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: 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: 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: AeroTech/Quest, Div. of RCS Rocket Motor Component

Explore the differences between aerospace-grade solid composite propellant model rocket motors and traditional black powder model rocket motors in science education, STEM programs, TARC Competition, and collegiate rocket team activities. We'll assemble a Quest Astra III model rocket kit during the workshop to take back to your classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
In model rocket science education, AeroTech/Quest products have been "STEM from the beginning!”™

SPEAKERS:
Dane Boles (AeroTech / Quest Divison of RCS Rocket Motor Components, Inc.: , United States)

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: Vernier Software & Technology

Learn how to integrate Vernier sensor data into Python coding. Explore how coding can enhance your students’ experience in the science classroom by providing another avenue of engagement. Teachers of science and coding alike will benefit from this hands-on workshop.

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:
Tom Smith (Vernier Science Education: Beaverton, OR), Dave Vernier (Vernier Science Education: Beaverton, OR)

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: Vernier Software & Technology

Measure the acceleration of gravity with whichever sensor you have, or no sensor. We’ll discuss using a Picket Fence and a Photogate, tossing a ball over a Motion Detector, and using Vernier Video Analysis app. Data collected in class can be shared to remote students. Share your favorite g labs with other teachers.

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:
Dave Vernier (Vernier Science Education: Beaverton, OR), Tom Smith (Vernier Science Education: Beaverton, OR)

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: 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: Pivot Interactives

As veteran physics 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 physics 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 physics teacher, so you can create the physics class you’ve always envisioned. Hear from fellow physics teachers about how they transformed their classroom with active learning through phenomena.

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

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

Sponsoring Company: Texas Instruments

We will bring science and coding together as participants learn to do some basic coding (no experience necessary) while developing a mood ring! The science of color mixing is explored while determining the right body temperature thresholds. Is fuchsia flirty? Should green be groovy? It’s up to you!

TAKEAWAYS:
Educators will learn how to incorporate STEM/coding skills (no coding experience necessary) with science concepts to create a highly engaging lesson for students that tackles many of the science and engineering practices.

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

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: Vernier Software & Technology

Use Vernier Video Analysis app for ChromeOS, macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android to investigate the motion of a physical pendulum colliding with a cart. Access to Vernier Video Analysis and the experiment from our lab manual will be shared with you. Bring your own device or use one of ours!

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:
Tom Smith (Vernier Science Education: Beaverton, OR), David Carter (Vernier Science Education: Beaverton, OR)

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

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