Participants will learn strategies and receive numerous resources that increase students’ scientific literacy. The hands-on approach has participants engaged in the activities, games, and more.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will: 1. learn new strategies for incorporating scientific literacy into their lessons; and 2. receive numerous activities, templates, games, and other resources to help with doing this. These resources can be used “as is” or modified to allow for differentiation based on the needs of the learners. Strategies and resources will include ones effective with ELL and EC students.

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

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: 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)

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)

The 1974 discovery of the iconic Lucy fossil in Ethiopia changed our understanding of human origins. Almost everyone today knows of Lucy, but over the last 48 years the field of human origins has exploded thanks to new discoveries all over the world as well as critical new developments in the realm of molecular biology. Few biology classes address these advances. However, the tools and techniques students learn in STEM classes have a direct connection to the advances and changes that have shaped modern work with human origins. Attending this session will give you the chance to appreciate the revolution that has occurred since “Lucy” and offer you tools to bring new understanding to your students in ways you can weave into your curriculum in less controversial ways connected to evolution, fossils, DNA, proteomics, genealogy, biogeography, 3D printing, as well as topics related to more recent human evolution (skin color, lactose tolerance, and high-altitude adaptation). As a 32-year K-12 human evolution educator who has been fortunate to work with leaders in the field, I have had a front row seat to many of the milestones of human evolution in the 21st century and I’m eager to share them with you.

TAKEAWAYS:
Since the discovery of Lucy, our understanding of human origins has grown and changed thanks to new discoveries and technologies – participants will learn about these amazing changes and how to integrate these new discoveries into their biology curriculum.

SPEAKERS:
John Mead (St. Mark's School of Texas: Allen, TX)

General-education science classes are often the last chance we have to empower students with the science literacy skills necessary to navigate today’s world. But what is science literacy? Memorizing facts and following recipe-like labs? Or is it understanding how the process of science learns about the world by testing explanations and critically scrutinizing the evidence? A good science education teaches students how, not what, to think. Science isn’t just what we know; it’s how we know. This presentation explores a novel course developed using a backward design approach designed to teach the essential skills of critical thinking, information literacy, and science literacy. By focusing on the process of science over content, students learn how to evaluate the evidence for claims to determine how we know something. Directly including pseudoscience (e.g. astrology, psychics, homeopathy, Bigfoot) and science denial (e.g. climate change, evolution, GMOs) increases engagement, addresses common misconceptions, and teaches students how to recognize the characteristics of good science. Assignments and activities in which students actively create misinformation inoculates them against the real thing. Finally, providing students with a structured toolkit to evaluate claims (with lots of opportunities to practice) helps students apply what they’re learning to the “real world.”

TAKEAWAYS:
The goal of general education science should not be memorizing facts, but learning the essential skills of critical thinking, information literacy, and science literacy.

SPEAKERS:
Melanie Trecek-King (Massasoit Community College)

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: 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: 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 (Retired Science Teacher: Sioux Falls, SD)

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: Milwaukee, WI)

The Half-Earth Project team-based Mapping Design Challenge engages students in authentic teamwork to use digital mapping to design their own biodiversity conservation choices.

TAKEAWAYS:
Digital mapping motivated by exploring charismatic species draws diverse students into the multidisciplinary science of conservation decision-making where species, human impacts, and stakeholders have to be considered.

SPEAKERS:
Dennis Liu (E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation: Durham, NC)

Confused about what to do post COVID? Thinking about switching careers? Learn about the experiences, challenges, and mistakes made by several esteemed science education leaders in this engaging and interactive panel discussion. This panel will feature current and former teachers, school leaders, district leaders, consultants, academics, national STEM education leaders.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn about the increasing number of opportunities available for educators both inside and outside of the classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Michael Lach (Township High School District 113)

Come join us as we participate in a Darwinian speculation reimagined as a Thought Experiment. This is a classic STEAM approach.

