2023 Atlanta National Conference

March 22-25, 2023

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Rooms and times subject to change.
32 results
Save up to 50 sessions in your agenda.

Integrated STEM as a District-Wide Equity Move

Thursday, March 23 • 9:45 AM - 10:45 AM

Georgia World Congress Center - C204



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Grade 6 - Math - Fall - Print a Pool - Integrated STEM Unit Planner.8.1.22.pdf
Sample unit for Grade 6
Link to Participant Photos
NSTA.National 3.23.2023.pdf
Session PowerPoint Presentation
PreK12 STEM-Orientation to Units 8.19.2022 w QR.pdf
Orientation to the Integrated STEM units
Project Website
Note: It is undergoing a refresh March/April of 2023. Please check back for more info and resources.
Student Self-Assessment of Engineering.pdf
Student Self-Assessment of Engineering

STRAND: Equity and Justice

Show Details

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)

Developing a Vision, Writing Curriculum, and Designing Experiences for Elementary STEAM Labs.

Thursday, March 23 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Georgia World Congress Center - A402


STRAND: Curriculum and Assessment

Show Details

Opening a lab is a daunting process. Learn about how Fairport developed a vision, wrote a horizontally and vertically aligned curriculum, and utilized intentional decision making to design the Elementary STEAM Lab experience.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will leave with recommendations for creating STEAM Labs in their districts based on the blueprint that Fairport used to launch Labs that incorporate the NGSS Engineering Design standards, Computer Science and Digital Fluency Learning Standards, and a focus on social-emotional learning.

SPEAKERS:
Travis Wood (Fairport Central School District: No City, No State), Kristin Larsen (Honeoye Falls- Lima CSD: Honeoye Falls, NY)

JHU Wavelengths Lessons: Connecting Secondary Students to Cutting Edge Science

Thursday, March 23 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Georgia World Congress Center - B402


STRAND: Curriculum and Assessment

Show Details

This session will introduce participants to a NSTA lesson designed to introduce high school students to cutting edge research on Artificial Intelligence. The lesson is designed around the critical aspects of sensemaking: students experience a phenomenon, engage in science and engineering practices and share ideas and to build and/or apply disciplinary core ideas and crosscutting concepts needed to explain how or why the phenomenon occurs. Sensemaking is in the vision of A Framework for K-12 Science Education - “the doing of science and engineering is highlighted as a strategy that can capture students’ interest in science and motivate their continued study.” (A Framework for K-12 Science Education, pp 42-43). NSTA lessons and units provide opportunities for all students to engage in science learning that is meaningful to them

TAKEAWAYS:
The JHU Wavelength lesson introduced in the session provides opportunities for high school students to learn about cutting edge science research, figure out science ideas related to artificial intellligence, and consider how it could benefit their community.

SPEAKERS:
Rama Chellappa (Bloomberg Distinguished Professor: Baltimore, MD), Patrice Scinta (NSTA: Arlington, VA), Rama Chellappa (Johns Hopkins University: Baltimore, MD)

Using Pixels to Create the Art in STEM

Thursday, March 23 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Georgia World Congress Center - A303



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Pixil Art - The A in STEAM Release.pdf

STRAND: Technology and Media

Show Details

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)

Know Soil, Know Life: Curricular Connections to this Vital Resource

Thursday, March 23 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Georgia World Congress Center - A301


STRAND: Curriculum and Assessment

Show Details

Soils are vital to sustaining life. What makes this natural resource so special? Join us for an active session that digs into numerous soil science concepts and vetted teaching resources connected to the geosciences, biology, chemistry, and physics.

TAKEAWAYS:
Soils are the foundation upon which life exists on Earth. The life that teems below ground supports the life above ground. Understanding the ecosystem services provided by soils requires cross-disciplinary thinking and reveals how vital soils are to our existence.

SPEAKERS:
Margaret Holzer (Retired: Chatham, LA)

Science+C: Using computational models in high school science

Thursday, March 23 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center - International Ballroom A


STRAND: Curriculum and Assessment

Show Details

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)

Using NSTA resources to authentically integrate learning in life science, computer science, and Artificial Intellegence.

Thursday, March 23 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

Georgia World Congress Center - B301



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Using NSTA resources to authentically integrate STEM Learning

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Learn about free NSTA resources that support integrating learning in Life Science, Computer Science, and Artificial Intelligence. Experience programming your own Artificial Intelligence device on your laptop. Discover the free professional learning resources available to support the lesson materials

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn code to program a simple dialogue with an AI Device. Discover how NSTAs free lessons authentically integrate Life Science, Computer Science, and AI. Learn about free professional learning that supports the lesson materials.

