Learn how a nature storybook can help you meet Next Generation Science Standards and create crosscutting concepts.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. review NGSS and cross-curricular concepts for early childhood students; 2. learn how to review a children's storybook for standards alignment, and how to match the text to relevant Next Generation Science Standards; and 3. work in small groups to analyze a text for NGSS alignment as well as cross-curricular concepts and STEM extensions.

SPEAKERS:
Julie Travaglini (Allegheny Land Trust: Sewickley, PA)

Design a robotic insect to meet the requirements of a given environment and adapt the designs to changes in or new information about the environment.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. NASA engineers use biomimicry to design robots for other planets; 2. NASA STEM educator guides provide detailed information to implement STEM in the classroom; and 3. Practice designing a Robotic Insect.

SPEAKERS:
Susan Kohler (NASA Glenn Research Center: Cleveland, OH)

The focus is on a Reggio-Inspired preschool classrooms' exploration of microorganisms and the human digestive system during the global pandemic. It will provide detailed documentation and practical STEAM experiences, and explore how they align with Next Generation Science Standards.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Examine a STEAM project about the human digestive system; 2. Discuss how STEAM experiences meet Next Generation Science Standards; and 3. Explore the implications for all children to develop STEAM habits of mind at a young age.

SPEAKERS:
Jacqueline Hernandez (California State University, Fresno: Fresno, CA), Pei-Ying Wu (California State University, Fresno: Fresno, CA), Sharon Arias (California State University, Fresno: Fresno, CA)

Bring the excitement of literacy and STEM to children as you discover how to incorporate STEM Imagination Guides in your classroom!

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will: 1. discover this new resource and the potential for community partnerships by utilizing the STEM Imagination Guides; 2. walk away with book suggestions, guided questions, and expanded learning resources to support literacy development, enhance relationships, and make connections with local libraries; and 3. discuss the importance of incorporating nature and STEM into their early childhood classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Sarah Roberts (University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Lincoln, NE), Jackie Steffen (University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension in Cedar County: Hartington, NE)

Explore simple cause-and-effect relationships with forces and motion through hands-on investigations with a toy dog named Newton and a toy car.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Learn how the right picture books can set the stage for STEM learning; 2. Receive a STEM lesson plan that you can use in your classroom; and 3. Explore how the three dimensions (DCIs, SEPs, and CCCs) can be integrated to create meaningful learning experiences in the K–5 classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Emily Morgan (Picture-Perfect Science: West Chester, OH), Suzy Jungmann (Lufkin High School: Lufkin, TX), Rebecca Walker (Tays Junior High School: Katy, TX), Amy Rush (Lufkin Middle School: Lufkin, TX)

NSTA School and District partnerships provide personalized professional learning experiences for K–12 educators. Find out more about these NSTA opportunities that combine membership with access to resources, online tools, and the national network.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Discover the value of being a School or District NSTA Partner; 2. Explore how to maximize online professional learning for all teachers; and 3. Discover how to utilize NSTA's online learning resources to support in-person professional learning.

SPEAKERS:
Flavio Mendez (NSTA: Arlington, VA), Tricia Shelton (NSTA: Arlington, VA)

Sponsoring Company: Amplify

Explore how to elicit and leverage students’ connections to the phenomena-based storylines in your science curriculum using strategies designed to deepen conceptual understanding.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Eliciting and leveraging student ideas, when done strategically, can not only promote equity and relevance, but also support deep science learning; 2. 2. How to use a particular routine to elicit students’ ideas and experiences at the beginning of a unit and how to leverage these ideas at strategic points along the storyline; and 3. Teachers can effectively use phenomena-based storylines from a research-based national curriculum by incorporating their students' funds of knowledge into those storylines.

SPEAKERS:
Rebecca Abbott (The Lawrence Hall of Science: Berkeley, CA), Kyla Cook (The Lawrence Hall of Science: Berkeley, CA), Maria José Pastor (The Lawrence Hall of Science: Berkeley, CA)

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Software & Technology

Guests are getting sick at a dinner party. White powder is collected at a crime scene. Use pH and conductivity sensors to identify the powder. Bring your own device with our Graphical Analysis app installed or use our devices. All activities are available as a free download for attendees.

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

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

Sponsoring Company: Estes Industries

Ready to take STEM learning to new heights? Join Estes and build a FREE rocket and learn model rocketry basics!

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Model rocketry provides a relevant, hands-on, and engaging vehicle to hold students accountable for their knowledge in the classroom; 2. Participants will learn model rocketry basics and how to successfully set up a launch site; and 3. Estes Education provides interdisciplinary STEM resources and tools to educators that give them the skills and confidence necessary to elevate learning.

SPEAKERS:
Nicole Bayeur (Estes Industries: , United States)

Sponsoring Company: Beyond Labz

Built on a platform developed over 20 years, Beyond Labz creates an open-ended environment providing students the opportunity to experiment, practice, fail, discover, and learn.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Beyond Labz simplifies and reduces the cost and expertise needed to provide crucial laboratory experiences and practice for Secondary and Higher Ed students; 2. Attendees will learn how the labs are used for pre- and post-lab experiences, credit recovery and lab make-up, student engagement in class, and meeting NGSS standards; and 3. Basic onboarding and startup instructions will be provided for drop-in solutions, and instructions for using some of the more sophisticated features will also be described.

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

Sponsoring Company: 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)

Become a Tinkering Teacher by participating in a hands-on STEM lesson derived from a classic fairytale. Learn how to detect STEM opportunities within your favorite pieces of children's literature to create rigorous novel engineering lessons of your very own.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will: 1. participate in a model STEM lesson derived from a problem found within children's literature. This model experience enables attendees to learn how to see science in every piece of material they choose to use in their classroom. Science is indeed everywhere and awaiting us to make the connections; 2. learn how to utilize and develop lessons using the 5E instructional model; 3. take away methods for preparing 5E lessons from their favorite children's literature; 4. utilize tips shared in the training session to identify science phenomena or concepts embedded in the literature; 5. recognize the significance of inquiry and facilitating collaborative discussion to further depth of knowledge; and 6. recognize the added benefit of journaling: differentiating instruction and strengthening 21st-century writing and communication skills.

