Learn how to create opportunities for students to succeed at their own level as they develop proficiency in both SEPs and DCIs.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how: 1. creating leveled practice can benefit all students; 2. to create practice at multiple levels for all learners; and 3. to create interventions for students who are struggling and extensions for students who have already demonstrated mastery for a topic or skill.

SPEAKERS:
Lauren LaSota (Adlai E. Stevenson High School: Lincolnshire, IL), Kellie Dean (Adlai E. Stevenson High School: Lincolnshire, IL)

Experience two novel instructional routines supporting the integration of NGSS Crosscutting Concepts and learn how these routines can be used to foster belonging in science classrooms.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will: 1. learn the steps for how to facilitate two instructional routines to support student thinking and discourse; 2. learn how the use of CCCs during these routines can support students making sense of phenomena; and 3. come away with a deeper understanding of how to use the CCCs to foster belonging in science classrooms.

SPEAKERS:
Joy Otibu (Mott Hall Bronx High School: Bronx, NY), Andrea Sau (Mott Hall Bronx High School: Bronx, NY)

Learn how to use a laboratory simulation and data analysis activity to teach students about using data to address real-world public health problems.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Learn how CDC epidemiologists and other experts like laboratory scientists and biostatisticians use data to make evidence-based decisions and recommendations; 2. Get ideas on how to use public health examples to illustrate key STEM concepts and skills; and 3. Take CDC Science Ambassador educational activities back to your classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Kelly Cordeira (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Atlanta, GA), Molly McKenna (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Atlanta, GA), Juliana Azeredo (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Atlanta, GA)

Daily Do sensemaking lessons are designed to engage students in authentic, relevant science learning. Join us to explore how these phenomenon-driven lessons motivate students to engage in science and engineering practices to make sense of science ideas (disciplinary core ideas) they need to explain how or why the phenomenon occurs. Gain experience with the critical attributes of sensemaking exemplified in Daily Do lessons you can use to shift your own lessons. Learn strategies to implement sensemaking lessons in both face-to-face and virtual settings.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Explore how phenomenon-driven lessons motivate students to engage in science and engineering practices to make sense of science ideas; 2. Understand the critical attributes of sensemaking; and 3. Discuss strategies for implementing Daily Do lessons in face-to-face and virtual settings.

SPEAKERS:
Patrice Scinta (NSTA: Arlington, VA), Kate Soriano (NSTA: Arlington, VA), Kristin Rademaker (NSTA: Arlington, VA)

Come participate in activities showing how all students’ understanding of science becomes deeper and broader when given the chance to interact with a professional scientist mentor.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. learn how the PlantingScience mentoring program works, and how they can participate; 2. understand the impact that exposure to real scientists can have on students' interest in and perception of science as a practice and a profession; and 3. learn mentoring strategies and understand how PS mentors are coached to respond to students in ways that promote inclusive conversations and learning.

SPEAKERS:
Jennifer Hartley (The Botanical Society of America: Saint Louis, MO)

Computer-based simulations can make learning chemistry fun in classrooms that may not have funding for expensive labs, but which ones should you choose?

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. learn about computer-based simulations and characteristics that students enjoy most; 2. explore ways to adapt the research study presented to their own classrooms; and 3. explore virtual learning games as an opportunity for students to engage with chemistry information in order to demonstrate their ability to use, think about, interpret, and communicate their understanding of chemistry.

SPEAKERS:
Nastassia Jones (Southern University and A&M College: Baton Rouge, LA), Sunitha Shyamala (Tara High School: Baton Rouge, LA)

Sponsoring Company: Carolina Biological Supply Co.

How do crosscutting concepts link the ideas and practices of science across different domains and over time? We’ll show you practical examples to see how crosscutting concepts provide a foundation for student sensemaking of phenomena and problems. Leave with classroom resources.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Defining the seven crosscutting concepts; 2. Learning strategies to incorporate crosscutting concepts into science lessons; and 3. Understanding how crosscutting concepts support student sensemaking.

SPEAKERS:
Cory Ort (Carolina Biological Supply Co.: Burlington, NC)

Sponsoring Company: MiniOne Systems

Use electrophoresis to determine which pair of cows will have the best return on investment in this hands-on ag/life science lab.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Learn how to do electrophoresis in the MiniOne Electrophoresis System; 2. Discover how to do hands-on labs with students in middle and high school life science and ag classes; and 3. Explore how agriculture, biology, and business are intertwined in the modern farming industry.

SPEAKERS:
Callen Hyland (Embi Tec: San Diego, CA)

Sponsoring Company: Lab-Aids

Students use a model to explore the cause-and-effect relationship between inappropriate use of antibiotics and the phenomenon of the evolution of antibiotic resistance. As they use the model, students use mathematical representations to support their analysis of patterns and trends in the results and to develop explanations for how and why the population of bacteria is changing.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Model the effect of antibiotics on a population of bacteria with a range of antibiotic resistance; 2. Compare the effects of appropriate and inappropriate use of antibiotics on a population of bacteria; and 3. Explain how a population of highly resistant bacteria can evolve.

SPEAKERS:
Cindy Lilly (Ocean Bay Middle School: Myrtle Beach, SC)

Sponsoring Company: Edvotek Inc.

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

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will: 1. participate in hands-on biotechnology experimentation; 2. discuss the implications of genetic fingerprinting of forensic samples; and 3. learn strategies for connecting the lessons learned to the Common Core Literacy Standards.

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

Sponsoring Company: DoD STEM

Build STEM culture through community engagement! Develop interest and awareness, leading to increased demand for STEM programming and STEM career pathway courses.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Learn strategies for hosting community engagement events, including family STEM nights; 2. Explore the role of partnerships in supporting engagement events; and 3. Walk away with resources to support establishing and hosting community engagement events.

SPEAKERS:
Lisa Blank (Watertown City School District: Watertown, NY), Tiara Davis (Teacher: Charlotte, NC), Heather Overkamp (Portsmouth Public Schools: Portsmouth, VA), Patty Brunet (Cypress High School: Cypress, CA)

Sponsoring Company: Discovery Education

Start your day with the DE team and a hands-on immersion into the wonderful world of Phenomena! Please note that attendees must preregister for this workshop here.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will: 1. learn and experience how to incorporate everyday phenomena into meaningful science lessons; 2. experience how to utilize hands-on activities to introduce phenomena ; and 3. explore scientific concepts using phenomena from across all grade levels K–12.

SPEAKERS:
Brad Fountain (Discovery Education: Silver Spring, MD), Justin Karkow (Discovery Education: Silver Spring, MD)

Join us as we explore how NOAA Teacher at Sea can bring stimulating ocean science content to the classroom through a wide range of technology and media applications.

TAKEAWAYS:
NOAA Teacher at Sea provides numerous cutting-edge strategies to make ocean science accessible to students such as Google Cardboard and various VR applications to utilizing NOAA Teacher at Sea’s rich ocean science resources.

SPEAKERS:
Spencer Cody (Edmunds Central School District: Roscoe, SD)

What kinds of talk, tasks, and tools do students need in order to fully engage in meaningful forms of science learning? Join us as we share a statewide virtual book study that allowed AMBITIOUS Iowa science teachers to connect, collaborate, and refine their practice.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. focus on teaching practices relating to planning for engagement with big science ideas, eliciting students’ ideas, and supporting ongoing changes in student thinking; 2. learn how to set up opportunities for collaboration both online and with a local coach and peers; and 3. learn about the application of the learning related to a classroom action research option.

SPEAKERS:
Tammy Askeland-Nagle (Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency: Bettendorf, IA), Beverly Berns (Keystone Area Education Agency: Elkader, IA), Hope Garton Brown (Prairie Lakes Area Education Agency: Pocahontas, IA), Christopher Soldat (Grant Wood Area Education Agency: Cedar Rapids, IA)

See how a high school science department unpacked the science and engineering practices to create and implement a flexible, competency-based assessment system across all courses.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Competency-based grading in a science classroom; 2. Assessing Science and Engineering Practices; and 3. Practical tips for assessment and rubric design and implementation.

