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

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

Discipline-Specific Language Demands with CER and KLEWS

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


(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Presentation Handouts

STRAND: Integrating Science and Literacy

Show Details

Explore how to use argumentation and explanations supported with the CER framework and the KLEWS chart to engage in the science and engineering practices in the science classroom—both virtually and in person. These ideas will support students to actively participate in inquiry-based, phenomenon-centered activities.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Students need a scaffolding of supports to fully participate and grow in their ability to use the SEPs; 2. Teachers can use many different supports, in different ways for varied learners, to help all students be successful in science. ALL students can be successful!; and 3. These supports can be tailored to all topics in science.

SPEAKERS:
Kelly Moore (Tennessee Tech: Cookeville, TN)

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)

Data Puzzles: Bringing Authentic Data into Classrooms Through Inquiry-Based Instruction

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


(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Data Puzzle resource list
Slide deck
Links to videos and interactives in speaker notes.

STRAND: Climate Justice and Climate Science

Show Details

Come learn about Data Puzzles, a free resource co-designed by climate scientists and instructional specialists from the University of Colorado Boulder that are aimed at bringing authentic data into classrooms in the context of current and relevant scientific research.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Introduction to inquiry-based instruction in the context of Ambitious Science Teaching practices; 2. Strategies for facilitating Data Puzzle resources and other inquiry-based activities in your MS/HS classroom; and 3. Skills to design your own data-driven learning activities.

SPEAKERS:
Jonathan Griffith (University of Colorado Boulder: Boulder, VT)

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

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


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

Show Details

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

The presentations included in this session are:

Innovation in Biology
Presenter: Jessica Kohout

Eureka! Bioprospecting for Medicine
Presenter: Liz Martinez

FIRST at Home
Presenter: Libby Simpson

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

Inspiring the Future of Aerospace
Presenter: Melissa Sleeper

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

Moderator: Mary Lou Lipscomb

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

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

SPEAKERS:
Edralin Pagarigan (Golden Ring Middle School: Rosedale, MD), Lydia Kidane (Sustainable Forestry Initiative: Washington, DC), Jessica Kohout (Educational Consultant: Ellicott City, MD), Liz Martinez (Curriculum/Professional Development/Assessment: Escondido, CA), Libby Simpson (FIRST®: Manchester, NH), Anne Schoeffler (Seton Catholic School: Ottumwa, IA), Melissa Sleeper (Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy, Upper School: Melbourne, FL)

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 (Johnson City Schools: 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)

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

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)

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

Show Details

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)

Designing for Phenomena in Food Production

Wednesday, April 28 • 4:00 PM - 4:45 PM


(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Workshop handout (with live links)
Workshop Slide Presentation

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

Equity and Belonging Through Modified Biology Storylines

Wednesday, April 28 • 4:00 PM - 4:45 PM


(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Equity & Belonging through modified storylines slides

STRAND: Supporting Equity in the Science Classroom

Show Details

Explore strategies to modify storylines that increase belonging. We'll share testimonies from biology and special education teachers who have implemented storylines to bring NGSS and equity to students with learning needs.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will be able to: 1. recognize barriers to students' success and implement strategies via storylines to remove those barriers and promote equity in the classroom; 2. modify storyline activities as we discuss and work through the modification process with biology and special education instructors to explore best practices; and 3. identify how storylines develop academic identity for students in the science classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Lisa Pavic (Glenbrook South High School: Glenview, IL), Madeline Thomas (Glenbrook South High School: Glenview, IL), Sarah Davis (Glenbrook South High School: Glenview, IL)

Teaching Evolution in the Virtual World

Wednesday, April 28 • 4:00 PM - 4:45 PM

STRAND: Continuing Effective Distance Learning Strategies Post-COVID

Show Details

We are teaching students in class, at home, and in quarantine. TIES offers FREE evolution units packed with activities. Check them out at www.tieseducation.org.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. You can teach evolution virtually, but effectively; 2. There are free online activities that can replace our more traditional active learning lessons; and 3. This session can give your students high-quality evolution instruction all in one free, downloadable unit with student response sheets, rubrics, answer keys, and assessments.

SPEAKERS:
Bertha Vazquez (G. W. Carver Middle School: Miami, FL)

Beyond a Test: Alternative Assessments in Science

Wednesday, April 28 • 4:00 PM - 4:45 PM


(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Beyond a Test: Alternative Assessments in Science Presentation

STRAND: Reimagining Assessment

Show Details

Attendees will learn about unique and interactive assessments that go beyond multiple choice tests. These options offer learners a variety of ways to demonstrate their mastery of content. Varied assessment options will be explored, including alternative testing questions, interactive assessments, concept maps, and projects.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Attendees will learn about alternate ways of assessing student learning that allows all learners to demonstrate mastery of content; 2. Alternate midterm and final exams options will be shared; and 3. Attendees will learn how to create valid assessments for English Learners.

