2022 Houston National Conference

April 31-2, 2022

Grade Level


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Strands





Session Type









Pathway/Course

FILTERS APPLIED:6 - 8, Promoting Effective Assessments in the STEM Classroom, Environmental Science

 

Rooms and times subject to change.
88 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)

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)

How Does a Bulb Light?

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

George R. Brown Convention Center - 360 E/F



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
How does a bulb light NSTA 2022.pdf
Find all documents, teacher guide, pathway, and student activities, for the curriculum unit.
https://pathways.mste.illinois.edu

Show Details

Turning on a string of electric lights is the anchoring phenomenon in this storyline. Students ask questions about electricity sources, production, and uses.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. The system of producers and consumers of electricity we call the power grid is changing, and users are becoming more active participants; 2. Generators use magnetism and mechanical turning to create electricity, and burning carbon-based resources provides much of the energy that powers these generators; and 3. Energy efficiency and renewable and clean energy sources are important to the energy system of the future.

SPEAKERS:
Jana Sebestik (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign: Champaign, IL), Christina Tran (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign: Urbana, IL)

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



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

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)

NMLSTA-Sponsored Session: NMLSTA Algae Academy: Taking Algae from "Ick!" to "Awesome!"

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

George R. Brown Convention Center - 370D



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Algae Academy - Taking Algae from Ick to Awesome.pptx
Algae Academy Presentation

Show Details

Using algae as the vehicle for innovation, this FREE STEM kit and curriculum will have your students asking big questions as they grow algae in the classroom and dive deeper into its vast potential.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Learn all things algae—from the basic living requirements to how algae will help solve pressing global issues; 2. Walk through the entire Algae Academy curriculum to better understand the supplies provided, day-to-day activities, and teacher resources available to support teacher instruction; and 3. Learn how to cultivate your own algae culture!

SPEAKERS:
Marissa Nalley (The Algae Foundation: Midland, TX)

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)

Jump-start a “Phenomenal” Day with a Discovery Education Hands-On Experience

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

George R. Brown Convention Center - 371


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Discovery Education

Start your day with the DE team and a hands-on immersion into the wonderful world of Phenomena! Please note that attendees must preregister for this workshop here.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will: 1. learn and experience how to incorporate everyday phenomena into meaningful science lessons; 2. experience how to utilize hands-on activities to introduce phenomena ; and 3. explore scientific concepts using phenomena from across all grade levels K–12.

SPEAKERS:
Brad Fountain (Discovery Education: Silver Spring, MD), Justin Karkow (Discovery Education: Silver Spring, MD)

The Power of Performance Tasks

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

George R. Brown Convention Center - 322A



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Project ReCharge Appliances Lesson Plan
Project ReCharge Student Projects
See a variety of examples of 4th - HS students' final work.
The Power of Performance Tasks Presentation

Show Details

In this hands-on workshop, participants learn how a culminating student performance task provided evidence of student learning while having a lasting impact locally.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn: 1. building knowledge across units ensures success on culminating performance tasks; 2. a diversity of assessments allows access to a variety of learners to effectively assess student learning; and 3. building engaging performance tasks provides evidence of student learning while impacting the larger community.

SPEAKERS:
Vanessa Robertson (Envirolution: Reno, NV), Kristina Hadley (Swope Middle School: Reno, NV), Sylvia Scoggin (Retired Science Program Coordinator: Reno, NV)

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)

Heredity and Ecosystems: NGSS Activities for 3-D Phenomena-Based Instruction

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

George R. Brown Convention Center - 320A



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Genetics and Ecology NGSS Activities for 3-D Learning

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Carolina Biological Supply Co.

NGSS Science and Engineering Practices and Crosscutting Concepts are applied to the DCIs of Heredity and Ecosystems in two hands-on activities.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn to: 1. incorporate phenomena into life science lessons; 2. construct models and explanation for inheritance using Wisconsin Fast Plants®; and 3. use a cell phone spectrometer to gather data.

