2023 Kansas City National Conference

October 25-28, 2023

Additional sessions will be added as they are accepted and confirmed over the next several weeks.
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Rooms and times subject to change.
67 results
Save up to 50 sessions in your agenda.

NSTA First Timers Orientation Session

Thursday, October 26 • 7:15 AM - 7:45 AM

Kansas City Convention Center - 3501 C


Show Details

Welcome to NSTA’s national conference!! Where should you begin? Join us for an exploration of the conference app and NSTA’s social media. You will learn how to maneuver and conquer the conference and leave feeling energized.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to get the most out of your conference experience in addition to becoming an engaged learner.

SPEAKERS:
Elizabeth Mulkerrin (CEO: No City, No State)

Sensemaking and the Crosscutting Concepts Conference Course Kick-Off

Thursday, October 26 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Kansas City Convention Center - 3501 B


Show Details

This is session 1 of 4 in the PL Committee CCCs conference course. It is designed to support K-12. This session is an opportunity for members of NSTA's PL Committee to recruit and connect with fellow NSTA members. Attendees will be introduced to topics included in the conference course highlighting how CCCs are used as tools in service of DCIs and SEPs, student sensemaking, and assessment of CCCs to guide further instruction. Using the Framework progression documents and STEM Teaching Tools, attendees will have the opportunity to collaborate with fellow participants to uncover vertical progressions of CCCs and have tools to use within the classroom to elicit student sensemaking. The PL Committee will utilize research from Jeffery Nordine and Okhee Lee's book, "Crosscutting Concepts: Strengthening Science and Engineering Learning," to ignite the call to action for realizing the power of CCCs.

TAKEAWAYS:
This session is a call to action for realizing the power of CCCs. Attendees will have an opportunity to connect with NSTA's PL Committee, collaborate with fellow science leaders, and leave with an invitation to continue the conference course to further understandings of sensemaking and CCCs.

SPEAKERS:
Rebecca Abbott (The Lawrence Hall of Science: Berkeley, CA), Kimberley Astle (Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction: Olympia, WA), Sharon Cates (Phenomenon Science Education: Novato, CA), Zoe Evans (Bremen City Schools: Bremen, GA), Leah Litz (Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium: No City, No State)

Capacity Building for Out-of-School Time STEM Educators

Thursday, October 26 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Kansas City Convention Center - 2214


STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

The Jackie Joyner-Kersee Food Agriculture Nutrition Innovation Center (JJK FAN) is a collaboration between the Danforth Plant Science Center, the University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign, and the JJK Foundation that serves K-12 youth, predominantly Black/African American, and low-income students in East St. Louis, IL. To ensure high-quality programming in out-of-school time (OST) settings, capacity development for OST staff is critical. The JJK FAN developed a culturally responsive mentoring program to provide STEM professional development for racially minoritized staff. The pilot paired racially minoritized male part-time staff (mentees) with full-time educators (mentors) for a year. We used community-based participatory research methods and culturally responsive pedagogy. Mentors and mentees will share their experiences and examples of OST activities. We will present research findings and highlight the benefits and challenges of working on educator capacity building in underserved communities.

TAKEAWAYS:
This project provides a model for engaging out-of-school time staff in professional development designed around their specific needs and cultural wealth in historically minoritized communities that is broadly adaptable.

SPEAKERS:
Ruth Kaggwa (Donald Danforth Plant Science Center: Saint Louis, MO), Kristine Callis-Duehl (Donald Danforth Plant Science Center: Saint Louis, MO)

CSSS: Conversations about systemic supports for teaching sustainability and climate change topics.

Thursday, October 26 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Kansas City Convention Center - 3501 F


Show Details

Teaching climate change in diverse contexts can be challenging; however, working with colleagues, community members, and leaders in business, government and non-profits can ensure that such teaching persists and expands as needed. This session will be a discussion format to share examples and name challenges and opportunities in building systemic supports for teaching climate change at a variety of scales within educational systems. Facilitators are experienced implementors in this field and bring a variety of perspectives to the conversation. We will also explore tools that have been used to foster deeper collaborations, help facilitate leadership support, and expand teacher capacity to engage in sustainability and climate change learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Explore examples of needed systemic supports for sustainability and climate change learning 2. Examine tools for working on building supports in your own contexts 3. Share learning with other participants around challenges and opportunities for building systemic supports

SPEAKERS:
Deb Morrison (University of Washington), Tana Luther (Louisiana Dept. of Education: Baton Rouge, LA)

Next Gen Standards for Next Gen Students: Supporting the Teacher as the Designer of Science Instruction

Thursday, October 26 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Kansas City Marriott Downtown - Truman A


STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

Supporting the teacher as the “designer” of science instruction is essential to cultivating a learning environment in the science classroom that leverages sense-making. Participants will learn about “look for’s” for high quality instruction, their implications for evaluation and the value of giving teachers both confidence and inspiration to innovate.

TAKEAWAYS:
Administrators will learn practical ways to support teachers in shifting instructional practices that support the demands of the NGSS.

SPEAKERS:
Zoe Evans (Bremen City Schools: Bremen, GA), Michael Fumagalli (Assistant Director of Teaching & Learning: Glen Ellyn, IL)

A Phenomenal Partnership: Considerations for Supporting Customized Curriculum-Based Standards Implementation

Thursday, October 26 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Kansas City Convention Center - 3501 H


STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

This session will outline work that Saint Paul Public Schools, BSCS Science Learning, and OpenSciEd have done to adapt OpenSciEd materials to support standards implementation and district equity goals. The session will explain key considerations and modifications needed to align materials with domain-specific standards, while maintaining curricular coherence from the students’ perspective. The team will share professional learning strategies to develop teachers’ professional capacity to use the goals and key instructional elements of OpenSciEd as lenses for enhancing standards alignment and enhancing the meaningfulness of students’ learning. The team will share features of responsive partnerships that attend to local context and support teachers and leaders as they shift classroom practices and partner together in the adaptation work. Participants will then apply lessons learned to consider implementing or adapting OpenSciEd curriculum in their local contexts.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn what considerations are important for developing a well-crafted plan for implementing and adapting OpenSciEd for use in their local contexts. Presenters will highlight key resources that can be instrumental for supporting desired shifts.

SPEAKERS:
Michael Novak (Northwestern University: Evanston, IL), Whitney Mills (BSCS Science Learning: Colorado Springs, CO), Abraham Lo (BSCS Science Learning: Colorado Springs, CO), Molly Leifeld (Saint Paul Public Schools: Saint Paul, MN), Matt Krehbiel (OpenSciEd: New York, NY)

Find your PASSION -- CREATE Opportunity -- LEAD

Thursday, October 26 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Kansas City Marriott Downtown - Trianon E


STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

Find opportunities to grow. Nurture your passion. Create your opportunities. Find opportunities to grow -- I volunteered to serve on committees to evaluate and write curriculum. I went to meetings and conferences. I applied to help write the Next Generation Science Standards. Nurture your passion -- I read journals and blogs, I asked questions, and I attended conferences even when my school district wouldn’t support me. I stretched myself. Create your opportunities -- Stop waiting for the ‘right’ opportunities to present themselves. Reflect on HOW to turn your passion into opportunity. Share your dream with others. Find a mentor. My passion -- my niche -- is educating students and teachers about the science of food production. What’s your passion? What’s your niche? How are you going to conquer that mountain?

TAKEAWAYS:
Chris will share her winding journey through valleys and over mountains in search of her passion. She often struggles to find the confidence to step out into the unknown, but has found inspiration and encouragement from others along the way as she pursues her passion to make a difference.

SPEAKERS:
Chris Embry Mohr (Olympia High School: Stanford, IL)

Science Education Leadership Coffee Talk

Thursday, October 26 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Kansas City Marriott Downtown - Trianon C/D



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

Show Details

Session Objectives: -Provide an opportunity for science education leaders to network and share ideas. -Identify critical issues facing science education and discuss potential solutions. -Inspire and motivate attendees to continue working to improve science education. The session will be held in a relaxed and informal setting. Attendees will have the chance to network and chat with other leaders in the field and identify pressing issues for groups of attendees to discuss. Presenters will facilitate small group table discussions on some of these critical issues. The session will be followed by a discussion period where attendees can share their thoughts and ideas that resonated most with their table groups.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will gain insights and perspectives from science education leaders from across the country. This will help them to better understand the challenges and opportunities facing science education today, and to develop strategies for improving science education in their own communities.

