Increase student engagement in analysis and evaluation of real data. Engage students of different ability levels in mathematical models with measurements not previously accessible in the classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
Use real data to develop mathematical models and learn how to test your hypothesis by performing an experiment and analyze your results, combining graphing calculators with handheld sensors to maximize class time.

SPEAKERS:
Karlheinz Haas (Science/Math Instructor, Retired: Tequesta, FL)

Do you ever wish your lesson engaged everyone in the class? The readers, the mathematicians, the engineers and writers will all love these STEM and literacy lessons! In this session, you will learn how to mix and mingle - with read aloud books and STEM challenges, of course!

TAKEAWAYS:
When you leave this session, you will have a better idea of how incorporate literacy with STEM. I’ll be sharing STEM challenges that you can link to children’s books that you probably already have in your classroom! You’ll also learn some tips on how to create your own read aloud STEM challenges!

SPEAKERS:
Emily Gentile (STEM Teacher: Parker, CO)

CDC staff will provide a tour of CDC’s publicly available STEM resources for teachers. The session will feature the newly released CDC NERD Academy curriculum, which uses real-world COVID-19 data and scenarios to teach foundational science, math, and critical thinking skills. These lesson plans, activities, and videos are designed to include everything a STEM teacher needs, even without previous knowledge of public health. CDC staff will illustrate how Module 2: How does disease spread? can be used to teach students about the science behind prevention strategies. Attendees will also meet a diverse group of fictional characters and real CDC staff to help introduce some public health STEM careers. By session’s end, attendees will have practiced how to use one of CDC’s ready-to-go STEM resources, gained insight on how to create lessons using real CDC data and scenarios from journal articles, and gathered ideas on how to get students interested in public health careers.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to use public health examples to illustrate key STEM concepts and skills and to introduce students to STEM careers in public health.

SPEAKERS:
Juliana Azeredo (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Atlanta, GA)

Designed by award-winning science educator, author, and Michigan Teacher of the Year Gary Abud, Jr. in partnership with PBS, this session will focus on instructional strategies, high impact core teaching practices, and amazing learning resources about the Great Lakes from Detroit Public Television's award-winning show Great Lakes Now. In this session, you'll learn how to help your students explore the Great Lakes like never before and engage in productive discussions, engineering challenges, and intriguing investigations that they'll never forget. From fatbergs to watersheds to invasive species, biodiversity, climate change, and much more, you'll see how the Great Lakes makes for a GREAT way to teach myriad science concepts and engage students in the science and engineering practices of the NGSS no matter where they are learning, because the blended learning activities can go with you anywhere!

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to explore the Great Lakes with your students while incorporating multimedia, cognitive science, and student discourse.

SPEAKERS:
SANDRA SVOBODA (Program Director, Great Lakes Now: , MI), Gary Abud Jr (Nourish the Future - Education Projects, LLC: Columbus, OH)

Review data analysis/collecting techniques to help students young and old to learn the relationships between types of data and analysis of it.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn about "orders of variables" and how understanding these can help their students to better engage in making and interpreting graphs.

SPEAKERS:
G. Michael Bowen (Mount Saint Vincent University: Halifax, NS)

With your phone camera and filters we provide, you'll make images at different wavelengths and combine them in JS9, just as astronomers do. Then, with NASA files, you'll create astrophotos expressing your interests and aesthetics. This activity works at many levels, from STEM fun to serious science.

TAKEAWAYS:
You will learn how to process multi-wavelength image sets to create color images from NASA and your own devices. This leads to a deeper understanding of how the spectacular JWST images were made, and prepares the participant with a classroom activity that is fun, rich and economical.

SPEAKERS:
Donna Kaiser (Stamford High School: Stamford, CT), Vincent Urbanowski (Academy of Information Technology & Engineering: Stamford, CT)

Whales are complex creatures whose adaptations and behavior can serve as engaging phenomena for lessons. The Wade Institute and New Bedford Whaling Museum invite you to explore interdisciplinary approaches to teaching with whales and participate in inquiry investigations you can do with students.