SPEAKERS:
Crystal Risko (Carolina Biological Supply Co.: Burlington, NC)

Using Environmental Solutions as a Lens for Teaching Science and Engineering

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

George R. Brown Convention Center - 350E


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Green Ninja

This session will share a framework for how to create compelling learning experiences where students use science and engineering concepts to solve local environmental problems.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. be able to create a storyline and lesson sequence outline that focuses on a local environmental issue of interest; 2. be able to bundle different science TEKS using a storyline; and 3. develop experience using localized phenomena to create student-oriented instruction.

SPEAKERS:
Eugene Cordero (Green Ninja: Mountain View, CA)

Come Learn with Learning Labs: Free Community-Based Climate Modules

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

George R. Brown Convention Center - 340B


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: The Climate Initiative

Come walk through exciting free climate change learning modules. Engage your students in hands-on activities and get them starting conversations in their communties.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Walk through the six-lesson module and learn how to use it with your online or in-person classroom; 2. Participate in a communication activity and learn how to conduct community converations that empower student voice and make them change agents in their local landscape; and 3. Learn how to incorporate Climate Change from the three lenses (Economic, Ecological, and Sociocultural) to encourage students to understand the issues from a local to global scale.

SPEAKERS:
Leia Lowery (The Climate Initiative: Cape Porpoise, ME)

Making Inquiry Visible

Thursday, March 31 • 9:30 AM - 10:30 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

Engage the power of visible thinking to heighten learning through scientific inquiry and authentic questioning while fostering connections with and between students in your classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will: 1. understand and explain visible thinking; 2. describe multiple benefits of applying visible thinking in the classroom; and 3. learn strategies to apply visible thinking in inquiry-based science learning.

SPEAKERS:
Lisa Blank (Watertown City School District: Watertown, NY), Patty Brunet (Cypress High School: Cypress, CA), Tiara Davis (Teacher: Charlotte, NC), Heather Overkamp (Portsmouth Public Schools: Portsmouth, 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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

Urgent Lessons: Measuring the Effects of Climate Change

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

George R. Brown Convention Center - 330B


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Software & Technology

Learn how to introduce new scientific concepts to your students through the lens of climate change. We will discuss experiments that let students study climate change in the classroom using data-collection technology, such as an investigation into the effect of carbon dioxide on ocean and freshwater pH. All activities are available as a free download for attendees.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Gain experience with hands-on technology that encourages students to explore and test different solutions and make connections to the real world; 2. Get access to free resources to keep students engaged while learning key scientific concepts either remotely or in the lab; and 3. Gain hands-on experiences with innovative products that increase student engagement, promote creativity and collaboration, and develop problem-solving skills.

SPEAKERS:
Colleen McDaniel (Vernier Science Education: Beaverton, OR), Nüsret Hisim (Vernier Science Education: Beaverton, OR)

Building Understanding Through 5Es and Game-Based Learning

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

George R. Brown Convention Center - 340B



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Legends of Learning One Pager - National 2022.pdf
Vanderbilt Research Infographic (1).pdf

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Legends of Learning

With the amount of time for science instruction constantly under scrutiny, developing experiences that are engaging and develop understanding is critical. Learn how to leverage game-based learning to introduce, review, and deepen student content understanding. Through student-driven learning, Legends of Learning helps educators ensure not a moment of time is lost.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Understanding of how game-based learning (GBL) can enhance a 5Es lesson; 2. Understanding of unique ways to integrate GBL into instructional practices; and 3. Understanding how GBL allows for easier differentiation and builds an inclusive classroom learning environment.

SPEAKERS:
Jonathan Gerlach (Legends of Learning: Laurel, MD), Sean Reidy (Legends of Learning: Laurel, MD)

Fueling Success for Students and Your Science Classroom—Win Up to $15K!

