Sponsoring Company: Carolina Biological Supply Co.

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

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

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

Sponsoring Company: MiniOne Systems

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

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

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

Sponsoring Company: Lab-Aids

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

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

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

Sponsoring Company: Edvotek Inc.

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

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

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

Sponsoring Company: DoD STEM

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

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

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

Sponsoring Company: Discovery Education

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

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

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

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Software & Technology

Get active and participate in hands-on experiments. Explore limb position and grip strength, balance, and EKG/EMG experiments designed to encourage students to think about the physiology of various human organ systems. Walk away with valuable information, including sample labs and teaching tips.

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

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

Sponsoring Company: Green Ninja

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

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

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

Sponsoring Company: MiniOne Systems

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

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

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

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

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

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

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

Sponsoring Company: Edvotek Inc.

Respiratory viruses like Influenza or COVID can lead to worldwide pandemics. We’ll discuss how diseases spread and perform experiments to explore how disease testing works.

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

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

Sponsoring Company: DoD STEM

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

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

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

Sponsoring Company: Carolina Biological Supply Co.

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

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

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

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Software & Technology

Learn how to introduce new scientific concepts to your students through the lens of climate change. We will discuss experiments that let students study climate change in the classroom using data-collection technology, such as an investigation into the effect of carbon dioxide on ocean and freshwater pH. All activities are available as a free download for attendees.

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

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

Sponsoring Company: miniPCR bio

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

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

SPEAKERS:
Bruce Bryan (miniPCR: Cambridge, MA)

Sponsoring Company: Legends of Learning

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

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

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

Sponsoring Company: Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge/ Shell Awards

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

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

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

Sponsoring Company: MiniOne Systems

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

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

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

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

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

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

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

Sponsoring Company: Summit K12

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

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

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

Sponsoring Company: Edvotek Inc.

Explore the relationship between genotype and phenotype using your sense of taste and biotechnology! Examine variations in your bitter taste receptor with PCR and electrophoresis.

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

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

Sponsoring Company: Discovery Education

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

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

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

Sponsoring Company: miniPCR bio

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

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

SPEAKERS:
Bruce Bryan (miniPCR: Cambridge, MA)

Sponsoring Company: Zahourek Systems, Inc.

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

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

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

Sponsoring Company: MiniOne Systems

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

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

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

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

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

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

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

Sponsoring Company: Edvotek Inc.

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

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

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

Sponsoring Company: BIOZONE

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

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Discover how BIOZONE’s interactive worktexts and BIOZONE toolkit empower teachers to deliver engaging, effective programs within a differentiated classroom; 2. Discover how the BIOZONE toolkit augments the worktext and supports teachers in delivering a flexible and engaging program; and 3. Learn about BIOZONE’S two NGSS series (Standard NGSS Series and Integrated NGSS Series) and our new Advanced Placement titles for AP Biology and AP Environmental Science.

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

Sponsoring Company: National Science Foundation, Presidential Awards

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

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

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

Sponsoring Company: Discovery Education

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

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

A classroom-simulation session highlighting an active-learning genetics module on the genetic inheritance and gene expression of rabbit coat colors.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Delve into the world of rabbit genetics and learn about the genetic inheritance behind their fantastic colors!; 2. Experience hands on how case study learning can be adapted to variety of classroom (and nonclassroom!) environments; and 3. Find out how to implement this case study in your own classroom, including notes on teaching methods and effective assessment strategies.

SPEAKERS:
Sydney Kornelsen (University of Arkansas at Little Rock: Little Rock, AR), Michael E. Moore (University of Arkansas at Little Rock: Little Rock, AR), Stefanie Leacock (University of Arkansas at Little Rock: Little Rock, AR)

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)

Sponsoring Company: Carolina Biological Supply Co.

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

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

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

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Software & Technology

Stop counting bubbles. It has never been easier to visulize photosynthesis in the classroom. Use the latest technology to measure photosynthesis and the variables that affect it. Bring your own device with our free Graphical Analysis 4 app and Spectral Analysis 4 app installed or use our devices. All activities are available as a free download for attendees.

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

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

Sponsoring Company: Edulastic

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

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

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

Sponsoring Company: MiniOne Systems

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

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

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

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

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

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

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

Sponsoring Company: Savvas Learning Company

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

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

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

Sponsoring Company: Digitalis Education Solutions, Inc.

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

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

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

Sponsoring Company: Edvotek Inc.

Creating colorful transformed bacteria is an unforgettable way to teach the central dogma of molecular biology. Learn how to use transformed bacteria to create bio-art!

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

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

The presenters will report success from implementing weekly graded coloring assignments in Anatomy and Physiology I.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Coloring positively influenced student performance on the laboratory mid-term and final; and 2. Students reported increased relaxation and motivation by regularly coloring.

SPEAKERS:
Cheston Saunders (Southeastern Community College: Whiteville, NC)

Sponsoring Company: miniPCR bio

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

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

SPEAKERS:
Sebastian Kraves (miniPCR: Cambridge, MA)

Sponsoring Company: MiniOne Systems

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

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

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

Sponsoring Company: Lab-Aids

Look for patterns in species diversity in coral reef ecosystems and other animals to determine cause and effect of relationship and understand how ecosystem interactions affect patterns of biological diversity.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Compare maps showing the geographical ranges of several different species and several different abiotic factors; 2. For each species, determine which abiotic factors correlate with species diversity and which do not; and 3. Consider the importance of species diversity to an ecosystem.

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

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

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

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

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

Sponsoring Company: Savvas Learning Company

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

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

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

Sponsoring Company: Anatomage

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

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

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

Sponsoring Company: Bio-Rad Laboratories

Outbreak! A new viral disease is spreading rapidly, but how? Analyze patient DNA samples to determine who was infected and figure out how it spreads.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Walk through a customizable scenario for the classroom in which students use epidemiological techniques to figure out how a novel disease might be spreading; 2. Analyze DNA agarose gel electrophoresis to determine the infection status of a large set of patients; and 3. See how this adaptable public health and epidemiological puzzle is an excellent context to teach viral disease biology.

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

Discover several strategies for developing well-written multiple-choice questions that can assess higher levels of Bloom’s taxonomy.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Multiple-choice exams can assess higher-order cognitive skills and increase student learning gains; 2. Developing these types of multiple-choice questions is easier than you might think; and 3. Our higher-order multiple-choice questions are practically "Google proof,” making them ideal for online exams.

SPEAKERS:
Tarren Shaw (The University of Oklahoma: Norman, OK), Donald French (Oklahoma State University: Stillwater, OK)

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)