SPEAKERS:
Michelle Phillips (NSTA: Arlington, VA)

Code Beyond the Screen: Coding in Python® with Vernier Sensors

Thursday, March 23 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

Georgia World Congress Center - B212


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Science Education

Python is a dominant programming language, and we have created libraries and sample code so that you can use most of our sensors in Python programs. Web VPython even allows you to read our Go Direct® sensors without installing anything, and it works on Chromebooks, PCs, and Mac® computers.

SPEAKERS:
Josh Ence (Vernier Science Education: Beaverton, OR), Frances Poodry (Vernier Science Education: Beaverton, OR)

Integrating K-5 Computer Science with EiE

Thursday, March 23 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

Georgia World Congress Center - A313


STRAND: Technology and Media

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Museum of Science, EiE

N/A

SPEAKERS:
Amanda Cramer (ALSDE DLCS Integration Specialist: Hoover, AL), Mallory Schmidt (Museum of Science, Boston: Boston, MA)

From PixelArt to Arcade in the Classroom

Thursday, March 23 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

Georgia World Congress Center - A403



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
From PixelArt to Arcade in the Classroom

STRAND: Technology and Media

Show Details

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)

All In: A Collaborative Approach to Bringing Computer Science Opportunities Statewide

Friday, March 24 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Georgia World Congress Center - C209



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1xPuD2bzPoXGMVmhMH_BjkzuXhBoOCC5w_4Lu_RSKFO8/present
Presentation containing our resources and other important links we will go through during our session.

STRAND: Technology and Media

Show Details

In this session, you will learn about how the Iowa Governor's STEM Council, CSTA Iowa, local area education agencies, and business partners came together to bring a collaborative approach for CS Education week to all sectors, not just educators, because CS Education week is about being all in!

TAKEAWAYS:
How to leverage partnerships to bring a collaborative, high quality computer science resources and professional development to educators as well as activities for students.

SPEAKERS:
Corey Rogers (Grant Wood Area Education Agency: No City, No State), Mauree Haage (Iowa Governor's STEM Advisory Council: No City, No State)

Using Computational Thinking to Protect Whales

Friday, March 24 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

Georgia World Congress Center - A305


STRAND: Curriculum and Assessment

Show Details

Protecting Whales is one of two new freely available units in the Smithsonian Science for Computational Thinking series. Learn about integrating computational thinking into your elementary STEM classroom using both hands-on and high-tech resources by using this specific third grade unit.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to integrate computational thinking into the upper elementary STEM classroom using a problem-driven approach. Learn how to access everything needed to implement the 3rd grade Protecting Whales unit.

SPEAKERS:
Melissa Rogers (Smithsonian Science Education Center: Washington, DC), Sarah Glassman (Smithsonian Science Education Center: Washington, DC)

Creative Computational Thinking in Elementary Science

Friday, March 24 • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Georgia World Congress Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

We engaged students in building computational thinking skills through the lens of science. Two lessons that will be featured include navigating a robot through a science-themed maze and coding a video game that integrates science. This model of blended science, design & tech will inspire you!

TAKEAWAYS:
This poster will describe and link to two lessons including navigating a robot through a science-themed maze and coding a video game that integrates science concepts of light and shadows. Computational skills and science content that are present in the lessons will be emphasized.

SPEAKERS:
Katheryn Kennedy, PhD (The Peck School)

Demystifying the Practice of Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking (Secondary)

Friday, March 24 • 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM

Georgia World Congress Center - B402



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Atlanta23 Demystifying the Practice of Using Mathematics and Computational Think

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Immerse yourself in classroom-ready lessons that create the need to engage in Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking to build science ideas needed to explain phenomena (and maybe solve a problem or two).

TAKEAWAYS:
Engaging students in the practice of Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking can create and foster wider interests in STEM fields

SPEAKERS:
Kate Soriano (NSTA: Arlington, VA)

Making the Science Behind Digital Communication Come Alive

Friday, March 24 • 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM

Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center - International Ballroom A



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
https://bit.ly/digitalcom_nsta23
Session Handout update.pdf

STRAND: Technology and Media

Show Details

This session will demonstrate how to bring information technologies and Instrumentation alive for students. In the activity presented, students will establish radio communication between instruments while learning to code in Python. Beginners welcome.

TAKEAWAYS:
Use Python to write the code to create a wireless data logger. We will broadcast, receive, and record readings from the technology’s internal sensors.