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

George R. Brown Convention Center - 350E



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Instructional_Method_and_Teaching_Philosophy_tips 2022.pdf
Shell Awards requriement pages combined 2022-23.pdf
Shell Lab Regional Challenge requirements 2022-23.pdf
Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge w-awards - Houston.pdf
Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge and Shell Awards presentation

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge/ Shell Awards

Come start your winning application for one of three Shell-sponsored programs. We'll walk through the application step by step and you'll be able to begin your application or nomination form live.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. learn about the Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge competition and the two Shell-sponsored teacher awards; 2. learn how to nominate and apply for the programs that are sponsored by Shell; and 3. be able to collaborate with previous winners and judges on key elements to include in a strong application.

SPEAKERS:
Martha McLeod (Aransas County ISD: Rockport, TX), Ritu Gandhi (Morales Elementary School: Houston, TX), Ruth Ruud (Cleveland State University: Cleveland, OH), Melissa Collins (John P. Freeman Optional School: Memphis, TN)

NGSS Activity—Chemical Reactions: Recovering Copper from Waste Solutions

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

George R. Brown Convention Center - 351B


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Lab-Aids

Students investigate the use of reactions with three metals for reducing copper waste and reclaiming copper from a used copper etching solution. Students use data from their investigation and text sources to develop an evidence-based argument for which metal is the best choice for recovering copper from the waste solution.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Develop an evidence-based argument for which metal is best for removing copper from liquid wastes; 2. Chemicals such as copper and its compounds react in characteristic ways to form new substances with different properties; and 3. Decisions involving resource use should be made with an understanding of the trade-offs involved.

SPEAKERS:
Cindy Lilly (Ocean Bay Middle School: Myrtle Beach, SC)

A Dive into Three-Dimensional Teaching with the New TEKS

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

George R. Brown Convention Center - 351 C/F



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
TEKS Performance Expectation Builder
TEKS Performance Expectation Builder

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Savvas Learning Company

Join the Savvas team for a hands-on workshop on a three-dimensional classroom experience based on the new Texas Standards.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Incorporate science and engineering practices into your lessons; 2. Build dynamic science lessons aligned to the TEKS; and 3. Transform the new TEKS into student-centered performance expectations.

SPEAKERS:
Chuck Kremer (Savvas Learning Co.: Paramus, NJ), Manuel Romo (Savvas Learning Co.: Paramus, NJ)

Going Global with Solar Ovens: Teaching Convection, Conduction, and Radiation with Inquiry and Global Education in Mind

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

George R. Brown Convention Center - 361B


Show Details

Build a working solar oven and your students’ empathy for global issues in this inquiry-based lesson on convection, conduction, and radiation with an authentic audience!

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Having an authentic, global audience for a STEM inquiry project can be engaging and inclusive for your students and can promote empathy in your classroom; 2. The UN Sustainable Development Goals (https://sdgs.un.org/goals) can pair wonderfully with STEM lessons to enhance project-based lessons and make them meaningful to students; and 3. Organizations like iEARN (https://www.iearn.org/) partner with teachers to help provide platforms and opportunities for global learning.

SPEAKERS:
Kate York (The University of Texas at Dallas: Richardson, TX), Katherine Donaldson (The University of Texas at Dallas: Richardson, TX)

Discover BIOZONE’s Interactive Worktext and Toolkit

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

George R. Brown Convention Center - 350F



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
AP Biology: FULL Preview + Download Sample Packet
AP Environmental Science: FULL Preview + Download Sample Packet
BIOZONE 2023 Catalog
BIOZONE Workshop Slides
Our Resource Advisor Pam Temons will be presenting a workshop on "Discovering BIOZONE’s Interactive Worktext and Toolkit". These are the slides associated with this presentation.
Explore BIOZONE's Latest Programs
Download Sample Packets and see FULL Previews of all our latest programs
Introduction to BIOZONE's NGSS Programs (Video)

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: BIOZONE

Learn how BIOZONE’S superb interactive texts and BIOZONE toolkit support teachers to deliver flexible and engaging NGSS and AP programs.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Discover how BIOZONE’s interactive worktexts and BIOZONE toolkit empower teachers to deliver engaging, effective programs within a differentiated classroom; 2. Discover how the BIOZONE toolkit augments the worktext and supports teachers in delivering a flexible and engaging program; and 3. Learn about BIOZONE’S two NGSS series (Standard NGSS Series and Integrated NGSS Series) and our new Advanced Placement titles for AP Biology and AP Environmental Science.