SPEAKERS:
Lisa Oden (Southern Arkansas University: Magnolia, AR), Angela Stanford (Southern Arkansas University: Magnolia, AR)

Learn about the creative way one school district is getting more diverse students involved in STEM and explore classroom facilitation strategies that engage all learners.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Learn strategies to eliminate barriers and allow all students to feel included; 2. Identify discussion supports to foster effective collaboration and communication; and 3. Explore the benefits of engaging with community partners to provide new STEM opportunities.

SPEAKERS:
Lorri Coates (Museum of Science, Boston: Boston, MA), Sarah Slater (Marquardt School District 15: Glendale Heights, IL)

Participants will explore forces with common objects in a carefully designed sequence using conversation to uncover conceptual understanding.

TAKEAWAYS:
How to: 1. sequence instruction to explore forces; 2. use conversations to make thinking visible and drive instruction; and 3. make diverse classrooms equitable and inclusive.

SPEAKERS:
Deanna Buckley (The University of Texas at Austin: Austin, TX)

Sponsoring Company: Amplify

Join the program authors to experience a deep dive into HQIM with Amplify Science and see why their research-based novel approaches can lead to deeper learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. It is complex work to create developmentally appropriate learning sequences that meet the NGSS’ expectations for phenomena-based storylines that address all three dimensions; 2. HQIM allow teachers to focus on implementation and adaptation rather than on designing sequences and materials; and 3. Independent efficacy studies have shown the effectiveness of using Amplify Sciences’ unique multimodal approach for science teaching and learning.

SPEAKERS:
Rebecca Abbott (The Lawrence Hall of Science: Berkeley, CA), Daniel Alcazar-Roman (The Lawrence Hall of Science: Berkeley, CA)

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: Lab-Aids

What does pH actually measure? In this investigation, you will measure pH indirectly using indicators and absorption using the Lab-Master. Using their data, participants generate a graph of absorbance versus pH. This graph can be used to determine the pH of solutions, within the measured pH range.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Prepare serial dilutions of 1M acid and base and calculate H+ and OH- ion concentrations; 2. Measure the RGB absorbance of solutions with different pH values; and 3. Create a graph of absorbance versus pH.

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

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)

Teach and assess engineering in the elementary classroom in an engaging way. Attendees will participate in an engineering instructional model to use in their classrooms.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. The difference between science and engineering; 2. Creating an effective teaching model to address NGSS engineering standards; and 3. The use of claim, evidence, reasoning for assessment.

SPEAKERS:
John Graves (Montana State University: Bozeman, MT), Jessi Anderson (Montana State University: Bozeman, MT)

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. Learn strategies for implementing Daily Do lessons  in both face-to-face and virtual settings. If you are a K–5 teacher, we have Daily Do sensemaking lessons for you!

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)

Sponsoring Company: STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning

Let’s explore several intervention strategies to help struggling students in STEM, and let's move beyond differentiation and scaffolding. Pick up other proven intervention techniques to help students. Learn how to modify our traditional outreach to connect with students so that they gain greater understanding.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Explore several intervention strategies to help struggling students in STEM; 2. Compare differentiation and scaffolding strategies, and learn successful adaptations of each strategy; and 3. Explore effective intervention strategies that are built into the STEMscopes curriculum.

SPEAKERS:
Lisa Dentler (STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning: Houston, TX), Tammy Motley (STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning: Houston, TX), Dr. Kenneth Heydrick (: Houston, TX), Amber Gunner (STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning: Houston, TX)

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: Lab-Aids

Students investigate the use of reactions with three metals for reducing copper waste and reclaiming copper from a used copper etching solution. Students use data from their investigation and text sources to develop an evidence-based argument for which metal is the best choice for recovering copper from the waste solution.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Develop an evidence-based argument for which metal is best for removing copper from liquid wastes; 2. Chemicals such as copper and its compounds react in characteristic ways to form new substances with different properties; and 3. Decisions involving resource use should be made with an understanding of the trade-offs involved.

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

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: DoD STEM

Hear about how DoD STEM partners with nonprofits, academia, industry, and government to work in schools and produce college- and career-ready graduates.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn: 1. about the mission and vision of DoD STEM; 2. how DoD STEM programs connect schools, students, and teachers with STEM professionals and opportunities; and 3. how they can engage with DoD STEM to support and/or enrich local programming.

SPEAKERS:
Sara Leikin (National Math + Science Initiative: Dallas, TX), Rebecca Stanley (DoD STEM/RTI International: Durham, NC), Jennifer Preston (DoD STEM/RTI International: Research Triangle Park, NC), Laura Larkin (Einstein Fellow, DoD STEM: 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: STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning

Are you looking for an engaging and innovative way to get your students to understand not only the meaning of a word, but how it fits into the bigger picture? Put on your thinking cap and join us as we use vocabulary to take students on a learning adventure! Experience ways to zoom in and zoom out of science content using a variety of differentiated strategies and structures. Take these ideas straight back to your classroom for immediate use. Great for intervention!

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Explore intervention strategies to help struggling students in STEM; 2. Learn effective ways to dissect vocabulary from science standards for intervention; and 3. Explore effective intervention strategies for including literacy into the science classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Dr. Kenneth Heydrick (: Houston, TX), Tammy Motley (STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning: Houston, TX), Amber Gunner (STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning: Houston, TX), Lisa Dentler (STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning: Houston, TX)

Sponsoring Company: Carolina Biological Supply Co.

