2022 Houston National Conference

April 31-2, 2022

All sessions added to My Agenda prior to this notice have been exported to the mobile app and will be visible in your account when the app launches. Any sessions added now, will also have to be added in the app.
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Pathway/Course

FILTERS APPLIED:6 - 8, Developing Scientific Literacy in the Classroom, Informal Science Education

 

Rooms and times subject to change.
48 results
Save up to 50 sessions in your agenda.

Explore Before Explain, But Not Always

Thursday, March 31 • 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM

George R. Brown Convention Center - 342A


Show Details

The 5E is effective for learning most concepts, but not for processes. Other models may need to be included within the 5E.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Clearly understand the various instructional models and the best practice for their uses; 2. The learning objective must be clearly identified as a concept of a process to correctly identify the best practice and instructional model; and 3. Use other best practices such as moving instruction from the known to the unknown or concrete to pictorial to abstract or limiting objectives within a 5E.

SPEAKERS:
Sandra West (Texas State University: San Marcos, TX)

Using Varied Assessments for Teaching Evolution

Thursday, March 31 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

George R. Brown Convention Center - 342F


Show Details

The Teacher Institute for Evolutionary Science provides teachers with an entire unit of instruction that includes a variety of assessments, free and available for download.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. The units created by the Teacher Institute for Evolutionary Science (TIES) can be presented to a whole class, small groups, or can be assigned to individual students. They are teacher-guided or student-guided. 2. The TIES units can be easily downloaded for free and meet or exceed the evolution standards of every U.S. State. 3. The TIES units contain a variety of assessments, including online games, video questions, data analysis, puzzles, and formal assessments. They include a student response sheet, rubric, and formal assessments.

SPEAKERS:
Alison Seymour (Science Teacher: Winchester, 0)

What’s That Buzz? The Mission Mosquito Science Notebook and NASA Citizen Science

Thursday, March 31 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

George R. Brown Convention Center - 352F


Show Details

Join us to explore the free online student notebook and facilitator’s guide, make your own mosquito larvae trap, and do NASA citizen science.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Students will learn where, how, and when to safely find mosquito larvae, and how to identify three medically important mosquito genera; 2. Mosquitoes and the diseases they spread are everywhere; students will learn how to reduce the number of mosquito breeding sites in their local community and contribute their citizen science data; and 3. Facilitators will learn about the insights, answers, recommendations, background information, applications, and supplements (games and book lists) found in the Facilitator’s Guide.

SPEAKERS:
Liz Burck (Institute for Global Environmental Strategies: Arlington, VA), Cassie Soeffing (Institute for Global Environmental Strategies: Arlington, VA)

Exploring Practices, Nature of Science, and Science in Society: Analyzing Historical Primary Sources from the Library of Congress

Thursday, March 31 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

George R. Brown Convention Center - 362C



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Analyzing Primary Sources in the Science Classroom Presentation
Connecting with Primary Sources Resource List
How can science teachers use historical primary sources
Primary Source Analysis Tool and Teacher Guide
Professional Development Opportunities with the Library of Congress
Zenith Balloon Primary Source

Show Details

Practice hands-on strategies for engaging students with scientific notebooks, letters, photos, and drawings, highlighting scientific practices, nature of science, and connections between science and society.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Access to millions of free digitized primary sources the Library of Congress has for K–12 science educators, including Thomas Jefferson’s weather journal, Robert Hooke’s first drawings of cells, photographs from the Dust Bowl, historic newspaper accounts about lead paint and electric cars, and much more!; 2. Multiple hands-on strategies for integrating science-related primary sources in the K–12 classroom to facilitate student engagement, critical thinking, and student-centered construction of knowledge; and 3. An understanding of how primary source analysis can lead to unique insights related to the Nature of Science, such as how scientists and engineers think, practice, and apply scientific principles and discoveries in the real world; how scientific ideas evolve over time; and how science and engineering are related to society.

SPEAKERS:
Michael Apfeldorf (Library of Congress: Washington, DC), Lesley Anderson (Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow: Washington, CA)

Climate in Your Classroom, Climate in Your World: Use Free NOAA Resources and Data to Teach This Integrated Topic

Thursday, March 31 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

George R. Brown Convention Center - 370C


Show Details

Want to teach climate literacy but don’t know where to start? NOAA offers lesson plans, videos, data, webinars, and more to inform and inspire students.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. What is climate literacy and how to improve it; 2. How to discuss climate and climate controversies in the classroom; and 3. What climate education resources are available from NOAA.