SPEAKERS:
Trisha Herminghaus (Alaska Science Education Consultants: No City, No State), Matthew Christiansen (Oceanside High School #7: Oceanside, NY)

Motivating Elementary Teachers to Infuse STEM

Thursday, October 26 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Kansas City Convention Center - 2214


STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

This study aimed to understand how a STEM course and immersive environment improved pre-service teachers’ self-efficacy and motivation to implement STEM. Self-efficacy and motivation were measured using the proposed tool before and after they attended a semester-long course centered around engineering design activities, research, and pedagogy over three years. Additionally, post-graduation data was collected as pre-service teachers entered the first three years of their teaching careers. Findings suggest that a course focusing on combined research, pedagogy, and modeling in an immersive environment improves motivation and self-efficacy and carries over into a career. However, motivation and efficacy diminish as post-graduation time increases. Implications from this study could improve professional development design and practice. Lastly, this research can inform EPPs, practitioners, stakeholders, researchers, and policymakers about how to motivate classroom teachers.

TAKEAWAYS:
A STEM course focused on research, pedagogy, and modeling in an immersive environment improved STEM efficacy and beliefs of pre-service elementary teachers that carried over into careers. However, motivation and efficacy diminished as post-graduation time increased.

SPEAKERS:
Shannon Dadd (Troy University: Troy, AL)

Intro to curriculum anchored assessment systems

Thursday, October 26 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Kansas City Convention Center - 3501 A


STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

What would it look like if we designed all aspects of the assessment system to prioritize impact on instruction and students? Traditional ideas about assessment systems describe assessment systems in the ideal world, where state summative assessments have the smallest footprint, and meaningful classroom assessments are the most important component. However, in practice, we know this is not always the case–because of the stakes and funding attached to large scale testing (both perceived and real), assessments that are not meant to inform instruction end up shaping a lot of the decisions educators make about student learning. In this session, we will discuss how we rectify this in assessment system design, including examples and implications for state, district, and classroom assessments. The session will include opportunities for participants to inform the development of policy documents to inform assessment system development.

TAKEAWAYS:
Systems of assessment can center students and instruction, and simultaneously surface trustworthy information for decision-making – if they are intentionally designed to do so.

SPEAKERS:
Sara Cooper (Contextus), Kelley Turner (Winchester Public Schools: Winchester, VA)

A Walk in our Shoes: Our Science Ed Journey from Pre Service to New Classroom Teacher

Thursday, October 26 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Kansas City Convention Center - 2211


STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

Three first year elementary teachers will share their stories of the science educational journey they’ve begun. They will share their ah-ha moments, key learnings, and challenges from their adventures: taking their first science methods course, attending and presenting at their first national NSTA conference last summer, completing their student teaching experience, and beginning their first year of their educational career. Their stories of teaching science in the elementary classroom can provide insight on the demands of elementary teachers, the challenges they face related to science instruction, and the solutions they’ve designed to ensure their students engage in science in their classrooms. The session will provide an authentic perspective on how they are working to be change agents for elementary science education. The session will be moderated by their elementary science methods professor, who continues to serve as a mentor on their journey.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers face a variety of challenges when it comes to science instruction in the elementary classroom. These stories will provide an authentic lens to view these challenges and how these teachers are working to change the narrative of science education in the elementary classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Ava Hauser (Rising STAR Elem Sch: Shawnee Mission, KS), Abigail Depperschmidt (Solomon USD 393: No City, No State), Beth Pesnell (Kansas State University: Manhattan, KS)

Building Future STEM Leaders: Incorporating Science Olympiad in Pre-Service Teacher Education

Thursday, October 26 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

Kansas City Convention Center - 2211


STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

In Oklahoma, The University of Central Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University are working to prepare future STEM teacher/leaders by integrating Science Olympiad volunteering into each institution's pre-service teacher (PST) education programs. With partial funding through a grant from the Science Olympiad USA Foundation, the teacher education programs are partnering with the Oklahoma Science Olympiad (OKSciOly) to provide PSTs who serve as peer-mentors to OkSciOly member schools and Event Supervisors for OKSciOly tournaments as a part of their science education program expectations. The program goals are supported by prior studies that indicate that such a program could be associated with improving PSTs’ confidence, increasing opportunities for practicing skills in planning and assessment, and supporting intrinsic motivation associated with coaching Science Olympiad. We will describe the development and activities, and what we learned from PSTs and member schools about the experience.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how Universities and Science Olympiad can increase STEM education support to local schools and develop capacity within their pre-service teacher candidates to use Science Olympiad’s high quality, NGSS aligned science, math, and engineering experiences with their future students.

SPEAKERS:
Bob Melton (University of Central Oklahoma: Edmond, OK)

School and District Leaders: Learn About NSTA Professional Learning Opportunities for Groups of Teachers

Thursday, October 26 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

Kansas City Convention Center - 3501 G



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
NSTA-National-Conference-KC-10-26-2023-Admin-Final.pdf

STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

School and district leaders will learn about the variety of professional learning opportunities that NSTA offers, delivered in-person, online, and blended, that give their teachers the power to personalize their learning as well as the ability to learn with their peers. Presenters will share how to utilize NSTA's online learning resources to support in-person professional learning experiences. A few case-studies will be presented representative of different professional learning options available, including coaching, in-person workshops, online book studies, and district/school partnerships.

TAKEAWAYS:
School and district leaders will learn about the variety of professional learning opportunities that NSTA offers, delivered in-person, online, and blended, that give their teachers the power to personalize their learning as well as the ability to learn with their peers.

SPEAKERS:
Flavio Mendez (NSTA: Arlington, VA)

Using Neuroscience Research in the STEM Classroom

Thursday, October 26 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

Kansas City Convention Center - 2214



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Brain based hacks to learning.pptx

STRAND: Research to Practice

Show Details

As teachers, it is important for us to understand how the brain works when students are learning. Brain science research has not been easy to transfer to the classroom setting. We are beginning to bridge the gap with real-world, classroom research. By joining this session, you will uncover some of the newest neuroscience/learning research and ways to use the information in your classroom. Retrieval practice, interleaving, spaced practice, and elaborate encoding are a few of the topics we will learn about. In addition, you will leave with plenty of short 5-minute tools you can use right away in your classroom, as well as a deeper understanding of the pros and cons of neuroscience research and classroom settings.

TAKEAWAYS:
Not all research is equal, especially when it comes to classroom teaching. This session will help you understand the research, it's strengths and limitations, and provide you with usable tools to start using right away.

SPEAKERS:
Kirsten Landry (Kent Denver School: Englewood, CO)

Elevate the Innovator : Inspiring Teachers in the Shift to 3-Dimensional Learning

Thursday, October 26 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

Kansas City Marriott Downtown - Truman A


STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

This session will help administrators to answer: What should I see and not see in a 3-dimensional science classroom? How do I provide effective feedback to the teacher? How do I support instructional innovation as an instructional leader?

TAKEAWAYS:
Administrators will feel empowered to lead science instruction in their schools, even without a science background.

SPEAKERS:
Michael Fumagalli (Assistant Director of Teaching & Learning: Glen Ellyn, IL)

Educational Leader as Coach

Thursday, October 26 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

Kansas City Marriott Downtown - Trianon C/D


STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

Much of the work of an educational leader is really coaching adults. It’s important to know that adult learning is different. When educational leaders deeply understand what drives social behaviors, then we can reflect on how to approach coaching conversations to promote the targeted change in practice. To address this, participants will explore the domains of SCARF: a brain-based model for collaborating with and influencing others. Participants will experience and practice the critical coaching skills of committed listening/listening with empathy and paraphrasing/fostering dialogue. Participants will leave with a coaching frame strategy to use in facilitating productive coaching conversations as they work to promote change in the educators they support.

TAKEAWAYS:
In short, adults learn differently than our students. So educational leaders need an aligned mindset and appropriate skills to coach science teachers through any change needed to improve.

SPEAKERS:
Derek McDowell (Frisco ISD: Frisco, TX)

Multi-Tiered System of Leadership and Support for Implementing NGSS and Other Three-dimensional Science Standards

Thursday, October 26 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

Kansas City Marriott Downtown - Trianon E



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
NSTA Presentation-2.pdf

STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

Learn how one district moved from individual teachers' curriculum-based professional learning to adopting and implementing high-quality instructional materials in middle school classrooms district wide. Hear the story from different perspectives within our multi-tiered system.