TAKEAWAYS:
Whale adaptations, behavior, and relationship with humans can serve as investigative phenomena that you can use to teach inquiry-based lessons in science and across a variety of interdisciplinary subjects.

SPEAKERS:
Sandra Ryack-Bell (Wade Institute for Science Education: Quincy, MA), Allison Pagliaro (Wade Institute for Science Education: Quincy, MA)

This session disseminates learnings from an early-phase STEM project of the federal Education Innovation and Research (EIR) program. A joint effort of the Community Training and Assistance Center (CTAC) and Tracy Unified School District in California, the multi-year project centers on the development and implementation of integrated STEM curricular units to every student in each grade level, pre-kindergarten through grade twelve. Developed by local teacher leaders, each 4- to 8-week unit centers on a design challenge, clusters the ETS and other NGSS standards related to that challenge, and requires students to develop a computational artifact as a part of demonstrating their learning. The project is enriched through the participation of community leaders who bring local industry experiences to students within each unit, and is supported through strategic work teams. Come see how this systemic reform is bringing equitable STEM experiences to all students PreK-12. Leave inspired with ide

TAKEAWAYS:
1. How one district approaches integrated STEM; 2. What an integrated STEM unit feels like; and 3. How one district supports and builds accountability for equitable STEM instruction.

SPEAKERS:
Scott Reynolds (Community Training and Assistance Center (CTAC): Boston, MA)

Engage in active exploration of primary source materials that support sensemaking in middle level science and STEM. Leave with a plan for incorporating primary sources into your own lessons.

TAKEAWAYS:
Primary sources can be used to: (1) present phenomena, (2) engage students in science and engineering practices, (3) identify crosscutting concepts, (4) reinforce disciplinary core ideas, and (4) address equity through leveled resources and shared experience.

SPEAKERS:
Kathy Biernat (Zanilu Educational Services, LLC: No City, No State), Donna Governor (University of North Georgia: Dahlonega, GA), Loris Chen (Science Education Consultant: Fair Lawn, NJ)

Technology has opened the pathway of art creation, making it accessible for all learners, no matter their artistic skill level. Utilizing Pixel Art, educators across the spectrum can leverage the inclusion of customized and unique artistic creations to engage the creativity of all students.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will gain hands-on exposure creating a personal avatar with multiple modes used to construct authentic designs through Pixel Art including using various types of websites and applications but also strategies for unplugging Pixel Art with physical mediums.

SPEAKERS:
Claudeen Denning (Metro Nashville Public Schools: Nashville, TN), Claire Williams McGee (Metro Nashville Public Schools: Nashville, TN)

Did you know that you can launch units in your science class by engaging students in the analysis of historical primary sources? Join us for this hands-on workshop, where we’ll investigate free, digitized resources to see how they can reveal phenomena linked to the content you teach.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how to engage students at the start of a unit by exploring phenomena embedded in historical primary source documents. The strategies discussed will develop the critical thinking and sensemaking strategies of students.

SPEAKERS:
Michael Apfeldorf (Library of Congress: Washington, DC), Jacqueline Katz (Science Supervisor)

Join this workshop: “A Chemical Inquiry: Let’s Master Equilibrium!” and participate in a “hands on” activity to help students overcome common chemical equilibrium misconceptions.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn to use Inquiry to overcome student misconceptions about chemical equilibrium.

SPEAKERS:
Gregory Dodd (Retired Chemistry Teacher: Pennsboro, WV)

This session will integrate programming/coding as a tool for use in a science classroom. Participants will use various tools, such as Scratch, to implement programming in their already designed science classes.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. learn how to integrate computer science into their science classroom; 2. experience resources they can use in their classrooms; and 3. develop a lesson using computer science in their classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Tammie Schrader (Level Up Education: No City, No State)

Using "Exploring Animal Behavior in Laboratory and Field, 2nd edition," several hands-on activities will be explored: data collection using cricket observations, the prisoner's dilemma, and how to read primary literature.

TAKEAWAYS:
This session would provide educators with ideas of how to teach general animal behavior/ecology topics that are adaptive to different learning environments and levels of students.

