS:
Angela Rizzi (NASA Langley Research Center/ADNET: No City, No State), Elizabeth Joyner (NASA Langley Research Center: Hampton, VA)

Integrative Sustainability Education

Wednesday, April 21 • 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM

Show Details

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 Maine at Farmington: Stevens Point, WI), Erin Redman (University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point: Stevens Point, WI), Rachael Rost (University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point: Stevens Point, WI)

Save a Nickel and Learn to Trickle!

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


(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Smart Irrigation System for TI-Nspire CX
Students are challenged to use science and technology to design and build a system that utilizes a limited amount of water in a “smart” way to grow crops.

Show Details

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)

Tapping into the Phenomena of Drinking Water

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

Show Details

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:
Margaret Hill (LaMotte Co.: Chestertown, MD)

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 Office of Education: Silver Spring, MD), 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 Seymour (Science Teacher: Winchester, 0), Jessica VanValkenburgh (Columbus State University: Columbus, GA), Elizabeth Weissman (The Ramaz School: New York, NY)

NMLSTA-Sponsored Session: Inspired by Germany—Understanding Global Climate Change to Take Local Action

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


(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
2021 Climate Passport.pdf
https://sites.google.com/view/exploring-global-climates/home
Website link update.

STRAND: Climate Justice and Climate Science

Show Details

Explore global climate change data and human impacts using the Bremerhaven Klimahaus as a model to engage students in asking questions and taking local action.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Climate change impacts vary by location and disproportionately affect disadvantaged populations; 2. Individual actions have impacts on multiple scales from local to global; and 3. Empathetic, scientifically literate youth working in partnership with community members can be agents of change.

SPEAKERS:
Loris Chen (Science Education Consultant: Fair Lawn, NJ)

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)

ASTC-Sponsored Session: Science Inquiry During Remote Learning

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


(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
2021 SPDI Brochure (web version).pdf
Buoy data_Student_2021_NSTA.pdf
Buoy Data_Teacher_NSTA.pdf
Flipgrid document.docx
Insulate an Egg Remote Learning_Teacher_NGSS.pdf
Insulate an Egg_RemoteLearningAdapt.2021.pdf
Jamboard Padlet Comparison.pdf
Light and Temperature_NSTA.pdf
Marble Roller Coaster_Remote Learning_Teacher_NSTA.pdf
Marble Roller Coasters Lesson Plan_2021.pdf
Marble Roller Coasters Lesson Plan_2021.pdf
Roller Coaster Scale Drawing - Rockin Roller.pdf
Science During Remote Learning.pdf

STRAND: Continuing Effective Distance Learning Strategies Post-COVID

Show Details

Explore using the SEPs to make remote STE instruction inquiry based. Participate in a remote hands-on investigation. Receive a toolkit of resources, strategies, and instructional tools.

Materials needed:

  • Markers or crayons
  • Large sheet of heavy weight paper (11x17 or 8.5 x14)
  • 4–6 ice cubes all about the same size
  • 4 paper cups big enough to hold 2 ice cubes
  • Cooler or access to freezer to keep ice frozen
  • Aluminum tray
  • Black or white tray (take-out container will work)

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Leave with a toolkit of distance-learning practices and investigations to enhance students’ use of the SEPs; 2. Learn about distance-learning tools that support the engagement of all students in STE; and 3. Develop new ideas for performance-based assessments using distance-learning strategies.

SPEAKERS:
Rosemary Rak (Wade Institute for Science Education: Quincy, MA), Angela Damery (Wade Institute for Science Education: Quincy, MA), Sandra Ryack-Bell (Wade Institute for Science Education: Quincy, MA), Margaret Brumsted (Education Specialist: Riverside, RI)

Engagement Strategies and Resources for Remote and Face-to-Face Instruction

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

STRAND: Continuing Effective Distance Learning Strategies Post-COVID

Show Details

Participants explore strategies and resources for engaging students during face-to-face and virtual instruction. Equity, differentiation, and nonlinguistic representations of instruction and learning will be targeted.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will: 1. learn research-based strategies that increase student engagement so that all students are involved in the learning process; 2. learn new ways to increase the confidence of learners who may be reluctant to engage in classroom activities and discussions; and 3. obtain numerous activities, templates, games, resources, etc. they can use with their students. These can be used “as is” or modified to include other content based on the needs of the attendees.