TAKEAWAYS:
Practical guidance for moving your multi-tiered system forward with implementation of high-quality instructional materials.

SPEAKERS:
Richard Bacolor (Wayne RESA: Wayne, MI), John Tafelski (Assistant Superintendent: Allen Park, MI)

Assessing Preservice Teachers’ Knowledge and Experiences: A National Study

Thursday, October 26 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

Kansas City Convention Center - 2214



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
PTASK NSTA-Kansas City, Oct. 2023 presentation, NSTA upload.pptx

STRAND: Research to Practice

Show Details

The Science Education Dept. at Harvard University conducted a nationwide study over the course of three semesters, of the strengths and weaknesses of STEM and teaching knowledge of preservice educators who will soon enter the STEM teaching workforce. By examining pre-service teachers’ experiences before and during their preparation program, we’ll share our findings about experiences that optimize teacher knowledge for effective science teaching. The study also characterizes two essential types of teacher knowledge: 1) subject matter knowledge; and 2) pedagogical content knowledge concerning the common preconceptions and misconceptions held by learners, reflecting stages in student learning progressions. This research helps identify promising features of undergraduate PST programs for future implementation.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn what factors impact preservice teachers’ interest in teaching, the status of teacher education programs, and what are the strong and weak content knowledge areas of preservice science teachers, including the prevalence of learning about students’ misconceptions.

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

Are My Teachers Really Incorporating 3-D Learning Or Just Hands-On Activities?

Thursday, October 26 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

Kansas City Convention Center - 2211



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Are my teachers really incorporating Three-Dimensional Learning or just hands-on activities_ (1).pptx

STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

School administrators are tasked with evaluating classroom instruction in all subject areas and many do not have the training to understand the difference between Three-Dimensional Learning and basic hands-on activities and/or demonstrations. This session is designed to equip attendees with the basic understanding of how to parse out the differences and resources will be shared to continue their learning beyond this session.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will have a better understanding of how to identify true Three-Dimensional instruction.

SPEAKERS:
Christina Hilton (Central Indiana Educational Service Center: Indianapolis, IN)

Leading the Charge for Science: Empowering Leaders Towards Equity-driven Systems Change

Thursday, October 26 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

Kansas City Marriott Downtown - Trianon C/D


Show Details

The session aims to enhance leaders’ knowledge and skills to become effective change agents within their organizations. By leveraging systems thinking, leaders will be better positioned to create systems conditions that support every child. This approach goes beyond isolated interventions, emphasizing the importance of systemic change to ensure lasting impact. This session offers an exceptional opportunity to explore the transformative potential of systems thinking and its practical application. The session will empower science leaders to apply systems-level thinking within their own educational settings. Leaders will delve into the features of systems change mapping, a powerful tool for disrupting the deprioritization of science in K-12 systems. By understanding the entry points and dynamics of one’s system, leaders can strategically identify and address the barriers that hinder equitable access to quality science education.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will engage in applying systems-level thinking to their own contexts as a high-leverage strategy for driving equitable change, and will gain a deeper understanding of the features of systems change mapping for disrupting the deprioritization of science in K-12 systems.

SPEAKERS:
Vanessa Lujan (The Lawrence Hall of Science: Berkeley, CA), Sarah Pedemonte (The Lawrence Hall of Science: Berkeley, CA)

Assessment of Sensemaking Through the Crosscutting Concepts

Thursday, October 26 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

Kansas City Convention Center - 3501 B


Show Details

The crosscutting concepts provide a consistent language for student communication. When teachers’ assessment prompts are designed with the crosscutting concepts, the focus of student thinking can be directed to key aspects of the phenomenon or, the system being investigated. Patterns may be used as evidence to support explanations or arguments for the causes of a phenomenon. Participants will explore the progression of Crosscutting Concepts throughout a student’s K-12 career. They will consider phenomenon and discuss several appropriate prompts that bring different CCCs to the forefront (patterns, scale, systems). Participants will review and evaluate sample prompts and responses which employ different crosscutting concepts.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will leave with resources that guide their development and use of Crosscutting Concepts to focus student sensemaking on assessments. These can be integrated with assessment prompts which are aligned to Science and Engineering Practices and Disciplinary Core Ideas.

SPEAKERS:
Rebecca Abbott (The Lawrence Hall of Science: Berkeley, CA), Sharon Cates (Phenomenon Science Education: Novato, CA), Leah Litz (Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium: No City, No State)

Shifts Happen! What counts as evidence of three-dimensional teaching and learning for classroom observations?

Thursday, October 26 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

Kansas City Marriott Downtown - Truman A


STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

N/A

TAKEAWAYS:
Gain strategies and resources to support your evaluation and instructional coaching cycles.

SPEAKERS:
Zoe Evans (Bremen City Schools: Bremen, GA)

We Built a Large-Scale Summative Science Assessment with In-Service Educators You Should Too!

Thursday, October 26 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

Kansas City Marriott Downtown - Trianon E


STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

Presenters will discuss how a partnership with the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and the SIU STEM Education Research Center @ Carbondale, IL built a 100% IL-developed Science Assessment. There was a concerted effort by SIU to include willing and qualified IL educators to score constructed responses and item development. It proved to be a powerful professional learning experience. Participants improved their understanding of NGSS (Illinois Learning Standards in Science (ILS-S/NGSS) and classroom practices. Participants report this experience was rewarding personally and professionally, and their classroom instruction benefited students. We will present participant survey data and testimonials to support our claims. Teachers often say there is a lack of meaningful and rewarding NGSS/science professional learning opportunities. We found the Illinois Science Assessment Project is one of the few. We suggest other states, agencies consider the same.

TAKEAWAYS:
Meaningfully including in-service educators in developing your state assessment will transform the black box of large-scale summative assessment to a joint endeavor that will see teacher buy-in and professional development increase, and student learning and scores go up.

SPEAKERS:
Harvey Henson (Southern Illinois University Carbondale: Carbondale, IL), Kristin Rademaker (NSTA: Arlington, VA)

CSSS: Teaching Climate Through a Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Lens

Thursday, October 26 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

Kansas City Convention Center - 3501 F


Show Details

Teaching climate change in diverse contexts often means we need to meet communities where they are at and teach through concerns that are central to their lives. The SDGs provide a framework of 17 central goals that help to foster thriving and sustainable communities. The SDGs are a global framework that is used across many different nations to raise awareness and engage people in action around critical needs for fostering thriving communities. This session will explore the SDG framework and its connections to climate literacy principles. Participants will be supported to consider examples of how this framework can be used for teaching students about sustainability, climate solutions, and green economy transitions that are critical to our shared future. We will draw on resources and experiences from partner organizations across the nation and the world. "

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Be able to describe the SDGs Framework 2. Explore the interrelationships between the SDG Framework and climate literacy principles 3. Consider connection points with the SDG Framework to your own teaching

SPEAKERS:
Deb Morrison (University of Washington), Brian Mandell (Smithsonian Science Education Center: Washington, DC), Molly Talbot (Louisiana Dept. of Education: Baton Rouge, LA)

What are the NGSS Really Asking? Lessons Learned From the Classroom, District, and State Levels As We Figure It Out!

Friday, October 27 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Kansas City Convention Center - 3501 B


STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

The three presenters: a classroom teacher, a district science coordinator, and a state science supervisor, will share the different roles and perspectives we each hold in Kansas science education and how that has shaped our different paths to understanding NGSS through collaborative work with each other over the last 6+ years. We will highlight multiple resources that have helped our understanding and implementation of the NGSS in various contexts. During this session, resources will include: unpacking tools, administrative book studies, PLC guidance, and recommendations for how tools might be modified while maintaining integrity of the standards in different contexts.

TAKEAWAYS:
The session will provide resources to collaborate with various stakeholders to improve capacity and efficacy with the NGSS. We will share processes for how we have unpacked the science standards which resulted in better understanding of classroom practices, instruction, & assessment across Kansas.

