In this poster session, we will explore a hands-on, youth-centric citizen science program that teaches elementary students to “think like a scientist” by embodying the Scientific Method in a unique five-step program. Utilizing aspirational diverse characters and storylines from the award-winning “The Paper Girls Show” and standards-aligned, inquiry-based activities we will enhance the fun in science education. Participants will learn how to use the citizen science platform Marine Debris Tracker, and see how all of their students can become scientists and make changes in their communities.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how to 1. harness the power of stories to inspire their learners to think like scientists; 2. integrate inquiry-based learning into their classrooms; 3. empower their students to act like scientists and take action in their local communities through citizen science.

SPEAKERS:
Lena Deskins (Sandy Ridge Visual and Performing Arts Elementary School: Durham, NC), Rachael Polmanteer (Center for Inquiry Based Learning: Durham, NC)

At arrival participants would receive a green or grey colored paper. They would then be prompted with the question, How would environmental changes impact the population of both green and grey colored insects? After brainstorming they would read and view some graphics on the poster of the “Impacts of Industrialization,” looking at how scientists have long studied how environmental changes impact organisms over time. Then, educators would participate in an online simulation, they would play as a bird and eat the moths in the simulation. Participants would then debrief their observations, hopefully finding that dark forest environment represented what the environment was during and after the Industrial Revolution. The light colored trees became dark and bare, due to the harmful effects of the pollution; this made the lighter colored moths harder to see and therefore gave them an advantage to survive. Poster facilitators would them help educators brainstorm other SS/Science connections.

TAKEAWAYS:
Educators will find unique ways that they can incorporate their science and social studies lessons more frequently and naturally.

SPEAKERS:
Jennifer Petersen (Professional Development Facilitator: Phoenix, AZ), Judith Lozoya (Professional Development Facilitator: Phoenix, AZ)

Applying design thinking, students, educators, and community members collaborate to solve issues facing our community.

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

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