SPEAKERS:
Marian Prince (Andrews University: Berrien Springs, MI), Adam Pennell (High Point University: No City, No State)

The influence of in-school computer science experiences on students’ career intentions

Friday, March 24 • 2:40 PM - 3:40 PM

Georgia World Congress Center - C207


STRAND: Research to Practice

Show Details

We present results of a national survey (of 6,044 beginning college students at 59 institutions) that assesses the influence of in-school computer science experiences on students’ career intentions.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn what works--and what does not work--in boosting students' computer science-related career interests.

SPEAKERS:
Philip Sadler (Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian: Cambridge, MA), Susan Sunbury (Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory: Cambridge, MA), Gerhard Sonnert (Harvard College Observatory: Cambridge, MA)

Designing a State Ecosystem for Computer Science Integration

Friday, March 24 • 2:40 PM - 3:40 PM

Georgia World Congress Center - C209


STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

Journey with us from passage of state legislation mandating K-12 Computer Science integration and graduation requirement to mobilization of efforts to reach 57,000+ teachers across our state within 18 months. Tools, lessons and resources will be shared to make your journey easier!

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will walk away with tools, ideas and structure ideas for leveraging a partnership between a state department of education and a non-profit network to message, empower and mobilize K-12 educators in every role across a state towards the goal of integrating CS into all instruction.

SPEAKERS:
Audra Block (Director of STEAM and Computer Science: Cordova, TN), Becky Ashe (Tennessee STEM Innovation Network-Battelle: Nashville, TN)

Demystifying the Practice of Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking (Elementary)

Friday, March 24 • 2:40 PM - 3:40 PM

Georgia World Congress Center - B402



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Atlanta23 Demystifying the Practice of Using Mathematics and Computational Think

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Immerse yourself in a classroom-ready lesson that creates the need to engage in Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking to build science ideas needed to explain a phenomenon young students are curious about.

TAKEAWAYS:
Elementary students engage in Using Mathematics and Computational thinking everyday as they describe, make comparisons between, and test predictions about systems in the world.

SPEAKERS:
Kate Soriano (NSTA: Arlington, VA)

Using Research Datasets from a National Lab to Bring Data Science Into STEM Classes

Friday, March 24 • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center - International Ballroom A


STRAND: Technology and Media

Show Details

Department of Energy national labs provide opportunities for students to interact with STEM professionals and learn STEM skills through research-based curricula. Berkeley Lab has developed a data science curriculum in which students apply data analysis and coding skills on datasets from researchers.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to integrate data science and coding into their STEM classes through an open source, research-based curriculum developed at Berkeley Lab.

SPEAKERS:
Faith Dukes (Director, K-12 STEM Education Programs: Berkeley, CA), Alisa Bettale (Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory: Berkeley, CA)

PrimaryAI: Integrating Artificial Intelligence into Elementary Science

Saturday, March 25 • 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM

Georgia World Congress Center - B311



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
PrimaryAI PowerPoint Presentation for NSTA 2023

STRAND: Technology and Media

Show Details

Learn about the PrimaryAI project and how it integrates artificial intelligence and computer science education into elementary life science.

TAKEAWAYS:
In this presentation, you will learn about PrimaryAI, a project that uses a rich, problem-based learning scenario in which students are tasked to gain experience with AI and apply their knowledge to help an endangered species.

SPEAKERS:
Adam Scribner (Indiana University Bloomington: Bloomington, IN)

Using Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in the Elementary School Science Classroom

Saturday, March 25 • 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM

Georgia World Congress Center - B404


STRAND: Technology and Media

Show Details

Learn how to embed future ready skills through the science and engineering practices

TAKEAWAYS:
During this session, teachers will learn how to use artificial intelligence and machine learning to actively engage students in the science and engineering practices.

SPEAKERS:
Kristin Luthi (Gwinnett County Public Schools: Suwanee, GA)

Computational Thinking for our Youngest Minds

Saturday, March 25 • 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM

Georgia World Congress Center - B315



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Computational Thinking One Pager
CT for Youngest Thinkers Slide Deck
Slidedeck

STRAND: STEAM or STEM

Show Details

Computational thinking and computing education have the potential to develop students’ higher-order thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills in ways that can advance learning in interdisciplinary ways and can be done even with our youngest minds.

TAKEAWAYS:
We will focus on how we can embed computational thinking skills into student learning by using background knowledge from multiple subjects to design and implement curriculum that allows for all students to have access to higher-order thinking and problem-solving skills in real-world situations.