SPEAKERS:
Alyssa Wallace (Del Lago Academy: Escondido, CA), Trish Stepanek (Del Lago Academy: Escondido, CA), Maria Vidaca (Del Lago Academy: Escondido, CA)

Join us and take part in experiences that include literacy integrations; scientific discourse; and claims, evidence, and reasoning in a 5Es (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate) lesson.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will: 1. participate in experiences that include argumentation through claims, evidence, and reasoning; 2. have an opportunity to view a variety of literacy strategies embedded in a 5E lesson; and 3. be able to view and participate in literacy strategies that promote scientific discourse.

SPEAKERS:
Takisha Gastile (University of Houston-Clear Lake: Houston, TX), Nedaro Bellamy (Houston ISD: Houston, TX)

We will present the efforts of 11 secondary schools and partners at Stanford University to create authentic Drosophila-based research experiences, and how you can too!

TAKEAWAYS:
Through Stan-X, middle school and high school students learn science through authentic, open-ended, publishable research; 2. Coordination between schools, both public and private, across the world can enhance scientific learning and research opportunities for your students, while also building a supportive network for teachers interested in providing these opportunities to students; and 3. Instructing teachers in the "process" to develop student-based classroom research is the crucial step in providing meaningful experiences in research-based classes.

SPEAKERS:
Nicole Lantz (The Lawrenceville School: Lawrenceville, NJ)

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Software & Technology

Get active and participate in hands-on experiments. Explore limb position and grip strength, balance, and EKG/EMG 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 experience 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: Green Ninja

This session will share a framework for how to create compelling learning experiences where students use science and engineering concepts to solve local environmental problems.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. be able to create a storyline and lesson sequence outline that focuses on a local environmental issue of interest; 2. be able to bundle different science TEKS using a storyline; and 3. develop experience using localized phenomena to create student-oriented instruction.

SPEAKERS:
Eugene Cordero (Green Ninja: Mountain View, CA)

Sponsoring Company: MiniOne Systems

Let innovative technology and simplified prep take the mess and stress out of bacterial transformation with the Let it Glow™ Bacterial Transformation MiniLab.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Learn about a faster, simpler, and more reliable way to teach bacterial transformation; 2. See how teachers can use a PCR System and Fluorescence Reader to perform and analyze bacterial transformation; and 3. Explore how new technology makes traditionally complicated labs more teacher- and student-friendly.

SPEAKERS:
Callen Hyland (Embi Tec: San Diego, CA)

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

This workshop explores the COVID-19 pandemic from the perspective of the CoV-2 virus. Participants use physical models—enhanced by Augmented Reality—to explore these topics.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. The nucleotide sequence of the CoV-2 RNA genome was the first step in vaccine development; 2. Prior research focused on the spike protein of CoV-1 set the stage for rapid progress on vaccine development; and 3. Pseudouridine was the key to an effective mRNA vaccine.

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

Sponsoring Company: Edvotek Inc.

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: 1. participate in hands-on biotechnology experimentation; 2. explore medical testing for common diseases, including how they work and what they mean; and 3. discuss the epidemiological triad, a framework for understanding the relationship between host, pathogen, and environment.

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

Sponsoring Company: DoD STEM

Engage the power of visible thinking to heighten learning through scientific inquiry and authentic questioning while fostering connections with and between students in your classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will: 1. understand and explain visible thinking; 2. describe multiple benefits of applying visible thinking in the classroom; and 3. learn strategies to apply visible thinking in inquiry-based science learning.

SPEAKERS:
Lisa Blank (Watertown City School District: Watertown, NY), Patty Brunet (Cypress High School: Cypress, CA), Tiara Davis (Teacher: Charlotte, NC), Heather Overkamp (Portsmouth Public Schools: Portsmouth, VA)

Explore the use of zebrafish in a diverse, inquiry-based classroom to spark ALL students’ curiosity and scientific engagement with real-life science experiences through multiple-learning modalities.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Build knowledge about the use of zebrafish in biomedical research; 2. Learn how zebrafish and low-budget pet store supplies can be used to engage diverse learners in multimodal (visual, kinesthetic) real-life science learning experiences; and 3. Engage in activities to learn how zebrafish can be used to provide three-dimensional learning experiences for ALL learners by providing opportunities to engage in practices used by scientists, exploring crosscutting concepts and disciplinary code ideas.

SPEAKERS:
Vinita Hajeri (The University of Texas at Dallas: Richardson, TX), Pam Kirkland (The University of Texas at Dallas: Richardson, TX)

When teaching about complex social justice science issues, how do teachers decide what to include while learning about new content and contexts?

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Strategies for deciding what content is “worthwhile” when teaching about complex phenomena; 2. Strategies for deciding how much context is appropriate to include when dealing with social justice issues in science class; and 3. Suggestions for leveraging professional learning communities as sites where we can learn about unfamiliar contexts and contents in order to connect our subject to our communities.

SPEAKERS:
Daniel Morales-Doyle (University of Illinois Chicago: Chicago, IL), Alejandra Frausto Aceves (Northwestern University: Evanston, IL), Adilene Aguilera (George Washington High School: Chicago, IL), Mindy Chappell (North-Grand High School: Chicago, IL), Tiffany Childress Price (Chicago Public Schools: Chicago, IL), Tomasz Rajski (Hubbard High School: Chicago, IL)

Invitations to Inquiry with FieldScope are free lessons designed to build student confidence to analyze and interpret data and answer questions about real-world phenomena.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Develop an understanding of an instructional model designed to incrementally provide students with opportunities to develop data analysis and interpretation skills using citizen and community science data sets; 2. Develop awareness and fluency in using an online graphing and mapping tool to analyze large data sets; and 3. Consider the benefits and barriers in using large data sets and digital tools in the classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Audrey Mohan (BSCS Science Learning: Colorado Springs, CO), Sean O'Connor (BSCS Science Learning: Colorado Springs, CO)

The presentation provides findings and teaching strategies used in secondary science to foster students understating of controversial topics related to race and human diversity.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Learn how to facilitate classroom discourse to guide students to support their claims with evidence and facts; 2. Have specific actions steps to make science lessons more culturally relevant to students; and 3. Understand how to present controversial topics in the science classroom while maintaining a safe learning space for all students.

SPEAKERS:
Uchenna Emenaha (University of Houston: Houston, TX)

We will share how we use learning targets based on the NGSS science practices to develop assessments that are accessible to learners of all abilities.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will: 1. understand how to develop assessments that are accessible to all learners; 2. distinguish between formative and summative assessments and see examples of effective ways to apply each; and 3. understand how to use assessments to fine-tune teaching practice.

SPEAKERS:
David Frangiosa (Pascack Valley Regional High School District: Montvale, NJ), Elise Naramore (Pascack Hills High School: Montvale, NJ)

You made the learning three dimensional in your classroom; now it's time to do the same for your grading.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Ways to help students focus on learning more than gradesl 2, Systems of efficient grading that make meaningful feedback possible; and 3. Tips to have students participate in telling their learning story.

SPEAKERS:
Johanna Brown (Washington State OSPI)

Sponsoring Company: Carolina Biological Supply Co.

Come experience a model lesson from OpenSciEd for Middle School and see how the new Carolina Certified Edition makes these high-quality instructional materials even better! Leave with classroom resources.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Experience the pedagogy of OpenSciEd through a model lesson; 2. Learn ways to encourage equitable classroom discourse; and 3. Create a Driving Question Board to explore real-world phenomena.

SPEAKERS:
Cory Ort (Carolina Biological Supply Co.: Burlington, NC)

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: miniPCR bio

CRISPR/Cas gene editing has revolutionized molecular biology. Now your students can use this method to knock out a gene.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Learn how you can perform an authentic CRISPR/Cas gene knockout in your classroom; 2. Use optional PCR and gel electrophoresis to further verify phenotypic results; and 3. Try free CRISPR/Cas resources for your classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Bruce Bryan (miniPCR: Cambridge, MA)

Sponsoring Company: Legends of Learning

With the amount of time for science instruction constantly under scrutiny, developing experiences that are engaging and develop understanding is critical. Learn how to leverage game-based learning to introduce, review, and deepen student content understanding. Through student-driven learning, Legends of Learning helps educators ensure not a moment of time is lost.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Understanding of how game-based learning (GBL) can enhance a 5Es lesson; 2. Understanding of unique ways to integrate GBL into instructional practices; and 3. Understanding how GBL allows for easier differentiation and builds an inclusive classroom learning environment.

