2023 Atlanta National Conference

March 22-25, 2023

Grade Level


Topics























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Session Type














Pathway/Course

FILTERS APPLIED:9 - 12, Hands-On Workshop, Technology and Media, Earth

 

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

Astrophotography in Your Classroom: From Cellphones to JWST

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

Georgia World Congress Center - A302


STRAND: Technology and Media

Show Details

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)

Explore Moon to Mars: Radiation & Humans in Space

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

Georgia World Congress Center - B310



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
23_Additional Resources_Explore M2M Radiation Humans in Space.pdf
23_Explore M2M Radiation & Humans in Space.pdf
23_Materials List_Overview_Explore M2M Radiation Humans in Space.pdf
Deep Space Hazards Radiation CRE Extensions.pdf
Hazards to Deep Space Astronauts Activity Guide.pdf
NASA Modeling_Radiation Damage Activity.pdf
NASA Space Faring The Radiation Challenge Yeast Activity Guide.pdf

STRAND: No Strand

Show Details

Beyond Earth, cosmic radiation is a substantial challenge to astronaut health. Biomedical research is critical to success of NASA’s Artemis, and unraveling the genetic riddles of aging and disease. In this session, participants explore radiation biology through NASA research and hands-on activities.

TAKEAWAYS:
To offer participants resources and strategies for developing radiation biology units that integrate hands-on NASA education activities and cutting-edge scientific research, with particular attention to benefits for Earth-based medicine as well as optional connections to the humanities.

SPEAKERS:
Anne Weiss (Educator Professional Development Specialist)

Using Authentic Data to Explore the Solar System with Vera C. Rubin Observatory

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

Georgia World Congress Center - B311



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
presentation slides

STRAND: Technology and Media

Show Details

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)

Dumpster Dive with STEM

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

Georgia World Congress Center - A403


Show Details

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 Unique and Challenging Ice Core Investigation that Integrates the Three Dimensions of NGSS & STEM

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

Georgia World Congress Center - C208



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Cosmic Connections Card Set & URLs.pdf
Decoding Starlight Using Science & Art.pdf
https://jamboard.google.com/d/18ewAG4ZuTPKh57J37gc67ubhkpNRgi9UY9IGpTvMvOI/viewer?f=0
Ice Core Records PDFs and Downloads for Worksheets and Instructions
Ice Core Records.pdf
Ice Core Student Handout.pdf
Stellar Cycles Card Set & URLs.pdf
Stellar Evolution Card Set & URLs.pdf

STRAND: Curriculum and Assessment

Show Details

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)

Star Formation in the Cartwheel Galaxy with Web-based NASA Data, and STEM Image Analysis Tools

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

Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center - Redwood



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Alternate js9 software website
Analyzing Star Formation and UHLXs in the Cartwheel Galaxy
powerpoint
Js9 Web based astronomy image analysis software and activities
Star Formation and UHLX’s in the Cartwheel Galaxy – a js9 activity
student handout

STRAND: Curriculum and Assessment

Show Details

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)

Data Puzzles: integrating authentic data and Ambitious Science Teaching practices to help students make sense of phenomena

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

Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center - Redwood



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Landing Page
All resources referenced in the Data Puzzles workshop can be found in this "Landing Page" document.
Summer workshop schedule (grad credit options)
Find our Data Puzzle summer workshop schedule here. All workshops are FREE! Participants can choose to receive a certificate for professional learning hours (free) or purchase 0.5 graduate credits from the University of Colorado Boulder ($90).

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Come learn about Data Puzzles, a free resource co-designed by climate scientists and instructional specialists from the University of Colorado Boulder that combine authentic data with Ambitious Science Teaching instructional practices to help students make sense of phenomena.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will explore authentic, contemporary data through Data Puzzles resources that frame data analysis for use in middle and high school classrooms with the Ambitious Science Teaching framework and leave prepared to implement these 2-3 day sensemaking tasks in their own classrooms.

SPEAKERS:
Jonathan Griffith (University of Colorado Boulder: Boulder, VT)

Mapping Heat Inequities: Examining the Science of and Solutions to Extreme Heat

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

Georgia World Congress Center - C209



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Mapping Inequity Slides

STRAND: Equity and Justice

Show Details

Engage students in learning about extreme heat and the heat island effect through interaction with maps highlighting environmental and demographic indicators. Data interpretation activities will prompt students to identify vulnerable populations and examine strategies for addressing extreme heat.