SPEAKERS:
Meg Richard (Piper School District USD 203: No City, No State), Stephanie Alderman-Oler (Kansas State Dept. of Education: Topeka, KS), Spencer Martin (Kansas City Kansas Public Schools: Kansas City, KS)

Empowering Elementary Educators to Become Science Rock Stars – How to Design Professional Learning Guaranteed to Impact Students

Friday, October 27 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Kansas City Convention Center - 2211


STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

This presentation helps administrators learn how to develop a science professional development program that is research-based, overcomes local challenges, and is guaranteed to impact science teacher practices and student learning. Information shared is the result of six years of grant-funded research and development. 1) Discuss our current limited and ineffective elementary science instruction nationwide and its impact on students (based on research). 2) Discuss a vision for effective elementary science instruction in every classroom (what it looks like in practice). 3) Discuss challenges to executing that vision. 4) Discuss science professional learning research-basis and best practices (including science instructional best practices and professional learning best practices). 5) Introduction of strategies to overcome time, curriculum, location, and funding challenges. 6) Introduction of an administrator professional learning planning tool to create a district action plan.

TAKEAWAYS:
Administrators will learn how to develop a science professional learning program that is research-based, overcomes local challenges, and is guaranteed to impact science teacher practices and student learning.

SPEAKERS:
Emily Starr (STEM Specialist: Clinton, IA)

Using Photovoice to Promote Undergraduate Students' Socioscientific Reasoning Skills

Friday, October 27 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Kansas City Convention Center - 2214


STRAND: Research to Practice

Show Details

Socioscientific issues are complex, open-ended social issues with embedded scientific content and processes. This presentation aims to foster undergraduate students' reasoning skills necessary to navigate these issues. Specifically, a photovoice activity was added to a water quality unit in a scientific inquiry course. First, during the data collection, students were asked to take photos that could best represent the status of the ecological system of the stream. Second, they worked as groups in the classroom to analyze the different pieces of evidence and create a visual representation where they can organize all the evidence in the photos. Lastly, each group presented their photovoice product to the whole class and explained each piece of their evidence and how they indicate the different aspects of water quality and the overall water quality. The activity will be presented and supporting instructional materials and tools will be provided in this presentation.

TAKEAWAYS:
This presentation will show how to promote students' reasoning skills necessary to negotiate with socioscientific issues through a photovoice activity, and provide supporting instructional materials and tools.

SPEAKERS:
Conghui Liu (Ph.D. Candidate: Bloomington, MO)

Latinas in STEM - Using An Asset-Based Mindset to Encourage Latina STEM Persistence

Friday, October 27 • 9:20 AM - 10:20 AM

Kansas City Convention Center - 2211



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
NSTA KC 2023_ Using an Asset-Based Approach to Identify Sources of Persistence for Latinas in Selecting STEM Undergraduate Degrees.pdf

STRAND: Research to Practice

Show Details

The population of Latinx students is rapidly growing in the United States, yet Latinas are underrepresented in STEM careers compared to their peers of other identities. This could be in part due to the deficit-based ideology that has historically been utilized when describing this group's success in academic disciplines. This presentation will highlight the findings of a recent qualitative study that asked Latina STEM undergraduate students to reflect on their sources of persistence in high school STEM coursework. The study participants’ responses were correlated with Yosso's (2005) “Community Cultural Wealth Model" to identify their unique sources of strength and persistence in STEM. The study findings will serve as the foundation for recommendations to be made for the implementation of equitable and asset-based shifts to promote Latinas’ persistence and success in STEM at the secondary levels.

TAKEAWAYS:
Using an asset-based approach, participants will engage in social justice-themed conversations to equitably encourage Latina high school students’ persistence in STEM coursework. Ready-to-use strategies will be featured to promote greater perseverance in STEM for Latinas.

SPEAKERS:
Nicole Vitello Lowell (Charles H. Barrows STEM Academy: North Windham, CT)

Federal STEM Education Resources - Where can I find them?

Friday, October 27 • 9:20 AM - 10:20 AM

Kansas City Convention Center - 3501 E



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Presentation slides
2023 NSTA Interagency Federal Session: STEM resources and where to find them

STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

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Have you ever wondered where to find Federal STEM education resources that can provide authentic learning experiences for your students? Come join many federal agencies including but not limited to: Dept of Education, NOAA, EPA, and NIH , to learn more!

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will learn what K-12 STEM learning resources are offered by federal agencies. In addition, teachers will engage in two-way conversations with federal representatives about the STEM resources, programs, and opportunities that are available. Educators will leave with a one-page resource guide.

SPEAKERS:
Rachel Crowley (NIGMS, National Institutes of Health: No City, No State), Jorge Valdes (U.S. Patent and Trademark Office: Alexandria, VA), Kayla Smith (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: Silver Spring, MD), Patti Curtis (U.S. Department of Education: No City, No State), Melissa Anley-Mills (U.S. EPA: Washington, DC)

Innovative school program and professional development models for integrating science & engineering practices, problem-based learning, and authentic STEM experiences

Friday, October 27 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

Kansas City Convention Center - 2211


STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

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This session provides insight for administrators, professional developers, curriculum coordinators, instructional coaches, higher education faculty, and teachers related to models of STEM instruction focused on SEPs at the K-8 level. Collaborative efforts between school leadership and university faculty have led to the development of STEM programming in two school districts in Southeast Missouri. Using and integrating the expertise of local STEM education professionals (university faculty specializing in STEM education), these school districts (one urban, one rural) designed and implemented very different STEM integration models. Attendees will learn about each model from those integral to the development process. Presenters will share elements of their strategic plans, including curricular structures, human capital/roles, resource/budget considerations, instructional components, and other sustainability aspects, such as environmental and political support and community partnerships.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn about STEM program development and STEM professional development models. STEM Education frameworks and a toolkit used as a foundation for strategic planning and sustainability will be shared and available for attendees.

SPEAKERS:
Andi Maddox (Director of Curriculum and Instruction: Kennett, MO), Tyler Lappe (Instructional Coach: Cape Girardeau, MO), Trudy Giasi (Valle Catholic Schools: Ste. Genevieve, MO)

NSELA Sponsored Session: Highlighting Stories of Successful Formal and Informal Science Partnerships from National Science Leaders

Friday, October 27 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

Kansas City Convention Center - 3501 B



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

STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

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As an organization that focuses on developing and supporting science education leaders, NSELA provides professional learning and resources as well as opportunities to work collaboratively and to advocate for quality science education for all. Session participants will learn about successful formal and informal science partnerships happening across the country and will work in groups to collaboratively discuss strategies for developing successful science partnerships within their own communities.

TAKEAWAYS:
Successful partnerships between formal and informal science institutions increase student and community engagement in STEM education.

SPEAKERS:
Trisha Herminghaus (Alaska Science Education Consultants: No City, No State), Matthew Christiansen (Oceanside High School #7: Oceanside, NY)

The NSTA Atlas of the Three Dimensions

Friday, October 27 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

Kansas City Convention Center - 2215 C


STRAND: Students and Sensemaking

Show Details

The NSTA Atlas of the Three Dimensions maps out learning progressions based on the Framework for K–12 Science Education and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). The 62 maps in the Atlas organize all of the elements from standards on a particular topic (e.g., modeling, patterns, or definitions of energy) on a single page. The elements from grades K–2 are at the bottom of the page, and those from grades 9–12 are at the top. Arrows connect elements to indicate how ideas in a particular topic build on each other and how elements in different topics connect to one another. Studying the maps in the Atlas and the additional resources in the appendixes can provide educators with new insights about the standards. This session will provide an overview of how to read a map, the other features of the Atlas, and how educators can use this powerful navigational tool to develop and implement curriculum, instruction, and assessment.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how to read the maps and use other tools in the Atlas to understand and interpret standards, and plan instructional sequences as part of their work in curriculum, instruction, and assessment.

SPEAKERS:
Ted Willard (Discovery Education: Silver Spring, MD)

Anchoring Science Leadership in Equity Principles

Friday, October 27 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

Kansas City Convention Center - 3501 F


STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

To realize the vision of the Next Generation Science Standards and NRC’s Framework for K-12 Science Education, the NEXUS Academy for Science Curriculum Leadership (a project of WestEd and BSCS Science Learning) developed three guiding equity principles for leaders to consider. These equity principles are integrated with other leadership knowledge bases to support science leadership work to ensure equitable outcomes for all learners as part of implementing high-quality science curriculum. In this session, participants will 1) experience a sample leadership learning experience to reflect on their values and approaches to equity work; 2) engage with the NEXUS Equity Principles and make connections to their own ideas and science leadership roles; 3) consider how the specific tools and resources shared could influence their science leadership work in their context.