SPEAKERS:
Iris Mudd (Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools: Winston Salem, NC)

WeatherBlur: Blurring the Lines Between Science, Environmental Literacy, and Civic Action Through Citizen Science

Wednesday, April 21 • 5:00 PM - 5:45 PM

STRAND: Community and Global Impacts on Classroom Learning

Show Details

WeatherBlur, an online citizen science platform, links schools in the Gulf of Maine with schools in the Gulf of Mexico to explore local environmental issues.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Empowering students to tackle difficult environmental challenges seen in their communities and get their voices heard; 2. Promoting idea exchanges and collaboration between different communities and cultures from around the country; and 3. Enhancing environmental and data literacy.

SPEAKERS:
Rebecca Clark Uchenna (Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance: Augusta, ME), Megan McCall (Barton Academy for Advanced World Studies: No City, No State)

Lab Bias, Science Bias, People Bias

Wednesday, April 21 • 5:00 PM - 5:45 PM

STRAND: Social Emotional Learning and the Science Classroom

Show Details

Teachers will learn to integrate bias recognition as part of the normal science curriculum.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Recognizing bias requires practice; 2. Recognizing bias requires critical thinking; and 3. Recognizing bias can be integrated as part of the normal learning process.

SPEAKERS:
Bailey O'Reilly (Academie Da Vinci Charter School for the Arts and Technology: Dunedin, FL)

Dumpster Dive with STEM

Wednesday, April 21 • 5:00 PM - 5:45 PM


(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Dumpster Dive with STEM Participant File

Show Details

Connect the human impact of trash pollution to engineering design. Get your students thinking critically and creatively as they collaborate in real-world problem solving.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Connecting the human impact of single-use plastics and their effect on aquatic ecosystems; 2. Exposing students to basic coding and engineering design in an NGSS-focused content classroom; and 3. Developing a project that enhances STEM skills in students such as collaboration, curiosity, and creative problem-solving.

SPEAKERS:
Jessica Kohout (Educational Consultant: Ellicott City, MD), Stacy Thibodeaux (Southside High School: Youngsville, LA)

Using Case Studies to Inform and Explore Solutions to Global Hunger Issues

Wednesday, April 21 • 6:00 PM - 6:45 PM

STRAND: Community and Global Impacts on Classroom Learning

Show Details

Explore global hunger issues via case studies of sustainable farming practices to understand how the inequity of resources leads to inspired innovation based on sustainable science.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Hunger exists everywhere and impacts everyone; 2. Solutions must be culturally and regionally appropriate; and 3. Long-term food sustainability is achievable with science.

SPEAKERS:
Sue Meggers (Interstate 35 Community School District: Truro, IA)

Level Up Students' Analysis Skills with NASA Earth Science Data

Wednesday, April 21 • 6:00 PM - 6:45 PM


(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Handout
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zwKsnl5s6ynHWhRD9-Oalzc_I6-2WHTFi7zR4gg6CrI/edit?usp=sharing
Teacher Survey

STRAND: Continuing Effective Distance Learning Strategies Post-COVID

Show Details

My NASA Data will model interactive resources for students learning in-person and via virtual environments that feature short activities, lessons, and access to NASA data.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. walk away with access to NASA resources for their Earth science classrooms that can be linked directly to their learning management systems; 2. learn of interactive strategies for using these resources with students in a variety of learning environments; and 3. learn of an Earth science data visualization tool that enables students/educators to access and visualize NASA data for a particular region or time period.

SPEAKERS:
Elizabeth Joyner (NASA Langley Research Center: Hampton, VA), Angela Rizzi (NASA Langley Research Center/ADNET: No City, No State)

Virtual Field Labs: Student-Generated Data Explorations of Investigable Questions Led by Climate Scientists

Wednesday, April 21 • 6:00 PM - 6:45 PM


(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Virtual Field Labs-NSTA .pdf
This is a PDF of the Virtual Field Labs (VFL) NSTA presentation. The live presentation included video clips that demonstrated the VFLs, new student centered, data-driven resources for both internet and face-to-face classrooms. The Virtual Field Labs are available for your use at icedrill-education.org. If you have any questions contact: [email protected].

STRAND: Continuing Effective Distance Learning Strategies Post-COVID

Show Details

Based on three-dimensional learning and field-tested in high school classes, Virtual Field Labs can be used synchronously, asynchronously, or in hybrid classrooms.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Hands-on virtual tool for teaching climate change concepts; 2. Student-generated data activities led by climate change scientists; and 3. Generate, graph, and analyze data on the way to making claims supported by evidence related to the investigation.

