This session will describe how I used key strategies based on the research of the science of learning to assess the science learning of elementary preservice teachers.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn: 1. tThe role of retrieval practice, spacing, interleaving, and metacognition in planning and implementing assessment for learning; 2. kKey strategies for assessing learning virtually in elementary science methods courses and STEM classrooms in general; and 3. quick assessment ideas that engage ALL students in the learning of science.

SPEAKERS:
Demetrice Smith-Mutegi (Old Dominion University: Norfolk, VA)

Creative writing assignments can better reach students with differing learning styles. The incorporation of creative writing exercises into introductory chemistry courses and their effects on student performance will be described.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Creative writing is an effective way to cement understanding of chemistry concepts; 2. Engaging in creative writing leads to better exam performance; and 3. Creative writing exercises increase critical-thinking skills.

SPEAKERS:
Donald Carpenetti (Craven Community College: New Bern, NC)

This session will provide practical assistance to those who wish to produce research studies for peer-reviewed journals. Robert Tai, co-editor and science educator, will lead this session.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. How to structure a research study; 2. How to develop research questions; and 3. How to write up a research study for review by research journals.

SPEAKERS:
Robert Tai (University of Virginia: Charlottesville, VA)

This presentation will highlight the implementation of an online STEM peer mentoring program at two historically Black institutions and possibilities for extension. Bring a tablet or laptop!

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will: 1. learn about and explore a novel approach to online peer mentoring for undergraduate and graduate students in STEM; 2. gain an understanding of the benefits of the online peer mentoring program to broadening participation among groups historically underrepresented in STEM; and 3. have the opportunity to discuss future directions for exploration, including potential applications to K–12 contexts.

SPEAKERS:
Vivian Jones (Bethune-Cookman University: Daytona Beach, FL)

Undergraduate research is fundamental for learning and applying the scientific method. This presentation will highlight ways to promote undergraduate research within an academic unit.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. The importance of undergraduate research in education; 2. Undergraduate research is a benefit to faculty and student career development; and 3. Ways to promote undergraduate research in an academic unit.

SPEAKERS:
Thayne Sweeten (Utah State University: , UT)

Storytelling highlights student cultural wealth. Students create story videos that connect their pandemic experiences with evidence from their analysis of racial inequities in COVID-19 cases.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will: 1. see how to scaffold assignments from data analysis to digital story creation; 2. create their own mini digital story about their pandemic experience; and 3. learn how to demonstrate that arguing from statistical evidence can provide an "academic grounding" for discussion of systemic racism.

SPEAKERS:
Scott Benjamin (Bunker Hill Community College: Charlestown, MA)

Hear how a university prepares preservice STEM teachers for project-based learning (PBL) while they simultaneously experience a PBL curriculum for teacher preparation. Leave with resources.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. be able to identify the importance of rigor, relevance, and relationships in the design of a STEM teacher preparation program that threads PBL throughout teacher candidates’ preparation; 2. be able to identify opportunities and challenges of threading PBL throughout such a program; and 3. reflect on how provided resources can be utilized and integrated into their own STEM teacher preparation programs.

SPEAKERS:
Deborah Sachs (University of Indianapolis: Indianapolis, IN), Katherine Stickney (University of Indianapolis: Indianapolis, IN), Kimberly Baker (University of Indianapolis: Indianapolis, IN), Jean Lee (University of Indianapolis: Indianapolis, IN), Laura Gardner (Riverside High School: Indianapolis, IN)

Presentation of graduate research on depth of questions used by elementary teacher candidates. Participants will use results to evaluate their questions to enhance student learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will: 1. get an overview of a research study and learn about resulting tools used to evaluate depth of questions in elementary science lessons; 2. learn and contribute to recommendations for preservice and inservice teachers in developing questioning techniques to promote student discourse and understand student thinking; and 3. practice developing and refining questions in science.

SPEAKERS:
Cynthia Lima (The University of Texas at San Antonio: San Antonio, TX), Liz McMillan (The University of Texas at San Antonio: San Antonio, TX)

A virtual reality chemistry activity was evaluated as a supplement to laboratory instruction for first-year college chemistry classes.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Virtual reality offers an engaging and kinesthetic way to supplement lab-based instruction; 2. The virtual environment can evaluate student lab performance on a level that can't be duplicated in a laboratory setting; and 3. VR offers an effective source of remediation for students lagging in laboratory skills.

SPEAKERS:
Donald Carpenetti (Craven Community College: New Bern, NC), Vy Tran (Craven Community College: New Bern, NC)

Learn about ways to support preservice STEM teachers in centering equity and culturally sustaining STEM pedagogies in their future classrooms.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. learn about specific strategies for preparing secondary STEM teachers in designing classrooms and lessons that are culturally sustaining; 2. hear from Noyce Scholars about the powerful ways in which they have been impacted by the designed experiences; and 3. have an opportunity to engage with each other to imagine ways to integrate these strategies into their preservice STEM teacher curriculum.

SPEAKERS:
Giuliana Rutigliano (Sacred Heart University: Fairfield, CT), Mark Beekey (Sacred Heart University: Fairfield, CT), Bonnie Maur (Sacred Heart University: Fairfield, CT), Jessica Eng (Sacred Heart University: Fairfield, CT), Mary Servino (Discovery Science Magnet School: Bridgeport, CT)

Explore gendered stereotypes within STEM/science education that influence unconscious biases and strategies to mitigate them, focusing on gaps in female student participation.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Identify societal cues that can increase implicit biases and the effects they can have on minoritized students in science/STEM education; 2. Learn practical skills to address his/her own implicit biases in the classroom decision-making; and 3. Learn reflective and introspective strategies to mitigate unconscious bias.

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