Apply creative problem-solving skills and engineering practices to chemistry and physical science challenges. Experience how Carolina makes it easy to incorporate STEM into your classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will: 1. engage in two different STEM challenges; 2. apply chemistry and physics DCIs; and 3. model the engineering design process.

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

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Software & Technology

Use Vernier pH and carbon dioxide sensors to learn about the differences between baking soda and baking powder while applying chemistry content skills all while using chemicals used for food preparation. 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:
Nüsret Hisim (Vernier Science Education: Beaverton, OR), Colleen McDaniel (Vernier Science Education: Beaverton, OR)

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: eCYBERMISSION

A chance to hear from expert teachers about participation and engagement in STEM competitions.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. How to get all of your students excited about STEM; 2. Hearing directly from teachers experienced in STEM competitions; and 3. Information about how to engage student in authentic STEM projects.

SPEAKERS:
Matthew Hartman (BrainPOP: Pittsburgh, PA), Laura Wilbanks (Southcrest Christian School: Lubbock, TX), Milene De Farias (Southcrest Christian School: Lubbock, TX)

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: Lab-Aids

This hands-on workshop challenges participants to make a vehicle to move a toy or other small object using motors, wheels, wires, and other equipment. This activity is one of 10 engineering design challenges in the Electric Motors Catalyst, a STEM curriculum for grades K–5 that comes complete with equipment, lesson plans, assessments, embedded support for ELA, and is NGSS focused. The program is distributed exclusively by Lab-Aids. Lesson samples and literature will be shared.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Teach students to create their own inventions; and 2. Learn STEM through problem-based design challenges.

SPEAKERS:
Matthew Brocchini (Tinkering Labs: Ronkonkoma, NY)

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: 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)

Join us to explore the use of fiction to help make complex topics like evolution, heredity, and natural selection more fun, understandable, and meaningful for elementary students.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how to: 1. conduct example activities using a fictional story that can help integrate science and ELA topics; 2. engage students in science and literature by scaffolding their learning with inquiry-based and hands-on activities related to a fictional story; and 3. apply these examples and strategies to other science content using other fictional titles.

SPEAKERS:
Christine Moskalik (NSTA: No City, No State), Nicole Ross (Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy: Aurora, IL)

Want to engage students in inquiry lessons, but don’t know where to start? Join us for hands-on experiences to take back to your classroom!

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Participate in a three-phase inquiry; 2. Obtain resources and materials for designing an inquiry; and 3. See how to link phenomena, inquiry, and the three dimensions of NGSS.

SPEAKERS:
Nicole Bay (Charles H. Barrows STEM Academy: North Windham, CT), Kim Lewis (Charles H. Barrows STEM Academy: North Windham, CT)

Learn how successful users integrate NSTA resources together to promote STEM and literacy through the use of high-quality STEM-related picture books.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Hear success stories and learn strategies for integrating STEM and literacy in K–5 with NSTA resources such as Picture-Perfect, Uncovering Student Ideas, NSTA Kids books, and more;l 2. Explore suggested picture books that integrate STEM and literacy; and 3. Walk away with a STEM lesson you can use right away.

SPEAKERS:
Christine Lewis (Blue Springs School District: Blue Springs, MO), Ryan Bohannan (Cordill-Mason Elementary School: Blue Springs, MO), Aubrey Tsevis (Lucy Franklin Elementary School: Blue Springs, MO)

Take a peek behind the curtain of creating the NSTA Daily Do lesson plans driven by phenomena to engage all learners. Walk away with a rubric to guide your own lesson design.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Explore high-quality science lessons; 2. Utilize a tool to support you in designing phenomena-driven lessons; and 3. Leave with a collection of resources to improve your phenomena-driven instruction.

SPEAKERS:
Tricia Shelton (NSTA: Arlington, VA), Kate Soriano (NSTA: Arlington, VA)

Come learn how to use specially designed questions to reveal K–2 children's ideas and make instructional decisions based on the students' thinking while simultaneously promoting three-dimensional learning in diverse classrooms.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. be introduced to the Uncovering Student Ideas in Primary Science K–2 probes; 2. examine research-identified ideas young children in diverse classrooms have about concepts and phenomena in science, where these ideas may have come from, and how they affect learning in science; and 3. examine the role of productive talk and sensemaking when using the probes to promote learning.

SPEAKERS:
Page Keeley (NSTA Past President: No City, No State)

This presentation will share examples of how science storylines create space to formatively assess students in productive ways, particularly emergent multilingual students.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Storylines in science sensemaking provide teachers with flexibility to take up students’ wonderings, giving students more agency; 2. When teachers make space for students to share what they know and wonder, teachers can engage in more constant and open-ended formative assessment that lets students show just how much they know and how it ties to their lived experiences; and 3. When teachers make space for student sharing that spans languages and discourses, students can better share how much they know, and are more engaged.

SPEAKERS:
Allyson Trella (Heights Terrace Elementary Middle School: Hazleton, PA), Taylor Tarone-Sefchik (Heights Terrace Elementary Middle School: Hazleton, PA), May Lee (Penn State: University Park, PA), Jennifer Cody (Park Forest Elementary School: State College, PA), Michelle Brown (Penn State: University Park, PA), Teila McNulty (Heights Terrace Elementary Middle School: Hazleton, PA)

This interactive workshop will feature authentic learning experiences that align with the preK–2 engineering design standards (NGSS), and promote critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. How to incorporate engineering design experiences into the existing curriculum in order to meet the preK–2 NGSS standards; 2. How to adjust learning experiences to adapt to the current learning environment; and 3. Learning experiences that can be used as is or modified to meet the needs of individual classrooms.