TAKEAWAYS:
Beliefs, knowledge, context, and lived-experiences shape approaches to equity work. The NEXUS Academy for Science Curriculum Leadership has developed Equity Principles to consider and intertwine with other leadership knowledge bases as leaders work to ensure equity for all learners in the system.

SPEAKERS:
Susan Gomez Zwiep (BSCS Science Learning: Colorado Springs, CO), Jenine Cotton-Proby (BSCS Science Learning: Colorado Springs, CO), Janna Mahfoud (BSCS Science Learning: Colorado Springs, CO)

KATS: Kansas Association of Teachers of Science supports YOU!

Friday, October 27 • 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM

Kansas City Convention Center - 2211


STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

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The Kansas Association of Teachers of Science (KATS) is the District 11 chapter of the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA). The purpose of the KATS shall be the advancement, stimulation, extension, improvement, and coordination of science teaching in all fields of science at all educational levels. This session will explain the purpose of KATS to science teachers in Kansas, explain leadership opportunities that KATS provides its members, and share the amazing professional development opportunities and network events that will bridge Kansas science teachers together. Teachers will be introduced to members of the board of directors of KATS who desire to create a support system to science teachers.

TAKEAWAYS:
Kansas teachers will learn about the Kansas Association of Teachers of Science, the professional development opportunities they provide, and the system of networking they create to bridge science teachers together in the state of Kansas.

SPEAKERS:
Betsy Lawrence (Summit Trail Middle School: Olathe, KS)

Climate Optimists: Fighting "climate fatigue" through teaching advocacy skills and nurturing hope within our students

Friday, October 27 • 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM

Kansas City Convention Center - 3501 B


STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

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In this session, participants will consider the ramifications of climate fatigue on generations who are and will continue to be responsible for climate-affecting decisions as scientists and citizens as well as the means to apply social-emotional learning (SEL) to equip educators and students with hope. Participants will explore the benefits (for educators and students) of integrating SEL concepts and benchmarks with the NGSS throughout educator and student learning experiences. We will identify connections between and opportunities for educator- and student-led discussions, advocacy opportunities, and giving educators and students ownership and agency in their learning through utilizing their backgrounds, interests, abilities, and voice. Participants will have access to strategies and tools that support the integration of SEL within climate science instruction and overviews of instructional units that lend themselves to building climate optimism.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will leave with a set of strategies and tools to implement with regard to their own relationships with climate science, as well as those they can use with other educators and their students to shift toward hope and advocacy.

SPEAKERS:
Erin Lark (Kognity: Stockholm, 0)

University and College Instructors: Use NSTA with Preservice Teachers

Friday, October 27 • 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM

Kansas City Convention Center - 3501 G



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
NSTA_Instructors_2023_KC_final.pdf

STRAND: Research to Practice

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Preservice teachers using NSTA in lieu of a textbook create a library of resources, grow their network of professional colleagues, and enhance their content and pedagogical knowledge of science by actively engaging with NSTA digital resources, virtual programs, and community members within the NSTA website. Instructors receive a class landing page to manage their course and to easily access the digital resources, a private forum for asynchronous discussions, and an administrator's dashboard to monitor their students' engagement within the website. All instructors using NSTA in lieu of a textbook receive a free NSTA membership, and their students can become members of the Association through graduation. Students gain the ability to add NSTA’s Interactive E-Books+ Professional, professional learning units, and other fee-based resources to their library.

TAKEAWAYS:
Preservice teachers using NSTA as a Textbook (or as instructional materials supplement) create a library of resources, grow their network of professional colleagues, and enhance their content and pedagogical knowledge of science.

SPEAKERS:
Flavio Mendez (NSTA: Arlington, VA)

Unpacking the Crosscutting Concepts with a New NSTA Quick-Reference Guide to the Three Dimensions

Friday, October 27 • 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM

Kansas City Convention Center - 2215 C


STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

The NGSS and other standards based on the Framework of K-12 Education are quite complicated and often tricky to interpret. What teachers need is an easy-to-use reference guide to the standards, and since its release in 2014, the NSTA Quick-Reference Guide has become a perennial best-seller and an essential tool for many educators across the country. This session will be hosted by Ted Willard, the editor of the Quick-Reference Guide and formerly the in-house standards expert at NSTA. Ted will review the features listed above and how educators can use the Quick-Reference Guide to unpack the standards in their work developing curriculum, instruction, and assessment. Specifically, we will spend time exploring the crosscutting concepts in the standards using the tools and other resources in the Quick-Reference Guide.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how to unpack the three dimensions using the tools and resources in the Quick-Reference Guide and will gain insights into the meaning of the crosscutting concepts.

SPEAKERS:
Ted Willard (Discovery Education: Silver Spring, MD)

Putting 3-D Assessments to the Test: Building Common Assessments Together

Friday, October 27 • 2:40 PM - 3:40 PM

Kansas City Convention Center - 2211


STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

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Develop your knowledge, skills, and confidence to lead your school or district toward successful NGSS assessment development. We will share one district’s journey to engage teachers in developing NGSS-aligned common assessments focused on SEPs, access, and equity.

TAKEAWAYS:
Develop your knowledge, skills, and confidence to lead your school or district toward successful NGSS assessment development with a focus on SEPs, access, and equity.

SPEAKERS:
Julia Smith (Riverside Unified School District: Riverside, CA)

Supporting Preservice and New Teachers to Understand & Implement the NGSS

Friday, October 27 • 2:40 PM - 3:40 PM

Kansas City Convention Center - 3501 H


STRAND: Research to Practice

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We will engage with some examples of what has been used to prepare preservice and support novice teachers over the last 6 years leveraging HQIM to assist teachers with making sense of and planning to implement the NGSS. The session will cover how HQIM have been curated and modified to help teachers see examples of resources designed for the NGSS and then use those resources to plan and modify their instruction. Other resources for instruction and planning will also be shared.

TAKEAWAYS:
Ideas for ways use HQIM to help teachers understand and implement the vision of the Framework for Science Education, as well as resources to scaffold unpacking 3-D standards.

SPEAKERS:
Spencer Martin (Kansas City Kansas Public Schools: Kansas City, KS), Matt Krehbiel (OpenSciEd: New York, NY)

Embracing Empathy: Applying Human-Centered Design Principles to Support the Implementation of NGSS

Friday, October 27 • 2:40 PM - 3:40 PM

Kansas City Convention Center - 3501 B


STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

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Learn to design moments people will remember and experiences that can have immediate impacts by adopting a human-centered mindset. Human-centered design thinking lets you better understand people's needs, motivations, and concerns to create highly-effective learning experiences for teachers and students. Implementing NGSS and three-dimensional teaching and learning requires ongoing support and high-quality professional learning opportunities for all stakeholders in science education. This session will explore how strategies and methods found in human-centered design can be leveraged to create professional learning to address the complexities teachers face in shifting practices to meet the vision of A K-12 Framework and the three-dimensional pedagogy of the NGSS. These strategies will enable designers to create inclusive spaces and environments to enhance professional development. Likewise, these strategies can be used by teachers to facilitate the student sensemaking process.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will experience practical human-centered design processes, methods, and tools used to deeply understand the people they are looking to serve and to continuously innovate solutions. Participants will leave this session equipped with strategies to design impactful learning experiences.

SPEAKERS:
Abby Tolley (Learning Analyst), Brian Beierle (Relevant Classroom, a Division of Vivayic, Inc.: No City, No State)

PEAC2H: Data Based Feedback That Teachers are Excited to Recieve

Friday, October 27 • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Kansas City Convention Center - 2103 C


STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

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Collaborating with teachers to support their professional growth is a key role for coaches and leaders. How we deliver feedback designed to strengthen instruction determines if teachers will apply it or not. This session looks at a 6-step structure that positions coaches and administrators as instructional leaders. The structure includes clarity on what is being shared, evidence of how the suggestions are connected to practice, and actionable ideas that, when implemented, will make an immediate impact on teaching and learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
Gather specific evidence from classroom observations and frame relevant feedback in a way that partners leaders/coaches with teachers and leaves them feeling valued, supported, and empowered to improve instruction tomorrow.

SPEAKERS:
Connie Hamilton (Author/Consultant: , MI)

STEM Education for Rural Communities – the Mobile Maker Lab

Saturday, October 28 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Kansas City Convention Center - 2207


STRAND: STEM Haven

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STEM Education in rural areas needs to meet students where they are at, not push progress and advancement by utilizing non-relatable curriculums and extensions. Rural community culture needs to be recognized and respected as well as incorporated into STEM learning in order to achieve the most beneficial outcome for the student. The GO STEM Mobile Maker Lab is using & developing curriculum influenced by students and supported by teachers to elevate rural STEM Education.

