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.
Grade Level


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Pathway/Course

FILTERS APPLIED:6 - 8, Hands-On Workshop, Developing Scientific Literacy in the Classroom, Life Science

 

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

Genotype or Stereotype? Using PBL to Explore Middle School Genetics

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

George R. Brown Convention Center - 332C



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
GenoStereo.NSTA.Mar31.22.pptx

Show Details

Can a genetics unit affect students’ views of people different from themselves? This session presents lessons learned during a project-based learning unit, with critical discussion.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. How can we use project-based learning to enhance scientific literacy? Attendees will have access to lesson plans and supporting materials. 2. How can we use middle school standards to decrease stereotypes? Participants will see the results of a pilot study that measured shift in bias as students learned genetics. 3. What can teachers do to encourage this kind of learning? Participants will engage in critical conversation to identify standards and approaches that will work in their classrooms as well as having an opportunity to connect and collaborate.

SPEAKERS:
Amanda Clapp (The Catamount School: Sylva, NC)

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)

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)

How to Make In-Person and Remote STEM Instruction Meaningful, Rigorous, and Equitable for Students

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

George R. Brown Convention Center - 332B


Show Details

This session introduces a way to create in-person and remote learning experiences that give all students a chance to learn how to use the DCIs, CCS, and SEPs to make sense of the world around them.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. How to make in-person and remote learnings experience more meaningful, relevant, and equitable for students; 2. How to give students an opportunity to use their own ideas along with the DCIs, CCs, and SEPs in the service of sensemaking; and 3. How embedded formative assessment during an investigation can be used to examine student sensemaking.

SPEAKERS:
Victor Sampson (The University of Texas at Austin: Austin, TX)

What Do I Do with This? Making Sense of Your Assessment Data

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

George R. Brown Convention Center - 342B



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Session Resource Document Form
Click on this link to access the Resource Document for the session. This will ask for your email so that I can share the slide deck following the session based on how the conversation unfolds.

STRAND: Promoting Effective Assessments in the STEM Classroom

Show Details

We are awash in assessment data, but often it’s overwhelming to make sense of it. Join us to learn tips and strategies for wrangling data.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Explore new ways to organize data collection and raw data to aid in exploring the data for stories after it is collected; 2. Acquire skills in tying questions, data types, and data visualizations to enhance your ability to make sense of your assessment data; and 3. Identify next steps to better utilize and leverage your assessment data to help you measure students’ learning and know what steps to consider next.

SPEAKERS:
Kristin Hunter-Thomson (Dataspire Education & Evaluation, LLC)

NMLSTA-Sponsored Session: NMLSTA Awards: Come Learn About Two Awards for Middle Level Science Teachers!

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

George R. Brown Convention Center - 322A


Show Details

Learn how to apply for NMLSTA’s Classroom Teacher Awards and Hurd Award. This interactive workshop will provide information and an opportunity to begin an application.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. NMLSTA Classroom Teachers awards provide up to $200 to support science in your classroom and has a quick and easy application. 2. The Hurd Award is for exemplary science teaching performance including leadership in sharing these ideas and a great way to showcase what you are doing in science education. 3. This workshop will cover eligibility, requirements, and timelines along with how to write a successful application, an opportunity to brainstorm ideas and start an application.

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

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning—The Future Is NOW!

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

George R. Brown Convention Center - 332C


Show Details

Come find out how to involve your students in learning how AI and ML can be taught to your students, how it can be used to promote equity in the classroom, and how it can make YOUR teaching job easier! If you can, bring a data set and computer.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. AI and ML can help equitize the science classroom by allowing students to participate in learning; 2. AI and ML can be taught to students in the classroom and is an excellent 21st-century skill for all students; and 3. AI and ML hold the possibility to make the science teacher's job easier.

SPEAKERS:
Holly Amerman (University of Georgia: Athens, GA), Anna Herdliska (Gwinnett County Public Schools: Suwanee, GA)

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)

Some Like It Hot: Extremophiles of Yellowstone National Park

Friday, April 1 • 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

George R. Brown Convention Center - 362B



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Angle_Elaboration teacher and student materials.docx
Angle_Engagement teacher and student materials.docx
Angle_Explanation teacher and student materials.docx
Angle_Exploration teacher and student materials.docx
Colored Beakers - Exploration Phase.pdf
NSTA_Science Scope_SomeLikeItHot.pdf

Show Details

Introduce the extremophiles of Yellowstone National Park into your classroom to strengthen students’ understanding of the importance of resource availability, even in the harshest ecosystems.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will: 1. increase their content knowledge of how Yellowstone's extremophiles are dependent on their environmental interactions, both with living things and nonliving factors; 2. increase their pedagogical content knowledge about the effects of resource availability on organisms and populations of organisms in Yellowstone's hot springs; and 3. learn how to bring Yellowstone's "sense of place" into their classroom curriculum.