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

Beyond Labz: Realistic Virtual Labs That Bridge the Gap Between Real Labs and Scientific Inquiry

Thursday, March 31 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

George R. Brown Convention Center - 350E


Show Details

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)

Building a Culture of STEM: Engaging Our Communities!

Thursday, March 31 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

George R. Brown Convention Center - 360 A/D



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Session Resources

Show Details

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)

NESTA and My NASA Data Present:  Earth Science Data Analysis for All

Thursday, March 31 • 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

George R. Brown Convention Center - 361E


Show Details

My NASA Data will present the wealth of NGSS-focused NASA resources that promote learning in flexible Earth science classroom spaces such as hybrid, in-person, and virtual environments.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Test out the newly updated Data Literacy Cubes to scaffold Earth science data exploration for a variety of learners; 2. Explore a wealth of three-dimensional resources that support teaching and learning with NASA Earth data; and 3. Navigate through the My NASA Data offerings to locate resources that support your teaching and learning goals.

SPEAKERS:
Desiray Wilson (Science Systems and Applications, Inc.: Hampton, VA), Janet Struble (: Toledo, OH), Jessica Taylor (NASA Langley Research Center: Hampton, VA)

NMLSTA-Sponsored Session: Essential Equity-Focused Holistic Practices for Developing Your Coding Programs

Thursday, March 31 • 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

George R. Brown Convention Center - 342B


STRAND: Developing Accountability Systems for Expanding STEM Participation

Show Details

Learn how to develop holistic and equitable coding programs through positive social-emotional development, the inclusion of diverse role model representation, and connecting coding to activism!

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will: 1. better understand the computer science landscape and how holistic programming can be a tool for addressing the gender gap in tech; 2. learn how to incorporate the three essential components every equitable coding program should have: a. holistic program activities that teach coding and social-emotional development, b. a culture of bravery where students join a supportive community of peers and role models from diverse career pathways, and c. connections to activism by using coding for positive impact; and 3. learn best practices for student recruitment and engagement of historically underrepresented groups in tech.

SPEAKERS:
Emily Ong (Girls Who Code: New York, NY)

Advancing Science Instruction with Social-Emotional Learning

Thursday, March 31 • 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

George R. Brown Convention Center - 340A


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: PhD Science

Explore the five social-emotional competencies as defined by CASEL. Research instructional routines that foster these competencies and learn how to incorporate these routines in your classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. PhD Science was designed with the research-based understanding that social, emotional, and academic learning are interconnected multi-directionally; 2. Students’ social and emotional well-being is intimately connected to their academic success; and 3. Engaging with science content in a safe, supportive classroom helps students feel competent, significant, and successful.

SPEAKERS:
Margaret Goodner (Great Minds: Washington, DC), Victoria Soileau (Great Minds: Washington, DC)

NSTA Press Session: Crosscutting Concepts: Strengthening Science and Engineering Learning

Thursday, March 31 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

George R. Brown Convention Center - 352F


Show Details

This session focuses on the core messages of the book Crosscutting Concepts: Strengthening Science and Engineering Learning, published by NSTA Press in 2021.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. The power of crosscutting concepts is most fully realized when they are used in conjunction with science and engineering practices and disciplinary core ideas; 2. Crosscutting concepts serve as lenses on phenomena, supporting all students in question-asking and sensemaking; and 3. Teacher leadership is critical to realizing the power of crosscutting concepts in practice.

SPEAKERS:
Jeff Nordine (The University of Iowa: Iowa City, IA), Okhee Lee (New York University: New York, NY)

The Search for Life in the Universe with Your Students

Thursday, March 31 • 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM

George R. Brown Convention Center - 370C



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Life in the Universe and the Astrobiology Learning Progressions presentation

Show Details

Astrobiology Learning Progressions support the creation of units that are relevant and motivating through the lens of the search for life in the universe.

TAKEAWAYS:
K–12 teachers, curriculum directors, and other science communicators will take away from this session: 1. what is the scientific search for life in the universe—Astrobiology, how it is interdisciplinary, and how it can be combined within STEM, ELA, art, engineering, and more; 2. how they can use the excitement and motivating topics in Astrobiology to leverage learning in a variety of science concepts throughout the NGSS; and 3. the know-how to navigate and use the Astrobiology Learning Progressions ( https://astrobiology.nasa.gov/education/alp/ )to find information, context, and resources to create their units and lessons.