TAKEAWAYS:
Awareness and insight into exploratory STEM education methods and tools designed to enhance classroom experiences.

SPEAKERS:
Kyle Koyle (GO STEM: La Grande, OR)

K-5 STEAM Labs: From Grassroots Beginnings to Systemic Implementation

Saturday, October 28 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Kansas City Convention Center - 2202


STRAND: STEM Haven

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The vision of the Fairport STEAM Lab is to support, challenge, and prepare all Fairport students to be Future Ready. We believe that by engaging with curricular and extracurricular projects and inquiries, students will utilize their innate creativity to actively construct knowledge. Students engage with materials and technologies that help them share their learning and tell their stories. The Labs are a place for young people to develop skills that they can transfer to other parts of their lives as they prepare themselves for the future. The presenters will share our experience with building a Lab with attendees that are interested in creating them in their districts and how we have expanded our work to other area districts. We will explore how our curriculum is scaffolded to increase levels of sophistication regarding engineering design, computer science, and digital literacy concepts.

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)

Building Teacher Capacity & Leadership Using Collaborative Spaces

Saturday, October 28 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Kansas City Convention Center - 2215 B


STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

How do we build teacher capacity and leadership skills using collaborative opportunities and content-focused coaching in an urban, high needs district? In New Brunswick, NJ, science supervisors, specialists, and district leaders worked together to support teachers in becoming science/STEM leaders and agents of change in the science field through the creation of a variety of collaborative spaces including high-quality professional development focusing on data-driven instructional practices, content-focused coaching sessions, and teacher-facilitated community events. Cohorts of grade 3-5 teachers engaged in the development of personal and district-wide content and pedagogical goals, reflected on the effectiveness of current science instructional practices & identified areas for growth, designed an implementation plan for the enactment of high-quality Science Instruction & 3D Assessments, and developed action steps to raise the profile of science education in the district and community.

TAKEAWAYS:
We will explore how to successfully and effectively build teacher capacity and leadership skills through high-quality professional development, focusing on data-driven instructional practices, content-focused coaching sessions, and teacher-facilitated community events.

SPEAKERS:
Cynthia Ruszczyk (New Brunswick Middle School: New Brunswick, NJ), Elizabeth Nunez (New Brunswick Public Schools: New Brunswick, NJ)

STEAM Ahead! Creating a Service-Learning experience for Education and Science Majors that incorporate STEAM concepts

Saturday, October 28 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Kansas City Convention Center - 2204


Show Details

We will explain how interdisciplinary collaboration between Westminster College’s education and science departments led to hosting a STEAM Night for the community. Our goals were to generate an active-learning opportunity for college students to learn and implement teacher pedagogy, appreciate the basics of STEAM concepts, and use soft skills necessary for their future careers. To accomplish this, college students created STEAM stations so elementary students could learn STEAM concepts and build a love for science! During this session, we will focus on developing and implementing this service learning project entitled “STEAM Ahead!” Attendees will participate in one STEAM station, and discuss ways to incorporate service learning that promotes STEAM education. Through interactive discussions, we hope teachers can learn from our experience as we continue to learn from a community of educators.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to design a service learning project that facilitates interdisciplinary collaboration between education and science departments. We will identify key stakeholders and potential pitfalls in planning a STEAM Night for the community.

SPEAKERS:
Matt Howell (Assistant Professor: Fulton, MO), Johanna Morrow (Assistant Professor of Biology and Environmental Science: Columbia, MO), Tami Streeter (Ensor) (Westminster College: Fulton, MO)

The Amazing Power of Nature!

Saturday, October 28 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Kansas City Convention Center - 3501 B



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
The Amazing Power of Nature! Slides

STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

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Nature, we vacation near it, we immerse ourselves in it, we need it for survival. A student’s natural curiosity about nature and the world around them can drive science learning and outcomes. Investigating natural phenomena within your state and close to your school creates authentic and relevant opportunities for students to research their local ecosystems. Experiences with nature not only promotes learning, but can help close the achievement gap (Liberman, 1998. Closing the Achievement Gap.) Citing studies, we will discuss how spending time in nature is healthy for students, faculty, and staff. Nature can lower blood pressure, calm anxiety, and improve mood. Using Missouri Department of Conservation’s Discover Nature Schools Curriculum as an example, we will discuss how taking learning outside can meet NGSS Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics and the Earth and Human Activity Strands. We will discuss ways to find and/or create nature experience near you.

TAKEAWAYS:
Nature is everywhere, accessible to everyone; from studying a crack in the sidewalk, where ants and other insects travel, to studying ponds, prairies, and forests. I can find and create nature study opportunities at my school, whether it is urban, suburban, or rural.

SPEAKERS:
Kathi Moore (Conservation Educator: HANNIBAL, MO), Sherri Russell (State Wildlife Veterinarian: Jefferson City, MO)

Viewpoints: A Narrative Study of Memorable Science Experiences for Women -- Indoor Agriculture Participants

Saturday, October 28 • 9:20 AM - 10:20 AM

Kansas City Convention Center - 2211


STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

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Findings from this qualitative narrative inquiry that explored the lives of six women participants in an indoor agriculture associates in applied science (AAS) program in the United States, tell the stories of their memorable science experiences. The narrative process of restorying the women’s memorable science experiences gave voice and agency to their lives and provided perspective on the lives of women who have persisted and succeeded within the newly emerging STEM field of indoor agriculture. Narrative threads that emerged from the women’s stories included family and school influence, their pivotal and transformational participation in the indoor agriculture AAS program, and a theme of identity around science identity construction. Concerning their participation in this narrative inquiry process, the women conveyed appreciation for the opportunity to reflect upon and give voice to their memorable science experiences while making sense of their lives in the process.

TAKEAWAYS:
Gain viewpoints into the lives of women who have persisted and succeeded in the newly emerging STEM field of indoor agriculture, better understanding the themes of family and school influence, pivotal and transformational experiences in indoor agriculture, and science identity construction.

SPEAKERS:
Dr. Kim Kolasa (Assistant Vice-President, Partnership Development)

Improving Pre-Engineering and Computer Science Education through Micro-Credentials: Key Learning from a State Agency

Saturday, October 28 • 9:20 AM - 10:20 AM

Kansas City Convention Center - 2201


STRAND: Research to Practice

Show Details

In 2019, The Louisiana Department of Education was awarded an Education, Innovation, and Research(EIR) grant titled “Improving Pre-Engineering and Computer Science Education through Micro-Credentials”. As one of very few EIR grants awarded to a state education agency, we have had the opportunity to blend both research and practice through multiple lenses as we engage teachers and students across our state. The project has served as a mechanism for the research team to examine how job embedded professional development impacts the practices of our teachers, the content delivery in our classrooms, and its effects on student learning. We plan to share key take aways, including insights into the writing and revision process, how the series took shape over time, and preliminary outcomes from the qualitative measures utilized. This may be of interest to participants considering portfolio based assessments as a means of improving professional learning within their own context.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will gain insight from the perspective of a state agency into the process and key learnings from a four-year project focused on portfolio-based assessments in STEM.

SPEAKERS:
John Underwood (Louisiana Department of Education: No City, No State)

Utilizing Water Quality as an Over-Arching Research Project in General Chemistry I

Saturday, October 28 • 9:20 AM - 10:20 AM

Kansas City Convention Center - 2205



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

STRAND: Research to Practice

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Water quality is everyone’s concern; we all need water to live healthy lives. Between Flint, MI, and Jackson, MS, it’s important that citizens know how to assess their water quality from chemical and societal perspectives. This project introduces students to water quality, how our water is cleaned for drinking purposes, and how socio-economic influences impact water quality in the US. Students apply general chemistry I concepts to the water quality to understand how the Flint and Jackson Water Crises occurred, experimentally assess a water sample from their home, compare their results it to their local water quality report, draw conclusions based on their findings, and explore if what happened in Flint and Jackson could happen to them. Students conduct literature research as a part of this project and complete a final report on their findings and conclusions.

TAKEAWAYS:
Water quality is everyone's concern. This presentation will show educators how to equip students to apply their chemical knowledge to assess water quality and advocate for themselves and others.