SPEAKERS:
Jeanine Doxsee (Franklin Early Childhood Center: Hewlett, NY), Brian Terry (Hewlett-Woodmere Public Schools: Woodmere, NY)

Sponsoring Company: STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning

If you're using STEMscopes (or wanna-be), this session is for you. Come see examples of the EXCITING and NEW ASPECTS to the most popular digital science curriculum during this showcase. Discover program enhancements, Google integration, streaming, coding, and much more.

SPEAKERS:
Lisa Dentler (STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning: Houston, TX), Dr. Kenneth Heydrick (: Houston, TX), Amber Gunner (STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning: Houston, TX), Tammy Motley (STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning: Houston, TX)

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: Imagine Learning/Twig

Learn how to engage students in scientific literacy using Movie Magic. Gravity and force will be explored through a hands-on modeling of a hoverboard.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. The powerful three-dimensional approach of lesson design; 2. Using high engagement, real-world topics to develop scientific literacy; and 3. Resources to investigate magnetic repulsion, then model magnetic fields and their interactions in the classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Kimberly Mueller (Imagine Learning | Twig Education: Santa Cruz, CA), Tess Burns (Twig Education: Santa Cruz, CA)

Sponsoring Company: Education First and Cornell Tech

In this fast-paced, interactive workshop, we’ll give you a few tools to help you bring computing into your classroom without any code.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Explore ways to integrate computational thinking in the science classroom; 2. Discover ways personal data is collected and used on the internet; and 3. Learn about fun tools for bringing AI and computer vision into the curriculum.

SPEAKERS:
Diane Levitt (Cornell Tech: New York, NY)

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: 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)

Hear about various NSTA competitions and how they can bring STEM and the NGSS into the classroom, as well as give students and teachers a chance to earn recognition and prizes.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn: 1. about NSTA competitions; 2. how NSTA competitions help integrate STEM and NGSS in the classroom; and 3. how students and teachers can win recognition and prizes.

SPEAKERS:
Acacia McKenna (NSTA: Arlington, VA), Matthew Hartman (BrainPOP: Pittsburgh, PA)

Discover this student-led hands-on workshop of “novel engineering,” a STREAM activity for solving problems in children’s books through the collaborative, imaginative engineering of inventions from upcycled items.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. engage in the 1st steps of a whole group novel engineering activity (a read-aloud of a children’s book to identify character problems); 2. engage in the final steps of a small group novel engineering activity (construction of an invention prototype to solve identified book character problems with presenter-provided upcylced materials); and be invited to share their small group inventions with the whole group and discuss additional activity ideas and modifications based on their students’ needs and abilities.

SPEAKERS:
Ethan Burrow (Texas Connections Academy Houston: Houston, TX), Lauren Burrow (Stephen F. Austin State University: Nacogdoches, TX)

Develop students’ understanding of how engineers help animals through collaborative engineering challenges that identify real-world problems, plan solutions, design models, and check and share results.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Teachers and students fully engage in science and engineering; 2. Innovative thinking through a process-oriented, project-based design approach to solving real-world problems; and 3. A spirit of teamwork through literacy and engineering collaboration.

SPEAKERS:
Amber Robinson (AEDI Foundation: Saint Petersburg, FL), Rafael Robinson (AEDI Foundation: Saint Petersburg, FL)

Teaching science through art makes learning more meaningful! Learn how our elementary specials team collaborates with classroom teachers to support science learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Learn how to use the arts to make science standards more meaningful to students who may otherwise not be engaged; 2. Participants will have the opportunity to participate in a simple green screen project to see how to put pedagogy first when teaching science through art; and 3. Teachers will leave with templates to help facilitate their collaborative efforts between elementary science teachers and specials/support staff.

SPEAKERS:
Lindsey Wuest (A. D. Henderson University School: Boca Raton, FL), Jennifer O'Sullivan (A. D. Henderson University School: Boca Raton, FL)

Incorporate “Escape Room” activities that will assess and enrich your science lessons by using technology and cross-curricular connections. Come "Break Out"! Bring your own device.

Please note that hands-on materials are available to the first 40 participants.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to: 1. use a digital platform in creating break-outs for the classroom; 2. understand the benefits of using break-outs; and 3. participate in a hands-on engaging session that will leave you excited about how to implement and assess in your classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Mary Headrick (AMSTI-University of Alabama, Huntsville: Huntsville, AL), Cayce Perry (AMSTI-University of Alabama, Huntsville: Huntsville, AL), Charles Holloway (The University of Alabama in Huntsville: Huntsville, AL), Ann Iott (AMSTI-University of Alabama, Huntsville: Huntsville, AL), Shundra Morris (AMSTI-University of Alabama, Huntsville: Huntsville, AL)

Sponsoring Company: STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning

Literacy strategies—such as analyzing, discussing, and summarizing—can be utilized while reading science-based articles, authentic science research, journals, and textbooks. The use of these strategies provides a cross-curricular bridge that not only increases understanding but also increases a student's ability to think critically. Our professionally trained STEM coaches know what it takes to effectively integrate literacy and writing into the science content. Using a constructivist approach, participants will experience hands-on learning that will give them a greater understanding of literacy in science.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Work in a collaborative group to understand the importance of a constructivist approach; 2. Understand how constructivist strategies provide a cross-curricular bridge that not only increases understanding but also increases a student's ability to think critically; and 3. Work on an interactive activity to know what it takes to integrate literacy into the science content.

SPEAKERS:
Dr. Kenneth Heydrick (: Houston, TX), Amber Gunner (STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning: Houston, TX), Lisa Dentler (STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning: Houston, TX), Tammy Motley (STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning: Houston, TX)

Sponsoring Company: Amplify

How can we boost student success in literacy and fit science into packed schedules? Join us to explore the efficiencies of instruction that incorporates both!