TAKEAWAYS:
See how to integrate the arts into STEM = STEAM.

SPEAKERS:
Christina Derusha (Science Teacher: , IL), Vito Dipinto (National Louis University at Wheeling: Wheeling, IL)

Discover how to implement three-dimensional learning into any science curriculum, all while engaging learners to become phenomenal!

TAKEAWAYS:
How to use SEPs to drive student instruction and molecular-level modeling of processes using data to support claim.

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

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: 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 (Retired Science Teacher: 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: Milwaukee, WI)

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: 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 , Alex Molinich (Aldon Corporation: Avon, NY)

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: 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: 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: 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)

Ideas and concrete strategies for building collaborative, generative partnerships with community groups, nonprofits, preK–12 schools, museums, and community colleges in order to transform the STEM ecosystem and preservice teachers' futures will be shared.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. hear from different partners about the generative ways we have collaborated to increase diversity in our STEM teacher preparation program; 2. engage in discussion and planning next steps for reaching out to a potential collaborative partner; and 3. learn about the ways in which preservice STEM Noyce Scholars have strengthened their STEM Identity and have been prepared to design culturally sustaining curricula and classrooms that integrate sensemaking.

SPEAKERS:
Sydney Worthen-Jenkins (Sacred Heart University: Fairfield, CT), Nicole Hebert (Sacred Heart University: Fairfield, CT), Bonnie Maur (Sacred Heart University: Fairfield, CT), Kristin Rainville (Sacred Heart University: Fairfield, CT)

Ongoing findings from NSF Project: #1950232. Graduate students at an HBCU complete a 14-month accelerated pathway that leads to both a masters degree in biology and teacher certification while being supported with a $20,000.00 scholarship. Project offers unique professional development opportunities and academic interventions that aim to enhance teacher conceptual understanding and efficacy to teach challenging and controversial scientific and environmental topics such as climate change and evolution. Paper presentation will first focus on comparing teacher profiles of the project participants versus the average state graduate of traditional teacher preparation programs. Initially, project data on beginning teacher demographics and diversity will be compared to state and national averages. Here we will show project utility in recruiting diverse candidates into high school science teaching positions. Next, the session will present findings on GPA, and discipline specific content hours at the graduate and undergraduate level along with performance on licensure exams to compare aptitude in biological concepts in project participants vs other beginning teachers. This will demonstrate project impact on recruiting, training and producing science educators with strong content backgrounds. Prior research has shown that in general students that had high school teachers that were had strong content knowledge and high levels of efficacy positively impacted future STEM career and academic success (Adelman, 1999). Lastly, paper presentation will share results on a pre/post assessment of educator efficacy of teaching perceived controversial scientific topics such as evolution, climate change and vaccines. Project participants were pretested upon starting their academic program and post-tested upon completion. These results are compared to a control group of recent graduates from a secondary science traditional teacher preparation program. Findings show impact of program participation on growth of efficacy to teach controversial topics and project utility compared to traditional teacher preparation.

TAKEAWAYS:
Session participants will: 1. Develop an understanding on how to recruit diverse individuals into the profession of secondary science teaching 2. Understand the complexity of the STEM pipeline in regards to K-16 teaching and eventual student career and academic pursuits 3. Appreciate the need for scholarships, incentives, pay and ongoing professional for secondary science educators 4. Understand how content knowledge, academic preparation and experiences associated with research and professional development impact teacher effectiveness and student achievement 5. Realize the importance of teacher efficacy and the need for training at both the in-service and pre-service levels to foster its growth.

SPEAKERS:
Timothy Goodale (Elizabeth City State University: Elizabeth City, NC)

Although group projects have been shown to increase learning and cooperation, bullying can sneak into student peer evaluations. Examples and alternatives to ghosting presented.

TAKEAWAYS:
Science classrooms are a great place for group projects to enhance learning, but students may unwittingly be ghosted from their group, ultimately making them seem like they are not a team player. We as teachers must be diligent against bullying/ghosting.