SPEAKERS:
Pam Temons (BIOZONE International Ltd.: Hamilton, New Zealand)

Federal Professional Development Opportunities

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

George R. Brown Convention Center - 360 A/D



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

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: National Science Foundation, Presidential Awards

Join NSF as we share professional development opportunities for teachers within the federal government and hear from Presidential Awardees about their experiences.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Federal professional development opportunities that you may not have been aware of before; 2. The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) application process and benefits received; and 3. The paths of accomplished teachers and Presidential Awardees as they continue to grow their career.

SPEAKERS:
James Colby (National Science Foundation: Alexandria, VA)

NSTA Press Session: The NSTA Atlas of the Three Dimensions

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

George R. Brown Convention Center - 361C



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Atlas Map 4.2 Flow of Matter and Energy in Living Systems.pdf
Atlas Pres for NSTA National Conference in Houston March 31 2022.pdf
NSTA Press Web Page about the NSTA Atlas of the Three Dimensions
Sample Maps from the NSTA Atlas of the Three Dimensions

Show Details

Learn how to read the 62 maps of practices, core ideas, crosscutting concepts, and performance expectations in The NSTA Atlas of the Three Dimensions and use them and other features of this powerful navigational tool to develop and implement curriculum, instruction, and assessment.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Construct an explanation for why it is important to consider learning progressions when planning curriculum, instruction, and assessment; 2. Analyze the elements of the three dimensions on a map to interpret the relationships it conveys; and 3. Obtain and evaluate information about the elements of the three dimensions in order to plan and carry out the development of curriculum, instruction, and assessment.

SPEAKERS:
Ted Willard (Discovery Education: Silver Spring, MD)

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)

How Can I Help Students Experiencing Chronic Trauma Gain Scientific Literacy?

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

George R. Brown Convention Center - 352C


Show Details

Many of our students come to us experiencing trauma so it is imperative we help them become scientifically literate using healing-care strategies.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. see how healing-care strategies assist students in experiencing chronic trauma in the science classroom; 2. gain strategies for helping engage these students in activities focusing on scientific literacy with an emphasis on media literacy; and 3. be given strategies for both formative and summative assessments that align with the NRC Framework and NGSS.

SPEAKERS:
Ann MacKenzie (Miami University: Oxford, OH)

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)

Access Free Interactive Online STEAM and NGSS-Focused Content

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

George R. Brown Convention Center - 350E


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Edulastic

NGSS lessons by students, for students—how cool is that?! Hear the STEAM Team’s story, discover their suite of activities, and get free classroom tools!

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn: 1. about what inspired a group of high school students to create engaging and fun STEAM lessons for middle school students; 2. how to access student-created digital learning lessons to help teach science to their own students; and 3. how to locate NGSS-focused assessments and create their own assessments in Edulastic, and assign them to their students.

SPEAKERS:
Ileana Betancourt (GoGuardian + Pear Deck + Edulastic: El Segundo, CA)

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)

Wisconsin's School Forest and Wheels to Woods: Program Pathways to Diversity in Forestry

Friday, April 1 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

George R. Brown Convention Center - 361F



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Wisconsins School Forest and Wheels to Woods Program Pathways to Diversity

Show Details

Wisconsin has over 400 school forests, yet many students across the state are unable to enjoy the benefits of outdoor science education. LEAF works to improve access.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Forests are wonderful laboratories that stimulate curiosity in ways that indoor classrooms simply cannot; 2. Not all students have equal access to forests and we have much work to do to change that; and 3. Wisconsin’s School Forest and Wheels to Woods programs are working to improve K–12 field trip access to forests.