SPEAKERS:
Dani Leach (Lakewood High School: Arlington, WA)

Space Station Explorers: An Out-of-This-World Educational Experience

Thursday, March 31 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

George R. Brown Convention Center - 362D



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Space Station Explorers
An overview of Space Station Explorers, Space Station Ambassdors, and Expedition Space Lab.

Show Details

Space Station Explorers offers many activities to reach and teach the next generation—from growing tomato seeds that flew in space to launching experiments to the ISS.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Every educator can incorporate the highly engaging topic of space into their curriculum; 2. Most of our programs are completely free and standards aligned; and 3. We provide myriad opportunities to get involved, attend professional development, and equip educators to inspire the next generation of STEM professionals.

SPEAKERS:
Kim Christman (ISS National Laboratory: Melbourne, FL), Courtney Black (ISS National Laboratory: Melbourne, FL), Samantha Thorstensen (ISS National Laboratory: Melbourne, FL)

Sowing SEEDs, Cultivating Community Partnerships, and Nurturing STEM Careers

Thursday, March 31 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

George R. Brown Convention Center - 362B


Show Details

Connect your school with local colleges and STEM employers using relevant, standards-based, hands-on activities that spark interest in science and STEM careers. Sample activity included.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. How to identify and reach out to potential community and industry partners; 2. How to build a program or event that meets the needs of all stakeholders; and 3. How to develop authentic learning experiences to impact student perspectives of locally available STEM careers.

SPEAKERS:
Bethany Kenyon (BioNetwork: Greenville, NC)

Three-Dimensional 5E PBL Unit Creation

Thursday, March 31 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

George R. Brown Convention Center - 342F



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
3D 5E PBL ~ NSTA 2022.pdf

Show Details

Lead the PBL charge from the science classroom with simple changes to your 5E lesson/unit plans that drive the question, provide instruction, and build interdisciplinary integration.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Changing a 3-D learning claim to a guiding question; 2. Structuring Explore in research and the first phases of the EDP; and 3. Creating an interdisciplinary project in Elaborate that acts as an Evaluation.

SPEAKERS:
Claire Williams McGee (Metro Nashville Public Schools: Nashville, TN)

Leveraging Partnerships to Strengthen the STEM Engagement Pipeline

Thursday, March 31 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

George R. Brown Convention Center - 360 A/D



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
DoDSTEM at NSTA.pdf

Show Details

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)

Introducing Bandit: STEM Explorations Using Gel Electrophoresis

Thursday, March 31 • 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

George R. Brown Convention Center - 340A


Show Details

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)

Representation Matters: Inclusive Science Stories to Build Belonging

Thursday, March 31 • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

George R. Brown Convention Center - 350B


Show Details

Help bridge representation gaps by giving students the opportunity to see themselves and their cultures reflected in STEM. We'll share standards-aligned stories from history to incorporate into your lessons.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. gain a better sense of why inclusive representation matters; 2. consider how STEM is a human achievement that has been contributed to by people of all nationalities, orientations, and colors; and 3. learn about historic figures that are not taught in traditional settings to get them started in creating a more inclusive, diverse picture of STEM.

SPEAKERS:
Katie Busch (The University of Alabama at Birmingham: Birimingham, AL)

NMLSTA-Sponsored Session: Explore the Universe with the James Webb Space Telescope

Thursday, March 31 • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

George R. Brown Convention Center - 332B


Show Details

The James Webb Space Telescope will be the most advanced astronomical space observatory ever launched. Learn how to bring the JWST into your classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. What infrared makes visible—cool stars and warm planets; 2. Galaxies and Star Life Cycles; and 3. Spectroscopy to study celestial bodies.

SPEAKERS:
Melissa Sleeper (Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy, Upper School: Melbourne, FL)

Discover NSTA’s Digital Resources and Online Community

Thursday, March 31 • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

George R. Brown Convention Center - 370C



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
NSTA-National-Conference-TX-3-31-2022-Digital_Resources-Final.pdf

Show Details

Explore the NSTA website with us! NSTA provides high-quality digital resources and opportunities—all within a professional community—that supports professional learning and classroom instruction. NSTA gift cards will be raffled!