SPEAKERS:
Diane Huelskamp (Wright State University-Lake Campus: Celina, OH)

Resources and strategies to support P–12 and postsecondary students in STEM classrooms who have invisible illnesses/ health-impairment disabilities will be shared.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will get an overview of resources and strategies that address the need for safe and equitable learning environments for P–12 and postsecondary students with invisible disabilities/ health-impairment illnesses in STEM classrooms.

SPEAKERS:
Nancy Grim-Hunter (Chicago State University: Chicago, IL)

This session will present attendees with an up-to-date literature review, as well as original research, regarding administrators knowledge and acceptance of evolution and evolution education law. After discussing the research, a virtual library of general resources will be shared with attendees that they bring back to their school and district administrators. Additionally, attendees will learn how to locate or create resources to add to this virtual library that are specific to their state standards, specific content areas, and local communities. The goal is that attendees will return to their schools and districts and be better able to participate directly or indirectly in Instructional Leadership Team roles in their communities in order to promote high quality science instruction for their students.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn about our current understanding of administrators' knowledge of evolution and evolution education law and walk away with a virtual toolbox of resources that can be shared with building and district level administrators to better support quality science instruction.

SPEAKERS:
Blake Touchet (National Center for Science Education: Oakland, CA)

Explore how to use phenomena to generate student questions that allow for further investigation to support student sensemaking.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to effectively use phenomena to allow for authentic student questioning and how to use those questions to increase student engagement and sensemaking.

SPEAKERS:
Nicole Vick (Northwestern University)

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: 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: 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: Avondale, PA)

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)

Enjoy conversation about our research lesson collaboration with the University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center EYES (Educators and Youth Enjoy Science) teacher research experience.

TAKEAWAYS:
Authentic teacher research experiences can catalyze students' career interest, authentic classroom inquiry, curriculum development, and relevant professional learning.

SPEAKERS:
Steven Rogg (Coherent Learning Design: Lindenhurst, IL), Pamela Wagner (George Westinghouse College Prep: Chicago, IL)

Join us for a chance to learn more about  NSTA-administered competitions and awards from NSTA staff and past participants. NSTA-administered competitions include NSTA Teacher Awards, the Army Educational Outreach Program, Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge, and Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision competitions. This engaging hour will include discussion and tips on how to engage K–12 students in project-based learning opportunities that are no cost to participate.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Engage with educators that have participated in NSTA-administered competitions and awards; 2. Learn more about opportunities to engage students in project-based learning; and 3. Share best practices and tips to foster inquiry-based learning and showcase ideas.

SPEAKERS:
Acacia McKenna (NSTA: Arlington, VA)

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: 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: 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)

Join the members of NSTA as they share how to create a classroom culture that supports equitable participation, and learn how to implement these best practices within your own classroom. A roundtable discussion will follow.

TAKEAWAYS:
Sharing of ideas on creating a classroom culture that supports equitable participation

SPEAKERS:
Kate Soriano (NSTA: Arlington, VA), Kristin Rademaker (NSTA: Arlington, VA), Holly Hereau (NSTA: Arlington, VA)

Don’t debate evolution – Rather dig deeper into evolution by having your students research, debate, & rank the top evolutionary thinkers of all time.

TAKEAWAYS:
Rather than stage a debate over evolution which tends to be fraught with misinformation, have your students debate & rank the top figures in the history of evolutionary thought. They can then compare their ranking with that of a group of evolutionary experts.

In this self-directed session, you will be able to: Interact with educators in face-to-face poster presentations; Watch short video submissions from educators around the world; and Participate in hands-on/minds-on, takeaway learning experiences.

TAKEAWAYS:
Science education occurs everywhere on this planet. We can get ideas and best practices from collegues around the world.