SPEAKERS:
Catherine Haslag (Riverland Community College)

How do you science? Facilitating conversations about K-12 science

Saturday, October 28 • 9:20 AM - 10:20 AM

Kansas City Convention Center - 2202


STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

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This session will consider current learning models, instructional strategies, and professional development opportunities to support growth in STEM and innovation. In sharing my experiences as a K12 science teacher and department leader, I hope to stimulate conversation, collaboration, and networking to support each other as we work to move STEM education forward. Methods will progressive learning, PBL, and teacher-designed professional growth experiences. This session will be a hybrid session that will include both presentation and discussion.

TAKEAWAYS:
We will connect and engage in critical conversations about our experiences as science teachers and leaders to imagine a path for growing our scientific future. Attendees will leave with new ideas, connections, and vision for the future.

SPEAKERS:
Tara Bonebrake (The Summit Preparatory School: Springfield, MO)

CIFT: Collaboration and Instructional Feedback Teams

Saturday, October 28 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

Kansas City Convention Center - 3501 B


STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

Job-embedded professional learning helps bridge the gap between a workshop and the implementation of strategies in the classroom. CIFTs work with a cohort of teachers to observe one another over multiple sessions. Each teacher takes a turn hosting a lesson to provide the backdrop for professional learning based on specific classroom, students, and curriculum the teachers have. CIFTs help teachers to use evidence to reflect on instruction and learning. Each observer is tasked with specific data to collect and then build efficacy as a team by offering glows and grows for teaching team members. Attendees will be provided the framework and the necessary tools and templates to implement this intensive professional learning structure tomorrow!

TAKEAWAYS:
A system, structure, and tools will be provided so school leaders can implement their own CIFT teams immediately. Learn how to choose a team, where to find a facilitator, and how to create an agenda. Template provided for easy transition to put into practice.

SPEAKERS:
Connie Hamilton (Author/Consultant: , MI)

Presentation to Publication: You Are Almost There!

Saturday, October 28 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

Kansas City Convention Center - 3501 G


STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

Join this session to learn how to take your workshop or presentation to the next level -- published in one of the NSTA journals. NSTA has five journals spanning Pre-K to College: Science and Children (S&C), Science Scope (SS), The Science Teacher (TST), Journal of College Science Teaching (JCST), and Connected Science Learning (CSL). Each journal looks for new, innovative ideas for classroom application. In this session, you will learn how to prepare your work for submission, understand the review process, and the steps toward publication. What better way to reach a broader audience than publishing your work in an NSTA journal? The bulk of the work is done -- you've already created a workshop or presentation; now is the time to share your work with others by memorializing it in a journal. The publication process is straightforward and rewarding. So don't hesitate to take that next step in leadership and advocacy to get your work published.

TAKEAWAYS:
Come find out how to take your NSTA presentation to the next level -- published in an NSTA journal. Attendees will learn and be encouraged to reach even more people by publishing what was shared in their workshops and presentations.

SPEAKERS:
Elizabeth Barrett-Zahn (National Science Teaching Association)

Preservice Teacher Session: What to Expect as a Novice Science Teacher -- A Guide to Student Teaching and Your First 3 Years

Saturday, October 28 • 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM

Kansas City Convention Center - 2211


Show Details

Student teaching and the first years of teaching can present a range of experiences, from overwhelming, to high measures of success in professional growth. Future- and early-career science teachers have a million concerns and even more questions! This session brings together a panel of student teachers, recent graduates, and new teachers to talk about their experiences and allow attendees to ask questions. A similar session was included at the 2023 Atlanta conference and it was highly attended, leading us to understand the importance of these types of dialogues for preservice teachers.

TAKEAWAYS:
Preservice teachers can be better prepared to student teach and begin their first jobs by hearing stories from and asking questions of preservice and new teachers who have just experienced interning, or their first years of teaching.

SPEAKERS:
Flavio Mendez (NSTA: Arlington, VA), Kimberly Staples (Kansas State University: Manhattan, KS), Lisa Brown (Sam Houston State University: Huntsville, TX)

Science Leadership While in the Classroom

Saturday, October 28 • 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM

Kansas City Convention Center - 2104 A



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
National Science Education Leadership Association Homepage
NSTA Committee Membership Application
Science Leadership Presentation Slides
Science Olympiad Brochures
Science Olympiad Homepage

STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

Dedicated educators are often faced with a "Sophie's Choice" when it comes to impacting the profession or advancing their careers through leadership opportunities. They can take advantage of opportunities as department chairs, instructional coaches, or administrators at a variety of levels, but those new positions too often mean that they leave teaching and direct interactions with their students behind. While education and the profession benefiting the students ultimately lose. This session will show attendees that there is a different option. By examining examples from Science Olympiad, as well as other after-school programs and science leadership organizations such as NSAT and NSLEA, attendees will be introduced to the numerous ways that they can gain leadership experience and contribute beyond their four walls of their classroom without leaving that classroom. We will discuss options that range from running programs at their school to joining organizations in a leadership role.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn about leadership opportunities through programs such as Science Olympiad, NSTA, and NSELA that they can take advantage of while remaining in the classroom.

SPEAKERS:
John Loehr (Science Olympiad: Oakbrook Terrace, IL)

NASA Science Activation Strategies for Creating Authentic STEM Learning in Rural Communities and Classrooms

Saturday, October 28 • 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM

Kansas City Convention Center - 2202



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
NASA Rural Presentation.pptx

STRAND: Research to Practice

Show Details

Curious about establishing sustainable relationships within rural communities? Join NASA Science Activation members who live and work in rural communities for an interactive discussion about building reciprocity, relationships, and project sustainability while enhancing NASA STEM education experiences for learners of all ages. To broaden participation and learn about the vast knowledge and practices shared among the members, NASA conducted interviews with the awarded project members working with rural communities, coded their stories, and found emerging themes. NASA Science Activation aims to share the lessons learned, solutions, challenges, and recommendations of these projects, which may assist you by providing best practices for engaging your community; providing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility tips for reaching underserved audiences, and providing opportunities to enlist NASA support and bring subject matter experts into your classroom or school district.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will receive connections to NASA subject matter experts working with rural communities as well as virtual resources and future opportunities for classroom support and collaboration.

SPEAKERS:
Rachael Arens (Curriculum Specialist: Bennington, NE), Matthew Cass (Physics and Astronomy Instructor: Sylva, NC)

Expanding the Innovation Ecosystem: Removing Barriers to Reach All Students

Saturday, October 28 • 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM

Kansas City Convention Center - 2204


STRAND: Research to Practice

Show Details

As science teachers, we understand the importance of innovation in driving progress and economic growth. However, many students living in high-barrier areas across the country lack access to the resources and opportunities necessary to participate in the innovation ecosystem. This presentation proposes strategies for expanding the innovation ecosystem and engaging these underserved students in innovation activities. We will discuss the Innovation Atlas, a valuable resource for identifying innovation clusters and potential partnerships. We will also explore ways to connect students with innovation centers, industry mentors, and entrepreneurship programs. By expanding the innovation ecosystem and breaking down barriers, we can inspire the next generation of innovators and ensure that all students have the chance to contribute to our shared future.

TAKEAWAYS:
Our mission is to inspire inclusive U.S. innovation and global competitiveness. This starts in the K-12 classrooms by identifying and breaking down barriers that prevent students from learning how to be inventors and innovators.

SPEAKERS:
Jorge Valdes (U.S. Patent and Trademark Office: Alexandria, VA), Kathleen Lanman (U.S. Patent and Trademark Office: Alexandria, VA)

Ways to Support Teachers as They Learn How to Facilitate 3-D Instruction

Saturday, October 28 • 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM

Kansas City Convention Center - 2207


STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

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The session will give leaders an opportunity to see how the features of instructional-material-based professional learning can be used to support teachers who are learning how to facilitate 3-D instruction. The agenda for this session is: • A discussion of the challenges associated with learning to facilitate 3-D instruction (10 minutes). • A overview of the 10 key features of instructional material based professional learning (20 minutes). • Examples of what 2 features look like in practice (15 minutes). • An opportunity to modify an PD agenda to make it more aligned with instructional-material-based professional learning (10 minutes). • Questions and opportunities to learn more (5 minutes).

TAKEAWAYS:
Key features of instructional-materials-based PL include (1) providing HQIMs, (2) modeling instruction, (3) content specific, (4) equity front and center, (5) reflection, (6) teaching rehearsals, (7) feedback, (8) examine student thinking, (9) remove problems of practice, and (10) time.