SPEAKERS:
Heather Zimbler-DeLorenzo (Associate Professor of Biology: Mableton, GA)

Studying the Heat Island Effect covers multiple standards and content areas, and is an excellent grounding phenomenon to discuss equity and justice in the classroom. Come to this hands-on workshop to run through this experience and learn about a framework to develop empowering engineering projects.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will leave with a framework for developing engineering projects that integrate social justice, and will also walk through one of our developed projects on the Heat Island Effect.

SPEAKERS:
Emily Berman (Global STEM Challenges Program)

In this interactive workshop, you will use the NGSS K-2 Engineering Design Standards to integrate STEM into the storybook Mrs. Brown Went to Town and see how you can get your students excited about reading and science through engineering.

TAKEAWAYS:
Want to get your students excited about a story? Then have them be a part of the story and use their knowledge of materials and engineering to help Mrs. Brown! In this interactive session you will get to design and test your engineering project based on the storybook Mrs. Brown Went to Town.

SPEAKERS:
Kevin Hill (Wicomico County Public Schools: Salisbury, MD), Anna Ball (Wicomico County Public Schools: Salisbury, MD)

Tired of planet projects and scale model solar systems? Rubin Observatory’s solar system lesson offers a means for students to analyze data using a three-dimensional approach to learn about the orbital dynamics and interactions of small solar system bodies and the formation of the solar system.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how to access and use free interactive data-based online investigations and support materials designed to support NGSS teaching and learning, as well as teaching and assessment strategies that support inclusive techniques for building student data literacy skills.

SPEAKERS:
Justine Schaen (NSF's NOIRLab: Tucson, AZ), Ardis Herrold (Vera C. Rubin Observatory: Tucson, AZ)

Participants will learn about block coding, physical computing, and how small microcontrollers can be used with middle school students to conduct inquiry investigations using a computational thinking approach.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn the basics of block coding (using either Scratch or the web-based emulator for a widely available microcontroller) & the principals of physical computing/computational thinking as applied to science classrooms to help students conduct better inquiry investigations.

SPEAKERS:
Susan German (Hallsville Middle School: Hallsville, MO), G. Michael Bowen (Mount Saint Vincent University: Halifax, NS)

This workshop will cover technology tools for teaching essential elementary science concepts and topics to students through virtual field trips. Generally, teachers use in-person field trips to expose students to otherwise inaccessible learning resources. In some cases, such field trips come with prepared teaching materials that can be used to connect the content to important science concepts. However, teachers also need to know about technologies they can use for field trips when it is not possible for students to travel to the site due to unexpected bad weather or pandemic, or long distances. During the workshop, teachers will receive resources for virtual field trips to enhance virtual science instruction and student learning. These resources have shown the potential to aid teachers in engaging students in virtual field trips.

TAKEAWAYS:
With appropriate educational technology integration and carefully planned lessons, teachers can seamlessly shift their classes to virtual field trip instruction during unexpected school disruptions without sacrificing student engagement.

SPEAKERS:
John Ojeogwu (Student: Charlottesville, VA)

Using robots coded with Python, participants will observe the motion from 5 pre-created codes and create the distance, velocity, and acceleration vs time graphs of these. Then, participants will be taught the simple commands to control the robot, and create a unique program to run. They will have a partner then create the graphs of their motion. Then they will work to create a motion graph scenario and work backwards to write the code that fits that program. This will incorporate different speeds and directions to drive home the concepts of motion graphs, integrating all aspects of STEM into the lesson.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn a new way to integrate STEM into their physics, robotics, or algebra classes using physical computing to create and analyze motion.

SPEAKERS:
Brad Posnanski (Comsewogue High School: Port Jefferson Station, NY)

Make manageable, meaningful changes in the classroom with free tools to help you communicate the nature and process of science, while integrating NGSS SEPs. Explore strategies for modifying your current instruction, such as the Science Flowchart interactive journaling tool. Bring a laptop/tablet!

