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)

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)

After being inspired by the Recycled Orchestra of Cateura, participants will design their own musical instruments using “trash.” We will then learn how to add conductive materials to our instruments creating our own Garbage Band complete with music videos.

TAKEAWAYS:
While constructing their own musical instruments from recycled materials participants will explore conductivity as they use a variety of materials to create circuits adding to their Garbage Band experience. They will then learn how to make music videos via a green screen and iMovie.

SPEAKERS:
Rachel Eades (Midland Trail High School: Charleston, WV), Tiffany Pace (Cross Lanes Elementary School: Charleston, WV)

Ever run out of time to incorporate science into your elementary school day? The workshop model can help you conquer that problem. This tried-and-true, research-based instructional approach provides a framework for fitting an engaging, effective three-dimensional science lesson into a 30-minute bloc

TAKEAWAYS:
The workshop model isn’t just for math and literacy—elementary teachers can use this instructional approach to fit effective, engaging, hands-on science lessons into their daily instructional routine.

SPEAKERS:
Kelly Bodner (Cobb County Schools & GSTA Board of Directors)

How do we take the mystery out of abstract ideas for our kids? It’s elementary my dear, models are the answer! We will give you tools that will enable your kids to master the curriculum. We solve the mysteries so you can go back and use these ideas!

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will walk away with resources and lesson ideas that they can implement the next day they are in class. Not only will they have access to the resources shown, but they will also be able to get ideas where these resources can fit into their current curriculum for the year.

SPEAKERS:
Krystal Poloka (Woodlake Unified School District: Woodlake, CA)

Meet the needs of every multilingual learner in your STEM classroom with Digital Learning Menus such as Tic-Tac-Toe, Bingo, and Restaurant style choice boards. Templates, examples, and design tips will be shared. Extend Three-Dimensional Learning with a language and literacy focus.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how digital language and literacy learning menus give multilingual learners voice and choice in a STEM classroom while focusing on Three-Dimensional Learning simultaneously.

SPEAKERS:
Maria Cieslak (Center for Applied Linguistics: Washington, DC)

A team of Primary and Lower School educators will share strategies for effective implementation of STEAM through the Design Thinking Process with students in grades Pre-K - 6. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience hands-on activities and gain experience with various technologies.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to effectively implement various STEAM strategies with elementary students through hands-on activities, technologies, and literature.

SPEAKERS:
Tammy Felton (Woodward Academy: Decatur, GA), Amy Walker (Media Specialist: College Park, GA), Summaya Knight (Woodward Academy: College Park, GA), Natalie Rachel (Woodward Academy: College Park, GA)