Science literacy is essential to be informed and engaged citizens in the 21st century. Data are what we use to do science. Thus, reading and making sense of real-world data are fundamental skills to being scientifically literate and a fun way to engage learners with science. However, how do we incorporate data into K-8 science without feeling overburdened with yet another thing to teach? By integrating it into what we are already doing! Join us to explore the connections between data, science, and literacy. We will experience research-based strategies and freely available resources for integrating phenomenon-based and local data into our science instruction to promote science literacy. We will participate in activities ourselves and reflect on approaches for how to bring these into our classrooms. The goal is to increase our data toolkit of strategies and resources to increase science literacy and relevance for students. Participants will leave more empowered to integrate data into their science content in purposeful ways to better helps students do and communicate science. Working with and learning from data fosters critical thinking skills, lifelong interests in science, and facilitates learners’ literacy skills. Let’s set our students up for success now and in the future!

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will identify how data literacy is a critical aspect of science literacy in the 21st century and how to leverage existing strategies to authentically integrate data into K-8 science instruction to teach their science content and increase literacy simultaneously.

SPEAKERS:
Kristin Hunter-Thomson (Dataspire Education & Evaluation, LLC: Santa Cruz, CA)

Sponsoring Company: Center for BioMolecular Modeling

COVID 19: Science to the Rescue! The COVID19 pandemic has created many challenges for educators over the past two years. Amidst all this chaos, there is one positive outcome of this pandemic – it has provided educators in the molecular biosciences with an opportunity to highlight the power of modern biology and the many ways in which this science has been used to provide solutions to the control of this virus. This workshop will tell the story of the COVID19 pandemic from the perspective of the CoV-2 virus, the structure of the spike protein, the molecular mechanism of the infections process and the successful application of an mRNA vaccine to provide protection from infection. Workshop participants will use physical models of the CoV-2 coronavirus – enhanced by Augmented Reality – to explore these topics.

TAKEAWAYS:
The nucleotide sequence of the CoV-2 RNA genome was the first step in vaccine development.

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

Sponsoring Company: HHMI BioInteractive

Illuminate photosynthesis for your students using free, classroom-ready resources! During this workshop, we’ll build, revise, and disrupt models to help students understand photosynthesis. Model the use of BioInteractive resources using a scaffolded approach to develop and strengthen data literacy skills in students. Provide hands-on opportunities to explore Biointeractive resources that make strong connections to science practices. Inspire participants’ use of these resources in their own classrooms in multiple content areas. Model best practice pedagogical strategies to develop data literacy skills.

TAKEAWAYS:
Model the use of BioInteractive resources using a scaffolded approach to develop and strengthen data literacy skills in students.

SPEAKERS:
Mark Eberhard (St. Clair High School: Saint Clair, MI), Ann Brokaw (Rocky River High School: Rocky River, OH)

Sponsoring Company: Edvotek

Respiratory viruses like influenza or COVID can lead to worldwide pandemics. We’ll discuss how diseases spread and perform experiments to explore how disease testing works.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will explore pathology of common diseases, including clinical testing and epidemiology of pathogens.

SPEAKERS:
Brian Ell (Edvotek Inc.: Washington, DC), Danielle Snowflack (Edvotek Inc.: Washington, DC)

Sponsoring Company: PASCO scientific

Clear up misconceptions about respiration only occurring in the dark, or that only green light is used
for photosynthesis! In this workshop, you'll learn how to use common plant leaves to illustrate how plants
convert light energy into chemical energy and carry out investigations using real-time carbon exchange data.  Attend for a chance to win equipment for your school!

TAKEAWAYS:
Enhance student understandings of photosynthesis and cellular respiration by observing carbon exchange in real time!

SPEAKERS:
Barbara Pugliese (PASCO Scientific: Roseville, CA)

Sponsoring Company: Carolina Biological Supply Co.

Add excitement to your class with live organisms! Discover simple hands-on ways to explore evolution, adaptation, and behavior with  insects and arthropods. Learn care, handling, and integration of organisms with NGSS standards.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will takeaway firsthand knowledge and skills to select, handle, and successfully keep insects and arthropods in the classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Laurie Nixon (Watauga High School: Boone, NC)

Sponsoring Company: miniPCR bio

Genes in Space is an experimental design competition that invites students in middle and high school to design biology experiments addressing challenges faced by space travelers. Each year, one winning project is launched to the International Space Station, where it is carried out by astronauts. Join us to learn how the contest can engage your students in authentic research combining science and engineering practices. We will also share how you can access free Genes in Space classroom resources, including lesson plans, classroom activities, explainer videos, and biotechnology equipment loans.

TAKEAWAYS:
Engage students in an experimental design contest, access free classroom resources including lesson plans, activities, videos, and biotechnology equipment loans, and make a real-world scientific contribution for a chance to launch your experiment to the International Space Station

SPEAKERS:
Bruce Bryan (miniPCR: Cambridge, MA)

Sponsoring Company: Legends of Learning

Attendees will learn how employing game-based learning (GBL) engages and develops all learners. Understand how games empower students, develop critical thinking skills, provide instant feedback (and more) to develop content mastery as well as social-emotional learning. Game-Based Learning: encourages players to take risks without fear of failure, provides instant feedback that takes advantage of the richest teachable moments, creates individualized experiences through student agency, develops 21st century skills such as critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity, allows students to experience that actions have ramifications, and invites all students to engage, providing expanded opportunities for equitable learning. Attendees will experience examples of each of these benefits, discuss how they could apply to their own classrooms, and will learn about the research that supports them. Attendees will collaborate with each other as they explore and discuss concepts during the session. They will also investigate how to apply game-based learning to creating experiences that address their own learning objectives.

TAKEAWAYS:
Apply game-based learning to make a difference to your students.

SPEAKERS:
Janet Pittock (director: , CA)

Trade books are often used to support science instruction, and are an effective way to connect ideas about how science works to classroom science experiences. In this workshop, we will share a rubric for evaluating trade books for science read-alouds and discuss how the tool can be used to inform instruction (e.g., developing discussion questions). The rubric focuses on four concepts related to humanizing science, and aligned with views of nature of science in the Next Generation Science Standards: Science is done by diverse people, Scientists interpret empirical evidence to support their claims, Scientists use a variety of methods, and Scientists are creative at all stages of their investigations. These four concepts support students’ understanding of how science works, laying the foundation for being an effective consumer of science. Additionally, these four concepts present a more accurate representation of scientists, in contrast with many long-standing stereotypes about scientists. Attendees will have the opportunity to use the rubric to analyze elementary-level science trade books and develop a plan for implementing the read-alouds in class. We will conclude by examining how teachers can layer selected trade books effectively into their existing science curriculum.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn why representing science as a human activity is important for students’ understanding of how science works, and will learn how to select and plan for read-alouds of books that humanize science into their existing science curriculum.

SPEAKERS:
Jeanne Brunner (University of Massachusetts Amherst: Amherst, MA), Kathleen Mahoney (University of Massachusetts Amherst: Amherst, MA)

From A Silent Spring, The Limits to Growth and Population Bomb of the 1960s and 70s to today’s planetary boundary science, overshoot, and creating a safe and just space for humanity, some would say that “the science is in” and that it is pretty gloomy. Additionally, now in the frenetic information age, humans are overwhelmingly aware of the multitude of crises we face as a species. Our collective mental health is tanking. Knowing our predicament is one thing, but knowing what to do about it is another. Education may be one of our most powerful tools. However, delivery, content, and reach are impaired by multiple factors including politics, economics, religion, and the numerous influences affecting everyone’s social construction of knowledge. This presentation will share examples from the fields of environmental, conservation, and humane education and then focus on the potential promise of comprehensive education for ecological justice.