TAKEAWAYS:
Extreme heat is relevant to everyone and can be used as an anchoring phenomenon to engage all learners. Depending on where they live, people experience extreme heat differently. Attendees will experience how maps can be used to teach about extreme heat through an environmental justice lens.

SPEAKERS:
Emma Refvem (Durham Public Schools: Durham, NC)

Decoding Starlight – From Photons to Pixels to Images – Using Science & Art

Friday, March 24 • 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM

Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center - Redwood



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Chandta Stellar Evolution Materials, Card Sets, Webinars & JS9
Cosmic Connections Jamboard
Decoding Starlight Online Version
Decoding Starlight Remote Version
https://www.universe-of-learning.org/
Universe of Learning Astrophysics Informal STEM Outreach Program
QR Codes for Universe of Learning, Chandra, National Science Olympiad and JS9

STRAND: Technology and Media

Show Details

Construct a photon intensity image of a supernova remnant using NASA X-ray data from Chandra and convert the image into a public release image with this STEAM activity. This introduction to imaging and image analysis involves analysis, constructing models, interpretation, and computational thinking.

TAKEAWAYS:
Photons of electromagnetic radiation of all wavelengths are collected by telescopes and processed using computers. Scientists use image analysis software to analyze the data and construct unique models of the data, including stars and galaxies, while maintaining the integrity of the underlying data.

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

Using the NGSS to Explore Space: Engaging Students in Evidence-based Arguments about Exoplanets

Friday, March 24 • 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM

Georgia World Congress Center - B304



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
2023 NSTA Presentation Booklet_ Using the NGSS to Explore Space.pdf
This is the booklet from the presentation
2023 NSTA Presentation Slides_ Using the NGSS to Explore Space.pdf
This is the slide deck from the presentation.

STRAND: Curriculum and Assessment

Show Details

Teachers may have a range of comfort with various disciplinary core ideas in ESS1. To engage students in figuring out these abstract ideas we have developed a unit to support 3D teaching and learning related to stars and exoplanets. This unit has been field-tested across NYC high schools and evidence has shown that the modeling activities, data analysis and simulations utilized in a unit can empower students to feel like space scientists and argue from evidence about which exoplanet is most likely to be habitable. Using a phenomena-driven 3D unit for providing access to students who may have been previously disengaged in STEM is essential for equity. Participants will have an opportunity to immerse in an activity from this high quality unit with an NGSS badge after EQuIP review, explore how the unit addresses some of the 3D learning goals for space science (HS-ESS1), and discuss how to make this content personally relevant to students in diverse settings.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to access, use, and adapt a free HS Earth & Space Science unit - currently the only HS ESS unit with an official NGSS badge - to attend to student interest and relevance, and to support argumentation.

SPEAKERS:
Charles Link (DeWitt Clinton High School: Bronx, NY)

Handling extinction and adaptation: Project Based Learning with low-cost fossils

Friday, March 24 • 2:40 PM - 3:40 PM

Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center - Grand Ballroom A



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Handling Extinction And Adaptation Project Based Learning With Low-Cost Fossils
Slides from Hands-On Workshop

STRAND: Student Learning and Inclusion

Show Details

This project was funded by a National Science Foundation grant to expose high school students to geoscience within their required science curriculum. A collateral benefit is integrating key concepts in other sciences. In Biology, natural selection requires eons (“deep time”) to create Earth’s biodiversity. In project-based learning using fossil-bearing rocks of multiple ages, students experience deep time concretely. A barrier to hands-on fossil study is the expense of specimens good enough for university students to systematically learn fossil taxa. However, imperfect samples can connect anyone to deep time. Ironically, some such samples are simply dumped when teachers return from professional development field trips. This presentation reveals a path to making use of such ordinary material by 1) circling fossils in ink, 2) creating a picture guide from circled fossils, 3) building a PBL unit uniting those fossils with a biodiversity-though-time graphic known as a Tree of Life diagram.

TAKEAWAYS:
Might students better master evolution standards, especially extinction and adaptation, by encountering fossils through "deep time"? Teacher-collected samples, with fossils circled in ink, a picture guide made from the set, and a detailed Tree of Life diagram form foundations for PBL exploration.