SPEAKERS:
Wyman Khuu (KIPP NYC: No City, No State)

An Interdisciplinary Data Science Course: a proposal

Saturday, March 25 • 9:30 AM - 10:00 AM

Georgia World Congress Center - A311


STRAND: STEAM or STEM

Show Details

In the 21st century, data is king. It is collected from users of all devices, and is processed and analyzed in fields like healthcare, finance, marketing, architecture, linguistics etc etc. We are developing an interdisciplinary course to be taught by 3 departments (Math/Statistics, Social Sciences, Computer Science) that would instruct students in discerning high quality data, conducting exploratory analyses in R, building models in R to explore relationships between two or more variables, presenting output graphically and numerically, interpreting the output, and presenting all results on a Shiny page. In the presentation, we will illustrate the logic of the course, discuss learning activities and the flow of the course, including a demonstration of a sample final project. We will then demonstrate our experience with deeply interdisciplinary approach to learning, teaching, and curriculum building.

TAKEAWAYS:
Data Science is an increasingly important skill to learn for students in high school to promote empirical thinking. The interdisciplinary approach to the course will ensure that data analysis is covered comprehensively: from discerning high quality data to presenting lucid takeaways.

SPEAKERS:
Brian Cook (Faculty: Wellesley, MA), Cloricia Townsend (Head of the Engineering and Computer Science Department: Wellesley, MA), Alla Baranovsky (AP Statistics/Math Teacher: Westborough, MA)

Responding to 21st Century Science Needs: Building an Infrastructure that Gives All Students Access to Computer Science Learning

Saturday, March 25 • 9:30 AM - 10:00 AM

Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center - Grand Ballroom A


STRAND: Technology and Media

Show Details

At its September 2022 International Global Computer Science Conference (CSEdCon), CODE.Org recognized Maryland and the Maryland Center for Computing Education as the nation leaders building an infrastructure that offers high quality computer science courses in every high school in the state. Presenters in this session will share the critical elements of their work to create this nationally recognized computer science infrastructure. This presentation will focus on adaptable strategies and outcome data for building and sustaining an equity-centered computer science teaching and learning infrastructure. Specifically, presenters will share the types of local and state-level financial commitments, intellectual CS content knowledge, constituent buy-in, and personnel/individual commitments are needed. Finally, attendees will learn some specific strategies for recruiting teachers and students from historically under-represented groups into computer science education and careers.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn the K-12, higher education and business resources needed to create an equity-centered computer science teaching and learning infrastructure, including financial investments; intellectual/content; personnel/individuals; advocate engagement

SPEAKERS:
Dianne O'Grady-Cunniff (Director: Adelphi, MD), Dewayne Morgan (University System of Maryland: Adelphi, MD)

Using Literature to "Unplug" Computer Science

Saturday, March 25 • 10:20 AM - 11:20 AM

Georgia World Congress Center - A309



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
https://comic.sae.org
Participants can get the most out of this experience by setting up a free account to access the gamified comic book from their own device.

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Participants will explore resources and methods for incorporating age-appropriate literature into computer science lessons independent of technology access. They will gain strategies for selecting content, facilitating discussions, and drawing connections that excite student learning. They will compare print and digital books, collaborate in a CS-ELA activity, and consider classroom applications. Outline: -Discover SAE’s computer science curriculum and literature, including teaching strategies and free STEM resources (15 minutes) -Examine the gamified comic book, STEM Sagas: Virtually Rerouted and learn about hybrid, multidisciplinary applications (10 minutes) -Participate in two peer-to-peer discussions & activities from the Virtually Rerouted curriculum, bringing narrative and science concepts together (30 minutes) -Regroup to share takeaways and ideas

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will discover tools and strategies for fostering 21st century & computational skills by integrating literacy with interactive lessons suitable for any classroom environment. Participants also receive a free SAE book and chances to win a classroom STEM kit!

SPEAKERS:
Bonnie Thibodeau (SAE International: Warrendale, PA)

Demystifying Cybersecurity: Best Educational Practices from Florida Institutions

Saturday, March 25 • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Georgia World Congress Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

In this session participants will learn about best practices as they relate to cybersecurity and education. Our team manages one of three districts for a $17 million initiative from the state of Florida to expand the cybersecurity workforce and increase awareness.

TAKEAWAYS:
This session covers how professionals across Florida are preparing the next generation of frontline digital defenders and how teachers can integrate these lessons into their classrooms. Attendees will learn about how cybersecurity is changing the world that we live in.