SPEAKERS:
Louise Huffman (U.S. Ice Drilling Program: Hanover, NH), William Grosser (Curriculum Designer: Auburn, CA)

Enlivening the Middle School Earth Science NGSS: Using Geoheritage and Place-Based Education to Highlight and Integrate Dimensions of Earth Science Relevance

Wednesday, April 21 • 7:00 PM - 7:45 PM


(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Enlivening Earth Science NGSS Using Geoheritage and Place-Based Education
The fascinating phenomena of Earth and space science take on heightened relevance in learners’ lives when presented through the frameworks of geoheritage and place-based education. This handout provides links to the slides and other materials shown in the Geoheritage workshop.

Show Details

The fascinating phenomena of Earth and space science take on heightened relevance in learners’ lives when presented through the frameworks of geoheritage and place-based education.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. There are practical approaches for accentuating the excitement of Earth and space sciences as they are shown to intersect with human life, history, and culture; 2. The connection of geoscience with human history and culture—what is increasingly known as geoheritage—has great potential in education as a reference framework that encourages learning as well as promoting conservation of significant natural features; and 3. The dimensions of the NGSS, the big ideas of geoheritage, and the design principles of place-based education are mutually supportive—which together lead to strategies for meaningful learning in Earth and space science.

SPEAKERS:
Aida Awad (Education Consultant/ Adjunct: Ormond Beach, FL), Margaret Holzer (Retired: Chatham, LA), Rebecca Dodge (Midwestern State University: Wichita Falls, TX), Eric Pyle (James Madison University: Harrisonburg, VA), Dawna Cerney (Youngstown State University: Youngstown, OH), Dianna Gielstra (Prescott College Online Graduate Degree Program: Prescott, AZ), Ed Robeck (American Geosciences Institute: Alexandria, VA)

Designing for Phenomena in Food Production

Wednesday, April 21 • 7:00 PM - 7:45 PM


(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Designing for Phenomena in Food Production Slide Deck
Refer to the slide deck for direct links to lesson plans and resources explored in the session. If you don't see it on the slide, check the "Notes" :)
Workshop Handout
Click on the live links in this PDF to link directly to resources introduced in the webinar.

Show Details

Discover lesson plans and teaching resources to better integrate science and engineering practices in our food system.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Engage in the practice of phenomena-based learning through the phenomena of photoperiodism; 2. Improve critical thinking while investigating food production systems; and 3. Integrate STEM concepts through design thinking.

SPEAKERS:
Andrea Gardner (Utah State University: Logan, UT), Tessa Matuszak (National Agriculture in the Classroom Organization: Palm Coast, FL)

A Teaching Case for Analyzing and Interpreting Data on Blue Whale Feeding

Thursday, April 22 • 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM

Show Details

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:
David Randle (American Museum of Natural History: New York, NY)

Phenomenal Storylines to Drive Student Learning with Discovery Education’s Science Techbook for Middle School

Thursday, April 22 • 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM

Show Details

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: Chicago, IL), Ted Willard (Discovery Education: Silver Spring, MD)

Biodiversity and the Environment

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


(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Biodiversity and the Environment
In 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.

Show Details

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

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

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

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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)

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

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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 (Educational Consultant: Ellicott City, MD), Liz Martinez (Curriculum/Professional Development/Assessment: Escondido, CA), Libby Simpson (FIRST®: Manchester, NH), Anne Schoeffler (Seton Catholic School: Hudson, OH), Melissa Sleeper (Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy, Upper School: Melbourne, FL)

Science Storytelling: Student Activism Through Film

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


(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Science Storytelling Resources

STRAND: Climate Justice and Climate Science

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Help students create compelling stories about climate change and environmental justice. Classroom-ready resources will help students communicate scientific information with narrative structure across various media.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. In an analytical discipline like science, there is still a case to be made for storytelling; 2. The And-But-Therefore narrative structure technique to summarize scientific information or craft original science communication; and 3. Science storytelling can enhance student projects by improving conceptual understanding and allowing choice and voice to engage students as activists for environmental justice.

SPEAKERS:
Susan Tate (Whitehall Middle School: Whitehall, MI), Cristina Veresan (The Nueva School: Hillsborough, CA)

Earth Day: Sea Level Rise—What It Is; Why It’s Happening; Why It’s So Very, Very Dangerous; and What You Can Do About It

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


(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Presentation Slides - Sea Level Rise
Sea Level Rise Education and Data Resources
These materials support the NOAA presentation - Sea Level Rise: What It Is; Why It’s Happening; Why It’s So Very, Very Dangerous; and What You Can Do About It!