About the Speaker
Sarah M. Bexell is clinical associate professor with the Graduate School of Social Work and Director of Humane Education with the Institute for Human-Animal Connection, both at the University of Denver, Colorado. Sarah is also a faculty member teaching Animal Protection for the Institute for Humane Education at Antioch University New England and senior advisor to the Education Department of the Chengdu Research Base for Giant Pandas, China. She teaches and does research in the areas of ecological justice, humane education, and animal protection.

SPEAKERS:
Sarah Bexell (University of Denver: Denver, CO)

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

Participants will examine the structure of phospholipids and how it shapes the function of the cell membrane using multiple representations including hands-on models. Cellular processes like active and passive transport will be explored while demonstrating how these models can amplify traditional biology labs and classroom activities. Participants will explore examples of membranes in action that can be applied to units on genetics and evolution to extend the reach of the models throughout the school year.

TAKEAWAYS:
Students can create and revise models to explore how the structure of phospholipids influences the function of cell membranes.

SPEAKERS:
Kim Parfitt (3D Molecular Designs: Boise, ID)

Sponsoring Company: miniPCR bio

Discover a completely new approach to studying DNA and enzymes. Using fluorescence your students can now directly visualize DNA base pairing and explore the effects of temperature, pH, and genetic sequence on DNA structure. Then see how inhibitors, concentration, temperature and pH affect the rate of enzymatic reactions. Go beyond building models; watch biology glow!

TAKEAWAYS:
Explore the connection between DNA sequence and DNA structure and investigate the properties of enzymes including competitive inhibition.

SPEAKERS:
Bruce Bryan (miniPCR: Cambridge, MA)

Sponsoring Company: Fisher Science Education

Get your students excited about chemistry and consumer science at one time! Join us as we evaluate various types of shampoo to determine which provides the best value. Investigate pH, viscosity, and other detergent characteristics like foam retention and ink dispersion in this engaging hands-on demonstration. Excellent for helping students understand key surfactant chemistry topics like hydrophobicity and micelles.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will learn the process of evaluating shampoo for pH, viscosity, foam retention and ink dispersion.

SPEAKERS:
Kymberly Hall (: Atlanta, GA)

Sponsoring Company: Texas Instruments

Attendees will explore disease modeling through the use of real (virtual) ZOMBIES!

TAKEAWAYS:
1. This session will explore disease-spread modeling using fictional zombies; 2. Attendees will also see how using Hollywood themes combined with actual STEM careers can be a fun way to engage students in learning science and STEM; and 3. Attendees will find out about free science and STEM lessons from Texas Instruments.

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

Sponsoring Company: HHMI BioInteractive

Explore free HHMI BioInteractive resources to help students construct an explanation as to how different patterns of inheritance lead to gene expression and how gene therapy can be used to affect that gene expression. Consider ways in which these resources can be used, adopted and/or adapted for different learning levels. Reflect on different ways models can be used in science and the teaching of science.

TAKEAWAYS:
Explore free HHMI BioInteractive resources to help students construct an explanation as to how different patterns of inheritance lead to gene expression and how gene therapy can be used to affect that gene expression. Consider ways in which these resources can be used, adopted and/or adapted for different learning levels. Reflect on different ways models can be used in science and the teaching of science.

SPEAKERS:
Valerie May (Woodstock Academy: Woodstock, CT), Karen Lucci (Retired Educator: Yardley, PA)

Sponsoring Company: Edvotek

Want to learn today’s top biotechnology techniques? Join us for a hands-on exploration of PCR and electrophoresis in one hour using the EdvoCyclerJr and the EDGE!

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will explore the science behind the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and learn strategies for performing PCR in short class periods.

SPEAKERS:
Brian Ell (Edvotek Inc.: Washington, DC), Danielle Snowflack (Edvotek Inc.: Washington, DC)

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Software & Technology

Get active and participate in hands-on experiments. Explore limb position and grip strength, balance, and EKGs/EMGs experiments designed to encourage students to think about the physiology of various human organ systems. Walk away with valuable information, including sample labs and teaching tips.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Gain experience with hands-on technology that encourages students to explore and test different solutions and make connections to the real world; 2. Get access to free resources to keep students engaged while learning key scientific concepts either remotely or in the lab; and 3. Gain hands-on experiences with innovative products that increase student engagement, promote creativity and collaboration, and develop problem-solving skills.

SPEAKERS:
Colleen McDaniel (Vernier Science Education: Beaverton, OR), Nüsret Hisim (Vernier Science Education: Beaverton, OR)

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Software & Technology

Learn how to introduce new scientific concepts to your students through the lens of climate change. We will discuss experiments that let students study climate change in the classroom using data-collection technology, such as an investigation into the effect of carbon dioxide on ocean and freshwater pH. All activities are available as a free download for attendees.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Gain experience with hands-on technology that encourages students to explore and test different solutions and make connections to the real world; 2. Get access to free resources to keep students engaged while learning key scientific concepts either remotely or in the lab; and 3. Gain hands-on experiences with innovative products that increase student engagement, promote creativity and collaboration, and develop problem-solving skills.

SPEAKERS:
Colleen McDaniel (Vernier Science Education: Beaverton, OR), Nüsret Hisim (Vernier Science Education: Beaverton, OR)

Sponsoring Company: Lab-Aids

Use a computer simulation to analyze and interpret mathematical data that explores the evolutionary connection between cystic fibrosis (a genetic disease) and tuberculosis (an infectious disease) and evaluate mathematical representation. Learn about the cause-and-effect relationship between being a CF carrier and experiencing less severe TB symptoms. Explore he mathematical effects of changing environmental variables (prevalence of TB and access to high quality health care) on the frequency of the CF mutation; and make predictions about the future frequency of the CF mutation based on advances in treatment of CF.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn about the cause-and-effect relationship between being a Cystic Fibrosis carrier and experiencing less severe Tuberculosis symptoms.

SPEAKERS:
Wendy Jackson (The Lawrence Hall of Science: Skokie, IL)

Sponsoring Company: Texas Instruments

An empty field. A human corpse. Maggots and flies. Who is the victim? What happened? Can you solve the mystery? This middle and high school activity will challenge you to apply science and deductive reasoning to determine what happened!

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Forensic science is a STEM career field that combines science, math, and criminal justice concepts; 2. Understanding the natural process of decomposition can help investigators narrow in on identifying victims and causes of death; and 3. Using stories is a great way to engage students and provide context to the science/STEM they are learning.

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

Sponsoring Company: Edvotek

Forensic science combines disciplines to determine “whodunit.” In this workshop, learn how to merge hands-on biotechnology experiments with literacy exercises to create an immersive lesson.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will perform hands-on biotechnology experiments that will allow them to discuss the implications of genetic fingerprinting and blood testing of forensic samples in class.

SPEAKERS:
Brian Ell (Edvotek Inc.: Washington, DC), Danielle Snowflack (Edvotek Inc.: Washington, DC)

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

During this workshop, participants will work explore cell communication using hands-on models of synapses. Participants will experience how using models to explore abstract concepts deepens student understanding and inquiry for students and provides opportunities for formative assessments of student understanding. Participants will also have opportunities to deepen and challenge their own conceptual understanding of cell communication by altering the biochemical events within the synapses. These changes will reflect what happens when synapses are disturbed by drugs, including both prescription and drugs of abuse, as well as some mental health disorders. Finally, ideas for three-dimensional summative assessments will be explored.

TAKEAWAYS:
Hands on models of synapses let students explore cell communication and the structure and function relationship of proteins and signaling molecules including toxins and drugs.

SPEAKERS:
Kim Parfitt (3D Molecular Designs: Boise, ID)

Sponsoring Company: miniPCR bio

Teach electrophoresis from the inside out. The BanditTM STEM Electrophoresis Kit allows students to build a working gel electrophoresis apparatus. After building it, they use their fully functioning system to run an electrophoresis lab. Link the concepts of circuits, electric fields, and charged particles through this essential biotechnology tool as students will make connections across scientific disciplines. With the accompanying high-quality curriculum, you'll perform molecular biology labs on a budget you didn't think was possible!