SPEAKERS:
Stephen Schmidt (LEAF: Stevens Point, WI)

Scaling and Supporting the Implementation of High-Quality Materials: The Role of Professional Learning Providers

Friday, April 1 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

George R. Brown Convention Center - 362D



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Scaling High Quality Instructional Materials Presentation Link

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Come see the professional learning model being utilized across Iowa to scale the use of free high-quality instructional materials (OpenSciEd) across the state for middle school publicly released units as well as furthering unit design with supports for the high school field test. These materials support the science learning of emerging multilingual students and incorporate the Universal Design for Learning guidelines.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. review the instructional routines highlighted across all OpenSciEd units and other high-quality OER curricula; 2. examine the professional learning model used to support the implementation of high-quality instructional materials across the state of Iowa; and 3. consider how the tools, processes, and instructional model shared could be applied to their local context.

SPEAKERS:
Tammy Askeland-Nagle (Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency: Bettendorf, IA), Jason Martin-Hiner (Keystone Area Education Agency: Elkader, IA), Hope Garton Brown (Prairie Lakes Area Education Agency: Pocahontas, IA), Beverly Berns (Keystone Area Education Agency: Elkader, IA)

Forging Community Partnerships to Reduce Organic Waste

Friday, April 1 • 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM

George R. Brown Convention Center - 342A



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
NSTAJoslynOrganicWaste
After identifying that organic waste is a community concern, and eighth grade class formed a community partnership to reduce organic waste.

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After identifying that organic waste is a community concern, an eighth-grade classroom formed community partnerships to reduce organic waste.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Encourage your students to engage in community partnerships to promote student learning; 2. Provide strategies to increase scientific literacy through socioscientific issues; and 3. Facilitate an inclusive culture through student agency.

SPEAKERS:
Pamela Joslyn (Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow: No City, No State)

NextGen TIME: A Toolkit for Materials Evaluation

Friday, April 1 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

George R. Brown Convention Center - 370 A/B


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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)

NGSS Biology: Looking for Patterns in Species Diversity

Friday, April 1 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

George R. Brown Convention Center - 351B


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Sponsoring Company: Lab-Aids

Look for patterns in species diversity in coral reef ecosystems and other animals to determine cause and effect of relationship and understand how ecosystem interactions affect patterns of biological diversity.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Compare maps showing the geographical ranges of several different species and several different abiotic factors; 2. For each species, determine which abiotic factors correlate with species diversity and which do not; and 3. Consider the importance of species diversity to an ecosystem.

SPEAKERS:
Mark Koker (Lab-Aids, Inc.: Ronkonkoma, NY)

NOAA in Your Classroom 1—Sea Level Rise: Engaging Students with One of the Most Dangerous Climate Impacts of Our Time

Friday, April 1 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

George R. Brown Convention Center - 320A



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
NOAA Sea Level Rise - Beat the Uncertainty Game Presentation
NOAA Sea Level Rise Education Resources

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Sponsoring Company: NOAA

Engage students with data-driven NGSS-focused interactive online lessons, visualizations, and role-playing activities to explain what sea level rise is, why it is so dangerous, and how we can address it.

TAKEAWAYS:
Educators will: 1. learn about climate change–driven sea level rise and its impacts to their coastal communities and nationally; 2. explore NOAA’s classroom-ready Data in the Classroom module: Investigating Sea Level Using Real Data; and NOAA’s Sea Level Rise Viewer, learn how students can use NOAA satellite and coastal station data to analyze how sea level is changing, its impacts on U.S. Coastal areas, and how they can integrate its inquiry-based resources into their classrooms immediately; and 3. play NOAA’s role-playing game Beat the Uncertainty: Planning Climate-Resilient Cities, and learn how to use it with their students.

SPEAKERS:
Bruce Moravchik (NOAA National Ocean Service: Silver Spring, MD), Symone Barkley (NOAA National Ocean Service: Silver Spring, MD)

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

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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

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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)

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.)