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Capitalizing on the overlaps, or convergences between the standards, can support reaching both CCSS-ELA and NGSS goals ; 2. Infusing literacy across the instructional day, rather than in siloed subject blocks, can support students in developing essential conceptual background knowledge in science and critical literacy skills; and 3. Having literacy-rich science instructional materials is part of a systematic solution to bring robust science instruction back into the K–5 instructional day.

SPEAKERS:
Rebecca Abbott (The Lawrence Hall of Science: Berkeley, CA), Kyla Cook (The Lawrence Hall of Science: Berkeley, CA)

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Software & Technology

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

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

SPEAKERS:
Frances Poodry (Vernier Science Education: Beaverton, OR), Tom Smith (Vernier Science Education: Beaverton, OR)

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: NOAA

Engage students with data-driven NGSS-focused interactive online lessons, visualizations, and role-playing activities to explain what sea level rise is, why it is so dangerous, and how we can address it.

TAKEAWAYS:
Educators will: 1. learn about climate change–driven sea level rise and its impacts to their coastal communities and nationally; 2. explore NOAA’s classroom-ready Data in the Classroom module: Investigating Sea Level Using Real Data; and NOAA’s Sea Level Rise Viewer, learn how students can use NOAA satellite and coastal station data to analyze how sea level is changing, its impacts on U.S. Coastal areas, and how they can integrate its inquiry-based resources into their classrooms immediately; and 3. play NOAA’s role-playing game Beat the Uncertainty: Planning Climate-Resilient Cities, and learn how to use it with their students.

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

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)

STEM experiences are not limited to the school day. Get ready to roll up your sleeves to work on planning a STEM event for your organization!

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. learn effective practices for STEM family outreach events and begin to plan their own STEM family outreach event; 2. engage as learners and participate in activities from successful STEM events; and 3. engage in small group discussion to brainstorm potential planning ideas for their own STEM events using the tips provided in the session for successful, family-friendly STEM events.

SPEAKERS:
Jennifer Meadows (Tennessee Tech: Cookeville, TN), Leslie Suters (Tennessee Tech: Cookeville, TN), Kelly Moore (Tennessee Tech: Cookeville, TN)

The Texas A&M Women in Science & Engineering (WISE) organization invites you to join a mock Zoom a WISE Woman session with scientists and engineers!

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Connecting real-world female scientists and engineers with K–12 classrooms; 2. Understanding the importance of connecting diverse role models in order to broaden participation in STEM; and 3. Experiencing the ease and benefits of collaborating with a virtual outreach program.

SPEAKERS:
Iliana De La Cruz (Texas A&M University: College Station, TX), Sarah Poor (Texas A&M University: Columbia, MO)

Participants will engage with a lesson sequence for elementary-aged students designed to support science practices and connections between precipitation and river flow using real-world data.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Young learners (e.g., the fourth graders we engaged in the Streams of Data project) have and can develop thinking skills that can enable them to think critically with and about real-world, professionally collected data in order to understand connections between phenomena such as river flow and precipitation; 2. There are appropriate instructional scaffolds that can be applied to the use of datasets that are available online from sources (e.g., USGS, NOAA, and others) to provide students with a foundation for making meaning of events and phenomena in local and/or regional contexts; and 3. Varied instructional resources—including real-world data (i.e., that are professionally collected or gathered by students), hands-on models, and media-focused elements (e.g., still images, videos)—can be combined with students’ own experiences to generate meaningful understanding of real-world events and phenomena.

SPEAKERS:
Ed Robeck (American Geosciences Institute: Alexandria, VA), Amy Busey (EDC Center for Children and Technology: New York, NY), Lindsay Mossa (American Geosciences Institute: Alexandria, MD)

Come experience how one California district is leveraging an opportunity to bring equitable STEM experiences to all preK–12 students.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. How one district approaches integrated STEM; 2. What an integrated STEM unit feels like; and 3. How one district supports and builds accountability for equitable STEM instruction.

SPEAKERS:
Scott Reynolds (Community Training and Assistance Center (CTAC): Boston, MA), Dean Reese (Tracy Unified School District: Tracy, CA)

Sponsoring Company: STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning

Engage in strategies that can help your English Learners (ELs) make sense of science concepts and apply their science knowledge to real-world applications. In this session, we will explore a variety of strategies for differentiating instruction so that ELs within the classroom can build their ability to communicate science concepts effectively.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Navigate the 5-E Model of Instruction through the lens of a, ESL teacher; 2. Show strategies that support English Learners as they learn content and acquire English; and 3. Identify supports for ELs embedded in STEMscopes.

SPEAKERS:
Dr. Kenneth Heydrick (: Houston, TX), Amber Gunner (STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning: Houston, TX), Lisa Dentler (STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning: Houston, TX), Tammy Motley (STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning: Houston, TX)

Sponsoring Company: College Board Pre-AP Program

Explore vertical alignment of content and skills between Pre-AP and AP Chemistry, compare performance tasks in both courses, and examine how Pre-AP prepares students for advanced coursework.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. explore vertical alignment of content between Pre-AP and AP Chemistry, which allows students of all backgrounds to build a cognitive framework for advanced study; 2. examine how both courses elucidate conceptual understanding and build student skills in particulate reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and argumentation; and 3. analyze how models can be used to support deeper understanding and student engagement, particularly among underrepresented students and students who may not identify as "science students."

SPEAKERS:
Laura Casdorph (College Board: New York, NY), Paul Price (Trinity Valley School: Fort Worth, TX), Jamie Benigna (College Board: Detroit, MI)

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Software & Technology

This workshop presents an engaging way to explore the relationship between position, velocity, and acceleration. Consider how you can avoid student misconceptions and create student-centered experiences. Join us as we demonstrate collecting and analyzing kinematics data using Go Direct Sensor Carts and Graphical Analysis software. You will receive access to experiment files and sample data to use with your students.