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

Combating Ableism in the Biology Classroom by Teaching Disability as a Natural Form of Human Variation to Promote an Inclusive Classroom and School Environment

Wednesday, April 28 • 4:00 PM - 4:45 PM


(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Combating Ableism In Biology Slides
There are lots of slides here. Some will be directly used in the presentation, others (especially those at the end) will serve as a resource as teachers navigate presenting these concepts to students.

STRAND: Supporting Equity in the Science Classroom

Show Details

Unsure how to address disability in biology? Learn models of disability, identify ableism, and learn how to accept disability as a natural form of variation.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will: 1. be able to identify and remedy common examples of ableism, while learning about the beliefs and practices of the ability-inclusive mindset to promote an inclusive classroom and school environment; 2. be provided a set of slides that teach how disability is a natural form of human variation, the other above concepts in the context of a biology lesson on the natural sources of variation (meiosis, mutation, sexual reproduction); and 3. learn about the positives and negatives of the social, medical, inspirational, and social justice models of disability.

SPEAKERS:
John Gensic (Penn High School: Mishawaka, IN), Katy Fattaleh (The Nora Project: Highland Park, IL), Lainey Bristow (Penn High School: Mishawaka, IN)

Hands On to Online and Back Again, Better than Ever—Lessons Learned

Wednesday, April 28 • 5:00 PM - 5:45 PM


(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Online Version of Type 2 Diabetes Model Board Activity
This is an example of a hands-on lesson adapted for online learning through an iterative process filled with hurdles and challenges. This activity is leading to the future gamification of this activity and representative of how lessons evolve over time.
Session Handout
Guide with resource links to the GEMNet GSEO curriculum and links to full materials for Hands On to Online and Back, Better Than Ever.

STRAND: Continuing Effective Distance Learning Strategies Post-COVID

Show Details

Explore the lessons learned during the rapid adaption of our Type 2 Diabetes Curriculum into a format suitable for distance learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Examples of how lessons were adapted from hands on to digital; 2. Strategies for creating engaging lessons that work both online and in-class; and 3. Access and information to full Type 2 Diabetes Curriculum adapted for in-class, hybrid, or online learning.

SPEAKERS:
Atom Lesiak (University of Washington: Seattle, WA)

Spreading and Retaining Black Girl Magic in STEM Classrooms and Beyond

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


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

STRAND: Supporting Equity in the Science Classroom

Show Details

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

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

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

Data Puzzles: Bringing Authentic Data into Classrooms Through Inquiry-Based Instruction

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

STRAND: Climate Justice and Climate Science

Show Details

Come learn about Data Puzzles, a free resource co-designed by climate scientists and instructional specialists from the University of Colorado Boulder that are aimed at bringing authentic data into classrooms in the context of current and relevant scientific research.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Introduction to inquiry-based instruction in the context of Ambitious Science Teaching practices; 2. Strategies for facilitating Data Puzzle resources and other inquiry-based activities in your MS/HS classroom; and 3. Skills to design your own data-driven learning activities.

SPEAKERS:
Jonathan Griffith (University of Colorado Boulder: Boulder, VT)

With Liberty and Justice for All: A Climate Perspective

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

STRAND: Climate Justice and Climate Science

Show Details

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

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

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

(Re)discover Your Passion for Science and Engineering: Physical and Life Science Case Studies

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

Show Details

Case studies highlight serendipitous discoveries that integrate engineering and science. Cases rooted in history capture students’ imaginations and can be used with online, remote instruction.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Attendees will explore the historical background that case studies provide to teach science; 2. Attendees will apply scientific practices with the engineering design process.; and 3. Using case studies, attendees will work in small groups and will learn how to use cases to challenge students to use their imaginations and creative skills to ideate new products or applications of current products.

SPEAKERS:
M. Gail Jones (North Carolina State University: Raleigh, NC), Rebecca Hite (Texas Tech University: Lubbock, TX), Megan Ennes (University of Florida: Gainesville, FL), Gina Childers (Texas Tech University: Lubbock, TX), Elysa Corin (Institute for Learning Innovation: Beaverton, OR), Emily Cayton (Campbell University: Buies Creek, NC)

Teaching About the Intersections of Biology, Race, and Racism: Strategies and Resources

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

STRAND: Supporting Equity in the Science Classroom

Show Details

We’ll explore the intersection of racism, the construct of race, genetic variation, and the history of science to support biology educators through our new curriculum.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Race is a socio-political construct with deep implications, but race is not a good surrogate/proxy for biology; 2. Understanding human genetic variation can disrupt the idea of biologically meaningful “races"; and 3. Race is not a risk factor for health disparities (but racism is).

