Step-by-Step Skills explains how to break down a scientific skill into a series of steps. Presenters will provide examples from their own classroom as well as a framework for how to utilize the technique across multiple grade levels and science disciplines.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to break down a scientific skill into a series of steps and why it is helpful for all learners, but especially those within a neurodiverse classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Catherine Beck (Randolph School: Huntsville, AL)

NMLSTA is the ONLY science teacher association devoted to meeting the unique needs of middle school science educators. Members of the NMLSTA Board of Directors will be on hand to share a variety of information about the organization.

TAKEAWAYS:
You will learn about NMLSTA activities during this conference, specifically our Share-a-Thon, and throughout the year, including various awards available to our members

SPEAKERS:
Mary Lou Lipscomb (National Middle Level Science Teachers Association: Naperville, IL)

This session will provide educators with ideas for hosting STEM day/night for K-8 students (especially in Title I schools). Attendees will participate in hands-on STEM challenges that explore phenomena, require minimal preparation, and can be completed in 45 minutes or less. Educators will walk away with packets that include posters, supply lists, rubrics, and worksheets. This session will help attendees to facilitate and model simple Engineering Design Challenges that will engage ALL scholars.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to coordinate a STEM day/night including scheduling ideas, resources. Attendees will receive packets for their respective grade levels/grade bands that include posters, supply lists, rubrics, and worksheets.

SPEAKERS:
Karelle Williams (The Main Street Academy: Atlanta, GA)

Our outreach program leveraged the 5E instructional model to deliver an authentic laboratory experience throughout underserved areas of our school district. Pilot results demonstrate significant gains in student learning and high interest in repeat opportunities.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will be able to identify successes and struggles experienced in the implementation of a district wide STEM outreach program. Participants will take away a model of STEM outreach and an example lesson that can be easily implemented through a small team, even across a large school district.

SPEAKERS:
Emily Heath (Student: Warrenville, SC), Kamani Barnes (Student: Warrenville, SC), Javaris Lightsey (Student: Warrenville, SC), I'Layna Highsmith (Student: Warrenville, SC), Ny'Aja Clemons (Student: Warrenville, SC), Alexandria Martin (Student: , SC), Christie Palladino (Teacher: Warrenville, SC)

Various children's books will be presented that can be used to introduce and discuss important science topics in the middle school science classroom. Examples of how I use these books in my classroom and what topics they cover will also be discussed. Books such as "Sparrow Girl" and "Ada Twist Scientist" will also be presented as a way to bring diversity of science thinkers into classrooms and demonstrate that science is inclusive of all race, genders, and cultures. Other books to be presented include "There is a Hair in My Dirt" and "Did a Dinosaur Drink This Water?"

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will be provided with examples of how children's literature can be brought into the science classroom to not only engage our students, but teach them important science concepts in the area of Ecology and scientific thinking.

SPEAKERS:
Krista Hachadoorian (H.B. Thompson Middle School: Syosset, NY)