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:
Frances Poodry (Vernier Science Education: Beaverton, OR), Tom Smith (Vernier Science Education: Beaverton, OR)

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: Milestone C

Teaching students that part of success is failing and learning from those failures is paramount to their education.

TAKEAWAYS:
Practices around rewarding failure in the classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Dave Conelias (Milestone C LLC: Shelton, CT)

Sponsoring Company: STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning

CER is a way for students to explain phenomena in a scientific way. Participate in an inquiry-based investigation demonstrating how to use data collection to drive data-based conclusions using CER. Learn how to manage groups of students and guide them in how to think deeper, write scientifically, and incorporate vocabulary that strengthens their understanding of a phenomenon.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Understand the benefits of using the CER Framework; 2. Construct and critique a data-driven scientific explanation; and 3. Manage groups of students and develop appropriate scaffolds for scientific explanation skills.

SPEAKERS:
Dr. Kenneth Heydrick (: Houston, TX), Amber Gunner (STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning: Houston, TX), Lisa Dentler (STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning: Houston, TX), Tammy Motley (STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning: Houston, TX)

Sponsoring Company: College Board Pre-AP Program

Explore vertical alignment of content and skills between Pre-AP and AP Biology, compare performance tasks in both courses, and examine how Pre-AP prepares students for advanced coursework.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. explore vertical alignment of both content and disciplinary skills between Pre-AP and AP Biology, which allows students of all backgrounds to build a strong foundation that better prepares them for continued studies in biology and other natural sciences; 2. examine how both courses utilize science practices to develop a deeper understanding of biological concepts as students engage in sensemaking activities that require modeling, data analysis using quantitative reasoning, and scientific argumentation; and 3. analyze how science practices and key instructional scaffolding can be used to support deeper understanding and student engagement, particularly among underrepresented students and students who may not identify as "science students."

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

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Software & Technology

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

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

SPEAKERS:
Tom Smith (Vernier Science Education: Beaverton, OR), Frances Poodry (Vernier Science Education: Beaverton, OR)

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: Lab-Aids

This hands-on workshop challenges participants to make a vehicle to move a toy or other small object using motors, wheels, wires, and other equipment. This activity is one of 10 engineering design challenges in the Electric Motors Catalyst, a STEM curriculum for grades K–5 that comes complete with equipment, lesson plans, assessments, embedded support for ELA, and is NGSS focused. The program is distributed exclusively by Lab-Aids. Lesson samples and literature will be distributed.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Teach students to create their own inventions; and 2. Learn STEM through problem-based design challenges.

SPEAKERS:
Matthew Brocchini (Tinkering Labs: Ronkonkoma, NY)

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: Milestone C

Come learn how to expose your students to a wide variety of Tech/STEM by establishing a foundation of skills inside a classroom. Make students developers instead of consumers of Tech/STEM.

TAKEAWAYS:
Core skills all students should be learning and how to bring these into your classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Dave Conelias (Milestone C LLC: Shelton, CT)

Learn how any teacher can use their school’s simple outdoor spaces to engage students of all backgrounds in more meaningful and authentic hands-on inquiry-based science.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Most students, especially those in marginalized or minoritized communities, are denied access to the STEM career pipeline early on, because elementary students get only 18 minutes of Science per day, and interest in a STEM career solidifies by sixth grade. Middle and high-school interventions come too late; 2. Outdoor learning is inherently more inclusive, equitable, and accessible, and when paired with a constructivist pedagogy based on the 5E model, it can help students build memorable and inspiring experiences with Science that boost STEM, SEL, and 21st-Century skills; and 3. Open Educational Resources can help teachers everywhere augment their curricula to embed more outdoor Science into the school day, keep more students in the Science and STEM talent pool, and transform Math and Language Arts lessons into more culturally relevant, real-world student-driven experiences.

SPEAKERS:
Wendy Kelly (Out Teach: Dallas, TX), Jarri Goodman (Out Teach: Washington, DC)

Participants will be introduced to five strategies for creating an inclusive science class. Examples of hands-on activities, lessons, and assessments will be provided.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will leave with: five strategies that can be easily implemented quickly; 2. a variety of lessons and hands-on activities for grades preK–5; and 3. examples of a variety of assessments that can be adapted for almost any activity.

SPEAKERS:
Jess Blust (White's Tower Elementary School: Independence, KY)

Participants will explore an engineering design challenge that engages upper elementary students in the creation of tiny homes as a solution to homelessness after a natural disaster. We will explore Design Thinking and how empathy plays a role in authentic STEM inquiry.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Engage participants in NGSS-based engineering design challenge where participants are required to design a solution for homelessness caused by natural disasters (hurricane, floods, wildfire); 2. Learn the role of empathy in authentic STEM inquires by using Design Thinking principles; and 3. Outline possible place-based strategies for implementing STEM inquiries in upper elementary classrooms that engage all learners in STEM.

SPEAKERS:
Jennifer Williams (Isidore Newman School: New Orleans, LA)

Participants will dive into makerspace as a means to create an inclusive classroom with student choice for many outcomes, including sensemaking and assessments.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Explore key elements of makerspace activities; 2. View makerspace challenges as a means to provide student choice and voice in how they make sense of a phenomena, a solution to a problem, and core ideas; and 3. Explore ways to use makerspace activities where student choose a means to demonstrate their understanding of a core ideas as a means of assessment.

SPEAKERS:
Michele Detwiler (Gary Adult High School: Tampa, FL)

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Software & Technology

Exploring sound is easier when you can visualize the sound waves. Identify tuning fork frequencies by sight as well as sound, and SEE the waves combine to form beats. The same sensor can also measure decibel level. Take home sensor data, experiment instructions, and receive free access to Graphical Analysis™ Pro.