TAKEAWAYS:
Connect the physical sciences to biotechnology techniques and implement accessible and affordable electrophoresis for all levels, ranging from Mendelian inheritance to molecular genetics.

SPEAKERS:
Bruce Bryan (miniPCR: Cambridge, MA)

Sponsoring Company: miniPCR bio

Bring authentic CRISPR/Cas9 to your class in the most easy-to-implement format possible. Use Cas9 enzyme paired with different guide RNAs to target specific DNA sequences. Use sequence analysis to predict where Cas9 will cut, then perform the experiment and compare predictions to results using DNA gel electrophoresis. Get to the heart of CRISPR/Cas9 function without the need for live organisms or complicated procedures. Real CRISPR/Cas is more accessible than you ever thought possible!

TAKEAWAYS:
Use real Cas9 enzyme to target and cut DNA with clear gel electrophoresis readouts to view results.

SPEAKERS:
Bruce Bryan (miniPCR: Cambridge, MA)

Sponsoring Company: Beyond Labz

Workshop Summary: Beyond Labz is a set of sophisticated and realistic virtual laboratories that have been used by millions of students over the past 20 years. Subjects covered by the virtual labs include general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, physical science, and biology. We have recently updated the virtual labs so they are browser-based with a number of new features including tracking student lab books and the student journey through the lab. With over 20 years of experience and feedback from students and teachers worldwide, we have learned much about how to enhance and augment classroom and laboratory instruction using the virtual labs. In this presentation we will provide a brief update on the new features in Beyond Labz, and we will provide onboarding instructions and describe how to use the virtual laboratories in various curriculum settings and use cases, and we will show the labs can be used to enhance inquiry-based instruction. We will also describe some of the recent research we have performed using these and other simulation products we have created.

TAKEAWAYS:
Beyond Labz simplifies and reduces the cost and expertise needed to provide crucial laboratory experiences and practice for Secondary and Higher Ed students. Attendees will learn how the labs are used for pre and post lab experiences, credit recovery and lab make-up, student engagement in class, and meeting NGSS standards. Basic onboarding and startup instructions will be provided for drop-in solutions, and instructions for using some of the more sophisticated features will also be described.

SPEAKERS:
Brian Woodfield (Brigham Young University: Provo, UT)

Sponsoring Company: Fisher Science Education & Aldon

Looking for ways to connect your classroom, regardless of whether students are in school or at home? Co-lab-orate is an innovative digital lab notebook that allows educators to easily create, assign, and grade lab reports, while helping students communicate with their classmates and teachers. Co-lab-orate can be used to complete hands-on activities done individually or in a group setting, when working at school or remotely. Join Fisher Science Education and Aldon as we conduct an experiment while showcasing Co-lab-Orate’s game changing and cost-effective teaching platform!

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will perform a lab experiment and record the results on their own device experiencing the full power of Co-Lab-Orate.

SPEAKERS:
Kymberly Hall (: Atlanta, GA), Alex Molinich (Aldon Corporation: Avon, NY)

Sponsoring Company: Edvotek

Explore the science of candy colors! In this hands-on workshop, we’ll use electrophoresis and chromatography to separate mixtures of molecules based on their physical properties.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will explore the physical properties of molecules using chromatography and electrophoresis.

SPEAKERS:
Brian Ell (Edvotek Inc.: Washington, DC), Danielle Snowflack (Edvotek Inc.: Washington, DC)

Sponsoring Company: Center for BioMolecular Modeling

Teachers explore strategies that make student thinking visible while engaging all students with models to investigate the elegance of the Central Dogma of biology. Using the Flow of Genetic Information Kit and instructional strategies that promote modeling, revision of models, collaboration, and reflection, teachers will identify how modeling can be used to reveal student understanding of DNA and RNA structure and function. Teachers will investigate their own ideas and anticipate student ideas in using models. Teachers will explore how models for replication, transcription, and translation can provide spiraling instruction throughout a semester in order to enhance student success with complex ideas.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will identify how modeling can be used to reveal student understanding of DNA and RNA structure and function.

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

Sponsoring Company: HHMI BioInteractive

- Robust student reasoning requires scaffolding and feedback. Attendees will engage in different strategies that provide these for students during the scientific explanation process. -Scientific explanations follow a progression of practice: high school students are asked to provide counter arguments and additional evidence to support their claims. HHMI BioInteractive resources can allow them to do this more effectively. -Explanations can be done individually and as a group, as formative and summative assessments. Participants will engage in different styles of explanation throughout the session. Everyone will leave with at least one new idea for a scientific explanation they can use in their class.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will engage in different styles of explanation throughout the session. Everyone will leave with at least one new idea for a scientific explanation they can use in their class.

SPEAKERS:
James Clark (Director: Pleasanton, CA), Samantha Johnson (Arroyo High School: Oakland, CA)

Sponsoring Company: ExploreLearning

STEM cases are an integral part of meaningful inclusive and authentic learning. They can range from community awareness to global crises. Students can instantly make socio-emotional connections to the cases as the phenomenon they are reviewing can be happening just beyond the walls of their classrooms. (And studies show that when students make emotional connections, they are able to redirect more content into long-term memory storage!) In addition, STEM cases can support all students by differentiating delivery and assessment, using technology (which has its own modifications and accommodations), and by also providing handbooks for educators and students to create additional in depth pedagogy and experiences. Because we focus on the process, educators can assess science and engineering skills over time as students complete more than a dozen standards-based studies. Session Outline: 1) Participants will learn more about the value of providing a career-readiness approach to STEM learning. 2) We'll review the research behind an effective program like Interactive STEM Cases. 3) Participants will see how we can see real-time data collection and see how this approach makes sense to pause if we need to support a challenging concept 4) Participants will have an opportunity to jump into an Interactive STEM Case to get excited about adding this resource to their students’ tool kit.

TAKEAWAYS:
The purpose of providing students with real-time scenarios to engage STEM enthusiasm.

SPEAKERS:
David Kanter (ExploreLearning: Charlottesville, VA)

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Software & Technology

Stop counting bubbles. It has never been easier to visualize photosynthesis in the classroom. Use the latest technology to measure photosynthesis and the variables that affect it. Bring your own device with our Graphical Analysis app installed or use our devices. All activities are available as a free download for attendees.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Gain experience with hands-on technology that encourages students to explore and test different solutions and make connections to the real world; 2. Get access to free resources to keep students engaged while learning key scientific concepts either remotely or in the lab; and 3. Gain hands-on experiences with innovative products that increase student engagement, promote creativity and collaboration, and develop problem-solving skills.

SPEAKERS:
Colleen McDaniel (Vernier Science Education: Beaverton, OR), Nüsret Hisim (Vernier Science Education: Beaverton, OR)

Sponsoring Company: Carolina Biological Supply Co.

Is there still a place for dissections in the NGSS classroom? The answer is yes! We will demonstrate how to integrate the three dimensions of learning while highlighting adaptations and the relationship between structure and function with a frog dissection.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to integrate dissection into the NGSS classroom and expereience a review of frog dissection techniques and anatomy.

SPEAKERS:
Patti Kopkau (Carolina Biological Supply Co.: Hale, MI)

Sponsoring Company: Edvotek

Explore the relationship between genotype and phenotype using your sense of taste and biotechnology! Examine variations in your bitter taste receptor with PCR and electrophoresis.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will explore the link between genotype and phenotype using PCR and a PTC tasting assay.

SPEAKERS:
Brian Ell (Edvotek Inc.: Washington, DC), Danielle Snowflack (Edvotek Inc.: Washington, DC)

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

Are your students confused about protein structure and its relationship to its function? In this hands-on, interactive session, explore how proteins get their dimensionality. Then focus on enzymes, their active sites, and which factors limit enzyme activity. Finally, learn some tips to aid your students in interpreting results from the catalase lab. Extend your students' learning with these NGSS, AP, or IB consistent lessons.  Participants will: • Demonstrate how the unique properties of the 20 amino acids determine the final shape of the protein. • Experience how modifications to the enzyme active site affects its reactivity. • Apply knowledge of enzymes to explain the results of the catalase lab.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will explore how the unique properties of amino acids determine the final structure of a protein and how that structure impact’s function.