STRAND: Climate Justice and Climate Science

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This session engages participants in the exploration of middle school–oriented, classroom-ready, interactive, online, data-driven, three-dimensional activities and visualizations that present how sea level rise is caused by climate change, how NOAA monitors and measures these changes, how U.S. coastal regions are dangerously impacted by it, and how you can get up to $5,000 for your school to mitigate its impacts.

TAKEAWAYS:
Educators will: 1. explore a middle school–oriented classroom-ready multimedia module, and use data-driven NOAA websites that explain and visualize how climate change is causing sea levels to rise globally and impacting all U.S. coastal areas; 2. explore NOAA’s classroom-ready, Data in the Classroom modules: Investigating Sea Level Using Real Data, and learn how their students can use data from NOAA’s satellites and coastal stations to do the analysis to see sea level changing, and learn how they can integrate its inquiry-based resources into their classrooms today; and 3. learn about NOAA Planet Stewards, a Federal program that offers educators up to $5,000 to engage in hands-on stewardship activities to mitigate climate change and its impacts.

SPEAKERS:
Bruce Moravchik (NOAA National Ocean Service: No City, No State)

Real Data, Real Life, Real Learning: Exploring Phenomena in BrainPOP Science

Friday, April 23 • 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM

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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)

Assessing Three-Dimensional Learning with Discovery Education’s Science Techbook for Middle School

Friday, April 23 • 1:00 PM - 1:45 PM

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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: Rockville, MD), Ted Willard (Discovery Education: Silver Spring, MD)

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/Assessment: Escondido, CA), Melissa Sleeper (Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy, Upper School: Melbourne, FL), Stacy Thibodeaux (Southside High School: Youngsville, LA), Vanessa Ueltzen (Walther Christian Academy: Melrose Park, IL)

Global Temperature Rise: Results from Most Recent Science

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

STRAND: Climate Justice and Climate Science

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Up-to-date scientific climate research will be explored as the basis for supporting NGSS performance expectation MS-ESS3-5 concerning the current rise in global temperature.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. There are many factors that affect changes in global temperature, both natural and human-caused; 2. The current rapid rise in global temperature is primarily the result of the human combustion of fossil fuels; and 3. There are many engaging sources of data and activities for students to use in investigating this NGSS performance expectation.

SPEAKERS:
Michael Wysession (Washington University in St. Louis: Saint Louis, MO)

Designing Culturally Responsive Makerspace Pop-Up Activities

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


(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Middle School Designing Culturally Responsive Makerspace Pop-Up Activities.pdf

STRAND: Integrating Science and Literacy

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Discover research-based approaches on how to build a strong makerspace community that taps into foundational scientific literacy skills. Participate in a makerspace project-based literacy challenge.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Improve culturally responsive teaching in an informal makerspace environment through the development of makerspace pop-up activities and training approaches following a makerspace project-based literacy process; 2. Increase scientific literacy achievement through informal literacy hands-on makerspace pop-up activities focused on STEM real-world activities; and 3. Describe opportunities and hands-on mobile approaches to build capacity of existing informal makerspace learning of remote communities, diverse learners, and STEM professionals serving underrepresented minority populations.

SPEAKERS:
Jennifer Miller (Sul Ross State University: Alpine, TX), Thomas Tomas (Little Singer Community School: Winslow, AZ)

Empowering Effective Climate Change Communicators

Saturday, April 24 • 5:30 PM - 6:15 PM


(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
https://climatecommunication.yale.edu/for-educators/

STRAND: Climate Justice and Climate Science

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Learn how to navigate the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication's Educator Page. Engage with data-based, NGSS-focused activities that you can easily use with students.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Communicating effectively about climate change is just as important as understanding climate science itself if we hope to realize viable, equitable climate solutions in our lifetime; 2. The Yale Program on Climate Change Communication conducts scientific research on public climate change knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. Through YPCCC's Educator Page, students can engage with current data from this research to identify effective climate change communication strategies and think critically about what it takes to implement climate action; and 3. Students are a critical audience to engage in the work to find and enact climate solutions. The activities on the Educator Page can help students develop a sense of agency around climate change communication while honing important NGSS-related skills.

SPEAKERS:
Ruthie Gold (Yale Program on Climate Change Communication: New Haven, CT)