SPEAKERS:
Alison Betz Seymour (Science Teacher: Winchester, 0)

The creation of case studies utilized teaching and learning techniques to facilitate undergraduate research projects. Students reflected on a real problem they had encountered and explored possible solution/s from an interdisciplinary perspective.

TAKEAWAYS:
The instructors functioned as facilitators fostering the learners' self-directed and self-regulated competencies.

SPEAKERS:
Nalini Broadbelt (Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences: Boston, MA), Michelle Young (Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences: Boston, MA)

Science denial, anti-intellectualism, and conspiracy theories have long, sordid histories. Today, rampant science denialism threatens personal and public health, economic sustainability, and prosperity. Globally, it poses existential threats to humanity. How has the situation deteriorated so far? How can so many people deny, not only the reality of climate change - a slow-moving and invisible enemy - but also the reality of a global pandemic and the effectiveness of simple protective/preventive strategies? The explanation is straightforward. Widespread scientific illiteracy enables moneyed and/or politically powerful interests to manipulate a credulous public in ways that undermine understanding of science and generate distrust of the scientific community. Campaigns often waged on unregulated social media are disturbingly effective. When disinformation, willful ignorance, and belligerence strike, who's on call? Right now, almost nobody ... and that's a problem for all of us who, as science educators, understand and value the role of science in general, and STEM topics and approaches more specifically. We will then explore a variety of online resources and discuss individualized teaching strategies that educators can deploy to overcome these challenges in our classrooms.

TAKEAWAYS:
This workshop will briefly review the history, driving forces behind, and current status of science denialism, to clarify what we are up against. We will then explore online resources and individualized teaching strategies that can overcome these challenges in our classrooms. No single "magic bullet" (or magic YouTube video) can rescue us. We need a full-court press by all of us in education, focusing on cultivating in our students a true understanding of the nature of science, appreciation for the value of expertise in STEM fields, and a willingness to engage on a personal level with disturbingly cult-like beliefs.

SPEAKERS:
Joseph Levine (Science Writer and Producer: Concord, MA)

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: 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: 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)

Student understanding of how science and STEM ideas and concepts are applied within their chosen career pathway is a critical component of many Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, but for a variety of reasons these connections are often overlooked. Some states even provide CTE courses and Career Pathway standards that seem to go against the three-dimensional and student-centered learning grain. Yet, to truly meet the vision of the K-12 Framework, students in CTE and Vocational Education pathways should also be provided opportunities to engage in three-dimensional sensemaking in the context of their CTE course. In this session, we explore explicit connections between three-dimensional science learning and Agricultural, Food and Natural Resources as just one example of how three-dimensional student learning and sensemaking can be incorporated into CTE. We then explore how similar strategies can be utilized in other pathways with the goal of bridging the gap between science learning and practical application for students in CTE.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn strategies for integrating scientific sensemaking into CTE courses to support their students' mastery of the scientific concepts they will apply in those fields.

SPEAKERS:
Bridina Lemmer (Illinois Science Teaching Association: Jacksonville, IL), Chris Embry Mohr (Olympia High School: Stanford, IL)

We are living in an Age of Misinformation. Developing the capabilities to evaluate scientific information is a key goal of scientific literacy. Moreover, “obtaining, evaluating and communicating information” is a core practice of NGSS. The NGSS standards, however, were developed a decade ago before misinformation became so pervasive and were not developed to address this threat. Much of this misinformation is scientific. Therefore, this session will present a set of ideas and materials about how to address this challenge. These have emerged from a report developed at Stanford University drawing on the expertise of an international group of science educators, scientists and psychologists entitled “Science Education in an Age of Misinformation”. In this session, we will present the main arguments and recommendations of the report. Using a set of practical, web-based classroom examples, participants will work in small groups to trial and discuss the suggested teaching approaches and materials we have developed. Opportunities will be provided for feedback, questions and discussion in a final plenary. What we will present will empower teachers of science with ways they can support their students to avoid being misled by the purveyors of misinformation.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn what are the challenges posed by misinformation and what they can do to help science education address this challenge using practical examples of exercises and ionnovative teaching materials.

