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

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

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

Integrated science? Teach NGSS-focused geology, ecology, biology, engineering, and physical science through real-world problems. Access rubrics, guides, lesson plans, timelines, and other ideas.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Using a thematic approach to integrated science truly integrates the disciplines rather than the traditional one quarter of each discipline; 2. Integrated science can be highly engaging by giving students real-world applications of the content; and 3. Even though NGSS does not have a set of "integrated science" standards, aligning this kind of course to NGSS is still possible.

SPEAKERS:
Vanessa Ueltzen (Walther Christian Academy: Melrose Park, IL)

We will provide concrete, scaffolded methods for teaching students to effectively and thoroughly understand text, evaluate data, and model design presented in scientific journal articles.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. learn how to instruct students to find journal articles connected to the AP curriculum; 2. participate in the Journal Article Evaluation process as a student; and 3. learn how to facilitate the scaffolded Journal Article Evaluation process in their own classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Christina Palffy (Adlai E. Stevenson High School: ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL), Karen O'Connor (Adlai E. Stevenson High School: Lincolnshire, IL)

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

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

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

Explore modern dilemmas in genetics and biotechnology in a new way! Learn to incorporate bioethics into your curriculum using mock senate hearings and debates.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Learn about an interdisciplinary approach to teaching bioethics with an interactive curriculum that challenges students to confront their personal biases while formulating and defending a data-based argument; 2. Learn how to frame an argument using the four bioethical principles and apply this technique to three modern issues in bioethics; and 3. Receive three case studies and mock senate hearing debate guidelines for use in your life science classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Jason Ader (Mount Saint Joseph High School: Baltimore, MD), Rebecca Obniski (Mount Saint Joseph High School: Baltimore, MD)