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

Sponsoring Company: Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge/ Shell Awards

Come start your winning application for one of three Shell-sponsored programs. We'll walk through the application step by step and you'll be able to begin your application or nomination form live.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. learn about the Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge competition and the two Shell-sponsored teacher awards; 2. learn how to nominate and apply for the programs that are sponsored by Shell; and 3. be able to collaborate with previous winners and judges on key elements to include in a strong application.

SPEAKERS:
Martha McLeod (Aransas County ISD: Rockport, TX), Ritu Gandhi (Morales Elementary School: Houston, TX), Ruth Ruud (Cleveland State University: Cleveland, OH), Melissa Collins (John P. Freeman Optional School: Memphis, TN)

Sponsoring Company: MiniOne Systems

Join us for a fun, minimal-prep lab testing for macromolecules in various unusual samples using the new fluorescence reader from MiniOne Systems.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Learn about the new Fluorescence Reader from MiniOne Systems; 2. See how you can bring basic macromolecule labs and interesting extensions to students without the tedious prep work; and 3. Explore unusual samples to determine if they contain starch, glucose, protein, lipids, and/or DNA.

SPEAKERS:
Whitney Hagins (Massachusetts Biotechnology Education Foundation: Cambridge, MA)

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

Explore the forces that determine protein shape by actively modeling protein structure! Then explore a particular class of proteins and enzymes by playing with models.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Protein shape is determined by interactions between amino acids that are specifically ordered in the primary structure of proteins; 2. Protein shape is critical for proper functioning of the protein; and 3. Enzymes are a type of protein that interact with their substrates in specific ways.

SPEAKERS:
Keri Shingleton (Holland Hall: Tulsa, OK)

Sponsoring Company: Summit K12

Engaging evidence-based best practices that accelerate learning through an innovative fifth-grade STAAR Review Process that optimizes by class or through Individualized Learning Plans. Come learn how this process ensures growth at  the Masters, Meets, and Approaches levels.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Teachers can meaningfully connect Benchmark Results to a customized STAAR Review Plan; 2. Students will be able to accelerate their learning through a customized learning path and plan; and 3. Students are guaranteed to excel in Science.

SPEAKERS:
Edna Carter (Summit K12 Holdings, Inc.: Austin, TX)

Sponsoring Company: Edvotek Inc.

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: 1. explore the link between genotype and phenotype using PCR and a PTC tasting assay; 2. analyze Mendelian traits using data collected in class; and 3. participate in hands-on biotechnology experimentation.

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

Sponsoring Company: Discovery Education

Join us for lunch and explore DE’s Texas Two-Year Science Package, which is fully aligned to the TEKS and includes ready-to-use activities and intuitive lessons from Mystery Science. Please note that attendees must preregister for this workshop here.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. dive into DE’s Two-Year Science Package that was designed to bridge the gap and prepare science teachers and students for 2024; 2. understand how DE brings science to life inside the classroom with hands-on activities connected to real-world phenomena; and 3. explore new easy-to-use lessons available through our partnership with Mystery Science.

SPEAKERS:
Brittany Lewis (Discovery Education: Silver Spring, MD), Raquel Gruver (Discovery Education: Silver Spring, MD), Justin Karkow (Discovery Education: Silver Spring, MD)

Sponsoring Company: miniPCR bio

The new Bandit™ STEM Electrophoresis Kit brings affordable hands-on biotech and integrative STEM investigations to middle and high school classrooms.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Assemble and use a simple electrophoresis system; 2. Explore a high-quality curriculum that uses electrophoresis techniques; and 3. Affordable electrophoresis for all levels.

SPEAKERS:
Bruce Bryan (miniPCR: Cambridge, MA)

Sponsoring Company: Zahourek Systems, Inc.

Build replicas of human anatomy using clay and a specially designed skeletal model in a classroom setting. Learn how to implement a unique curriculum system that helps students create a kinesthetic map of the human anatomy. This workshop will emphasize directional terms, planes, cavities, and landmarks on the skeletal model and then build several skeletal muscles. Emphasis will be placed on building the rotator cuff showing origin and insertion, movement, as well as a discussion of exercises to strengthen these muscles.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will: 1. learn how to implement a unique curriculum system that helps students create a kinesthetic map of the human anatomy; 2. acquire the knowledge to engage science students with immediate hands-on learning using a proven method that is nationally recognized to increase student retention and test scores; and 3. have fun!

SPEAKERS:
Chuck Roney (ANATOMY IN CLAY Learning Systems: Loveland, CO)

Sponsoring Company: MiniOne Systems

Use electrophoresis to determine the genotypes of a family with a history of sickle cell disease, and hear about progress in treating this disease.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Learn about sickle cell disease, from its inheritance and symptoms as well as new progress treating the disease; 2. See how to do electrophoresis on the MiniOne Electrophoresis System; and 3. Explore a new genetics lab that is ideal for students in a biomedical pathway.

SPEAKERS:
Callen Hyland (Embi Tec: San Diego, CA)

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

Teachers investigate models, text, and data that can engage students in making sense of the structure and function of these molecular marvels.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will: 1. identify how the structure of enzymes influences their function; 2. explain how substances can alter the performance of enzymes and how that can impact human health; and 3. summarize how understanding enzyme structure and function can lead to medical and scientific advances.

SPEAKERS:
Kim Parfitt (3D Molecular Designs: Milwaukee, WI)

Sponsoring Company: Edvotek Inc.

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

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will: 1. perform hands-on biotechnology experiments; 2. explore the physical properties of molecules using chromatography and electrophoresis; and 3. learn about the history of food science.

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

Sponsoring Company: BIOZONE

Learn how BIOZONE’S superb interactive texts and BIOZONE toolkit support teachers to deliver flexible and engaging NGSS and AP programs.

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 toolkit augments the worktext and supports teachers in delivering a flexible and engaging program; and 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.

SPEAKERS:
Pam Temons (BIOZONE International Ltd.: Hamilton, New Zealand)

Sponsoring Company: National Science Foundation, Presidential Awards

Join NSF as we share professional development opportunities for teachers within the federal government and hear from Presidential Awardees about their experiences.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Federal professional development opportunities that you may not have been aware of before; 2. The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) application process and benefits received; and 3. The paths of accomplished teachers and Presidential Awardees as they continue to grow their career.

SPEAKERS:
James Colby (National Science Foundation: Alexandria, VA)

Sponsoring Company: Discovery Education

To celebrate 20 years of supporting teachers and engaging students, the Discovery Education team invites you to join us as we dig deep into our platform and unveil seven things that you didn’t know about your FAVORITE science learning platform, and one thing you probably did! Please note that attendees must preregister for this workshop here.

SPEAKERS:
Justin Karkow (Discovery Education: Silver Spring, MD)

Struggling to get your students to interact with the content? Want your students to do some critical thinking and defend their  thoughts? Come learn some instructional strategies that can be modified easily for any science content.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn instructional strategies that: 1. engage all types of students; 2. are modified easily for any science content; and 3. can be used for a quick and easy formative assessment.

SPEAKERS:
Clara Gravett (Camdenton High School: Camdenton, MO)

This shark-themed lesson for secondary school science is used to promote inquiry and scientific literacy in the classroom through hands-on experiments, simulations, and data collection.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Applying real science techniques to activities in the informal or formal classroom setting; 2. Promoting scientific literacy through inquiry-based activities, reflective thinking, and connections to diverse shark scientists; and 3. Bridging science with other subjects such as history and math in the classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Savanna Finley (Science Teacher: Sarasota, FL)

Bee-coming a data scientist—discover how honeybee researchers find pathogens that contribute to colony loss.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Understand the essential role of honeybees in agriculture; 2. Discover example phenomena to engage students as a data scientist and exploration into the universal language of DNA sequences; and 3. A simple and free computer-based activity that can be performed anywhere with a computer and internet (classroom, home, or public library).

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

This workshop will focus on how collaboration between educators can provide an educational experience to all learners in a district that highlights STEM education from Kindergarten to High School. The presenters will introduce many activities and lessons for teachers and administrators to bring back to their schools and classrooms focusing on agricultural education, engineering activities, and STEM experiments. The workshop will be broken into three segments highlighting hydroponics, community gardens, robotics, computer science, and science experiments/demonstrations.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Our Science/STEM Instructor will present various STEM Night lessons and activities that are taught to high school students who participate in Family/Science Nights in the district throughout the year. These activities focus on NGSS standards that students learn throughout the year; 2. Our Agriculture Educator will present how to start and maintain a hydroponics lab and a community garden in the district for all levels of instruction; and 3. Our Engineering instructor will present a curriculum and activities in Robotics and Computer Science Applications that will build your students' knowledge and demonstrate how these students teach younger students in the district in STEM education.