SPEAKERS:
Ruth Hutson (3D Molecular Designs: Westmoreland, KS)

Sponsoring Company: miniPCR bio

Bring your students on an expedition to Madagascar! Analyze morphological data and run electrophoresis gels to determine whether researchers have rediscovered a species of lemur once thought to be extinct. Your students will analyze actual field data, construct phylogenetic trees from DNA sequence data, and compare generalist and specialist species facing ecological change. This collaboration with the Duke Lemur Center was designed with the goal of bringing molecular techniques to Ecology and Evolution units and is based directly on their published and unpublished data. As either a quick, single-period gel electrophoresis lab or a weeklong mini-unit, this lab offers flexibility, engagement, and high-quality curriculum.

TAKEAWAYS:
Bring molecular approaches to ecology and evolution units by exploring authentic data from researchers at the Duke Lemur Center

SPEAKERS:
Bruce Bryan (miniPCR: Cambridge, MA)

Wander your way through 30 different STEM stations to learn about resources, lessons, and teaching strategies to incorporate more STEM into your school and classroom. This farmer's market–type event brings together educators, authors, researchers, and leaders in early childhood through fifth-grade STEM education. Leave with a mindful of great ideas and be inspired!

TAKEAWAYS:
Pick up great ideas and be inspired during this farmer's market–type event.

SPEAKERS:
Sharon Bird (The NEED Project: Crest Hill, IL), Heather Pacheco-Guffrey (Bridgewater State University: Bridgewater, MA), Lauren Burrow (Stephen F. Austin State University: Nacogdoches, TX), Susan Erickson (Country School: Maynard, MA), Sara Nelson (Iowa State University: Ames, IA), Constance Beecher (Iowa State University: Ames, IA), Elizabeth Dethloff (Robert R. Shaw Center for STEAM: Katy, TX), Christine Preston (The University of Sydney: Hornsby, Australia), Catherine Scott (Coastal Carolina University: Raleigh, NC), Kristin Cook (Bellarmine University: Louisville, KY), Richard Cox, Jr. (Atrium Health: Rock Hill, SC), Annette Venegas (retired: Gig Harbor, WA), Juliette Guarino Berg (The Town School: Forest Hills, NY), Katie Morrison (University Child Development School: Seattle, WA), Wendi Laurence (Education Specialist: Park City, UT), Katrina Kmak (Park City Library: Park City, UT), Brittnie Hecht (Park City Library: Park City, UT), Diana Lockwood (Author & Executive Director: Milford, CT), Godwyn Morris (Dazzling Discoveries / Skill Mill NYC: New York, NY), Bridget Miller (University of South Carolina: Columbia, SC), Christie Martin (University of South Carolina: Columbia, SC), Rebecca Kurson (Collegiate School: New York, NY), Cori Nelson (Winfield School District 34: Hinckley, IL), Shelly Counsell (Self Employed Consultant: Buffalo, NY), Belle Akers (Convent & Stuart Hall's Schools of the Sacred Heart: San Francisco, CA), Kathleen Tate (American Public University System: Lakeway, TX), Dennis Schatz (Institute for Learning Innovation: Seattle, WA), Beth Pesnell (Kansas State University: Manhattan, KS), Bill Burton (Tatnall School: Wilmington, DE), Barbara Bromley (Hazelwood Elementary School: Kingston, WA), Kim Stilwell (BIOZONE Corp.: Naples, FL), Nancy McIntyre (Resource Area for Teachers: San Jose, CA), Shari Haug (: Elmhurst, IL), Jane Savatski (Janet Berry Elementary School: Menasha, WI), Katrina Pavlik (Deputy Executive Director: Oakbrook Terrace, IL), Mitchell Rosenberg (Kinderlab Robotics, Inc.: Waltham, MA), Tiffany Leones (Digital Promise: San Jose, CA), Beth Dykstra VanMeeteren (University of Northern Iowa: Cedar Falls, IA), Danielle Scharen (Horizon Research, Inc.: Durham, NC), Frances Hamilton (The University of Alabama in Huntsville: Taft, TN), Jennifer Williams (Isidore Newman School: Belle Chasse, LA), Anne Lowry (Aleph Academy: Reno, NV)

Engage students, families, and the community in STEAM through Family STEAM Nights in order to equitably build understanding and interest in STEAM.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how to create, recruit, and implement a Family STEAM Night to engage students, families, and the community in STEAM.

SPEAKERS:
McKenna Serowka (Lake Zurich High School: Lake Zurich, IL)

Explore the many ways dinosaurs and paleontology can be integrated into STEM curricula to attract all learners. Resources and collaboration ideas will be shared.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will walk away with a plethora of hands-on ideas and resources (including children's literature) relating to dinosaurs, paleontology, and community resources to help inspire all learners in their contexts.

SPEAKERS:
Catherine Pangan (Butler University: Indianapolis, IN), Becky Wolfe (The Children's Museum of Indianapolis: Indianapolis, IN)

Sponsoring Company: PASCO scientific

Help students discover the relationship between solution concentration and the amount of light absorbed through guided inquiry. Learn how to use a colorimeter and a spectrometer to collect and analyze solution data, develop a mathematical model, and test it by determining the unknown concentration of a solution.  Attend for a chance to win equipment for your school!

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to develop student understandings of colorimetry and Beer's Law by testing solutions with spectrometers and colorimeters.

SPEAKERS:
Barbara Pugliese (PASCO Scientific: Roseville, CA)

Sponsoring Company: LaMotte Company

Help students discover the value of aquatic macroinvertebrates as living indicators of water quality. Determining the biotic index helps students connect the dots between water quality chemistry tests and what is actually living in that body of water. Creates opportunities for mapping skills, observation, reading, art, and math skills. Students can develop their own experiments. Observe aquatic macroinvertebrate specimens, conduct activities, learn classification skills and calculate a biotic index in this hands-on introduction to stream ecology. A totally flexible tool that can be adapted for varying time limits, number of students and grade levels.

TAKEAWAYS:
Help students discover the value of aquatic macroinvertebrates as living indicators of water quality. A totally flexible tool that can be adapted for varying time limits, number of students and grade levels.

SPEAKERS:
Tara Muenz (Stroud Water Research Center: Downingtown, PA)

Sponsoring Company: ExploreLearning

Everyday events make us wonder. Some events are easily explained, while others cannot. When these events are examined and tested through virtual simulations, they give students an opportunity to think. Why do some objects float and others sink? What is the difference between a solar eclipse and a lunar eclipse and how often does that happen? Learn how to use virtual simulations to help students dig deeper and get inspired by science and STEM phenomenon! Through this highly interactive session, educators will be able to understand the added value of including simulations to their current lab practices. Although hands-on activities are always important, simulations allow for a deeper understanding of content for all students. When coupled with hands-on learning, students can create more moments to explore, discover and apply new concepts. Simulations are repeatable (to allow for trial and error) so students can practice skills again and again to make STEM concepts stick!

TAKEAWAYS:
Use of virtual simulations builds a deeper understanding of concepts.

SPEAKERS:
Jenna Mercury (ExploreLearning: Charlottesville, VA)

Sponsoring Company: miniPCR bio

Furry puppies and Mendelian genetics, two things everybody loves! This activity invites students to trace the inheritance of the furnishings trait (the presence of a mustache and bushy eyebrows in dogs) in a litter of puppies. Molly the labradoodle has had a litter of puppies, but who’s the dad? Is it Otto the labradoodle or Zeus the poodle? Students use Punnett squares to make predictions then run electrophoresis gels to determine the answer. There will be puppy pictures!