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:
Frances Poodry (Vernier Science Education: Beaverton, OR), Tom Smith (Vernier Science Education: Beaverton, OR)

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: AeroTech/Quest

Explore the differences between aerospace-grade solid composite propellant model rocket motors and traditional black powder model rocket motors in science education, and assemble a Quest Astra III model rocket kit during the workshop to take home.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. The differences between solid composite propellant model rocket motors and traditional black powder model rocket motors; 2. Why solid composite propellant model rocket motors represent the future of model and hobby rocket flight; and 3. How composite propellant model and hobby rocketry can lead to aerospace careers in engineering, propulsion, aerodynamics, telemetry, payload design, mission planning, and much more.

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

Sponsoring Company: STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning

Using the data from Part 1 of this session, we will apply our learning to an engineering design challenge. The engineering design process and additional CER tips will be shared. Don’t miss out on this chance to see the connection between lesson design, inquiry-based instruction, and application of learning with ONE activity that requires minimal preparation but elicits lots of participation! Attendance to Part 1 is recommended but not required.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Understand the benefits of using the CER Framework; 2. Construct and critique a data-driven scientific explanation; and 3. Manage groups of students and develop appropriate scaffolds for scientific explanation skills.

SPEAKERS:
Amber Gunner (STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning: Houston, TX), Dr. Kenneth Heydrick (: Houston, TX), Lisa Dentler (STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning: Houston, TX), Tammy Motley (STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning: Houston, TX)

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)

This hands-on workshop will engage participants in outdoor STEM activities and experiments they can utilize in an early childhood classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. learn about the research outcomes surrounding outdoor learning for early childhood students, and the importance of nature and greenspace to mental and physical health; 2. engage with and complete at least three outdoor STEM activities such as sound maps, making scientific observations and drawings, journaling, etc.; and 3. take home at least six new ideas for outdoor STEM activities as well as accompanying resources.

SPEAKERS:
Julie Travaglini (Allegheny Land Trust: Sewickley, PA)

Student-centered science instruction can embrace the diversity of students with special needs. Create engaging instructional opportunities with accommodations and learn strategies for special education achievement.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Learn how to embrace the needs of students with special needs and use the 3D5E DO-KNOW-THINK Learning Sequence that allows teachers to create STEAM-centered lessons for engagement, active learning, and interdisciplinary instruction; 2. Understand the specific needs and accommodations necessary for students with special needs and walk away with a matrix of learning strategies that can be used to modify and differentiate your instruction for all students; and 3. Create a co-teaching model with action planning steps, questions to think about, and collaboration strategies between special education, general education, and parent communication.

SPEAKERS:
Leena Bakshi (STEM4Real: No City, No State), Marie Gorman (STEM 4 Real: San Francisco, CA)

This session will describe Arts-STEM Afterschool Programming in two low-performing schools in primary grades based on the theme of Thinking and Inventing like Leonardo da Vinci.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. To engage participants in the connection between nature, art (design), math, and science and the core disciplines for three-dimensional thinking; 2. To promote three-dimensional thinking by promoting science and engineering practices and crosscutting processes (particularly, form and function); and 3. To promote inclusivity by showing how a variety of children and families from diverse races, ethnicities, and countries in high-need areas worked together to promote a high level of learning in the design thinking.

SPEAKERS:
Mary Jo Pollman (Professor Emerita, Metropolitan State U of Denver: Denver, CO)

Learn effective strategies for engaging multilingual learners and culturally diverse students in collaborative phenomenon-based sensemaking.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Examine the principles for equitable engagement co-developed by NSTA and WIDA, and discuss how these relate to national reform efforts, but more importantly, how they are applied in science classrooms for multilingual students; 2. Examine suggested classroom norms that support collaboration and equitable engagement among linguistically diverse students and their peers—participants will engage in group discussion about equitable science teaching practices describing the data practices they currently use and which practices they would like to expand upon within their science teaching; 3. Learn new ideas about language and some new approaches to support multilingual students’ deep engagement in sensemaking; and 4. Map WIDA’s Teacher Discourse Moves and Student Discourse Moves onto the sensemaking process to support the exploration and transformation of science understanding.

SPEAKERS:
David Crowther (University of Nevada, Reno: Reno, NV)

Sponsoring Company: STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning

If you're using STEMscopes (or wanna-be), this session is for you. Come see examples of the EXCITING and NEW ASPECTS to the most popular digital science curriculum during this showcase. Discover program enhancements, Google integration, streaming, coding, and much more.

SPEAKERS:
Dr. Kenneth Heydrick (: Houston, TX), Amber Gunner (STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning: Houston, TX), Lisa Dentler (STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning: Houston, TX), Tammy Motley (STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning: Houston, TX)

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Software & Technology

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

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

SPEAKERS:
Tom Smith (Vernier Science Education: Beaverton, OR), Frances Poodry (Vernier Science Education: Beaverton, OR)

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: 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: STEMI

Join us for a breakdown of Artificial Intelligence. We'll discuss how industry is using and developing this new technology, share an experience with AI, and explore how to bring this cutting-edge subject to your classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
Best practices of inviting industry into your classroom via an innovative and plug-and-play STEM program. Learn how your school can become the School of the Future.

SPEAKERS:
Dave Conelias (Milestone C LLC: Shelton, CT), Marin Trošelj (STEMI d.o.o.: , Croatia)

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)

If we treat content areas as silos, we’ll never find time for Science! Discover how to create authentic, cross-curricular projects that increase engagement and critical thinking.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Determine characteristics of authentic learning experiences; 2. Explore two projects, lesson by lesson, making connections to your science content; and 3. Discover a process for creating your own project-based learning units.

SPEAKERS:
Terra Tarango (Van Andel Education Institute: Grand Rapids, MI)

This session will be a hands-on approach to using STEM to transform literacy. The session will allow participants to take a peek into McKissick Academy and see the transformation. The session will include a school view, a classroom view, and a time to explore and learn.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. A key element to STEM is creating a universal language and signaling system for the entire school that fosters success after some failures; 2. STEM can be intergrated into any lesson utilizing the Engineering and Design Process at a rigourous level; and 3. Participants will take home a lesson that they can use when leaving the session that they created and practiced during the presentation.