SPEAKERS:
Kim Usery (Cabot High School: Cabot, AR), Nicole Gatewood (Cabot High School: Cabot, AR)

Sponsoring Company: Carolina Biological Supply Co.

Through frog dissection, we will demonstrate how to integrate the three dimensions of learning while highlighting adaptations and the relationship between structure and function.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to: 1. dissect a frog; 2. implement dissections in 3-D classrooms; and 3. incorporate the crosscutting concept of structure and function into dissection lessons.

SPEAKERS:
Patti Kopkau (Retired Educator: National City, MI)

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Software & Technology

Stop counting bubbles. It has never been easier to visulize photosynthesis in the classroom. Use the latest technology to measure photosynthesis and the variables that affect it. Bring your own device with our free Graphical Analysis 4 app and Spectral Analysis 4 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: Edulastic

NGSS lessons by students, for students—how cool is that?! Hear the STEAM Team’s story, discover their suite of activities, and get free classroom tools!

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn: 1. about what inspired a group of high school students to create engaging and fun STEAM lessons for middle school students; 2. how to access student-created digital learning lessons to help teach science to their own students; and 3. how to locate NGSS-focused assessments and create their own assessments in Edulastic, and assign them to their students.

SPEAKERS:
Ileana Betancourt (GoGuardian + Pear Deck + Edulastic: El Segundo, CA)

Sponsoring Company: MiniOne Systems

In this hands-on lab, you'll use scientific reasoning and experimental design to determine the source of a real-life foodborne outbreak with gel electrophoresis.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Learn about a real-world Shigella outbreak and how food safety experts determine the source of outbreaks; 2. Become a foodborne illness investigator to solve which food made partygoers sick; and 3. See how fast, engaging electrophoresis labs can excite students about careers in food safety.

SPEAKERS:
Whitney Hagins (Massachusetts Biotechnology Education Foundation: Cambridge, MA)

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

Examine David Goodsell’s landscapes that illustrate the molecular world in a whole new way. One landscape, Tour of a Human Cell, contains numerous biological concepts.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Cells are complicated and packed full of proteins; 2. A Tour of a Human Cell illustrates Your Flu Shot in Action; and 3. Come for the art and leave with the science.

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

Sponsoring Company: Savvas Learning Company

What's so phenomenal about phenomena?  Join the Savvas science team for an engaging hands-on workshop as we explore the purpose of phenomena, the power of using it to drive your instruction, and the way it will support your students as they bring their own life experiences into your classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Students succeed when they feel connected to content, but even the best curricula are written for a generic school context; 2. Small lesson adjustments that introduce local, real-world phenomena can make a generic lesson more meaningful for students; and 3. All science teachers and instructional coaches can learn a few simple, practical strategies for adapting their curricula to highlight local phenomena and voices.

SPEAKERS:
Jessi Davis (Savvas Learning Co.: Paramus, NJ)

Sponsoring Company: Digitalis Education Solutions, Inc.

Use Digitalis' Nightshade NG planetarium software to target NGSS and/or TEKS at multiple age levels in various scientific disciplines.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will: 1. gain ideas about how Nightshade NG planetarium software can be used to target NGSS and/or TEKS at multiple grade levels; 2. experience how Nightshade NG planetarium software can be used to target NGSS and/or TEKS in various disciplines such as astronomy, Earth science, engineering, ecology, biology, physics, and more; and 3. learn how astronomy can be used as an anchor for interdisciplinary units.

SPEAKERS:
Karrie Berglund (Digitalis Education Solutions, Inc.: Bremerton, WA), Beau Hartweg (Tyler Junior College: Tyler, TX)

Sponsoring Company: Edvotek Inc.

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:
1. Attendees will learn about bacterial transformation, a genetic engineering technique; 2. Through transformation, attendees will explore the relationship between genotype and phenotype; and 3. Attendees will participate in hands-on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, math) experiments.

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

This program aims to dramatically increase the exposure to and consumption of locally produced honey by developing a network of apiaries and supporting curriculum for preK–12.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will learn about: 1. how educational apiaries can be used in an education setting; 2. the benefits of implementing curriculum related to honey production; and 3. strategies to engage migrant students in STEM education.

SPEAKERS:
Spencer Cody (Edmunds Central School District: Roscoe, SD)

Explore a variety of inquiry-based activities to engage students with real-world scientific data, thus improving data literacy through strategies that support science practices.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. recognize the need to utilize data with science learners; 2. explore data instructional strategies to integrate into classroom instruction; and 3. identify sources of authentic data.

SPEAKERS:
Tina Hovance (Katy ISD: Katy, TX), Cathy Harter (Katy ISD: Katy, TX)

Learn how to access and explore NOAA’s data-rich resources, lesson plans, and visualization tools to build data literacy and proficiency in scientific data analysis.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. What types of data are available from NOAA; 2. How to find and use NOAA data in your classroom; and 3. How students can be involved in data collection.

SPEAKERS:
Bekkah Lampe (NOAA Office of Education: Silver Spring, MD), Kayla Smith (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: Silver Spring, MD)

Sponsoring Company: American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture

Food and agriculture are universally relevant. This session will focus on using agricultural phenomena to increase the relevancy and authenticity of content in science classrooms.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn: 1. how to connect with each student's agricultural identity to enhance the relevancy and authenticity of science lessons; 2. how agricultural phenomena can drive student sensemaking and problem-solving; and 3. about free resources and professional immersive learning experiences available from the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture to support three-dimensional teaching, learning, and assessment.

SPEAKERS:
Brian Beierle (American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture: Washington, DC), Christine Girtain (Toms River High School South: Toms River, NJ)

Connect the human impact of trash pollution to engineering design. Get your students thinking critically and creatively as they collaborate in real-world problem-solving. The global real-world issue of human-generated trash polluting local bodies of water is the main focus of this hands-on session. Using our partnership with the Howard County Conservancy, our students learn about their local watersheds and contribute to a Watershed Report Card. Students see how trash that is often found on our local schoolyards can affect our watershed, and they design a working model for trash removal in a local tributary. Basic coding will be used to design programs that will control sensors and motors through a microcontroller, thus removing the trash from the water source. The model will utilize solar and water power to move the trash into a separate receptacle. Various sensors will also be used to monitor water levels and determine the outcome of the program. This session will allow participants to find ways to increase the environmental stewardship of their students while incorporating engineering design into the science classroom. This project allows authentic integration of technology, mathematics, crosscutting concepts, science practices, and easy implementation of the Next Generation Science Standards.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Connecting the human impact of single-use plastics and their effect on aquatic ecosystems; 2. Exposing students to basic coding and engineering design in an NGSS-focused content classroom; and 3. Developing a project that enhances STEM skills in students such as collaboration, curiosity, and creative problem-solving.

SPEAKERS:
Jessica Kohout (Educational Consultant: Voorhees, NJ), Stacy Thibodeaux (Southside High School: Youngsville, LA)

Sponsoring Company: miniPCR bio

Engage your students in authentic research through Genes in Space, the experimental design competition that launches student experiments to the International Space Station.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Engage students in an experimental design contest; 2. A chance for an astronaut to perform your experiment on the International Space Station; and 3. Classroom resources, including lesson plans, classroom activities, explainer videos, and free biotechnology equipment loans.

SPEAKERS:
Sebastian Kraves (miniPCR: Cambridge, MA)

Sponsoring Company: MiniOne Systems

In this STEAM activity, you will make art using drops of color dye—similar to the pointillism art technique—while perfecting pipetting technique.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Learn how to use an adjustable-volume micropipette; and 2. Explore how to use art to help hone essential lab skills with a fun activity that can be used for students as young as 11.

SPEAKERS:
Callen Hyland (Embi Tec: San Diego, CA)

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.

SPEAKERS:
Mark Koker (Lab-Aids, Inc.: Ronkonkoma, NY)

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

Construct a model of cell communication and experience how modeling to explore abstract concepts deepens student understanding and provides opportunities for formative assessment.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Gain a deeper understanding of cell-cell communication using synapses as an example; 2. Experience the advantages of using models to deepen student engagement and understanding; and 3. View examples of student work on performance assessments related to workshop activities.