TAKEAWAYS:
Connect genotype to phenotype, use Punnett squares to predict inheritance of a Mendelian trait, and run electrophoresis gels to connect modern genetic tools to classical Mendelian inheritance

SPEAKERS:
Bruce Bryan (miniPCR: Cambridge, MA)

Sponsoring Company: Edvotek

HIV is a sneaky virus. Once inside the body, it suppresses the immune system. Learn about testing, tracing, and treatment using a simulated diagnostic ELISA!

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will explore medical testing for common diseases, including how they work and what they mean.

SPEAKERS:
Danielle Snowflack (Edvotek Inc.: Washington, DC), Brian Ell (Edvotek Inc.: Washington, DC)

Sponsoring Company: Lab-Aids

Look for patterns in species diversity in coral reef ecosystems and other animals to determine cause and effect of relationship and understand how ecosystem interactions affect patterns of biological diversity. Takeaways: 1. Compare maps showing the geographical ranges of several different species and several different abiotic factors; 2. For each species, determine which abiotic factors correlate with species diversity and which do not; and 3. Consider the importance of species diversity to an ecosystem.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Compare maps showing the geographical ranges of several different species and several different abiotic factors; 2. For each species, determine which abiotic factors correlate with species diversity and which do not; and 3. Consider the importance of species diversity to an ecosystem.

SPEAKERS:
Wendy Jackson (The Lawrence Hall of Science: Skokie, IL)

Sponsoring Company: HHMI BioInteractive

Explore the free HHMI BioInteractive resources to better understand the science behind the Covid-19 headlines and see the real-world connections between understanding viral replication cycles and how biologists discover ways to detect and track viruses, treat infections, and prevent future epidemics.

TAKEAWAYS:
Explore the free HHMI BioInteractive resources to better understand the science behind the Covid-19 headlines and see the real-world connections between understanding viral replication cycles and how biologists discover ways to detect and track viruses, treat infections, and prevent future epidemics.

SPEAKERS:
Valerie May (Woodstock Academy: Woodstock, CT), Michele Koehler (Riverside Brookfield District 208: Willowbrook, IL)

Sponsoring Company: Carolina Biological Supply Co.

This “real” classroom autopsy revitalizes your mammalian structure and function lesson to three-dimensional instruction and addresses standards. Participants dissect a Carolina’s Perfect Solution® pig by modeling the protocols of a professional forensic pathologist.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants dissect a Carolina’s Perfect Solution® pig by modeling the protocols of a professional forensic pathologist.

SPEAKERS:
Patti Kopkau (Carolina Biological Supply Co.: Hale, MI)

Sponsoring Company: MiniOne Systems

Simplified prep and innovative technology makes your bacterial transformation work for you, not the other way around. In this workshop, you will perform transformation in a few simple steps without the water bath and ice bucket, and use a new innovative media plate that comes pre-made. See how this lab will let you spend your time teaching and analyzing data, not prepping.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn about a faster, simpler, and more reliable way to teach bacterial transformation

SPEAKERS:
Jody Saxton West (Northfield High School: Northfield, MN)

Sponsoring Company: Bio-Rad Laboratories

Outbreak! A new viral disease is spreading rapidly, but how? Analyze patient DNA samples to determine who was infected and figure out how it spreads.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Walk through a customizable scenario for the classroom in which students use epidemiological techniques to figure out how a novel disease might be spreading; 2. Analyze DNA using agarose gel electrophoresis to determine the infection status of a large set of patients; and 3. See how this adaptable public health and epidemiological puzzle is an excellent context to teach viral disease biology.

SPEAKERS:
Leigh Brown (Bio-Rad Laboratories: Hercules, CA)

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

Educators will use models to experience strategies that engage students in making sense of patterns in molecular structures and functions that have led to advances in biotechnology. Strategies will include collaborative sense-making, using models as explanations, and reflect on learning. Teachers will describe the structures of DNA and enzymes that researchers capitalize on to create biotechnology applications such as restriction enzymes and PCR. Teachers will identify how models, conceptional and physical, can be used by students to reveal their ideas and understandings. Teachers will identify formative assessment opportunities in the modeling process.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will experience how models, conceptual and physical, can be used by students to reveal their ideas and understanding.

SPEAKERS:
Mark Arnholt (Hartford Union High School District: Hartford, WI)

Classroom gardens, whether indoors or out, provide a variety of ways to actively engage students in the scientific process and the NGSS. In this session, educators will learn about easy to grow seeds and plants for classroom experiments and how to maintain them in a classroom setting. They will sample ideas for investigations to address areas within the NGSS such as plant and seed needs, adaptations, structure and function, propagation and reproduction, human impacts on biodiversity, and the Science and Engineering Practices. This will include ideas for adding engineering and problem solving to plant-based investigations, like designing simple hydroponics systems to grow food indoors without soil or examining the challenges of growing in Martian soil. Finally, educators will learn about some of the investigations that Chicago Botanic Garden scientists are conducting with plants and plant-animal interactions, and how similar studies can be replicated in the classroom and schoolyard. Educators will participate in a planting activity and receive some seeds for their classroom in addition to a variety of curricular resources and ideas.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn to engage students in plant-based investigations in the classroom using easy to grow plants and seeds.

SPEAKERS:
Rebecca Ammann (Chicago Botanic Garden: Glencoe, IL)

Sponsoring Company: BIOZONE

BIOZONE’s interactive worktexts are designed to support teachers by providing tools and content to:

• Deliver accessible content within a differentiated classroom.
• Engage students through inquiry or phenomenon-based learning.
• Undertake effective and meaningful assessment using curricula specific assessment tools.
• Enhance content delivery using the BIOZONE toolkit.
• Enable flexible delivery in remote, in class, or blended delivery environments.

During this presentation we will showcase our two NGSS series and our new AP titles.

• BIOZONE’s two NGSS series (Standard NGSS Series and Integrated NGSS Series) have been specifically designed to fully embrace the spirit and intent of the Next Generation Science Standards. These phenomena based titles are and fully three-dimensional, the DCIs, SEPs, and CCCs are embedded within each activity, delivery of material is scaffolded using the 5Es Instructional Model, and carefully designed assessment tasks conclude each chapter. Discover which NGSS series is right for you.
• BIOZONE’s AP Environmental Science and AP Biology are structured on the units and topics outlined in the CEDs, with the Big Ideas and Enduring Understandings spiralling across all units. Students are engaged in learning through inquiry, case studies, investigations, and second hand data analysis. Assessment tasks based on the CED stipulations conclude each chapter.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Discover how BIOZONE’s interactive worktexts and BIOZONE toolkit empower teachers to deliver engaging, effective programs within a differentiated classroom. 2. Discover how the BIOZONE tool kit augments the worktext and supports teachers to deliver a flexible and engaging program. 3. Learn about BIOZONE’S two NGSS series (Standard NGSS Series and Integrated NGSS Series) and our new Advanced Placement titles for AP Biology and AP Environmental Science. All workshop attendees receive a FREE BIOZONE eBook personal license and a FREE copy of the BIOZONE title of their choice.

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

Sponsoring Company: Bio-Rad Laboratories

Dig into CRISPR, a revolutionary technology in gene therapy. Learn about a classroom CRISPR lab activity with robust controls and a free paper model.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Learn about a lab activity in which students do real CRISPR gene editing and confirm the chromosomal edit with PCR; 2. Receive and practice using a free paper model to teach the function of Cas9, a key protein in CRISPR technology; and 3. Hear the latest in CRISPR technology, including current efforts in gene therapy.

SPEAKERS:
Leigh Brown (Bio-Rad Laboratories: Hercules, CA), Tamica Stubbs (Bio-Rad Laboratories: Hercules, CA)

Sponsoring Company: MiniOne Systems

Finally a FUN way to teach macromolecules without the crazy prep! In this microscaled lab activity, students can test for starch, glucose, protein, lipids and even DNA, without the need for large volumes of reagents, cleaning test tubes, or boiling reagents. Students can use their new knowledge to perform tests on some unusual samples.