SPEAKERS:
Katty Mobasher (Professor of Geology and GIS: , GA), Adrianna Rajkumar (Lecturer), Bill Witherspoon (geologist/educator: Decatur, GA)

STEM Lessons from the International Space Station: Moment of Inertia

Friday, March 24 • 2:40 PM - 3:40 PM

Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center - Cottonwood A



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Moment of Inertia
Educator Notes Learning Objectives • Describe the relationship between mass distribution and ease of rotation for a cylinder, hollow hoop, and sphere. • Calculate moment of inertia and identify the relationship between the calculation and ease of rotation. • Use the moment of inertia equations to determine how each variable effects the ease of rotation for a hollow hoop, solid cylinder, and sphere.
STEMonstrations
STEMonstrations are STEM demonstrations on the space station.
STEMonstrations: Moment of Inertia
In this episode, watch NASA astronauts as they discuss moment of inertia and how mass distribution affects a rotating object. NASA astronaut Megan McArthur demonstrates the effect of altering her moment of inertia while spinning in the microgravity environment aboard the International Space Station.

STRAND: Curriculum and Assessment

Show Details

This session introduces participants to NASA resources including a closer look at STEMonstrations which are STEM demonstrations filmed in the microgravity environment aboard the International Space Station and taught by astronauts. Each of these videos includes a corresponding Classroom Connection lesson plan which is ready for educators to immediately implement in their classrooms. This session focuses on the Moment of Inertia STEMonstration where participants watch the Moment of Inertia STEMonstration video and participate in the Moment of Inertia Classroom Connection lab investigation. Participants alter chip cans using household materials to explore how mass distribution affects ease of rotation.

TAKEAWAYS:
Educators will become familiar with STEMonstrations and be able to integrate these videos and corresponding Classroom Connection lesson plans into their classrooms. participants will leave this session with hands-on, ready-to-go STEM lesson plans including student activities and worksheets.

SPEAKERS:
Michele Hooks (Education Project Manager), Lynn Dotson (NASA Office of STEM Engagement-GoH: Kennedy Space Center, FL)

Applications of virtual and augmented reality (VR) learning as classroom tools

Friday, March 24 • 2:40 PM - 3:40 PM

Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center - Redwood



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
a) Landing Page
All resources referenced in the VR workshop can be found in this "Landing Page" document.
b) Data Puzzles summer workshop schedule (grad credit options)
Find our Data Puzzle summer workshop schedule here. VR tours are embedded in Data Puzzles resources. All workshops are FREE!
c) The Future of Forests (storyline curriculum) free teacher workshop
Connect your classroom to "The Future of Forests", a 9-lesson MS/HS storyline curriculum (developed by the University of Colorado Boulder) connected to NGSS Life Science standards that focuses on shifting patterns of post-fire landscape recovery.
d) Changing Arctic Ecosystem (storyline curriculum) free teacher workshop
Connect your classroom to the 2019-2020 MOSAiC expedition, one of the largest Arctic expeditions ever attempted, with a new MS/HS storyline curriculum in which students trace the flow of carbon through the Arctic food web to predict how declining sea ice might impact the Arctic ecosystem.

STRAND: Technology and Media

Show Details

In this workshop, we introduce and explore applications of virtual and augmented reality (VR) learning resources as tools to help students connect with a dataset, incorporate accessible placed-based learning into classrooms, and communicate the nature of science.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will experience and learn about three different application models of virtual and augmented reality in educational settings through examples and participate in a facilitated discussion on the practical application of VR in the classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Jonathan Griffith (University of Colorado Boulder: Boulder, VT), Daniela Pennycook (Communication Specialist and Program Integrator: Boulder, CO)

To See a (Scientific) World in a Grain of Sand: Integrating Sand in YOUR Science Classroom

Friday, March 24 • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Georgia World Congress Center - C213


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

The sand session returns! Sand is ubiquitous, unique, and addresses physical science, earth/environmental science, art, history . . . and more! Free sand/resources.

TAKEAWAYS:
Sand contains clues to weathering/erosion, transportation, and more! Free classroom samples and online resources make classroom sand activities fun and easy with identified NGSS PEs, DCIs, CCCs, and SEPS. ABC charts organize students’ incoming knowledge and documents progression in learning.

SPEAKERS:
Renee Clary (Mississippi State University: Mississippi State, MS)

Mathematics and Computational Thinking in OpenSciEd High School Biology

Friday, March 24 • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center - International Ballroom D


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Experience phenomenon based, stoylined curriculum in high school biology! Use an agent based model, in the form of a table top game, to generate evidence to answer questions about predator prey interactions.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to use a computational model to generate evidence to answer questions about about predator prey interactions.