SPEAKERS:
Hanako Osuga (Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center), Jeanne Chowning (Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center: No City, No State)

Developing Science as a Second Language: Vocabulary Acquisition for All

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


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

STRAND: Integrating Science and Literacy

Show Details

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

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

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

DNA Exonerations: Using DNA to Exonerate the Wrongfully Convicted

Saturday, May 1 • 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM

STRAND: Supporting Equity in the Science Classroom

Show Details

This session will provide an overview of our restructuring of a popular biology lab, DNA forensics, covering the same skills but using wrongful conviction cases.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. How DNA technology can be used not only to identify criminals but to exonerate the wrongfully convicted; 2. How DNA technology can be presented in the classroom in a social context that can open discussions about issues like mass incarceration and the presumption of guilt; and 3. How population genetics underlies identification using DNA.

SPEAKERS:
Hanako Osuga (Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center), Jason Foster (Evanston Township High School: Evanston, IL), Gretchen Kraig-Turner (Burlington Edison High School: Burlington, WA), Jeanne Chowning (Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center: No City, No State)

COVID Teaching Strategies That Are Keepers!

Saturday, May 1 • 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM


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

STRAND: Continuing Effective Distance Learning Strategies Post-COVID

Show Details

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

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

SPEAKERS:
Demetrice Smith-Mutegi (Old Dominion University: Norfolk, VA), Ruth Hutson (3D Molecular Designs: Milwaukee, WI), Johanna Brown (Washington State OSPI), Brenda Walsh (Eden Prairie High School: Eden Prairie, MN)

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

Saturday, May 1 • 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM


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

STRAND: Climate Justice and Climate Science

Show Details

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

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

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

Responsive Assessment

Saturday, May 1 • 4:30 PM - 5:15 PM


(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Question Map.pdf

STRAND: Reimagining Assessment

Show Details

Why should all students in a class receive the same aseesment questions? Technology tools enable us to tailor assessments for each of our students.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. One size does NOT fit all; 2. Google Forms can deliver test questions that match student achievement; and 3. Building a more inclusive classroom benefits everyone.

SPEAKERS:
James Gaffey (Saint Ignatius College Prep: Chicago, IL)

The Journey Back: Leveraging Data Tools and EdTech in the Post-COVID Classroom

Saturday, May 1 • 5:30 PM - 6:15 PM


(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
DITC Coastal and Ocean Acidification Teacher Guide
Background content and lesson descriptions
DITC Coastal and Ocean Acidification Worksheets (Levels 1-5)
These worksheets (fillable PDFs) accompany the online lessons.
DITC Coastal and Ocean Acidification Worksheets ANSWERS
The answer key to the worksheets that accompany the online lessons.

STRAND: Continuing Effective Distance Learning Strategies Post-COVID

Show Details

Engage in a lesson from NOAA’s Data in the Classroom to explore some effective engagement and assessment tools and technologies for the post-COVID classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Keep experimenting with EdTech inside and outside of your classrooms; 2. Utilize EdTech for assessment and engagement of all learners in the classroom; and 3. Access scientific data from NOAA to help students evaluate claims, construct arguments, and better understand the world around them.

SPEAKERS:
Amy Dean (Jewish Community High School of the Bay: San Francisco, CA)

Climate Change Phenomena and Carbon Hoofprints

Saturday, May 1 • 5:30 PM - 6:15 PM


(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
https://cdn.agclassroom.org/media/uploads/lp707/NSTA_Climate_Change_Workshop_Handout.pdf
Workshop handout (with live links)

Show Details

Explore how to engage students in the science of climate change using the question., “How will we produce food in a changing climate?”

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Resources for students to understand that food is grown in climate-specific areas of the world; 2. Critical thinking regarding the environmental footprint of food production; and 3. Context for the carbon cycle.

SPEAKERS:
Andrea Gardner (Utah State University: Logan, UT)

So You Want to Teach? Examining Perceptions of Careers in STEM Education

Wednesday, May 5 • 5:00 PM - 5:45 PM

STRAND: Social Emotional Learning and the Science Classroom

Show Details

Through research conducted by the Growing Future STEM Teachers in Maine grant, this presentation explores the upsides, downsides, and enticements of secondary STEM teaching.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. explore perceptions of careers in STEM secondary education; 2. understand factors that influence interest in STEM fields; and 3. identify evidence-based practices for preparation and retention of high-quality secondary STEM teachers.