TAKEAWAYS:
1) Become versed about the plethora of digital resources available on NSTA’s website. 2) Learn about NSTA’s virtual learning opportunities for educators of science. 3) Grow your network of like-minded individuals.

SPEAKERS:
Flavio Mendez (NSTA: Arlington, VA), Michelle Phillips (NSTA: Arlington, VA)

Meeting Learning Standards with Planetarium Software

Thursday, March 31 • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

George R. Brown Convention Center - 350F


Show Details

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)

NextGen TIME: A Toolkit for Materials Evaluation

Friday, April 1 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

George R. Brown Convention Center - 370 A/B


Show Details

Learn how using NextGen TIME can help you get the best possible science instructional materials into the hands of teachers prepared to use them.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. NextGen TIME is a suite of tools and processes that support district leaders in: a. preparing to evaluate instructional materials; b. evaluating instructional materials for their quality and design for next generation science; and c. planning for next steps including customization to improve student outcomes and effective implementation in classrooms throughout the district; 2. NextGen TIME is a collaborative, evidence based suite of tools and processes for professional learning that helps teachers and others operationalize the characteristics of high-quality instructional materials designed for next generation science; and 3. Using NextGen TIME represents an investment in curriculum-based professional learning to increase the likelihood that all students and teachers have access to the best possible materials for the local context.

SPEAKERS:
Jody Bintz (BSCS Science Learning: Colorado Springs, CO), Jenine Cotton-Proby (BSCS Science Learning: Colorado Springs, CO)

Explore Nature-Based Learning: Take Your Students and Your Standards Outdoors!

Friday, April 1 • 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

George R. Brown Convention Center - 361B



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Nature and Learning Session Infographic.pdf

Show Details

Empower students through real experiences, engage them in learning about natural phenomena occurring locally, and teach them how to make the world a better place.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. explore current research findings from educators in the field who utilize place-based learning and review various ways educators can strengthen environmental literacy by addressing content standards related to interdependent relations between ecosystems, human impact, and conservation; 2. evaluate various ways to integrate inquiry-based learning activities related to their local environment into their existing curricula by engaging students in place-based learning; and 3. generate ideas for ways they can empower students to explore their sense of self in relation to their sense of space, through stewardship in person on a local level and realize a collective impact on a global scale through interdisciplinary literacy applications.

SPEAKERS:
Alvera McMillan (Louisiana Sea Grant)

Instructional Materials Designed for Today’s Science Standards

Friday, April 1 • 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

George R. Brown Convention Center - 361C



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Instructional Materials Designed for Todays Standards

Show Details

Curricula can support all students in reaching today’s standards, including NGSS. Attend to learn about critical curriculum features and how to improve/advocate for quality materials.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Understanding the importance of high-quality materials for supporting students and teachers; 2. Understanding the features and the opportunity for feedback and input; and 3. Ability to utilize the features for improving development and selection of curriculum materials.

SPEAKERS:
Jennifer Childress Self (NextGenScience: San Francisco, CA), Sam Shaw (EdReports.org)

CONNECTing NASA to Your Classroom

Friday, April 1 • 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

George R. Brown Convention Center - 342F


Show Details

Learn how to join NASA’s first online community of practice for STEM educators (CONNECTS) and gain access to NASA content, resources, educator community, exclusive events, and NASA experts.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. receive a foam rocket activity they can implement in their classrooms using simple materials; 2. learn about the vast resources offered by NASA’s new online community of practice for STEM educators, CONNECTS; and 3. learn how they can join CONNECTS.

SPEAKERS:
Cindy Hasselbring (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center: Greenbelt, MD)

Building Success for All Students with Pre-AP and AP Chemistry

Friday, April 1 • 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

George R. Brown Convention Center - 350F


Show Details

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: Richmond, VA), Paul Price (Trinity Valley School: Fort Worth, TX), Jamie Benigna (College Board: Detroit, MI)

Build a Heart with STEM…and Play-Doh!