SPEAKERS:
Keri Shingleton (Holland Hall: Tulsa, OK)

Sponsoring Company: Savvas Learning Company

This session will introduce simple, practical strategies that teachers and instructional coaches can use to enhance students’ connection to science content. We’ll walk through ways to make small lesson adjustments to highlight local phenomena and local voices across all phases of a 5E lesson.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Students succeed when they feel connected to content, but even the best curricula are written for a generic school context; 2. Small lesson adjustments that introduce local, real-world phenomena can make a generic lesson more meaningful for students; and 3. All science teachers and instructional coaches can learn a few simple, practical strategies for adapting their curricula to highlight local phenomena and voices.

SPEAKERS:
Michelle Forsythe (Texas State University: San Marcos, TX)

Sponsoring Company: Anatomage

We will discuss the applications as well as the core scientific principals behind one of the most popular and fascinating tools in the medical field. What is light and how is it used inside of an MRI? What is precession and how do we use this to create an image? How are gradients used to localize a signal? We will discuss each of these questions and hopefully create a meaningful understanding for such a fascinating tool.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. What a digital image is composed of; 2. How light works and is used to create images; and 3. What an MRI is actually showing you.

SPEAKERS:
Jonathan Perry (Anatomage, Inc: San Jose, CA)

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 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:
Damon Tighe (Bio-Rad Laboratories: Hercules, CA)

Explore the role of scientific vocabulary in an NGSS classroom and take away innovative strategies for incorporating vocabulary instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners.

TAKEAWAYS:
Educators will: 1. learn how to make scientific vocabulary meaningful to students; 2. engage in learning innovative strategies for developing vocabulary usage and knowledge; and 3. learn how to use instruction to drive the learning of vocabulary.

SPEAKERS:
Kelly Watrous (Mark T. Sheehan High School: Wallingford, CT)

Learn how to engage your students with the rich phenomena of a runner that fails to maintain homeostasis, using an open-source NGSS-driven unit.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will: 1. deepen their understanding of how to use phenomena-driven three-dimensional instruction to attend to student interest and relevance; 2. develop a clear vision for how to use modeling to teach homeostasis and feedback mechanisms; and 3. learn how to access, use, and adapt a free EQuIP-reviewed high-quality HS Biology unit.

SPEAKERS:
Andrea Sau (Mott Hall Bronx High School: Bronx, NY), Joy Otibu (Mott Hall Bronx High School: Bronx, NY)

During this session, we will discuss instructional tools and resources to leverage students' cultural capital in the science classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Explore the tenets of Culturally Responsive Pedagogy; 2. Understand how all learning is cultural, especially science, and access to science helps students become change agents; and 3. Explore the components and values of an inclusive science classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Patricia Morgan (Georgia State University: Atlanta, GA)

Through engaging case studies, attendees will gain an understanding of what is in our indoor air, including emissions from emerging sources and their health impacts, as well as mitigation strategies.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Identify the potential unintended consequences of emerging technologies on indoor air quality; 2. Understand what is in our air, including emissions from emerging sources and their health impacts; and 3. Provide engaging case study examples and strategies for how to successfully deploy safer solutions.

SPEAKERS:
Holley Henderson (Chemical Insights Research Institute: Marietta, GA), Melanie Share (Chemical Insights Research Institute: Marietta, GA)

Sponsoring Company: miniPCR bio

See transcription and translation as it happens! With BioBits™, the Central Dogma can now be visualized and manipulated in the classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Visualize transcription and translation in real time with no need for living cells; 2. Use cutting-edge cell-free technology; and 3. Open new area of the molecular biology curriculum to labs using fluorescence visualization.

SPEAKERS:
Bruce Bryan (miniPCR: Cambridge, MA)

Sponsoring Company: MiniOne Systems

Using the MiniOne System, develop an understanding of forensic science and gel electrophoresis while investigating the mystery of who killed Dr. Ward.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Learn how to use the MiniOne Electrophoresis System in biology and forensics classes; 2. Become a forensic scientist to solve the mystery of who killed a prominent doctor; and 3. See how engaging and reliable hands-on labs excite students for careers in forensics.

SPEAKERS:
Kathy Mirakovits (Kalamazoo Valley Community College: Kalamazoo, MI)

Sponsoring Company: Lab-Aids

Explore the use of a Driving Question Board (DQB) as a tool to make the phenomena meaningful and connected to science content. Using an example activity from Ecology, we will model the DQB at the start of the unit, then jump to an activity to make connections to the phenomena and content. Pro-tips and full exemplary DQB walkthrough with our experienced classroom trainers.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Develop a DQB to help drive phenomena throughout a unit of study; 2. Develop a model of an ecosystem; and 3. Determine how an introduced species affects the flow of energy and cycling of matter throughout an ecosystem.

SPEAKERS:
Cindy Lilly (Ocean Bay Middle School: Myrtle Beach, SC)

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

Use physical models to drive student understanding of tonicity and water potential and then model the structure and function of cell membranes to master understanding.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Learn how modeling the properties of water allows students to predict the structure of cell membranes; 2. Use models to explain the structure and function of cell membranes, including the transport of molecules across the membrane; and 3. Experience how the use of these models allows student thinking to become visible.

SPEAKERS:
Jill Daniels (Geneva School of Boerne: Boerne, TX)

Sponsoring Company: NOAA

Find out how to become a NOAA Planet Steward Educator and access professional development opportunities, education resources, and funding. Increase your students’ science literacy and have them respond to real-world environmental threats.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will: 1. learn about the goals, methods, and outcomes of NOAA’s Planet Stewards program; 2. learn about the range of NOAA Planet Stewards professional development opportunities and how to participate in them, including live and archived webinars, a monthly book club, as well as face-to-face and distance learning workshops; and 3. engage in a dialogue with educators who have received funding through the program and successfully carried out Planet Stewards projects.

SPEAKERS:
Bruce Moravchik (NOAA National Ocean Service: Silver Spring, MD), Symone Barkley (NOAA National Ocean Service: Silver Spring, MD)

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:
1. You can do STEM with your science students and science with your STEM students!; 2. Apply knowledge of science to inform an engineering design (artificial heart); and 3. Combining science, coding, and engineering design helps students get to higher-order thinking skills.

SPEAKERS:
Jeffrey Lukens (Retired Science Teacher: Sioux Falls, SD)

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)

Sponsoring Company: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

In this session we’ll explore the importance of integrating engaging and relevant hands-on learning opportunities into your science instruction to ensure the best student outcomes.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. The importance of integrating an ample amount of hands-on learning opportunities into instruction to successfully engage students in doing and learning science; 2. How to promote active learning by encouraging students to collaborate, think critically, and explore science, all within the context of a coherent phenomenon storyline; and 3. How hands-on learning opportunities support standards, make science accessible to all learners, promote deeper understanding, and prepare students for college and career readiness.

SPEAKERS:
Michael Heithaus (Florida International University: North Miami, FL)

Sponsoring Company: miniPCR bio

Use simple tools to explore SARS-CoV-2 testing and get hands-on experience with the principles of qPCR diagnostics.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Students act as healthcare providers at an airport screening facility and test fictional patients for infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus; 2. Explore COVID qPCR testing using low-cost tools; and 3. Investigate the principles of qPCR in the classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Bruce Bryan (miniPCR: Cambridge, MA)

Sponsoring Company: MiniOne System

Use fluorescent detection to "see" what is happening with target molecules on the new fluorescence reader from MiniOne Systems.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Learn about the MiniOne Systems' new Fluorescence Reader; 2. See how a compact new fluorescence viewer can help teach a variety of concepts from dilution to DNA extraction; and 3. Learn how you can teach students about fluorescence detection, a common real-world lab technique.

SPEAKERS:
Callen Hyland (Embi Tec: San Diego, CA)

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

Teachers explore strategies that make student thinking visible while engaging all students with models to investigate the elegance of the Central Dogma of biology.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will: 1. identify how modeling can be used to reveal student understanding of DNA and RNA structure and function; 2. investigate their own ideas and anticipate student ideas in using models; and 3. explain how models for replication, transcription, and translation can provide spiraling instruction throughout a semester in order to enhance student success with complex ideas.

