Hear about various NSTA competitions and how they can bring STEM and the NGSS into the classroom, as well as give students and teachers a chance to earn recognition and prizes.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn: 1. about NSTA competitions; 2. how NSTA competitions help integrate STEM and NGSS in the classroom; and 3. how students and teachers can win recognition and prizes.

SPEAKERS:
Acacia McKenna (NSTA: Arlington, VA), Matthew Hartman (BrainPOP: Pittsburgh, PA)

The Texas A&M Women in Science & Engineering (WISE) organization invites you to join a mock Zoom a WISE Woman session with scientists and engineers!

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Connecting real-world female scientists and engineers with K–12 classrooms; 2. Understanding the importance of connecting diverse role models in order to broaden participation in STEM; and 3. Experiencing the ease and benefits of collaborating with a virtual outreach program.

SPEAKERS:
Iliana De La Cruz (Texas A&M University: College Station, TX), Sarah Poor (Texas A&M University: Columbia, MO)

Participants will analyze student learning using a Claim-Evidence-Reasoning framework and identify instructional strategies that support student writing to serve as evidence of learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Claim-Evidence-Reasoning and student writing; and 2. Analyzing student responses.

SPEAKERS:
Kenneth King (Aurora University: Aurora, IL), Tina King (St. Charles CUSD 303: Saint Charles, IL)

This interactive session offers focused strategies for leveraging nonfiction books to integrate Common Core standards with content-rich science instruction. Handouts include bibliography of recommended resources.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Discover classroom-ready tools for using nonfiction books to accomplish dual goals of reading comprehension and science learning for all students, regardless of background; 2. Explore ways to inspire budding scientists by leveraging nonfiction books that appeal to children’s love of stories, learning styles, and innate curiosity on a range of subjects; and 3. Obtain bibliography of recent high-quality nonfiction trade books with associated classroom-ready curricula that address specific Common Core standards.

SPEAKERS:
Elizabeth Shreeve (Science Writer: Mill Valley, CA), Sierra Satterstrom (Teacher: San Marcos, CA)

This session will share a sample elementary unit that demonstrates the integration of science and social studies, along with ELA and math standards.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. experience sections of a sample integrated unit written with third-grade standards for science, social studies, math, and ELA; 2. recognize the importance and value of the appropriate integration of the various content areas; and 3. have an exemplar unit to use as a model for creating integrated units for their own classrooms.

SPEAKERS:
Mandie Sanderman (Central Rivers Area Education Agency: Cedar Falls, IA), Chelsie Byram (Central Rivers Area Education Agency: Cedar Falls, IA)