Friday, April 1 • 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

George R. Brown Convention Center - 350D



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Anatomy of Saving a Life - NSTA 2022.pdf
Anatomy of Saving a Life - NSTA 2022.pdf

Show Details

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)

Building Success for All Students with Pre-AP and AP Biology

Friday, April 1 • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

George R. Brown Convention Center - 350F


Show Details

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)

Discover NSTA’s New Professional Learning Units to Earn Continuing Education Credit

Friday, April 1 • 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

George R. Brown Convention Center - 350B


Show Details

Explore NSTA’s new Professional Learning Units. Discover these bite-sized asynchronous professional learning experiences that support student sensemaking to earn credit to submit to your school or district.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Discover how NSTA can provide asynchronous and bite-sized continuing education credit options (2 hours per PLU); 2. Explore how each PLU contains reflections or tasks connected to the classroom that are submitted to NSTA for review or feedback; and 3. Explore how we can support professional learning for individuals or schools/districts, including the flexible options available for Professional Learning Unit topics, and how these fit into our Professional Learning pathways.

SPEAKERS:
Kate Soriano (NSTA: Arlington, VA)

Hands-On Demonstrations and Models for Your Plate Tectonics, Nature Hazards, Earthquake Units

Friday, April 1 • 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

George R. Brown Convention Center - 360 E/F



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Handout - List of Earthquake Related Models
Overview of 20 earthquake related models for use in your classroom!
Slide Presentation
The slides that were used to present the session.

Show Details

Explore inexpensive hands-on demonstrations and interactive models to build conceptual understanding of Earth’s elasticity, structure, plate motions, and more.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will be able to: 1. describe a suite of hands-on models, evaluating their merits and limitations; 2. differentiate between mental models and expressed models, linking multiple types of models to phenomena (to express the unviewable); and 3. support explanations by analyzing and interpreting data generated by physical models.

SPEAKERS:
Michael Hubenthal (IRIS | Earthscope Consortium: Washington, DC)

Landing on Mars: Applying Engineering Practices

Friday, April 1 • 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

George R. Brown Convention Center - 361E



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Landing on Mars Session Handout
Download the handout for the Space Lander STEM challenge and an overview of Space Club!
Updated - Landing on Mars Session Handout

Show Details

Can you land on Mars? Join us for a hands-on engineering design challenge that explores shock absorption and air resistance while making connections to careers and real-world experiences.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Understand NGSS engineering practices about design, testing, and developing models and solutions for elementary and middle school students; 2. Learn effective teaching strategies to engage students in engineering practices that promote critical thinking, problem solving, and creativity; and 3. Learn how to motivate students with space exploration, including exciting current events and careers.

SPEAKERS:
Natasha Wilkerson (Texas A&M University: College Station, TX)

Texas Nexus: Getting Ready for the 2023/2024 Annular and Total Eclipses

Friday, April 1 • 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

George R. Brown Convention Center - 350D


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: ePlanetarium

In 2023 and 2024, two solar eclipses will cross the country. This workshop presents ways to safely observe the eclipses and citizen science activities.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Viewing a partial or annular eclipse can be dangerous to your eyes without proper protection; 2. Only during totality is it safe to view the sun with naked eyes and unshielded binoculars; and 3. Students can participate in citizen science activities to measure the solar output, the temperature, and animal behavior changes, even if the sky is cloudy.

SPEAKERS:
Patricia Reiff (Rice University: Houston, TX), Carolyn Sumners (Houston Museum of Natural Science: Houston, TX)

Depth and Complexity Icons in the Science Classroom: How to Make It Happen!

Friday, April 1 • 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

George R. Brown Convention Center - 322B


Show Details

Let's stop the guessing game as to what we expect from our students. The Depth and Complexity Icons do just that. Come find out!

TAKEAWAYS:
1. By using the Depth and Complexity Icons, the teacher immediately knows what type of feedback to give students (formative assessment); 2. Once this becomes part of the teacher's instructional practice, the students will begin to know exactly what is expected of them from the teacher; and 3. Teachers must first become familiar and comfortable with this before we can expect the students to become comfortable and successful.

SPEAKERS:
Allen Wilson (Education Service Center, Region 20: San Antonio, TX)

Science Current Events Journals: Real Science and Media Literacy

Friday, April 1 • 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM

George R. Brown Convention Center - 362D


Show Details

Science current events journals bring real science into the classroom. Use the news to teach science content, media literacy, and analytical thinking, and to reinforce language arts.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. How to integrate media literacy in the science classroom; 2. Tools for differentiated instruction in science literacy; and 3. Integration of NGSS in a science literacy project.

