This talk will describe ways in which science educators can utilize the science of early adversity and resilience to improve their classroom culture, mitigate the effects of early adversity on student performance, and provide students with strategies to improve their educational outcome.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn the basics of the science of early adversity and resilience through the 6 pillars of trauma-informed care proposed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). An emphasis will be placed on strategies and suggestions educators implement.

SPEAKERS:
Chelsea Robertson (Assistant Professor), Cheryl Robertson (University of Tennessee, Knoxvile)

This session will provide resources for real life research and curriculum building opportunities in STEM. Come experience the passion of a veteran science educator who is continually finding new ways to enhance her own learning and wants to share her success with you!

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will leave with resources and ideas on how to synergize their own professional practices by participating in hands on research and learning opportunities that will provide them the tools to successfully introduce real- life STEM concepts into their own teaching.

SPEAKERS:
Camie Walker (Weber School District, Ogden, Utah: No City, No State)

Our session introduces an open-source data visualization tool, Map Spot, which creates spaces for participants to draw together personal and public accounts to illustrate claims about the places they live. Research shows that visualization tools can help youth understand the effects of disasters, the value of resilience, and how infrastructural improvements can support or even alleviate existing community resilience strategies. Besides Map Spot, we will demonstrate YARDs, a 14-session curriculum for middle school youth to advocate for building community resilience. Youth advocacy is an effective intervention for improving individual and group-level psychosocial outcomes and also built environment and community change. Our presentation will show how these two tools can help youth reflect on the effects of disasters in their communities, imagine what resilience to these disasters might mean, and advocate for infrastructural projects that will benefit themselves and the region.

TAKEAWAYS:
Besides Map Spot and YARDs, participants will learn how advocacy work can increase self and collective efficacy and connect youth to a broader network of local allies. In addition to the potential for infrastructural change, these social and individual psychosocial changes can enhance resilience.

SPEAKERS:
Mohsin Yousufi (PhD Student: Atlanta, GA), Allen Hyde (Assistant Professor)

By presenting students with science concepts and then assisting them with designing inquiry labs and models, students develop better mental models of how science theories and concepts operate.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will learn how to design student led inquiry projects that allow students to create conceptually correct mental models of how different science theories work. Computer simulations and physical models provide students with actual experience manipulating variables to see the results.

SPEAKERS:
Carolyn Mohr (University Center of Lake County: Grayslake, IL), Tina Harris (Bedford North Lawrence High School: Bedford, IN)

We are developing a framework of pedagogical methods and professional learning, with an emphasis on equity, that can be leveraged to support teaching with the NGSS no matter what curriculum is being used. Come tell us what you think!

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will gain a deeper understanding of high leverage pedagogical practices that directly support teaching with the NGSS, and strategies to implement some of these practices in the science classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Karin Klein (Museum of Science and Industry: Chicago, IL)

Are you and your students tired of following procedures for classroom laboratories? Us too! Come join us in learning about the challenge-based learning framework and helping us redesign traditional laboratories into differentiated challenge-based learning experiences!

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will conceptualize the challenge-based learning framework (i.e., engage, investigate, and act) and reimagine traditional classroom experiments into challenge-based learning experiences.

SPEAKERS:
Gustavo Perez (Texas A&M University: College Station, TX), Andrew Kipp (Texas A&M)

Want to strengthen learning experiences outside of the classroom? All teachers are welcome to participate in this workshop where we will practice field trip collaboration skills with experts from local informal science education centers. Opportunity for free treats from Atlanta area centers!

TAKEAWAYS:
In this workshop teachers will partner with informal educators to co-develop a plan connecting classroom learning goals with the educational opportunities offered at an informal center. Teachers will be equipped to leverage their educational expertise to better collaborate for their next field trip.

SPEAKERS:
James Ammons (Gwinnett County Public Schools: Suwanee, GA)

Minoritized students' underrepresentation in STEM are a result of cycles of marginalization that replay resounding narratives of socially constructed inferiority in STEM. Curricular experiences that counter deficit narratives support minoritized students in transforming their identitities in STEM.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn about an effective curriculum and instructional model that supports minoritized students' achievement in STEM with a specific focus on enhancing their sense of efficacy and science identity.

SPEAKERS:
Layla/Ye Zang (Virginia Tech: Blacksburg, VA), Brenda Brand (Virginia Tech: Blacksburg, VA)

Are you looking to integrate science fiction (sci-fi) media into your science classroom? Travel with us as we share current research regarding individuals’ interest in learning science while attending “science tracks” at sci-fi conventions and how we can integrate sci-fi into the science classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants attending this session will explore current research regarding the informal learning space of science fiction conventions and how these spaces and science fiction media can be used in formal science classrooms to support the learning of science.

SPEAKERS:
Gina Childers (Texas Tech University: Lubbock, TX), Rebecca Hite (Texas Tech University: Lubbock, TX), Kania Greer (Georgia Southern University: Statesboro, GA)

Students at Ransom Everglades Middle School in Coconut Grove, Florida conducted research using iButton Thermochrons. Students used the iButtons to record heat and humidity data around campus. They then analyzed the data to determine why certain areas were warmer than others.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how this project allowed students to collect data, analyze that data, and ultimately present their research as citizen scientists.

SPEAKERS:
Robin Escobedo (Ransom Everglades School: Coconut Grove, FL)

This USDA funded project aims to develop diverse rangeland grazing systems to optimize ruminant production, reduce environmental impacts, enhance biodiversity, and improve overall health. Schools and communities partner through gardening programs to develop scientific ways of thinking.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn about a sustainable agricultural research program that utilizes garden-based and social and emotional learning through the 3-H learning model. We build science capital through an integrated STEAM curriculum, children’s literature, outreach booths, citizen science, and videos.

SPEAKERS:
Kathy Trundle (Utah STate University: No City, No State), Rita Hagevik (The University of North Carolina at Pembroke: LAURINBURG, NC)

This presentation includes a research that investigated middle school science teachers' practices in engaging students in sense making tasks.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will learn about the practices in engaging English learners to access SEPs and develop English proficiency simultaneously.

SPEAKERS:
Edralin Pagarigan (Golden Ring Middle School: Rosedale, MD)