SPEAKERS:
Kate Henson (University of Colorado Boulder: Boulder, CO)

Analysis of Supernova Remnants using X-Ray Spectroscopy with Web-based NASA Data and STEM Image Analysis Tools

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

Georgia World Congress Center - A303



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Alternate js9 software website
Analysis of Supernova Remnants using X-Ray Spectroscopy with Js9
Google Slides presenation
Js9 Web based astronomy image analysis software and activities
X-Ray Spectroscopy of Supernova Remnants – a js9 activity
student handout

STRAND: Curriculum and Assessment

Show Details

Identify elements in the spectra of supernova remnants to determine the properties of collapsed and exploded stars using web-based NASA X-ray data and image analysis tools.

TAKEAWAYS:
Js9 web-based software can be used to analyze NASA data sets to determine the type of supernova and provides students with real opportunities to do astronomical research.

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

Exploring Marine Renewable Energy

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

Georgia World Congress Center - A309


STRAND: No Strand

Show Details

Learn background information and hands-on activities for students to apply the science of the oceans and electricity generation as they learn about the many types of marine hydrokinetics technology.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how the energy of moving water can be harnessed and converted into electricity in many ways, including technologies for harnessing the energy in ocean tides, waves, and currents.

SPEAKERS:
Kimberly Swan (The NEED Project: Manassas, VA)

A Classroom Course in Community Resilience: A Scientific Problem-Based Approach to Understanding Climate Change

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

Georgia World Congress Center - B404


STRAND: Curriculum and Assessment

Show Details

Teachers will hear about the EPA Gulf Guardian Award winning curriculum that teaches students about climate change. A Classroom Course in Community Resilience uses scientific problem-based learning to promote environmental stewardship.

TAKEAWAYS:
The human effect on the climate is evident in many ways, and today's students will be future leaders. Our program equips teachers with lessons that are easily implemented into their existing coursework and empowers students to think outside the box and creatively solve climate-related issues.

SPEAKERS:
Samantha Capers (USM Marine Education Center: Ocean Springs, MS)

Determining the Expansion Rate of Supernova Remnants Using Web-based NASA Data and STEM Image Analysis Tools

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

Georgia World Congress Center - A304



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Alternate js9 software website
Determining the Expansion Rate of Supernova Remnants with Js9
powerpoint
Js9 Web based astronomy image analysis software and activities
The Expansion Rate of a Supernova Remnant - a js9 activity.pdf
student handout

STRAND: Curriculum and Assessment

Show Details

Use STEM web-based analysis software and real data to determine the rate of a supernova remnant expansion and its uniformity.

TAKEAWAYS:
Js9 web-based software provides students with real opportunities to do astronomical research.

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

Discovering our Universe Together: Using Python Notebooks to Promote Data Literacy

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

Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center - Redwood


STRAND: Technology and Media

Show Details

NSF’s NOIRLab’s Teen Astronomy Café – To Go! program brings the excitement of scientific discovery to students by providing them with an opportunity to explore real astronomical data using Python Notebooks. Join us as we unpack all educator resources and try to break the solar system!

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will explore the Teen Astronomy Café – To Go! activities complimentary of the US-ELTP science themes and designed to support the NGSS. They will gain confidence to help students understand and simulate astronomical phenomena as they develop critical thinking and data literacy skills.

SPEAKERS:
Robert Sparks (NSF's NOIRLab), Justine Schaen (NSF's NOIRLab: Tucson, AZ)

Seeing the Unseen - Phenomenal Activities exploring the EM spectrum and Connections to Astronomy Research

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

Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center - Cottonwood A



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Slideshow with all resources

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

This workshop is hosted by educators from the NASA/SETI Astronomy Activation Ambassadors program showcasing hands-on activities with inexpensive materials that explore the EM Spectrum, construct explanatory and CER models of phenomena, and illustrate real-world applications in space science.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will take with them hands-on activities and 3D resources that can be used immediately regarding the electromagnetic spectrum, infrared vs. visible light, telescopes, and more! Attendees will participate in learning by doing the activities, with connections to astronomy research highlighted

SPEAKERS:
Laura Solomons (Columbus High School: Columbus, GA), Marcella Linahan (The Westminster Schools: Atlanta, GA), Heather Guiendon (Teacher), Alec Johnson (Morgan County Schools: No City, No State)

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