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)

1) Designing Projects to Address Community Needs
Join the presenter to discuss the benefits of creating connections between community needs and scientific studies to boost student engagement and increase the cultural relevancy of learning. Examples of community needs projects and full lesson plans will be given to all attendees.

2) Professional Learning Programs for Chicagoland at MSI
The Museum of Science and Industry supports teachers in enacting NGSS-aligned 3-dimensional teaching, facilitating after school programming, and manifesting whole school change through science leadership.

3) Pollinator Investigations with Budburst Community Science
Investigate local phenomena with Budburst, a community science project. Learn how to address the NGSS through student participation in authentic research on plant-pollinator interactions.

SPEAKERS:
Sarah Jones (Chicago Botanic Garden: Glencoe, IL), Lauren Slanker (Museum of Science and Industry: Chicago, IL), Karin Klein (Museum of Science and Industry: Chicago, IL)

1) Creative Projects in the Life Science Classroom
Come learn how I have replaced unit exams with creative projects in my life science classes. Creative projects facilitate the curiosity needed for lifelong learning.

2) Leveraging Digital Dissections in 6-8th Science Classrooms
Digital dissections can promote scientific investigations in Middle School classrooms while meeting ethical considerations and promoting equitable learning experiences that would not otherwise be available to students.

SPEAKERS:
Bridget Lester (Ball State University: Muncie, IN)