SPEAKERS:
David Rosengrant (University of South Florida St. Petersburg: St. Petersburg, FL)

Integrating Robotics into the Elementary Science Classroom

Saturday, March 25 • 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM

Georgia World Congress Center - B216



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Engineering Continuum
Slide Deck for Presentation Robotics Integration

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

In this session attendees will engage with a robotics lesson and evaluate the interdisciplinary lesson that integrates robotics into the science classroom. Many times, robotics materials are utilized solely in a competition setting but the focus of this session is daily instruction.

TAKEAWAYS:
Robotics integration in the science classroom addresses all three dimensions (SEP, CCC, & Core ideas) providing students with one or more of the following instructional domains: Engineering, Coding, and/or Science Practices.

SPEAKERS:
Rabieh Hafza (Henry County Schools: McDonough, GA)

Learn R, in R: Crash-course in Coding for Quantitative Reasoning into the Biology Classroom

Saturday, March 25 • 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM

Georgia World Congress Center - B215


STRAND: Research to Practice

Show Details

Want your students to code but new yourself? This session introduces ‘swirl’ (OER lessons using the R programming language) to encourage quantitative skill adoption in Biology classrooms.

TAKEAWAYS:
We will discuss how to find, use, and create customizable lessons for your classroom that are biology-standards-aligned and encourage coding skills (without you needing to be an expert!)

SPEAKERS:
Emily Weigel (Senior Academic Professional: Atlanta, GA)

Student Centered Computing: A Framework Beyond Computing

Saturday, March 25 • 2:40 PM - 3:40 PM

Georgia World Congress Center - B207


STRAND: Technology and Media

Show Details

Student-Centered Computing (SCC), is a new CS curriculum for middle and high school students. This full-year curriculum, introduces students to computer science skills and concepts as they investigate and advocate for solutions to a problem of their own choosing.

TAKEAWAYS:
The SCC curriculum provides students with an engaging introductory computer science experience that encourages all students to continue in CS. Key elements include a collaborative, PBL approach and culturally authentic practices that support students’ voice, choice, and sense of belonging.

SPEAKERS:
Douglas Edwards (Senior Research Associate: Atlanta, GA)

Learning Binary Code to Understand Information Transfer

Saturday, March 25 • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Georgia World Congress Center - B212


STRAND: Curriculum and Assessment

Show Details

Explore how communication systems encode and transfer information via digital signals, from texts to images from space. Hands-on activities will introduce signals, binary, and ASCII.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will deepen their understanding of digital signals and information transfer. Attendees will walk away with an overview of a complete unit including hands on activities for both in person and distance learning.

SPEAKERS:
Jayne Kerner (F.A. Day Middle School: Newtonville, MA)

No More Quantum Intimidation: Let's Learn & Teach Quantum-Infused Middle School Science STEM Curriculum Unit

Saturday, March 25 • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Georgia World Congress Center - B316


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Quantum education in middle school science education is a very novel initiative. Responding to the recent call of the National Quantum Initiative Act (2018) to accelerate quantum research and development, IQ-PARC aims to bridge the gap between developing quantum technologies and public interest and knowledge in quantum. Towards this end, IQ-PARC would like to introduce and apply a quantum-infused curriculum unit. Attendees will be encouraged to explore the concepts of quantum randomness and random number generator to create a particular artwork via quantum lab data collection. Also, they will be given a unit package including five distinct lesson plans and a pre-post assessment tool beginning with an archaeology challenge and ending with a quantum artwork activity. All materials were revised and updated by taking in-service middle school teachers' feedback and suggestions during and after the Teachers’ Quantum Workshop, organized by the IQ-PARC team in Summer 2022.

TAKEAWAYS:
You will explore that quantum is not an intimidating subject to learn and teach; it is possible to link existing and/or newly released middle school state standards with basic quantum concepts, and STEM-based activities make quantum integrable into middle school science education.

SPEAKERS:
Zeynep Akdemir (Purdue University: West Lafayette, IN)

Using Inquiry-based STEM to facilitate learning for all

Saturday, March 25 • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Georgia World Congress Center - A305



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Code used for Demonstration of Physical Computing.pdf

STRAND: Student Learning and Inclusion

Show Details

Physical computing allows students to design and create interactive objects that emphasize computational thinking skills. Participants will engage in activities designed for middle school students.

TAKEAWAYS:
Microcontrollers are small computers that come with several integrated sensors. Their functionality makes them useful for both investigations and engineering projects. We will focus in how engineering tasks using microcontrollers provide opportunities for student sensemaking.

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

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