SPEAKERS:
Melissa Stovall (McKissick Academy of Science & Technology: Easley, SC), Andrew Shipman (McKissick Academy of Science & Technology: Easley, SC), Brittany Clark (McKissick Academy of Science & Technology: Easley, SC)

This session will focus on building teacher capacity and understanding of the newly adopted Science TEKS to be implemented during the 2024–2025 school year. Participants will explore science engineering practices, recurring concepts, and content standards…and investigate the implications for science instructional practices in their classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Increased understanding of the SEPs and recurring themes in newly adopted science TEKS; 2. Increased understanding of the content standards that are part of the new science standards; and 3. Understanding the relationship between the new science standards and the K–12 Science Framework.

SPEAKERS:
Donald Burken (Science Teachers Association of Texas: Austin, TX), Rhoda Goldberg (Spring Branch ISD: HOUSTON, TX), Jennifer Meyer (Summitk12)

Learn about a seven-week Saturday program that engages fifth- and sixth-grade Latinx girls and their parents in garden-based activities to develop language and science identities.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. learn about the evolution and goals of Family Problem-Based Learning to promote interactions and language, and to develop science content knowledge and abilities; 2. appreciate how translanguaging can be an asset in science education; and 3. learn about activities that can be used in classrooms and out-of-school programs.

SPEAKERS:
Kim Marie Rillero (Urban Farming Education: Phoenix, AZ), Adrian De Alba (Maricopa County Schools: Phoenix, AZ), Peter Rillero (Arizona State University West Campus: Glendale, AZ), Susie Oliver (Arizona State University: Tempe, AZ), Ashley Coughlin (Arizona State University: Tempe, AZ)

Sponsoring Company: Estes Industries

Learn how model rocketry is the perfect vehicle to teach data literacy, featuring the PocketLab!

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Model rocketry provides a relevant, hands-on, and engaging vehicle to teach data literacy in the classroom; 2. Participants will learn how to launch a rocket, collect flight information, and analyze data; and 3. Estes Education provides interdisciplinary STEM resources and tools to educators that give them the skills and confidence necessary to elevate learning.

SPEAKERS:
David Bakker (PocketLab: San Jose, CA), Nicole Sjoblom (Estes Industries: Penrose, CO)

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: National Inst. of Neurological Disorders Stroke

Learn about the variety of engaging neuroscience education materials produced by NIH/NINDS for students children in grades 1–12.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn about the various neuroscience education resources developed for students in both elementary and secondary classrooms.

SPEAKERS:
Diana Andriola (NINDS - National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Bethesda, MD), Carlo Quintanilla (NINDS - National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Bethesda, MD)

This interactive session offers focused strategies for leveraging nonfiction books to integrate Common Core standards with content-rich science instruction. Handouts include bibliography of recommended resources.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Discover classroom-ready tools for using nonfiction books to accomplish dual goals of reading comprehension and science learning for all students, regardless of background; 2. Explore ways to inspire budding scientists by leveraging nonfiction books that appeal to children’s love of stories, learning styles, and innate curiosity on a range of subjects; and 3. Obtain bibliography of recent high-quality nonfiction trade books with associated classroom-ready curricula that address specific Common Core standards.

SPEAKERS:
Elizabeth Shreeve (Science Writer: Mill Valley, CA), Sierra Satterstrom (Teacher: San Marcos, CA)

Students are going to talk anyway. Learn to make talk productive with student-led talk circles. Use this powerful strategy next week to build students’ scientific literacy!

TAKEAWAYS:
1. How and when to use talk circles; 2. Talk Moves and how to use them; and 3. Materials and resources to take back and use immediately.

SPEAKERS:
Nicole Bay (Charles H. Barrows STEM Academy: North Windham, CT), Patricia McMahon (Charles H. Barrows STEM Academy: North Windham, CT)

Sponsoring Company: STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning

Learn how professional learning culminates in STEM certificates from the National Institute for STEM Education (NISE) and systemically strengthens STEM instruction for all students. Hear from several district experts on how they integrated STEM certification into district initiatives.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Learn about different STEM certifications (teacher, campus, and district) opportunities offered through NISE; 2. Learn how Texas districts have used national certificates to increase and strengthen STEM instruction, and also increased numbers of STEM students; and 3. Learn from Lewisville ISD’s STEM Administrator, Dr. Jonas Greene, about their experience in combining NISE certifications with other district efforts to maximize STEM for their students.

SPEAKERS:
Jonas Greene (Lewisville ISD: Lewisville, TX), Jacque Garcia (STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning: Houston, TX), Jennifer Culver (Little Elm ISD: Little Elm, TX), Judy Zimny (National Institute for STEM Education: Houston, TX)

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: Summit K12

Engaging evidence-based best practices that accelerate learning through an innovative eighth-grade STAAR Review Process that optimizes by class or through Individualized Learning Plans. See 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: 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)

We use data to do science; data literacy is its own set of skills. Young learners benefit when we integrate data, literacy, and science together.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Identify how data literacy is a critical aspect of literacy and science literacy in the 21st century; 2. Explore strategies and resources to use to authentically integrate data into K–5 science instruction; and 3. Develop a plan for next steps to elevate data as an aspect of meaningful connections between literacy and science.

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

Light reflects, refracts, and can be used for communications, but do we really understand some of the weird things it does? Come “see the light”!

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Light can bend as it travels through objects; 2. Light has properties of particles, like grains of sand; and 3. Light has properties of waves.

SPEAKERS:
Karen Matsler (University of Texas Arlington: No City, No State), Cathy Barthelemy (STEMexperts: Keller, TX)