SPEAKERS:
Daniel Pimentel (Stanford University: Stanford, CA)

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: Milwaukee, WI), Heather Ryan (3D Molecular Designs: Milwaukee, WI), Kris Herman (3D Molecular Designs: Milwaukee, WI)

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)

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)

Problem centered instruction is a great way to engage students, integrate content, inspire learning, and naturally incorporate all three dimensions of the NRC Framework. However, true problem centered instruction requires a major shift in both teaching and learning, requiring the one thing teachers don't have: time--the last thing teachers need is another pedagogical strategy that disrupts their entire routine. Teachers will have the opportunity to voice their concerns and discuss some barriers of problem centered teaching and learning, while also addressing the benefits for both teachers and students. Considering the benefits, there are some immediate changes that teachers can use to help shift to a problem centered environment. Recalling that problem centered learning should be complex, meaningful, and open-ended, the four strategies are: 1) Make the Content Relatable, 2) Structure: Less is More, 3) Be a Resource, Not an Answer Key, and 4) Use a Problem to Introduce a Topic. Teachers will then have an opportunity to put the strategies to immediate use by picking a lesson or topic and work with others to transform it into a three-dimensional, problem centered lesson.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will explore four strategies that promote three-dimensional learning through the process of problem centered instruction that is complex, meaningful, and open-ended. They will discuss benefits and barriers to the problem centered approach from the perspective of both the instructor and the learner. Teachers will have an opportunity to brainstorm and work collaboratively on transforming a lesson or topic of their choice into a problem centered, reality based scenario that seamlessly integrates the Science and Engineering Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Disciplinary Core Ideas.

SPEAKERS:
Cassandra Armstrong (Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy: Aurora, IL)

Culturally relevant pedagogy embodies a professional, political, cultural, ethnical, and ideological disposition that supersedes mundane teaching acts; it is centered in fundamental beliefs about teaching, learning, students, their families, and their communities, and an unyielding commitment to see student success become less rhetoric and more of a reality. This session will aid in building awareness and sensitivity to the culture-based genius that students bring to the classroom using science inquiry strategies. Emphasis will be placed on a model for the inclusion of culturally relevant content that accommodates student backgrounds and methods of learning. In this session, we will exhibit how to identify the key characteristics of culturally responsive lessons. Attendees will acquire lesson design methods that employ cultural competence and effective communication. Attendees will use collaborate boards during the presentation to respond and interact. Activities to exhibit how students identify with what they know in the classroom will be utilized to help educators make connections and apply this information when planning lessons.

TAKEAWAYS:
Building awareness and sensitivity to the culture-based genius that students bring to the classroom using science inquiry strategies. Emphasis will be placed on a model for the inclusion of culturally relevant content that accommodates student backgrounds and methods of learning.

SPEAKERS:
Kelly Haynes (Baker High School: Baker, LA), Jennifer Norwood (Instructional Support Specialist), Tara Hollins (Exceptional Student Services Educator: Zachary, LA)

Students find science difficult or non-stimulating particularly when teachers do not consider cognitive, physiological, and socio-emotional disparities in students. Research has shown that engaging the appropriate parts of the brain helps students make a long-lasting, personalized connection to scientific concepts and practices. Studies show that discipline and learning problems in our classrooms may be associated with a lack of student engagement. Engaged students are less likely to be disruptive and are more likely to retain information longer. The focus of this presentation is to equip teachers with the pedagogical skills and strategies needed to drive student engagement and achievement by recognizing and addressing physiological, cognitive, and socio-emotional disparities in students based on an understanding of how a learner’s brain works. Participating teachers will explore the impact of emotions, storytelling, culturally relevant and hands-on learning on the forebrain and consequently on student engagement and comprehension. Teachers will learn to correctly harness the learning power of the forebrain, particularly, those of the hippocampus and amygdala, by appropriately employing suitable learning strategies. These will enhance student engagement, improve learning outcomes and increase academic achievement in the sciences.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will learn to correctly harness the learning power of the forebrain, particularly, those of the hippocampus and amygdala, by appropriately employing suitable learning strategies