SPEAKERS:
Kim Parfitt (3D Molecular Designs: Milwaukee, WI)

Sponsoring Company: Savvas Learning Company

Come see practical ways to help students make sense of phenomena. Three different examples will be used to demonstrate some general principles of guiding students' sensemaking.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Engage in phenomena from different content areas that can be used at different grade levels; 2. Learn strategies to scaffold students' thinking; and 3. Develop strategies to help students generate questions.

SPEAKERS:
Jesse Wilcox (University of Northern Iowa: Cedar Falls, IA)

Sponsoring Company: NOAA

Cultivate a sense of belonging in your classroom with conservation, stewardship, and climate science using educational resources from NOAA and other socially conscious organizations.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will: 1. identify at least three affinity groups focused on marine/environmental science; 2. identify at least three marine/environmental science resources by affinity groups to use in instruction; and 3. draft one lesson or activity that includes a NOAA resource and a resource by an affinity group.

SPEAKERS:
Bruce Moravchik (NOAA National Ocean Service: Silver Spring, MD), Symone Barkley (NOAA National Ocean Service: Silver Spring, MD)

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 how DNA barcoding can be used to identify species that cannot be identified by visual or geographical information.

SPEAKERS:
Damon Tighe (Bio-Rad Laboratories: Hercules, CA)

Argument-Driven Inquiry is an instructional model that gives students an opportunity to learn how to use DCIs, CCs, and SEPs to explain natural phenomena, and it creates a learning environment where students are able to talk, read, and write in the service of sensemaking.

TAKEAWAYS:
How to: 1. use this instructional model, or way of teaching, to give students an opportunity to learn how to use the DCIs, CCs, and SEPs to make sense of natural phenomena; 2. give students an opportunity to use their own ideas and ways of communicating to talk, read, and write in the service of sensemaking; and 3. give students more opportunities to decide what counts as valid and acceptable and develop new criteria for what counts evidence in science.

SPEAKERS:
Victor Sampson (The University of Texas at Austin: Austin, TX)

Come learn how to teach in three dimensions and advance students’ scientific literacy by strategically applying the use of CERs and CEJs in your classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
After this session, participants will be able to: 1. identify the CER and CEJ approach for building scientific literacyl; 2. identify opportunities for using CERs and CEJs to facilitate student discourse and discussion; and 3. apply what they have learned to their own classroom.

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

Look for patterns in biodiversity and habitat structure as you investigate mesofauna to determine cause and effect relationships and understand how ecosystem services affect patterns of diversity.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Investigate patterns in mesofauna diversity, soil health, and carbon sequestration; 2. Calculate species richness, relative abundance, and soil structure to determine the diversity in a soil ecosystem; and 3. Identify human impact on ecosystem services that affect patterns of biological diversity.

SPEAKERS:
Heather Bryan (Nourish the Future - Education Projects, LLC: Columbus, OH)

The session will describe the need and deliberate actions taken within the Scientific Research Saturdays program to involve under-resourced students to develop STEM projects and participate in the regional science and engineering fair.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Under-resourced students are disadvantaged by not having mentors to assist them in developing research that will benefit them in competing in national and international science fairs, winning scholarships to universities and programs, and strengthening their confidence and passion for STEM fields; 2. Mentoring is an effective strategy to support under-resourced high school students. However, access to mentors, particularly where geographic and time barriers are concerned, and reduced cost must be considered; and 3. The onus to establish equity in education continues to be on educators.

SPEAKERS:
Christine Todd (Miami-Dade Virtual School: Miami, FL)

Sponsoring Company: miniPCR bio

PCR and gel electrophoresis are the heart of any molecular biology lab. Bring both to your classroom and have students discover their own PTC genotype.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Use affordable hands-on tools to bring PCR and gel electrophoresis to any biology classroom; 2. Students test their own DNA to see their PTC tasting genotype; and 3. Correlate genotype to phenotype in your classroom using your students' DNA.

SPEAKERS:
Bruce Bryan (miniPCR: Cambridge, MA)

Sponsoring Company: MiniOne Systems

Get hands-on experience on how to teach gel electrophoresis and DNA fingerprinting in a single classroom session.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Learn how to use the MiniOne Electrophoresis System in biology and environmental science classes; 2. Determine the parentage of a baby whale using electrophoresis; and 3. See how engaging and reliable hands-on labs excite students for careers in environmental and conservation sciences.

SPEAKERS:
Whitney Hagins (Massachusetts Biotechnology Education Foundation: Cambridge, MA)

Sponsoring Company: Lab-Aids

Designed to be accessible for even nonbiology students, this module explores the science and ethics of gene-editing technology in the context on those impacted by a life with sickle cell disease. In this workshop, participants generate a hands-on model showing how a gene contains the instructions for building a protein and explore how a mutation in a gene led to a change in a protein.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Use CRISPR technology to edit bacterial genes in your classroom; 2. Gain an understanding of how CRISPR works; and 3. Consider ethical issues involved with gene editing.

SPEAKERS:
Mark Koker (Lab-Aids, Inc.: Ronkonkoma, NY)

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

Transition between an assortment of physical DNA models and discover student-centered activities that explore the structure and function of this amazing biomolecule.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Review your understanding of the structure of DNA while transferring knowledge across different models of DNA; 2. Consider how a model-based approach to investigating DNA deepens student understanding and inquiry; and 3. Investigate the differences between RNA and DNA while examining models.

SPEAKERS:
Keri Shingleton (Holland Hall: Tulsa, OK)

Sponsoring Company: NOAA

Journey to the abyss with NOAA Ocean Exploration as we investigate deep-sea phenomena using the student sensemaking instructional model and hands-on demonstrations.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Covering 70% of Earth, the ocean is rich with complex natural phenomena that can be used in the classroom to engage students in science learning as well as foster curiosity and interest about the ocean, ocean exploration, and stewardship; 2. Instructional strategies that support student sensemaking also support student equity and inclusion in the classroom by ensuring that every student has a voice; and 3. NOAA Ocean Exploration provides numerous educational resources that support current education standards and modern classroom pedagogy.

SPEAKERS:
Elizabeth Hoadley (NOAA Office of Education: Dauphin Island, AL)

Sponsoring Company: Seven Sides Publishing

Seven Sides Publishing will show how our investigation manuals provide an easy and efficient way to put science in the hands of students through Simple Investigations.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. We have enough ideas for investigations to cover 100% of the science standards; 2. Investigations are so simple, students and teachers will want to use them; and 3. Simple Investigations will put science in the hands of students, efficiently increasing learning and test scores.

SPEAKERS:
Christopher Garside (Seven Sides Publishing: , United States)

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:
Damon Tighe (Bio-Rad Laboratories: Hercules, CA)

Sponsoring Company: XR Guru

Join us for this hands-on presentation to experience Virtual Reality science content.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Understand and experience virtual reality science content; 2. learn the research on integrating virtual reality in the classroom; and 3. learn how to create your own virtual reality content to share with students.

SPEAKERS:
Doug Smith (XR Guru: Dublin, OH)

Let's explore student and teacher outcomes from inquiry-based laboratory instruction of scientific literacy and writing in a private high school setting.

TAKEAWAYS:
Effectiveness of: 1. professional development on teacher efficacy for writing instruction in science; 2. inquiry-based laboratory instruction on student writing performance in science; and 3. inquiry-based laboratory instruction on student perceptions of writing ability and scientific literacy.

SPEAKERS:
Ross Lyons (Ensworth High School Campus: Nashville, TN)

Discover a high school ecology PBL unit that uses adapted primary literature to engage students in science inquiry.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Meaningful integration of science and social studies; 2. New approaches to adapted primary literature; and 3. A simplified model for PBL instruction and assessment.

SPEAKERS:
Tyler St. Clair (Longwood University: Farmville, VA), Kristen Conklin (Francis Lewis High School: Queens, NY)

Citizen Chats allow students to find a voice on topics ranging from social justice issues to scientific experiments, and let the data collected guide their decisions.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. be able to support their students in the incorporation of 21st-century skills to design and execute student-driven research in class; 2. be able to design and implement grading strategies to appropriately gauge student learning for a wide variety of topics; and 3. feel comfortable incorporating student-based research into their everyday curriculum for deepening student learning.