SPEAKERS:
Patricia Waters (Saint Joseph's College of Maine: Standish, ME)

Gender-Inclusive Biology Curriculum: Small Tweaks and Big Shifts

Thursday, May 6 • 6:30 PM - 7:15 PM

STRAND: Supporting Equity in the Science Classroom

Show Details

Integrate gender diversity into your teaching for accurate, inclusive, NGSS-focused, and future-ready biology lessons! Participants will explore our free framework, example lessons, and resources.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Biology teaching presents many opportunities to teach about gender, sex, and sexuality; 2. We can support our LGBTQ+ students and all students by discussing gender-diversity in an evidence-based, ongoing, and positive way; and 3. Gender-inclusive teaching creates opportunities to engage in the NGSS science and engineering practices.

SPEAKERS:
Sam Long (Denver Public Schools: No City, No State), Lewis Steller (Academy for Precision Learning: Seattle, WA), River Suh (Leadership High School: San Francisco, CA)

SCST-Sponsored Session: Teaching Genetics and Evolution in the Midst of a Pandemic: How a Real-World Example Helps Students Learn Better

Saturday, May 8 • 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM


(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Cheesman NSTA 2021 Teaching Genetics.pdf
Slides for session

Show Details

The 2020 pandemic has given us a wealth of new applications for teaching that are personal and relevant to students.

TAKEAWAYS:
For this session, attendees will: 1. learn how the novel coronavirus was woven into a freshman biology course at multiple levels (as a thematic element); 2. see examples of student activities based on this virus and subsequent vaccine development; and 3. see examples of student evaluation of this altered course design.

SPEAKERS:
Kerry Cheesman (Capital University: Columbus, OH)

Do You Need a New Science Lab? Come Learn How to Apply to Win for Your School!

Saturday, May 8 • 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM


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

Show Details

Are you located in the U.S. near a Shell asset? Attend this session for the Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge to learn how to apply for this amazing opportunity. Pick up tips for completing a winning application and begin your journey in applying to win an updated science classroom. This program will award 33 prize packages valued up to $15,000 for high school and $10,000 for elementary and middle school!

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Learn how you can apply to win the Shell Science Lab Challenge; 2. Learn the tips to completing a winning application; and 3. Have an opportunity to actually begin to complete the application and have your questions answered.

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

Effective Questioning Strategies to Engage Students in STEM

Saturday, May 8 • 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM

STRAND: Integrating Science and Literacy

Show Details

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

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

SPEAKERS:
Acacia McKenna (NSTA: Arlington, VA)

A Differentiated Approach to Supporting Adult Learners

Saturday, May 8 • 4:30 PM - 5:15 PM

STRAND: Social Emotional Learning and the Science Classroom

Show Details

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

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

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

Helping Students Become Explorers Through Modeling, Mapping, and Service Learning

Saturday, May 8 • 4:30 PM - 5:15 PM

STRAND: Climate Justice and Climate Science

Show Details

Engage students in building scientific models, mapping, and service learning to explore climate change phenomena while inspiring them to take action.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Discover how to integrate, develop, and use scientific modeling to promote 3-D learning as the means to explore the phenomena of climate change as identified in the ESS NGSS; 2. Explore how to integrate maps to promote 3-D learning of climate change and environmental justice phenomena; and 3. Take a step further in 3-D teaching by offering students opportunities to propose a solution to address a local problem in connection to core ideas learned in class.

SPEAKERS:
Dr. Yajaira Fuentes-Tauber (Rocky Mountain High School: Fort Collins, CO)

NARST-Sponsored Session: Case Study Pedagogy and Learning Outcomes: A Framework for Teaching Biology with Narratives

Saturday, May 8 • 4:30 PM - 5:15 PM

STRAND: Integrating Science and Literacy

Show Details

Explore inclusive ways of using case studies with structured small group work/discussion, as well as aligning case studies with content goals.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Using case studies; 2. Addressing inclusion; and 3. Achieving content goals.

SPEAKERS:
Ally Hunter (University of Massachusetts Amherst: Amherst, MA), Melissa Zwick (Stockton University: Absecon, NJ)

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

Saturday, May 8 • 4:30 PM - 5:15 PM


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

STRAND: Community and Global Impacts on Classroom Learning

Show Details

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

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

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

Continuing Collaborative Experimentation When Students Must Be Remote: Solutions and Perceptions

Saturday, May 8 • 5:30 PM - 6:15 PM

STRAND: Continuing Effective Distance Learning Strategies Post-COVID

Show Details

Struggling to deliver lab experiences simultaneously to in-person and remote students in large numbers? Come learn how we did it and share your solutions too.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. The approach one takes to delivering online/hybrid laboratory experience depends on learning objectives; 2. Course-based research experiences can be conducted through remote collaborations; and 3. Students acknowledge benefits of online/hybrid research experiences.

SPEAKERS:
Donald French (Oklahoma State University: Stillwater, OK)

Urban Science Educator Discussion and Panel

Saturday, May 8 • 5:30 PM - 6:15 PM

Show Details

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

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

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

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