SPEAKERS:
Chidi Duru (Prince George's County Public Schools: Upper Marlboro, MD)

Interactive games are an engaging and effective way to review biology concepts if learning the game rules does not interfere with learning the biology. We have developed IMMUNOLOGY! an easy board game whose object is to "get all of your immune system’s components from START to the infection”. The game is designed to model the process of an immune response, as the game’s pieces are cells and proteins used in the response to infection. To win, players must use the pieces in the proper order and answer questions about immunity along the way. Following the activity, students apply their understanding to discuss vaccine function. IMMUNOLOGY! was developed as a review activity for postsecondary introductory microbiology class, but it could easily be customized to a variety of biological processes at multiple levels of instruction. In this presentation we will show how to construct the IMMUNOLOGY! game and how to play it. Finally, we will demonstrate how the game could be modified to teach other biological concepts/processes such central dogma, photosynthesis, respiration, cell division in a fun and interactive way.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to use a board game to model a biological process and make their own to use in their classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Alicia Cecil (University of Indianapolis: Indianapolis, IN), Mary Gobbett (University of Indianapolis: Indianapolis, IN)

Advances in biotechnology, particularly DNA sequencing, has led to a surge in genetic data and large online databases. Interpreting these data, using the interdisciplinary field of bioinformatics, is in high demand because genome sequencing is becoming increasingly cheaper and faster. In science classrooms, there are many opportunities to incorporate bioinformatics, but this can be a daunting task for teachers who do not know where to begin. This hands-on activity starts by introducing participants to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) website. Presenters will provide a brief overview of the database to guide participants on: 1) how to use the search functions of the database, 2) interpret information on sequence pages, and 3) how to download DNA, RNA or amino acid sequences. Following the guided tour, small groups will be provided discussion questions to discover potential areas within their curricula that could be reinforced or enhanced with a brief bioinformatics activity. Participants will be provided worksheets to help document relevant sequence information (accession numbers) for the biological phenomenon or topic that inspired the activity. The participants will leave with a basic understanding of sequence capture from NCBI and a rudimentary activity to expose students to sequence data analysis.

TAKEAWAYS:
An understanding of the genetic code and basic internet browsing skills are all that are needed to explore bioinformatics and use them in the classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Zack Bateson (National Agricultural Genotyping Center: Fargo, ND), Jane Hunt (Nourish the Future - Education Projects, LLC: Columbus, OH)

Cognitive science has identified flexible and often counterintuitive cognitive strategies that boost student learning. Teachers will learn how to implement these techniques within their classrooms.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to apply multiple practical, flexible, and research-based cognitive strategies, including retrieving information from memory, distributing practice across time, scaffolding, and mixing together different examples, within their own classrooms to improve student learning.

SPEAKERS:
Jonathan Tullis (The University of Arizona: Tucson, AZ)

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)

1) Using art to introduce topics and to promo
te critical thinking in the biological sciences.This session discusses how using various art forms to introduce topics engages students, maintains their interest, and provides unique connections to the subject matter.

3) Using art to describe the structure and function of the Muscular System
Teaching about the muscle system can be very content-heavy, so I wanted to find a creative way to engage students with a more inclusive and interdisciplinary activity.

SPEAKERS:
Heather Minges Wols (Columbia College Chicago: Chicago, IL), Adriana Andrade (Sacred Heart Greenwich: Greenwich, CT), Melanie Rodriguez (Los Angeles Unified School District: Sherman Oaks, CA)

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: Milwaukee, WI)