TAKEAWAYS:
Get hands on with a lab thgat takes only minutes to set up, uses less reagent and take less time to test for protein, starch, glucose, lipids and DNA, then apply this microscaled protocol to test other samples for these 5 macromolecules

SPEAKERS:
Jody Saxton West (Northfield High School: Northfield, MN)

Sponsoring Company: miniPCR bio

miniPCR bio™ is the leader in bringing PCR and gel electrophoresis into classrooms with affordable, innovative, hands-on tools and activities. Join us to explore how small genetic changes can change our ability to perceive the world around us. The TAS2R38 taste receptor gene can confer the phenotypic ability to taste the chemical phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) and other bitter flavors. Your students can test their own TAS2R38 taste receptor gene and determine whether they have taster or non-taster alleles of the gene. Our most popular lab has been rewritten with updated curriculum appropriate for levels from introductory to AP bio and college. Come learn how our miniPCR® machine and blueGel™ electrophoresis system make classroom biotechnology faster, simpler and more intuitive than ever before.

TAKEAWAYS:
Use affordable hands-on tools to bring PCR and gel electrophoresis to any biology classroom

SPEAKERS:
Bruce Bryan (miniPCR: Cambridge, MA)

Sponsoring Company: Edvotek

Creating colorful transformed bacteria is an unforgettable way to teach the central dogma of molecular biology. Learn how to use transformed bacteria to create bio-art!

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn about bacterial transformation and the ways that the technique explores the relationship between genotype and phenotype.

SPEAKERS:
Danielle Snowflack (Edvotek Inc.: Washington, DC), Brian Ell (Edvotek Inc.: Washington, DC)

Sponsoring Company: PASCO scientific

Graphs of Position, Speed and Velocity often confuse students attempting to describe motion. In this hands-on workshop from PASCO you will create and compare these graphs and discuss their meaning. This lesson helps students understand the distinction between positive and negative position, and velocity.  Attend for a chance to win equipment for your school!

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to use sensors to help students understand the distinction between positive and negative position, and velocity in motion graphs.

SPEAKERS:
Jonathan Hanna (PASCO Scientific: Roseville, CA)

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

The structure and function of nucleic acids is a foundational concept of biology. Although most students recognize the double-helical structure of DNA, they have difficulty understanding the importance of the details. During this hands-on, minds-on workshop, participants will examine how modeling with this approach deepens student engagement and inquiry. While investigating our first model, participants explore how using a simple but carefully designed model allows students of all levels to discover basic features of DNA structure and function, and to formulate questions about it. Next, workshop participants will explore DNA’s dynamic structure and function using an atomically accurate model of DNA. With this model, we will assemble five nucleotides, buid DNA and RNA polymers, and examine the features, including the flexibility, of both molecules. Both models will be used to demonstrate the function of DNA, including transcription and translation. (NGSS Science and Engineering Practices / Developing and Using Models) to explore the structure of DNA, this workshop will challenge teachers to go beyond the traditional approach of just teaching the facts of DNA structure. By using well developed models, students can engage with these foundational concepts through discovery and inquiry. We will demonstrate an NGSS-aligned teaching practice in which students are encouraged to ask questions and develop critical thinking skills. Teachers will also learn how these instructional materials can be utilized to design formative and summative assessments for their students.

TAKEAWAYS:
Consider how a model-based approach to investigating DNA deepens student understanding and inquiry.

SPEAKERS:
Mark Arnholt (Hartford Union High School District: Hartford, WI)

Sponsoring Company: Center for BioMolecular Modeling

The discovery of CRISPR as an adaptive immunity system in bacteria marks a significant milestone in the development of molecular biosciences. This system has provided us with new tools with which we are now poised to begin editing the human genome. In this workshop, we will tell the story of the discovery of CRISPR as a group effort involving many research groups found in many countries around the world. We will then use the hands-on CRISPR Adaptive Immunity Kit to explore how this system functions to protect bacteria from infection by bacteriophages. We will also present teachers with ways to connect this new topic to foundational concepts that are already being taught in high school biology classrooms. Finally, we will introduce teachers to an engagement activity that challenges their students with the question – Could you have discovered CRISPR?

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will understand how CRISPR functions as an adaptive immunity system in bacteria

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

Sponsoring Company: Texas Instruments

You will learn how to build and code a four-chambered heart (no coding experience required) while learning about how the heart works. This is a great project for middle and high school science and STEM students!

TAKEAWAYS:
Science and Engineering practices can be achieved in a practical and engaging process that requires students to apply science knowledge while developing some STEM skills.

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

Sponsoring Company: miniPCR bio

The P51TM molecular fluorescence viewer from miniPCR bio allows you to observe molecular processes in ways that were never before possible. With BioBits®, you can put cutting-edge cell-free technology in the hands of your students. Experiment directly with transcription and translation by making RNA and proteins that glow, all without the need for specialized equipment, cell cultures, or time-consuming protocols. Go beyond making models; use fluorescence to light up your biology classroom! Learn how this engaging activity can be scaffolded for students from middle school through college.

TAKEAWAYS:
Use cutting-edge cell-free technology to visualize transcription and translation in real time with no need for living cells and open new area of the molecular biology curriculum to labs using fluorescence visualization

SPEAKERS:
Bruce Bryan (miniPCR: Cambridge, MA)

Sponsoring Company: HHMI BioInteractive

Do you want to develop data-literate students? We’ll use free resources and model instructional strategies that incorporate science practices and improve data literacy skills.Model the use of BioInteractive resources using a scaffolded approach to develop and strengthen data literacy skills in students. Provide hands-on opportunities to explore Biointeractive resources that make strong connections to science practices. Inspire participants’ use of these resources in their own classrooms in multiple content areas. Model best practice pedagogical strategies to develop data literacy skills

TAKEAWAYS:
Model the use of BioInteractive resources using a scaffolded approach to develop and strengthen data literacy skills in students.

SPEAKERS:
Mark Eberhard (St. Clair High School: Saint Clair, MI), Ann Brokaw (Rocky River High School: Rocky River, OH)

Sponsoring Company: Carolina Biological Supply Co.

Examine enzymes through historical, cultural, and economical lenses by using lactase to produce lactose-free milk. Modify experimental conditions to design and test your own procedures.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn to make and use sodium alginate beads to encapsulate lactase to produce lactose-free milk ann then manipulate experimental variables to maximize lactose-free milk production.

SPEAKERS:
Laurie Nixon (Watauga High School: Boone, NC)

Sponsoring Company: MiniOne Systems

Come learn and get hands-on experience on how to teach gel electrophoresis and DNA fingerprinting in a single classroom session. You will pour, load, and run a gel, capture gel image, analyze the results, and deduce a probable conclusion for a whale of a forensic mystery.

TAKEAWAYS:
Determine the paternity of a baby whale using electrophoresis, and see how engaging and reliable hands-on labs excite students for careers in environmental and conservation sciences

SPEAKERS:
Jody Saxton West (Northfield High School: Northfield, MN)

Sponsoring Company: Bio-Rad Laboratories

Save native bees! First step, catalog native bee biodiversity. Try out a classroom activity where students use genetic analysis to identify native bee species.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Learn about a classroom activity in which students learn to identify bee species using entomological tools and genetic methods; 2. Hear the story of the discovery of Bombus incognitus, a recently discovered “look alike” bee native to Colorado; and 3. Learn about how DNA barcoding can be used to identify species that cannot be identified by visual or geographical information.