SPEAKERS:
Elizabeth Weissman (The Ramaz School: New York, NY)

Scaling the Universe: Classroom Modeling of the Smallest to Largest Building Blocks of the Cosmos

Friday, April 1 • 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

George R. Brown Convention Center - 332A


Show Details

Use everyday materials to construct models demonstrating the size and scale of atoms, planets, the solar system, number of stars in our universe, and more.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. The universe at various scales can only be truly appreciated with an understanding and utilization of scientific notation; 2. “Scale” is important to grasping the bigness and smallness of various objects, events, and concepts in the universe; and 3. “Modeling” allows humans to literally “grasp” the various scales inherent of and in the universe.

SPEAKERS:
Elizabeth Strong (SMARTCenter: Wheeling, WV), Robert Strong (SMARTCenter: Wheeling, WV)

Break Out! Creating Virtual Escape Games

Friday, April 1 • 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

George R. Brown Convention Center - 361C



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Break Out_Creating Digital Escape Games_NSTA2022
Interactive handout with links to session information and resources

Show Details

Experience a virtual escape game and learn how free online tools can be used to create your own virtual escape games at this bring-your-own-device session.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. experience a digital escape game from a student perspective; 2. learn how to use Google Forms to create digital locks; and 3. learn how to use Google Slides to create a virtual room.

SPEAKERS:
Dodie Resendez (Region 4 Education Service Center: Houston, TX)

Using Maggots, Flies, and Flesh to Solve a Mystery!

Friday, April 1 • 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

George R. Brown Convention Center - 340A


Show Details

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)

NOAA in Your Classroom 5—Sea to Sky: Get to Know NOAA’s Online Educational Resources

Friday, April 1 • 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

George R. Brown Convention Center - 320A


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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)

Teaching Human Ecology with Models and Simulations

Saturday, April 2 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

George R. Brown Convention Center - 361E


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Discover inquiry-based simulations and modeling activities that explore “Human Impacts” topics, including global land and water use, wildlife habitats, and interdependent relationships in ecosystems.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. learn ways to incorporate modeling and simulation activities into classroom instruction around the topic of interdependent relationships in ecosystems; 2. learn ways to incorporate modeling and simulation activities into classroom instruction around the topic of human-environmental interactions; and 3. be able to identify how the presented hands-on activities use 3-D learning strategies for middle grades science and how the activities can be used to reach all kinds of learners in the middle school classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Tammy-Lee Tracy (Social Studies Instructional Specialist: Spring, TX)

Money for Your Idea

Saturday, April 2 • 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

George R. Brown Convention Center - 351E


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Toshiba America Foundation wants to work together with teachers who are looking for a better way of doing the right thing.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Toshiba America Foundation objectives; 2. How to request a Toshiba America Foundation grant; and 3. Learn from fellow Toshiba America Foundation grant teachers.

SPEAKERS:
Acacia McKenna (NSTA: Arlington, VA), John Anderson (Toshiba America Foundation: Irvine, CA)

Why Do I Need to Learn This Science Stuff?

Saturday, April 2 • 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

George R. Brown Convention Center - 370 A/B


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Discover the power of tiny things to promote equity through real-world problem solving with nano@stanford. Learn the biomimicry connection to water-resistant and other engineered materials being developed in nanotechnology to solve real problems that will promote equity by engaging more students.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Learn the biomimicry connections to water-resistant and other engineered materials that are being developed in nanotechnology to solve real problems; 2. All STEM disciplines are needed to solve real problems and nanotechnology provides the tools to develop solutions; and 3. Learn the locations of NGSS-focused activities, resources, and virtual experiences for your classroom connected to Nanotechnology Opportunities for free/ paid professional development with the NNCI and nano@stanford.

SPEAKERS:
Daniella Duran (Stanford University: Stanford, CA)

Integrating Climate Science Literacy into Your Classroom

Saturday, April 2 • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

George R. Brown Convention Center - 332A



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Integrating Climate Science Literacy Packet and Handouts NSTA 2022.pdf

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Explore new ways to teach climate change science and discover strategies and resources to engage and empower students in the defining issue affecting their future.

TAKEAWAYS:
Examine how climate change impacts the planet and people, especially people in marginalized communities, and how to explore the inequitable distribution of impact; 2. Learn about resources, activities, and ideas to implement climate change in your curriculum, including a free e-book you can use with your students; and 3. Compare and contrast individual, local, national, and global climate change solutions, and how you, your students, and school might participate and how you, as a science teacher, can inspire action.