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will reflect on and refine their own models of the nature and process of science and gain experience with using materials, tools, and interactives from the Understanding Science project to support their classroom teaching on this topic.

SPEAKERS:
Betsy Barent (Lincoln Public Schools: No City, No State), Anastasia Thanukos (University of California Museum of Paleontology: Berkeley, CA)

Experiment with and decode computational models of core science topics. Experience NSF-funded curricular materials developed to support science instruction that incorporates computational thinking and coding. The session will focus on physics but also preview the chemistry and biology tracks.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn (and experience!) some of the benefits of using computational models in high school science classrooms. They will do so by exploring the “use-decode-modify” progression for using computational models, which is built into our freely accessible curricular units.

SPEAKERS:
Kristen Bjork (Education Development Center, Inc.: Waltham, MA), Victor Mateas (Education Development Center, Inc.: Waltham, MA)

Rocketry is a learning pathway - not an "event". Join Dr. Cassondra Zielinski as she takes you through the process of space-settlement design in a K-5 school. This session concentrates on designing a space settlement using paper and Lego through the SDG Sensor Kits. This is session 1 of 3.

TAKEAWAYS:
Session participants will understand how to combine NGSS, Mathematics, Art, and Technology by using a hands-on approach through space settlement design, creative lesson planning, and student interest. Participants will implement their own ideas into new lessons just like the K-5 students.

SPEAKERS:
Cassondra Zielinski (Mountain View Elementary School: Marietta, GA)

Connect the human impact of trash pollution to engineering design. Get your students thinking critically and creatively as they collaborate in real-world problem solving.

TAKEAWAYS:
Connecting the human impact of single-use plastics and its effect on aquatic ecosystems.

SPEAKERS:
Stacy Thibodeaux (Southside High School: Youngsville, LA), Jessica Kohout (Educational Consultant: Ellicott City, MD)

A multidisciplinary and open-ended investigation that incorporates absolute and relative dating techniques, anomalies, historical context, volcanoes, solar proton events, energy cycles, Earth systems, terrestrial events, and supernovas by analyzing 430 years of Earth history from 1562 to 1992.

TAKEAWAYS:
In constructing knowledge, there is no definitive answer, only plausible conclusions based on constructing, analyzing, and comparing data and research from multiple disciplines. This investigation provides a better understanding of the scientific process of developing models and defending results.

SPEAKERS:
Donna Young (NASA/NSO/UoL Program Manager: Laughlin, NV)

Use web-based image and analysis software to examine and compare the Cartwheel Galaxy determine the sources of the ultra- and in optical and X-ray bands, which can help determine the sources of the ultra- and hyperluminous X-rays (U/HLXs) in this galaxy.

TAKEAWAYS:
Astrophysicists use light in all bands of the electromagnetic spectrum to determine the nature of an object. Web-based software will be used, the same tools used by scientists. This software can be used by students to do their own investigations in astronomy with real data sets.

SPEAKERS:
Pamela Perry (Lewiston High School: Lewiston, ME)

Explore how to use the air sensors to demonstrate the dangers of vaping to students. Participants will see how to measure air quality around the mist expelled out of vapers in a closed system testing system, made from simple materials, in which non-nicotine vape juice is expelled.

TAKEAWAYS:
Air quality, measured in several areas such as particulate matter and AQI, can be used to show that the ingredients in vaping reduce air quality for not only the vaper, but people around them. Students will also learn how to read and analyze graphical data.

SPEAKERS:
Courtney Behrle (BioNetwork: Greenville, NC)

Come and take part in this workshop: “Copper: Two Inquiries to Begin and End the School Year" and learn about the chemical properties of copper using appropriate technology in a “hands on” activity.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will take part in two Inquiry experiments, use technology to collect/analyze data, and visualize what occurs on the submicroscopic level by employing particulate drawings.

SPEAKERS:
Gregory Dodd (Retired Chemistry Teacher: Pennsboro, WV)

Engage in teacher play with us and ponder how light sources and open-ended materials entice children to grow executive function skills as they construct systems that produce unique images.  