SPEAKERS:
Tamica Stubbs (Bio-Rad Laboratories: Hercules, CA)

Sponsoring Company: Inspirit

Recent times have called for changes in the ways students learn STEM and have exposed gaps in current virtual STEM instruction. In our session, K-12 educators will learn about and be empowered to incorporate powerful VR and 3D STEM tools into their learning systems. We will use Inspirit’s virtual labs and 3D learning content features to teach and practice this. Our content is designed to stimulate high knowledge gain, deep engagement, and critical thinking in learners through their active involvement in virtual gamified environments. We’ll also answer some fundamental questions about technology integration into the classroom: (1) What is XR? What devices do we need to improve student learning outcomes? (2) How can we align with existing agencies and beliefs to support more meaningful and long-term integration? (3) What does it take to bridge the best practices of academic research in gamifying STEM education with practical considerations for making this technology work in the real-world? Through this hands-on and discussion-rich experience, participants will gain tools to align new media technologies with diverse curriculum, standards, and desired outcomes and examine how to use virtual 3D STEM labs in meaningful ways in the classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to deepen the level of student engagement and critical thinking skills using affordable, accessible, interactive, gamified STEM experiences via 3D learning tools.

SPEAKERS:
Sarah Taylor (Inspirit: Stanford, CA), Luke Nilles (Inspirit Learning, Inc.: Atlanta, GA), Gerry Marchand (Huntley High School: Huntley, IL)

Sponsoring Company: HHMI BioInteractive

- Climate change is not just a human impact topic; it can be a phenomena for bioenergetics, ecology and evolution as well. - Spiraling a phenomena throughout a curriculum creates more robust connections and allows students to build on their understanding using new ideas. It also provides an important scaffold; students bring in prior knowledge from previous units to help them understand the current unit which allows teachers to build off students’ islands of competency. Engaging with climate change throughout an entire year provides students with a more complete understanding of a complex problem. It allows multiple entry points for all students: data analysis, arguing from evidence, planning and carrying out investigations, mathematical and computational thinking and developing and using models.

TAKEAWAYS:
Engaging with climate change throughout an entire year provides students with a more complete understanding of a complex problem. It allows multiple entry points for all students: data analysis, arguing from evidence, planning and carrying out investigations, mathematical and computational thinking and developing and using models.

SPEAKERS:
James Clark (Director: Pleasanton, CA), Samantha Johnson (Arroyo High School: Oakland, CA)

Sponsoring Company: MiniOne Systems

Sickle cell is an autosomal recessive disorder, and genetic testing is available to determine carrier, affected and normal genotypes. Run and visualize an electrophoresis gel to determine the genotypes of a family with some history of sickle cell, and hear about progress with treating this disease.

TAKEAWAYS:
Explore a new genetics lab that is ideal for students in a biomedical pathway

SPEAKERS:
Jody Saxton West (Northfield High School: Northfield, MN)

Sponsoring Company: Bio-Rad Laboratories

Dig into CRISPR, a revolutionary technology in gene therapy. Learn about a classroom CRISPR lab activity with robust controls and a free paper model.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Learn about a lab activity in which students do real CRISPR gene editing and confirm the chromosomal edit with PCR; 2. Receive and practice using a free paper model to teach the function of Cas9, a key protein in CRISPR technology; and 3. Hear the latest in CRISPR technology, including current efforts in gene therapy.

SPEAKERS:
Leigh Brown (Bio-Rad Laboratories: Hercules, CA), Tamica Stubbs (Bio-Rad Laboratories: Hercules, CA)

Sponsoring Company: PASCO scientific

Making global phenomenon feel local is key to supporting student understandings of climate change. In this workshop, we'll share activities that make climate change meaningful. Join us to learn how to monitor local CO2 levels, model ocean acidification, and use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to explore (and create) global data sets with free classroom-ready resources. Attend for a chance to win equipment for your school!

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to monitor local CO2 levels, model ocean acidification, and use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to explore (and create) global data sets with free classroom-ready resources.

SPEAKERS:
Roger Palmer (PASCO Scientific: Roseville, CA)

Sponsoring Company: miniPCR bio

Demonstrate the power that molecular techniques bring to managing infectious disease outbreaks. In this case study, students act as healthcare providers at an airport screening facility and test fictional patients for infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Students use PCR and a handheld P51 fluorescence viewer to diagnose their patients. The data for this lab can be collected two ways: endpoint detection or qPCR time point observations. Endpoint detection allows your students to use a single observation of fluorescence to diagnose their patients, in a single class period and without the need to run a gel. For longer classes, students can monitor their PCR samples over time to model the principles of qPCR, the gold standard for diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

TAKEAWAYS:
Students act as healthcare providers at an airport screening facility and test fictional patients for infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus and investigate the principles of qPCR in the classroom, in a single class period!

SPEAKERS:
Bruce Bryan (miniPCR: Cambridge, MA)

Sponsoring Company: Center for BioMolecular Modeling

The discovery of the CRISPR adaptive immunity system in bacteria has provided us with a powerful new tool with which we can begin to edit the human genome. The Cas9 endonuclease is able to bind to a specific unique site in the 3.2 billion base-pair human genome – and make a double-stranded cut. This sequence-specific cut is the first step in the process of genome editing. In this workshop we will explore the molecular mechanism of CRISPR Cas9, including the use of a guide RNA to program the nuclease to target a specific nucleotide sequence. Teachers will be introduced to a hands-on model – Cas9 Making the Cut – that can be used to introduce this topic to students. This Making the Cut Kit is designed to be used after the students are first introduced to the CRISPR system using the CRISPR Adaptive Immunity Kit. We will also explore how Cas9 is being engineered to become an even more powerful genome editing tool.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how Cas9 can be programmed with guide RNA to recognized any specific sequence of DNA.

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

Sponsoring Company: TeachKind

Research on the efficacy of non-animal dissection methods, student concerns about animal welfare, environmental issues, and cost are some of the factors contributing to the increasing demand for modern non-animal dissection options in Biology and life science classes. This workshop is timely and relevant for all Biology and life science teachers – including pre-service and beginning teachers – to deepen understanding of life science standards, increase familiarity with modern dissection resources, and apply critical thinking skills to evidence-based decision making. This interactive session will provide the opportunity for participants to unpack middle school and high school life science performance expectations from Molecules and Organisms: Structures and Processes and Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity. Participants will create consensus learning targets for life science performance expectations, gain hands-on experience with virtual dissection programs and realistic dissectible models, and evaluate evidence to support decision making for selecting dissection resources. OPTIONAL: Participants are asked to bring a laptop or other device.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will gain hands-on experience with dissection software programs and synthetic dissectible models and apply evidence-based decision making to meet the increasing demand for modern non-animal dissection options.

SPEAKERS:
Sally Sanders (TeachKind Science: Norfolk, VA)

Research scientist Africa Flores-Anderson uses data from satellites to map algae blooms in lakes and forest degradation in her home country of Guatemala. Join Flores-Anderson as she shares her personal journey from small-town girl to National Geographic Explorer, using satellite imagery to better understand our planet.

About the Speaker
Originally from Guatemala, Africa Flores-Anderson is a research scientist at the Earth System Science Center at the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH). She is passionate about using data and satellite images for environmental conservation. As a National Geographic Explorer, she is working to forecast harmful algae blooms in Lake Atitlán, Guatemala using artificial intelligence. She also works to strengthen the capacity of countries in environmentally sensitive areas to use Earth observation data and geospatial technologies for managing natural resources and environmental risks. Flores’s research focuses on forest monitoring, water quality and ecological forecasting.

SPEAKERS:
Africa Flores-Anderson (National Geographic Learning | Cengage: Boston, MA)

Sponsoring Company: MiniOne Systems

Hair, fingerprints, and DNA are left behind at the scene of a murder. Can you use them to find Dr. Ward's killer? Your students will love being the crime scene investigators while learning how to use electrophoresis to perform DNA analysis in a single classroom period. Come learn how!

TAKEAWAYS:
Become a forensic scientist to solve the mystery of who killed a prominent doctor, and see how engaging and reliable hands-on labs excite students for careers in forensics

SPEAKERS:
Jody Saxton West (Northfield High School: Northfield, MN)

Sponsoring Company: Pivot Interactives

As veteran biology teachers, we know how challenging it is to create an active learning environment using phenomena & science practices on your own. Pivot Interactives makes active learning throughout the learning cycle easy with a dynamic platform that invites students to explore scientific phenomena freely. Teaching biology while actively & frequently engaging students meaningfully doesn’t have to be just a dream. Come learn about the newest ways Pivot interactives helps you overcome the challenges you face as a biology teacher, so you can create the biology class you’ve always envisioned. Hear from fellow biology teachers about how they transformed their classroom with active learning, scaffolding, personalized feedback, phenomena-based assessments, increased use of science practices, and increased access to phenomena.