SPEAKERS:
Alyson Mike (Presidio Graduate School: San Francisco, CA)

CDC Presents: Teaching Students About COVID-19 Using STEM Concepts and Skills

Saturday, April 2 • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

George R. Brown Convention Center - 361E



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
CDC NERD Academy
CDC NERD Academy Overview
CDC Science Ambassador Fellowship
CDC STEM Resources
STEM at CDC

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Learn how to use data from the COVID-19 pandemic to teach students key STEM concepts and how to make evidence-based decisions.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Learn how CDC epidemiologists and other public health experts use data to make evidence-based decisions and recommendations; 2. Get ideas on how to use public health examples to illustrate key STEM concepts and skills; and 3. Take CDC NERD Academy lesson plans, animated videos, STEM activities, and career spotlights back to your classroom.

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

Engaging Students with Data Literacy Activities Through the Exploration of Primary Sources

Saturday, April 2 • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

George R. Brown Convention Center - 332B


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Participate in hands-on activities focused on data literacy to engage all students in questioning, analyzing, and using mathematical thinking around historical primary sources.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Free online resources from the Library of Congress for K–12 science and math teachers to use with their students; 2. Concrete strategies for analyzing primary sources via mathematical reasoning to engage all students; and 3. Hands-on activities that sharpen students' data literacy skills for deeper conversations around topics in science.

SPEAKERS:
Peter DeCraene (Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow: Washington, DC)

Urban Science Education Challenges: Solutions and Programs That Work

Saturday, April 2 • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

George R. Brown Convention Center - 362D


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This session features current science practitioners who share some common challenges faced by urban science educators as well as successful solutions from their school districts. The challenges and solutions discussed are applicable to all school settings.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Receive resources and strategies to promote successful science education; 2. Discuss fresh progressively thinking approaches of current science practitioners who are in the classroom and at the district level; and 3. Engage with presenters on culturally responsive tips that support and strengthen urban science education.

SPEAKERS:
Charles Hayes (Highland Oaks Elementary School: Memphis, TN), LeeAnne Jimenez (Wilson Teaching and Learning Academy: Tulsa, OK), Michelle Ellis (Hunter Huss High School: Gastonia, NC), Brad Rhew (Guilford County Schools: No City, No State), Florentia Spires (Prince George's County Public Schools: Upper Marlboro, MD)

STARBASE ROBINS and Fort Valley State University STEM Practicum

Saturday, April 2 • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

George R. Brown Convention Center - 342C


STRAND: Developing Accountability Systems for Expanding STEM Participation

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This workshop highlights a partnership combating the challenge of training preservice teachers in inquiry-based STEM engagement with a hands-on and rigorous STEM curriculum.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Informal STEM; 2. Preservice Teachers; and 3. Ppartnerships

SPEAKERS:
Wesley Fondal (STARBASE Robins: Warner Robins, GA), Audra Hubbard (STARBASE Robins: Warner Robins, GA), Demetria Smith (STARBASE Robins: Warner Robins, GA)

Coral Reef Ecosystems and Us: Explore Free NOAA Resources About These Fragile Wonders Under Threat

Saturday, April 2 • 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

George R. Brown Convention Center - 332D



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Coral reef ecosystems and us Free NOAA resources about these fragile wonders
Email [email protected] with questions

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Incorporate coral reefs into your existing curriculum—biology, chemistry, climate studies, art, and more—using lesson plans, demos, activities, and multimedia from NOAA.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. What corals are and why they are important; 2. What some major threats to coral reef ecosystems are; and 3. How to fit corals into the curriculum using NOAA resources.

SPEAKERS:
Bekkah Lampe (NOAA Office of Education: Silver Spring, MD), Kayla Smith (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: Silver Spring, MD), Kelly Drinnen (Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary: Galveston, TX)

NMLSTA-Sponsored Session: All Students Can Do STEM

Saturday, April 2 • 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

George R. Brown Convention Center - 360 E/F



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
All students can do STEM

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STEM classrooms can be exclusive if teachers do not identify the lack of prior learning opportunities and misconceptions early in the year. Come learn how one teacher uses coding to bridge the gap in her STEM classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. STEM inclusion activities; 2. Coding in the classroom; and 3. STEM project ideas.

SPEAKERS:
Stacy Thibodeaux (Southside High School: Youngsville, LA)

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