SPEAKERS:
Julie Angle (Oklahoma State University: Stillwater, OK)

Forensic Fun for Everyone!

Friday, April 1 • 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

George R. Brown Convention Center - 332B



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Forensics Fun For All NSTA 2022 (1).pptx
https://forms.gle/6kU9SNdbWaf9c4pq8

Show Details

Have fun creating a faculty-centered lab-based mystery plus virtual CSI escape room for your young scientists to enjoy next week! Hands-on fun!

TAKEAWAYS:
1. How to use your own school community to create an engaging crime for students to solve while encouraging socialization, collaboration, and critical thinking; 2. How to use Google Forms to create a virtual escape room to set up a mystery that students can work to solve either in class or remote; and 3. Forensics concepts, including blood typing, fingerprints, genetics, hair and fiber analysis, handwriting analysis, chromatography, and ways to adapt these concepts to all levels and budgets.

SPEAKERS:
Elizabeth Guzzetta (Our Lady of Mercy School for Young Women: Rochester, NY)

NMLSTA-Sponsored Session: Meet Me in the Middle, Lite: A Share-a-Thon

Friday, April 1 • 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

George R. Brown Convention Center - Grand Ballroom A/B



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
AMIDON - Ozone Investigation (Instructions).pdf
This file outlines the activities in the Ozone Investigation I created to help students understand what Ozone Depletion is and how it happens. Then we track and analyze data in real-time before predicting the lowest levels that will be reached. See https://gml.noaa.gov/news/ozone_hole_prediction.html for more background.
AMIDON - Ozone Investigation (Student Activity Slides).pdf
This file contains the student activities for the Ozone Investigation I created to help students understand what Ozone Depletion is and how it happens. Then we track and analyze data in real-time before predicting the lowest levels that will be reached. See https://gml.noaa.gov/news/ozone_hole_prediction.html for more background.
DNA cheek swab
Recipe for DNA Traits

Show Details

Engage in a variety of activities, collect information and resources, and network with middle level leaders from NSTA and NMLSTA. Discover new ideas and materials that you can use next week.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will: 1. have networking opportunities with other middle level science educators; 2. discover resources to help them in all aspects of their teaching; and 3. engage in a variety of new activities to use with their students.

SPEAKERS:
Mary Lou Lipscomb (National Middle Level Science Teachers Association: Naperville, IL), Rebecca Kurson (Collegiate School: New York, NY), Wendy Abshire (American Meteorological Society: Washington, DC), Alison Seymour (Science Teacher: Winchester, 0), Bruce Boehne (Zion Lutheran School: Dallas, TX), Marissa Nalley (The Algae Foundation: Midland, TX), Abigail Stimach (American Meteorological Society: Washington, DC), Kylie Wynaker (The Algae Foundation: Midland, TX), Amanda Clapp (The Catamount School: Sylva, NC), Covey Denton (Greenfield School: No City, No State), Katy Garvey (The Source for Learning, Inc.: Reston, VA), Edralin Pagarigan (Golden Ring Middle School: Rosedale, MD), Emily Ong (Girls Who Code: New York, NY)

Demystifying Models in the Science Classroom

Friday, April 1 • 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

George R. Brown Convention Center - 361B



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
2022 NSTA Conference Modeling Checklist and Rubric.pdf
2022 NSTA Houstin Conference Student Model Examples.pdf
2022 NSTA Houston Conference Session Packet .pdf
2022 NSTA Houston Conference_ _Approachable and Practical Modeling in the Science Classroom_ Session .pdf

Show Details

Join us for a hands-on experience and discussion about modeling! It will feature quick-start guides, student work examples, and modeling assessment strategies.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. learn how to use a model with a given natural phenomenon; 2. learn how to scaffold models for all diverse learners; and 3. be given ready-to-use resources to start modeling in their classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Brittany Blair (Charles H. Barrows STEM Academy: North Windham, CT), Nicole Vitello Lowell (Charles H. Barrows STEM Academy: North Windham, CT)

Using Virtual Reality to Make Ecosystems a Real-Life Experience

Friday, April 1 • 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

George R. Brown Convention Center - 332B


Show Details

Focusing on wetlands and the connection to flooding puts STEM in a real-world context that is relatable to students, and virtual reality makes it fun.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. gain experience in developing virtual field trips using free software and a 360-degree camera; 2. experience a virtual field trip focused on ecosystems, participate in activities covering standards related to ecosystems components, and identify ways to incorporate their local context to the virtual environments; and 3. learn about relevant local connections and partnerships that they can leverage to design a more varied student experience unique for their classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Nastassia Jones (Southern University and A&M College: Baton Rouge, LA), Nikita LaCour (Scotlandville Pre-Engineering Magnet Academy: Baton Rouge, LA)

Data Interpretation for Middle School

Friday, April 1 • 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

George R. Brown Convention Center - 362C


Show Details

Join us for engaging data sets and hands-on labs that will generate data for students to graph and interpret. You'll love seeing your students draw real conclusions from simple real-world data. Handouts!