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will engage in teacher play as they handle light sources and open-ended materials and receive a handout to help them get started in preparing an environment for independent STEM experiences that can be offered daily in their PK-2 classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Beth Dykstra VanMeeteren (University of Northern Iowa: Cedar Falls, IA)

Teachers will begin the session by sharing their current understanding/practice of incorporating play in the classroom by using a “fishbowl” sharing strategy. Then they will learn the three types of play: free play, guided play, and games. They will run through a few scenarios and determine which type of play is occurring during that scenario. Teachers will then review questioning-types that could be used to help guide free play to move it toward guided play. Teachers will work in teams scripting a teacher's questions to match a given play scenario. After teachers have shared, they will have a chance to put their work in action by engaging in four guided play stations. The four stations will focus on measurement, parts of a bug, buoyancy, and engineering. Teachers will brainstorm guided questions as they play. They will have a chance to share out major takeaways using a modified four corners strategy. We will have a reflection whole group.

TAKEAWAYS:
Explore strategies that enhance children's STEM learning during play in order to extend and support current play and science activities in the classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Judith Lozoya (Professional Development Facilitator: Phoenix, AZ), Jennifer Petersen (Professional Development Facilitator: Phoenix, AZ), Brenna Chambers (Manager of Professional Learning)

Design a multi day STEM project that incorporates wind energy. Participants would learn how to do a unit that incorporates a virtual lab as well as physically building wind turbine blades to generate energy.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will walk away with a multi-day (3+week) ready to use engineering design process unit on wind energy.

SPEAKERS:
Heidi Webster (Teacher: Michigantown, IN), Allison Clegg (7th Grade Science Teacher)

Learn how to better integrate local phenomena into classroom learning through the use of long-term projects and the eCYBERMISSION STEM competition.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn strategies to use student-chosen local phenomena as the basis for long-term projects and participation in a national STEM competition, eCYBERMISSION.

SPEAKERS:
Carey Dieleman (National Science Teaching Association: No City, No State), Kathryn Lasky (NSTA/Army Educational Outreach Program)

Learn how to blend career-connected learning with STEM learning using a suite of career awareness and exploration resources featuring diverse STEM professionals and workplaces. These freely available resources work well in both formal & informal settings for students in 3rd grade through college!

TAKEAWAYS:
ISB has free online videos & resources for career-connected learning. These can be used in formal classrooms & extracurricular programs to highlight nontraditional STEM careers & fields. They also help build systems thinking skills that are applicable and important for student success in any field.

SPEAKERS:
Sara Calder (Preservice Teacher: Seattle, WA), Miranda Johnson (Systems Thinkers in STEM Coordinator)

This session takes attendees on a journey using their premade avatar or sprite from Pixel Art and integrating it into their own nostalgic video game using Microsoft Make Code!

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will leave knowing how to insert graphics created in Pixel Art into an online game creator. It can be implemented as an alternative to a standard formative or summative assessment.

SPEAKERS:
Claire Williams McGee (Metro Nashville Public Schools: Nashville, TN), Claudeen Denning (Metro Nashville Public Schools: Nashville, TN)

Alka-Seltzer is a great tool to bring phenomenon focused teaching into the chemistry classroom. It has many applications from simple chemical and physical changes to designing your own reaction rate experiment. Participants will pop the lid off of a film canister. Come join the jump scare.

TAKEAWAYS:
Alka- seltzer is a versatile resource that can be used in a variety of safe and inexpensive activities that allow students to design and carry out their own investigation.

SPEAKERS:
Alecia Hagberg (Harrison High School: Kennesaw, GA), Sarah Holcomb (Harrison High School: Kennesaw, GA)

STEM integration in the classroom can be challenging but provides rich experiences for students Bring your laptop as we show you how we used Tinkercad (coding), and 3D printers (technology) to support content (Malus's Law).

TAKEAWAYS:
Example of how to integrate science, technology, and engineering into a lesson that is normally taught mathematically.