SPEAKERS:
Emily Lahr (Greene Central High School: Snow Hill, NC), Jose Garcia (Greene Central High School: Snow Hill, NC)

NCF-Envirothon is an environmental and natural resources problem-solving competition for high school students that engages students with classroom-based study and hands-on outdoor experiential education.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. The NCF-Envirothon is an environmental and natural resource conservation problem-solving, team-building, and leadership experience that inspires high school students across the U.S., Canada, and China to integrate science learning with real-world applications; 2. The NCF-Envirothon incorporates STEM principles, in-class curriculum, and hands-on outdoor field experiences to foster student learning about natural resource management and environmental science career possibilities in the areas of Aquatic Ecology, Forestry, Soils and Land Use, Wildlife, and Current Environmental Issues; and 3. Through a comprehensive course of study aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards and the AP Environmental Science curriculum, the NCF-Envirothon challenges students to develop their critical-thinking skills to create inventive solutions to the complex local and global environmental issues facing our world today. The NCF-Envirothon empowers students with knowledge and skills to change the world!

SPEAKERS:
Rachel Edwards (National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD): Washington, DC)

Participants will learn about how some districts around the country are using an asset approach to post-COVID learning and will collaboratively share ideas with others.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Some districts around the country are focusing on an acceleration rather than a remediation post-COVID approach to learning; 2. An asset approach to learning and learners supports social and emotional well-being; and 3. The NSELA Learning Center provides resources for continued learning about asset versus deficit approaches to learning.

SPEAKERS:
Andy Weatherhead (National Science Education Leadership Association (NSELA): Downingtown, PA), Linda Cook (The University of Texas at Dallas: Richardson, TX)

Participants will explore the biology, chemistry, and physics of carbon dioxide’s role in climate and climate change.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will: 1. explore the biological pathways, stoichiometric reactions, thermodynamics, and environmental implications of hydrocarbon-sourced CO2 gas; 2. learn how to explain the role of carbon dioxide in climate change to high schoolers through hands-on activities; and 3. learn how to bring relevance and critical thinking to their science classes.

SPEAKERS:
Nicole DiLuglio (Houston ISD: Houston, TX), Marlo Diosomito (Houston ISD: Houston, TX), Cedric Williams (Houston ISD: Houston, TX)

Arts integration for the science classroom! Utilize this session's takeaways to incorporate diverse learning practices that don't sacrifice content time.

TAKEAWAYS:
Provide attendees with: 1. diverse teaching methods with a curated selection of arts-integration practices; 2. make-and-take product(s) to use as exemplars; and 3. digital access to content (rubrics, examples, etc.) that would help these practices be implemented in the classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Suzanne Murphy (Farmington High School: Farmington, AR), Hailey Robinson (Farmington High School: Farmington, AR)

Sponsoring Company: miniPCR bio

Analyze authentic field data, run electrophoresis gels, build phylogenetic trees, and explore ecological data to decide whether an extinct species of lemur has been rediscovered.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Bring molecular approaches to ecology and evolution units; 2. Explore authentic data from researchers at the Duke Lemur Center; and 3. Use genetic tests to examine species differences.

SPEAKERS:
Bruce Bryan (miniPCR: Cambridge, MA)

Sponsoring Company: MiniOne Systems

Bring real-world conservation to biology students using electrophoresis and an elephant database to analyze DNA profiles from confiscated ivory tusks.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Learn how to use the MiniOne Electrophoresis System for reliable labs that can be completed in a classroom period; 2. Explore how genetics can be used in modern conservation efforts ; and 3. Explore a real-world conservation lab from MiniOne, along with resources from the Science Education Partnership, that can enrich AP Biology and AP Environmental Sciences classes.

SPEAKERS:
Erika Fong (MiniOne Systems: San Diego, CA)

Sponsoring Company: Lab-Aids

Look for patterns in species diversity in coral reef ecosystems and other animals to determine cause and effect relationships 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.

SPEAKERS:
Mark Koker (Lab-Aids, Inc.: Ronkonkoma, NY)

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

Mitosis, meiosis, chromosome structure, and crossing over will be explored in this hands-on modeling event. Bring your student hat and be ready to engage.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Model chromosome structure and anatomy; 2. Compare and contrast mitosis and meiosis; and 3. Model mechanisms that contribute to genetic variation.

SPEAKERS:
Kim Parfitt (3D Molecular Designs: Milwaukee, WI)

Sponsoring Company: Savvas Learning Company

As many of us transition back to our new normal, this session will focus on the developmental (not academic) gaps that the past few years of learning are likely to have caused and provide multiple strategies to address those inequities.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Appreciate the developmental deficiencies remote learning is likely to have caused; 2. Build specific strategies and lessons meant to address those deficiencies; and 3. Build strategies to lead with phenomena-based instruction to encourage risk-taking and collaboration.

SPEAKERS:
Ramy Mahmoud (Savvas Learning Co.: Paramus, NJ)

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: Animalearn

Let Animalearn take your dissection lab to the next level with AR/VR AND tactile non-animal teaching tools! Free demos and giveaways for your science class!

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Teachers will learn about a wide variety of non-animal anatomy resources that can be utilized in the classroom to replace dissection specimens; 2. The latest research will be presented informing educators of the benefits of using non-animal methods compared to specimen dissection; and 3. Teachers will have hands-on exposure to non-animal methods, including the ANATOMY IN CLAY® Learning System and Merge AR/VR STEM technology.

SPEAKERS:
Nicole Green (Animalearn: Jenkintown, PA)

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:
Damon Tighe (Bio-Rad Laboratories: Hercules, CA)

Sponsoring Company: NOAA Office of Education

Join us for a demo and discussion about the NEW searchable database of 1,200+ educational resources from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

TAKEAWAYS:
1. NOAA has 1,200+ resources for educators, including lessons, videos, activities, posters, and more; 2. You can now search by grade, resource type, subject, and topic to find what you’re looking for; and 3. We have NGSS resources too! Search by DCI.

SPEAKERS:
Marissa Jones (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: Washington, DC), Bekkah Lampe (NOAA Office of Education: Silver Spring, MD)

Sponsoring Company: American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture

Food and agriculture are universally relevant. This session will focus on using agricultural phenomena to increase the relevancy and authenticity of content in science classrooms.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn: 1. how to connect with each student's agricultural identity to enhance the relevancy and authenticity of science lessons; 2. how agricultural phenomena can drive student sensemaking and problem-solving; and 3. about free resources and professional immersive learning experiences available from the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture to support three-dimensional teaching, learning, and assessment.

SPEAKERS:
Brian Beierle (American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture: Washington, DC), Christine Girtain (Toms River High School South: Toms River, NJ)

Learn how to develop a program where special education students work side-by-side with traditional students as they investigate real-word scientific phenomena.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Learn how the Special Olympics Unified Sports idea can be extended into the content-area classroom to provide equity and access to ALL students. Hear from students, both traditional and special needs, about how participating in this Science Education Partnership has affected their lives; 2. Get tips for whom to partner with inside and outside of your school and how to raise support and interest for your program; and 3. Learn how to access detailed lesson plans and curated resources for both biology- and physical science–based courses.

SPEAKERS:
Dani Stroud (CERRA: No City, No State), Holly Sullivan (Richland School District Two: Columbia, SC)

Experience how the BSCS Anchored Inquiry Learning instructional model creates learning experiences that motivate students to engage with significant, real-world phenomena and problems!

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Develop an understanding of the Anchored Inquiry Learning (AIL) instructional model, the research that underpins the approach, and how it integrates elements of the 5E, NextGen Storylines, and other instructional models; 2. Consider the role of instructional coherence and real-world phenomena or design problems as an anchor for multiple cycles of inquiry in effective teaching and learning; and 3. Consider the role of an anchoring phenomenon and culminating task in providing equitable access and motivation for all learners.

SPEAKERS:
Cynthia Gay (BSCS Science Learning: Colorado Springs, CO), Lindsey Mohan (BSCS Science Learning: Colorado Springs, CO)

EdReports is expanding into high school materials reviews. Learn about the high school tool development, share your experience, and hear about opportunities to become a reviewer.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Build an understanding of the challenges educators face in finding quality materials and how EdReports aims to address those challenges; 2. Learn about the expansion into high school science and develop an understanding of the tool development process, characteristics of alignment to the NGSS and usability, and discuss smart adoption processes; and 3. Hear about opportunities to engage as an EdReports reviewer in upcoming reviews, which includes NGSS training, an extended learning community, and a paid stipend.