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Practice interpreting and representing data; 2. Participate in a lab to collect, graph, and interpret data; and 3. Receive data sets and lesson plans to use with students.

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

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)

Using Games as Models of Ecological Interactions

Saturday, April 2 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

George R. Brown Convention Center - 352D


Show Details

This session will introduce the gamification of ecological modeling within a biology classroom, through both playing and analyzing student-developed games that demonstrate ecological interactions.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. develop a greater understanding of modeling as one of the crosscutting concepts of NGSS; 2. learn the DCI related to ecology and SEP of modeling, including developing, using, and evaluating models; and 3. learn the importance of modeling, the revision process when it comes to modeling, and limitations of modeling.

SPEAKERS:
Kristine Wilbrecht (Swope Middle School: Reno, NV), Catherine Pozarski Connolly (Nevada's Northwest Regional Professional Development Program: Reno, NV)

Designing a Democratic Classroom by Centering Student Voice and Sharing Authority

Saturday, April 2 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

George R. Brown Convention Center - 332B



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Designing a Democratic Classroom-STEM Ed Innovators

Show Details

Democratic STEM Teaching (DST) centers student voice, creating inclusive classrooms where all students can thrive. Explore how human-centered design thinking turns DST principles into practice.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will: 1. understand the DST principles and describe practical examples of student voice, shared authority, and STEM criticality; 2. develop ideas of how to use DST principles in their own classrooms in order to create a more inclusive classroom; and 3. use the design thinking approach and protocols to identify a focus area in the classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Kelly Houston (STEM Ed Innovators: Saratoga, CA)

Do Salty Roads Lead to Salty Streams?

Saturday, April 2 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

George R. Brown Convention Center - 351E



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Do Salty Roads Lead to Salty Streams - Resource List

Show Details

Learn how winter road salt treatments depress the freezing point of water and how to monitor the impact of these treatments on stream salinity.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how: 1. salt depresses the freezing point of water; 2. to test the salinity of stream water; and 3. to share your results with citizen science projects and your community.

SPEAKERS:
Valerie Stone (Gettysburg College: Gettysburg, PA)

Cells in Context

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

George R. Brown Convention Center - 361E



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Cells in Context Curriculum Unit
Paper-based and multimedia activities that explore the inner-most workings of cells . Includes models for 5 mystery cell types that students work to identify.

Show Details

Explore a free unit featuring progressive cell models supported by multimedia tools. A realistic and dynamic exploration of cells, cell systems, and disruption by pathogens.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Where to access a new, free, NGSS-friendly unit on cell structure and function, cell systems, and pathogens; 2. How to integrate realistic multimedia and paper-based modeling exercises to depict the dynamic inner workings of cells and tissues; and 3. Experience with cell models that can be carried through to cell systems and infection by pathogens.

SPEAKERS:
Molly Malone (The University of Utah: Salt Lake City, UT)

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)

You Mean 3-D Assessment Tasks Can Be Engaging?

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

George R. Brown Convention Center - 342B



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
NGSS Three-Dimensional Assessment Dashboard

STRAND: Promoting Effective Assessments in the STEM Classroom

Show Details

Discover resources and tools to aid in crafting 3-D assessments. Bring your own assessment for peer feedback or explore OERs to adapt to your setting.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Best practices in 3-D assessment design; 2. Strategies for adapting existing assessments; and 3. Resources for identifying engaging phenomena.

SPEAKERS:
Becky McDowell (Independent Contractor: Springfield, PA)

Break Through the Middle School Science Content

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

George R. Brown Convention Center - 352F


Show Details

Discover an engaging, hands-on experience for your students that focuses on middle school science concepts using breakout and interactive games with puzzles and clues.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn: 1. how to create their own breakout room or interactive game tailored to specific student needs; 2. the benefits of using games that require the use of multiple learning styles to master content for the grade 8 science assessment; and 3. learn how to use games in the science classroom to increase scientific literacy by using thinking, reading, writing, and discourse strategies to deepen the understanding of the content.

SPEAKERS:
Jonathan Kramer (Dallas ISD: Dallas, 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

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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