TAKEAWAYS:
In this session, biology educators will see the newest ways Pivot Interactives gives them effective, streamlined tools to engage biology students with phenomena & science practices through active learning.

SPEAKERS:
Eric Friberg (Pivot Interactives: Minneapolis, MN), Peter Bohacek (Pivot Interactives: Minneapolis, MN)

Sponsoring Company: Legends of Learning

Build a catapult to launch cows, learn about impacts on trajectories and walk away with knowledge of how to bring more of this engaging gaming experience to your classroom. Research has proven how we learn best through engagement and play. While launching cows can seemingly be all play, students doing this activity need to adjust their approach in order to hit a target or defined goals. This activity is based on one of the premise of engagement, which is a fundamental concept to game-based learning, From force and motion, to the water cycle, to the conservation of energy and more, help students gain science literacy, students can explore science and engineering practices, and more easily attain subject mastery through engaging approaches like game-based learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will receive first-hand experience of what collaboration and achievement can look like through our hands-on game-based learning platform. Come ready to collaborate, compete, learn some science and math, and have a whole lot of fun!

SPEAKERS:
Sean Reidy (Legends of Learning: Laurel, MD)

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

Experience engineering design in action! Share your teacher insights as you evaluate competing design solutions for actual products. $50 Thank you gift certificate; first 20 participants.

TAKEAWAYS:
Focus Group to provide feedback on competing design solutions for actual product.

SPEAKERS:
Tim Herman (3D Molecular Designs: Milwaukee, WI), Kim Parfitt (3D Molecular Designs: Boise, ID), Heather Ryan (3D Molecular Designs: Milwaukee, WI), Kris Herman (3D Molecular Designs: Milwaukee, WI)

Sponsoring Company: miniPCR bio

Allow students to explore CRISPR/Cas genome editing in a living organism! The Knockout! Lab gives students the knowledge and tools to disable, or knock out, a gene in bacteria. Students will transform bacteria with a plasmid that carries the Cas9 gene and a guide RNA that targets the lacZ gene, then use white/blue phenotypic screening to confirm successful gene knockout. Importantly, students can use PCR to verify at the genotypic level that gene targeting occurred. We will also feature free educational resources from miniPCR bio designed to make CRISPR/Cas accessible to biology students of all levels. Our free CRISPR/Cas paper models walk students through examples of cutting-edge research, as well as the clinical use of the CRISPR/Cas to cure sickle cell disease.

TAKEAWAYS:
Perform an authentic CRISPR/Cas gene knockout in your classroom, use optional PCR and gel electrophoresis to further verify phenotypic results, and try free CRISPR/Cas resources for your classroom

SPEAKERS:
Bruce Bryan (miniPCR: Cambridge, MA)

Sponsoring Company: HHMI BioInteractive

Engage with a resource to help students evaluate the credibility of science in the news. Reflect on how to incorporate the CRAP test into face-to-face or online courses to build science literacy. Engage with a different resource that allows you to practice a method of reading the primary literature that will make it accessible to your students

TAKEAWAYS:
Engage with a resource to help students evaluate the credibility of science in the news. Reflect on how to incorporate the CRAP test into face-to-face or online courses to build science literacy. Engage with a different resource that allows you to practice a method of reading the primary literature that will make it accessible to your students

SPEAKERS:
Karen Lucci (Retired Educator: Yardley, PA), Keri Shingleton (Holland Hall: Tulsa, OK)

Sponsoring Company: Bio-Rad Laboratories

See how you can teach both photosynthesis and cellular respiration with algae beads in one hands-on lab in the real-world context of algae blooms.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Learn how to work with algae beads, a fast and easy-to-use model organism; 2. Walk through how students can measure and learn about both photosynthesis and cellular respiration in the same hands-on lab; and 3. See how students can develop scientific explanations of algae blooms and the dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico using their learned knowledge about photosynthesis and cellular respiration.

SPEAKERS:
Leigh Brown (Bio-Rad Laboratories: Hercules, CA)

Sponsoring Company: HHMI BioInteractive

Engage in an interactive, data-driven discussion of the biology of skin color with free BioInteractive resources using a variety of hands-on, student-driven activities.

TAKEAWAYS:
Engage in an interactive, data-driven discussion of the biology of skin color with free BioInteractive resources using a variety of hands-on, student-driven activities.

SPEAKERS:
Mark Eberhard (St. Clair High School: Saint Clair, MI), Sherry Annee (Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School: Indianapolis, IN)

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

Participants will assess their biggest challenge areas with respect to student misconceptions about chromosome structure and function, including mitosis. Traditional wet labs like planaria, fruit fly genetics, and C-fern growth will be used to contextualize the hands-on models’ utility throughout the school year. Next, foam puzzle chromosomes will be introduced and used to model a round of DNA replication in the cell cycle, resulting in 4 chromosomes. The processes of mitosis and meiosis will be modeled and compared, to invite inquiry about why the processes are different. Whole chromosomes will be related with molecular chromosome details to illustrate how DNA is wound into a chromosome structure. Nucleosome models will further highlight the wrapping of DNA around histone proteins to compact the genome for replication. Participants will be asked to share how they teach about genetic variation in their classes. Following a discussion of their challenges, we will model variation first using the puzzle chromosomes to generate “crossing over” events and next by using the molecular-detailed expanded chromosomes. Finally, inheritance of Hemoglobin will be highlighted and modeled and Punnett squares models will be enhanced through using the foam models. Throughout the activities, participants will be invited to engage in self-reflection and collaborative discussion.

TAKEAWAYS:
Hands-on experiences with multiple representations of chromosomes reveals student thinking.

SPEAKERS:
Kim Parfitt (3D Molecular Designs: Boise, ID)

Sponsoring Company: HHMI BioInteractive

Explore free, classroom-ready BioInteractive resources to model how genetic sequences are used to analyze the transmission and evolution of a viral outbreak.Investigate BioInteractive resources that help students understand the concepts of molecular genetics, evolution, and virology. Model instructional strategies that enhance student understanding of molecular genetics, evolution, and virology. Build and strengthen a community of biology educators by providing time to reflect and share ideas.

TAKEAWAYS:
Investigate BioInteractive resources that help students understand the concepts of molecular genetics, evolution, and virology.

SPEAKERS:
Ann Brokaw (Rocky River High School: Rocky River, OH), Valerie May (Woodstock Academy: Woodstock, CT)

Enter a magical world with your students where everyone becomes enchanted with STEM. This budget-friendly lesson can engage and excite your students! Cross-curricular materials provided!

TAKEAWAYS:
1. The cross-curricular unit uses common cost-effective materials, as well as STEM topics, to promote learning for all students in the classroom; 2. there are a variety of assessment tools for different student ability levels, including participation assessments, written assessments, and verbal assessments; and 3. this "station-based" lesson will keep students moving through the STEM topics, captivated by the activities, learning without knowing it is happening.

SPEAKERS:
Elesha Goodfriend (Walters State Community College: Morristown, TN), Kelly Moore (Walters State Community College: Rutledge, TN)

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

Promising idea or a recipe for disaster? Beta-test a new app that pairs with 3DMD’s physical models. $50 Thank you gift certificate; first 20 participants.

TAKEAWAYS:
Focus Group to provide feedback on a new augmented reality smartphone app.

SPEAKERS:
Tim Herman (3D Molecular Designs: Milwaukee, WI), Kris Herman (3D Molecular Designs: Milwaukee, WI), Kim Parfitt (3D Molecular Designs: Boise, ID), Heather Ryan (3D Molecular Designs: Milwaukee, WI)