SPEAKERS:
Sam Shaw (EdReports.org)

Join us as we share our journey of collaborating with science leaders to recognize and design quality professional learning to advance 3-D science teaching and learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. An understanding of the science leader’s role in putting the pieces of the NRC Framework together for a coherent science program; 2. Ways to strategically plan and prioritize professional learning based on system and individual teacher needs; and 3. Ways to approach addressing what teachers need to know and be able to do if students are to achieve our vision for science learning.

SPEAKERS:
Tonya Woolfolk (Houston County Schools: Perry, GA), Patricia Morgan (Georgia State University: Atlanta, GA), Casey Bethel (Douglas County School System: Douglasville, GA)

Did you realize that elders used inquiry, a multidisciplinary project-based approach, hands-on learning, and innovation? Incorporating these ideas will improve your classroom for ALL students.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. All teachers can adapt their teaching methods to match those of our elders and, in fact, NSTA's Sensemaking program provides a strong foundation for this method of instruction; 2. The sequence and methods that were used by our elders ensured that all students were active learners; and 3. The elders not only had students build a foundation of knowledge, but also accomplished this by using inquiry, exploring phenomena, implementing a hands-on approach, and concluding with an innovative extension.

SPEAKERS:
Joel Truesdell (Kamehameha Schools Hawaii Campus: Keaau, HI)

Engage yourself and your students in experimental research and engineering opportunities to develop real-world and effective communication skills.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. How to engage yourself and your students as scientists; 2. Writing assessment guides and taking advantage of what students learn in language arts classes; and 3. Communication—as a teacher scientist and to help guide your students to communicate as student scientists.

SPEAKERS:
John Taylor (Marvin Ridge High School: No City, No State)

Explore what it means to be scientifically literate and how to develop students who can participate in discussions about scientific issues that affect society.

TAKEAWAYS:
The goals of this session are for participants to gain an understanding of what scientific literacy is, how it can be supported in classrooms, and how the application of science principles and processes will enable students to join society’s science conversations.

SPEAKERS:
Tina Hovance (Katy ISD: Katy, TX), Cathy Harter (Katy ISD: Katy, TX)

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

Delve into the CRISPR discovery as you manipulate the Adaptive Immunity Kit to explore its functions. Learn how to connect CRISPR to what you teach.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. The discovery of CRISPR was a collaborative effort of many people over a 30-year period; 2. How CRISPR functions as an adaptive immunity system in bacteria; and 3. The role of the Cas9 endonuclease in this system.

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

Sponsoring Company: Savvas Learning Company

This session addresses the need for teaching science as inquiry and gives teachers the opportunity to experience investigations that span the inquiry spectrum of learning for multilingual learners.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Gain an understanding of energy transformation through the inquiry process; 2. Learn strategies to assist multilingual learners in scientific investigations; and 3. Explore how to facilitate teaching science as inquiry through questioning techniques.

SPEAKERS:
Heather Domjan (University of Houston: Houston, TX)

We will share how we implemented current educational research to create a learning environment that supports learners of all abilities.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will: 1. understand the educational research supporting a shift away from traditional grading; 2. describe which attributes of a learning progression model address each of several major classroom issues, including equity, differentiation, peer interactions, and growth mindset; and 3. describe methods of implementing the research in the classroom.

SPEAKERS:
David Frangiosa (Pascack Valley Regional High School District: Montvale, NJ), Elise Naramore (Pascack Hills High School: Montvale, NJ)

Have you attended too many PD trainings that never made a difference in your classroom instruction? Let's explore ways to change that.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Setting and growing toward personal goals that align with campus and district priorities is one strategy we'll explore; 2. Designing content-specific learning for yourself as the classroom teacher creates opportunities for you to share with your students what you are learning, and that next question you are researching; and 3. We'll share available resources and practices that guide embedded science teacher learning. (Please bring yours.)

SPEAKERS:
Joey Belgard (Rockwall ISD: Rockwall, TX)

Participants will engage in developing formative and summative assessments that connect students with science practices. We will discuss strategies for using performance data to inform instruction.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Using assessment during instruction will help students focus on science practices in the curriculum, e.g., constructing explanations, scientific argumentation, analyzing data, and making informed predictions. Assessment after instruction will help measure mastery of skills and course content objectives; 2. Participants will learn and practice strategies for developing skills-based questions to use during and after instruction, and get a preview of data-analysis strategies that use question performance to inform immediate instructional interventions; and 3. Participants will build awareness of how to scaffold instruction and assessment to best support acquisition and reinforcement of skills.

SPEAKERS:
Karen Lionberger (WestEd: San Francisco, CA), Mitch Price (College Board: New York, NY), Catherine Walsh (College Board: Alachua, FL)

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

Let's explore the molecular mechanism of CRISPR Cas9, including the use of a guide RNA to program the nuclease to target a specific nucleotide sequence. Discover 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:
1. CRISPR Cas9 can cut the 3.2 billion base-pair human genome at a single specific site; 2. Cas9 can be programmed with guide RNA to recognize any specific sequence of DNA; and 3. Cas9 is being engineered to make it an even more powerful genome editing tool.

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

Sponsoring Company: BrainPOP Science

Walk through how the new BrainPOP Science helps middle school teachers facilitate inquiry-based science and encourages students to do, discuss, and analyze science.

TAKEAWAYS:
By the end of this session, attendees will better understand: 1. the reasoning for incorporating evidence gathering as an embedded part of their inquiry-based investigations; 2. the need to create age-appropriate entry points for simulations and data manipulatives; and 3. how to shift middle school level science from an environment of listening to one of doing.

SPEAKERS:
Tim Powers (BrainPOP: New York, NY), Kristen Rillieux (BrainPOP: New York, NY)

Do you impact your school and community with STEM? If you teach K–12, come learn how to apply to win up to $10K through these Shell-sponsored teacher awards programs.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Learn how to apply for two Shell-sponsored teacher awards programs; 2. Begin your application or nomination of a Shell-sponsored program and receive a prize; and 3. Collaborate with past winners and judges to learn how to strengthen your application.

SPEAKERS:
Amanda Upton (NSTA: Arlington, VA)

Join us as we walk through scenarios from science classrooms and provide UDL solutions and resources to ensure learning for all students.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will; 1. recognize common barriers to learning in the science classroom; 2. understand how the UDL framework addresses instructional barriers to promote high-level learning for diverse learners; and 3. identify at least two resources to support engagement, interaction, and scientific understanding among all learners.

SPEAKERS:
Shalece Kohnke (Auburn University), Michelle Patterson (University of Central Florida: Orlando, FL)

Teach students to build relatively simple, visual computer models to study system interactions associated with climate change. Software is free and web based.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. See how to build several relatively simple visual simulation models, in stages, dealing with systemic interactions involving population/global temperature, population/global potable water, etc.; 2. Learn how to incorporate nonlinear influences in a systems model; and 3. See a live demo detailing how to build a basic population model in the free web-based software.

SPEAKERS:
Diana Fisher (Portland State University: Portland, OR)

This session will describe a proposed high school STEM course open to all students. This course utilizes problem-based learning based on local businesses.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. The proposed course, STEM in the 901, will teach students the scientific method, the engineering design process, and content knowledge across STEM disciplines through researching and solving problems faced by local businesses; 2. The use of problem-based learning (PBL) centered around local businesses allows for the integration of culturally relevant pedagogy and encourages engagement by all students; and 3. One of the proposed PBL units, including lesson plans and suggested assessments, will be made available to participants.

SPEAKERS:
Shelby Montague (St. George's Independent School: Collierville, TN)

Use SageModeler to model real data on how hippos affect their environment in Tanzania and predict how invasive hippos might impact the environment in Colombia!

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will: 1. discuss how to use hippos, and particularly Pablo Escobar’s hippos in Colombia (an introduced species), as an anchoring phenomenon to teach ecology; 2. examine data from a study of how hippos affect the ecology of aquatic ecosystems in central Tanzania and use those data to investigate key ecological concepts like nutrient cycling and eutrophication and 3. learn to use the free online program SageModeler to model the interactions described in the study above and predict how Pablo Escobar’s hippos may affect the Colombian ecosystem.

SPEAKERS:
Emily Schmidt (The Bronx High School of Science: Bronx, NY)