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, Hands-On Workshop, Developing Scientific Literacy in the Classroom, Informal Science Education

 

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

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Big Numbers
Big Numbers needs to be printed out and handed to each student along with the Powers of Ten sheet.
Classroom Sol-ar System PlanetWalk 1 to 1 Trillion Scale
A PlanetWalk (from the Sun to Eris) that fits inside your Classroom. Note that there are 17 "Planets". 10 traditional "Planets" and 7 "Planetary Moons". The term "Planet" is here defined as being a celestial body that is not now or has ever been a Star while having a minimum diameter of 10^7 "wave". One "wave" is the wavelength of the Hydrogen Line or 21.106 cm. The minimum diameter of a "Planet" is thus = 2,110.6 km. This definition of what a "Planet" is and is not, was created by Robert
Earth Moon Scale if the Earth were the size of Basketball
Earth / Moon Scale if the Earth were the size of Basketball ... print this out and post it in your classroom next to your hanging Basketball Earth and Tennis Ball(s) Moon(s).
NASA Sol-ar System Lithograph Set
The NASA Sol-ar System Lithograph Set is a wonderful resource of images and information. Used for the 1 to 1 trillion scale Classroom Planet Walk.
Powers of Ten - Big and Small Numbers
Shows the Metric Prefixes, Scientific Notation, and actual number written out without scientific notation.
Scaling The Universe Power Point Presentation
The "Scaling The Universe" Power Point Presentation has several scale models of the Universe that give scaling handles on everything from the size of atoms to the number of stars in the observable Universe. Each Scaling exercise makes you think, use mathematics as the language of the Universe, and utilizes easily found items. Let us know what you think, we welcome feed back: Robert E. Strong [email protected] Elizabeth (Libby) Strong [email protected]

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)

Teaching Human Ecology with Models and Simulations

Saturday, April 2 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

George R. Brown Convention Center - 361E


Show Details

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)

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


Show Details

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.)
eBook - In Our Hands
Integrating Climate Science Literacy Packet and Handouts NSTA 2022.pdf

Show Details

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

Show Details

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


Show Details

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)

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

Show Details

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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