SPEAKERS:
Karen Matsler (University of Texas Arlington: No City, No State)

Participate in an activity created by expert teachers that will help you better understand how to get your students involved in STEM competitions, including the eCYBERMISSION competition.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to juggle student participation in STEM competitions with the rest of their teaching load and integrate the eCYBERMISSION STEM competition into their classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Carey Dieleman (National Science Teaching Association: No City, No State), Kathryn Lasky (NSTA/Army Educational Outreach Program)

Building student capacity in 3-D design is an opportunity to prepare our students for the future. 3-D design is not just for engineers but used by STEAM professionals. Bring your laptop and learn how Tinkercad can be used with your students while you create African masks.

TAKEAWAYS:
In this workshop participants will learn how to ​3-D ​design and print using Tinkercad and learn how​ to use Tinkercad as a virtual manipulative in classes. We will create A​frican Masks, looking at possible math and technology standards as we learn 3D design.

SPEAKERS:
Sarah Yoo (STEAM Specialist)

Harness the power of technology with student designed solutions for a changing climate.

TAKEAWAYS:
Use technology to expose students to coding and engineering design solutions for severe weather.

SPEAKERS:
Stacy Thibodeaux (Southside High School: Youngsville, LA), Jessica Kohout (Educational Consultant: Ellicott City, MD)

Practice hands-on strategies for engaging students with scientific notebooks, letters, photos, drawings and more! These free online resources elevate the stories behind scientific endeavor, highlighting scientific practices, the nature of science, and connections between science and society.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how to access millions of free digitized primary sources and practice hands-on strategies for using them to promote critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of real-world scientific practices, the nature of science, and connections between science and society.

SPEAKERS:
Jacqueline Katz (Science Supervisor), Michael Apfeldorf (Library of Congress: Washington, DC)

Learn how to integrate the engineering design process and environmental education to engage students in this unit designed for upper elementary students! Participants will complete the Ocean Cleanup Challenge from the perspective of a student and learn about the Trashion Fashion Challenge.

TAKEAWAYS:
In this session, participants will learn how to increase student awareness of ocean and land pollution through hands-on STEM challenges. They will also learn how to connect relevant, real world topics that matter to promote student voice.

SPEAKERS:
Meghan Marrero (Mercy University, Dobbs Ferry Campus: No City, No State), Johanna Vasquez (Trinity Elementary School: New Rochelle, NY), Terri Agravat (Trinity Elementary School: New Rochelle, NY)

Project-based learning, a strategy used in STEM education, improves student outcomes across racial and socioeconomic backgrounds and reading and language proficiency levels (LER, 2021).

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will experience project based learning while working to solve a real world problem.

SPEAKERS:
Falicia O'Mard (K-12 District STEM Coordinator: Suwanee, GA)

Discover how to build a STEM curriculum from the ground up, from ideation to final product. Design an alarm to protect your stuff, meet the STEM Quality Framework and 50+ free STEM units from Pre-K to High School, and explore amazing resources from the Dayton Regional STEM Center and DoDSTEM.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn the process of designing a high-quality STEM curriculum including; standards alignment, evaluation and improvement of curriculum and implementation within the classroom, along with a library of free, currently available unit plans and resources.

SPEAKERS:
Tim Carey (Xenia Community Schools: Xenia, OH)

Through hands on activities using real-world data, take students on a time-travelling adventure to discover the history of Earth – from natural hazards, including earthquakes and volcanoes, to the discovery of plate tectonics and feedbacks in the Earth’s systems.

TAKEAWAYS:
By looking into the past and present, we can begin to predict our future. The International Ocean Discovery Program creates educational resources that enable students to use real data collected by scientists investigating global concerns and explore parts of our world usually hidden to them.

SPEAKERS:
Sharon Cooper (Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory: Palisades, NY), Ed Robeck (American Geosciences Institute: Alexandria, VA), Lindsay Mossa (American Geosciences Institute: Alexandria, MD), Lauren Brase (American Geosciences Institute: , IL), Maya Pincus (Columbia University / U.S. Science Support Program: Palisades, NY), Sequoyah McGee (American Geosciences Institute: Alexandria, VA), Carol Cotterill (U.S. Science Support Program: Palisades, NY)