SPEAKERS:
Todd Hutner (Del Valle ISD: Del Valle, TX)

Developing a Framework for Multidimensional Science Education

Saturday, October 28 • 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM

Kansas City Convention Center - 3501 B



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
FWISD Science Instructional Framework
Slides

STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

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The Fort Worth ISD Science Framework takes a culturally responsive, multidimensional approach to science instruction and assessment. When these multiple dimensions are intentionally planned for and incorporated into science instruction and assessment, students move from being receivers of knowledge to active constructors of knowledge, increasing educational excellence for all and moving students toward becoming scientifically informed, ethical, and responsible citizens who can advocate for justice-centered solutions to societal challenges. Participants will learn about the process taken to develop the Fort Worth ISD Science Framework and how district science coordinators worked to get stakeholders on board as they prepared for the adoption and implementation of new standards.

TAKEAWAYS:
The creation of a framework for multidimensional science education can support the implementation of new standards and help to get stakeholders on board.

SPEAKERS:
Jessica Hilbert (Fort Worth ISD: Fort Worth, TX), Genedra Trotter (Fort Worth ISD), Brooke Whitworth (Clemson University: Clemson, SC)

Raising the Final M in STEMM: Strategies and outcomes from a STEMM planning institute for K-12 campus and district teams

Saturday, October 28 • 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM

Kansas City Convention Center - 2205


STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

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Since the early 2000s when the NSF coined the acronym “STEM” to increase attention and national investment in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, the “S” in STEM provided the foundation for the accompanying “TEM” disciplines. The pandemic exposed the need for increased public literacy around biomedicine, paving the way for an additional “M” (medicine) in STEM. Building a successful STEMM ecosystem includes increasing access to biomedicine across disciplines to advance equitable access for all students. Campuses and/or districts must reach consensus on the action plan for transdisciplinary STEMM curricular development. At BCM, we developed a 3-day STEMM Planning Institute for K-12 campus teams (administrators, support staff, and key educators) aimed at creating, building, or restructuring STEMM programs. This presentation will highlight the planning tools, preliminary findings regarding the planning process, and thematic barriers/successes of STEMM implementation.

TAKEAWAYS:
This presentation will highlight the planning tools, preliminary findings regarding the planning process, and thematic barriers/successes of STEMM implementation for K-12 school campuses and districts.

SPEAKERS:
Matthew Blank (Baylor College of Medicine: Houston, TX)

Preservice Teacher Session: NSTA Preservice Teacher Chapter Program; Engaging the Next Generation of Educators of Science

Saturday, October 28 • 2:40 PM - 3:40 PM

Kansas City Convention Center - 2207


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NSTA has developed the NSTA Preservice Teacher Chapter Program to encourage and support future teachers as they prepare to enter the profession, as well as help them network and connect with the many resources and opportunities provided by the Association. The NSTA Preservice Teacher Chapter Program consists of two types of chapters: (1) the National Preservice Teacher Chapter and (2) the Local Preservice Teacher Chapters at Universities or Colleges. The National Preservice Teacher Chapter supports all Preservice Teachers (active members of NSTA) who are based at higher education institutions without local chapters or groups. The Local Preservice Teacher Chapters at Universities or Colleges are separate but interdependent organizations that have elected to ally themselves with NSTA to encourage professional learning and networking of preservice teachers of science. Session participants will learn about the opportunities for increased leadership skills, career growth, and networking.

TAKEAWAYS:
Preservice Teachers and Faculty Advisors walk-away informed to participate in NSTA’s Preservice Teacher Chapter Program.

SPEAKERS:
Flavio Mendez (NSTA: Arlington, VA), Debi Hanuscin (Western Washington University: Bellingham, WA), Lisa Brown (Sam Houston State University: Huntsville, TX)

Using Mixed Reality Simulations and Vignettes to Prepare Preservice Teachers for Managing Classrooms

Saturday, October 28 • 2:40 PM - 3:40 PM

Kansas City Convention Center - 2203



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
NSTA_MRS_2.pptx

STRAND: Tech Tools

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It is essential to prepare preservice teachers with strategies to manage student behaviors so that effective instruction can take place in K-12 settings. Mixed Reality Simulations (MRS) provide preservice teachers with opportunities to manage and/or redirect inappropriate behaviors with student avatars prior to beginning clinical teaching. Along with MRS, provocative vignettes developed by in-service teachers describing scenarios that occurred in real classrooms allow for critical thinking and productive discussions among preservice teachers. In a preservice teacher education course in spring, 2023, MRS and vignettes allowed 20 preservice teachers opportunities to work together and identify solutions to address student concerns. Elementary and middde school avatars engaged directly with preservice teachers, providing some surprising moments and thought-provoking discussions. MRS and vignettes may provide strategies for preparing preservice teachers to be effective educators.

TAKEAWAYS:
This session will provide teacher educators with a better understanding of how Mixed Reality Simulations and vignettes can prepare preservice teachers to practice classroom management in realistic ways, in supportive environments, prior to beginning clinical teaching.

SPEAKERS:
Jane Elizabeth Casey (Lamar University: Beaumont, TX)

Creating Equity for Black Science Students

Saturday, October 28 • 2:40 PM - 3:40 PM

Kansas City Convention Center - 2211


STRAND: Research to Practice

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In this presentation, I will describe how an action research study with a phenomenological qualitative design can be used to examine reasons that reluctant Black students use to not register with advanced science classes. My session will describe how to employ a community of inquiry to identify and remove barriers for underrepresented students. Qualitative data from focus group interviews with student participants will be presented, and I will show how a community of inquiry can analyze data. Attendees will learn about school changes proposed by a community of inquiry to reduce or mitigate barriers that underrepresented students encounter. I will also explain the benefits of iteratively revised proposals based on student participant feedback. Additionally, the implementation of proposed school changes will be discussed.

TAKEAWAYS:
Qualitative research provides educators with direct knowledge from reluctant participants. This session provides attendees with tools to assist in problem-solving and removing barriers for underrepresented students in advanced science classes.

SPEAKERS:
Diane Vrobel (Archbishop Hoban High School: Akron, OH)

STEM Internships Create Future Leaders

Saturday, October 28 • 2:40 PM - 3:40 PM

Kansas City Convention Center - 3501 B


STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

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This presentation outlines a summer research program for high school students that integrated social-emotional learning with STEM research methods. Due to the impact of remote learning during the pandemic, students lost opportunities for rich science research experiences out of school, which impacted their interest in science and engineering. The 8-week summer program included an internship at a university research lab with practicing scientists and engineers, with daily opportunities for SEL activities, such as mindfulness strategies, goal setting, collaboration, communication, and feedback on specific 21st-century skills using a job readiness rubric. The program culminated in students presenting research posters to a community of faculty, students, and parents, which allowed them to communicate scientific research in a formal setting. We share the program development, implementation, and key outcomes related to self-efficacy, 21st-century skills, and science research skills.

TAKEAWAYS:
How to develop a program that engages students in authentic science and engineering research while explicitly incorporating SEL strategies.

SPEAKERS:
Johnna O'Neal (Instructional Specialist: No City, No State), Katrina Halasa (Akron Public Schools: Akron, OH)

Creating and Sustaining a Virtual Professional Learning Community

Saturday, October 28 • 2:40 PM - 3:40 PM

Kansas City Convention Center - 2202



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Slides
Slides used to guide the discussion during the presentation. Associated links (website, resources, etc.) can be found embedded in the slides.

STRAND: Students and Sensemaking

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Come see a successful online professional learning model that promotes collaboration around universal problems of practice. Each session allows educators to learn about new strategies implemented in classrooms, debrief in job-alike roles, share resources, and develop a plan to refine their practice.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will gain access to tools and resources for use in classrooms from both a teacher and instructional coaching role, as well as work on how they might make use of these resources for their own learning, learning within their own PLCs, or to develop a community of their own.

SPEAKERS:
Amy Johannsen (Southeast Polk High School: Pleasant Hill, IA), Jason Martin-Hiner (Keystone Area Education Agency: Elkader, IA)

Green Schools: Modeling Sustainability, Fostering Hands-On Learning, and Nurturing Student Leaders

Saturday, October 28 • 2:40 PM - 3:40 PM

Kansas City Convention Center - 2204


STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

OPENING: Define 'green school'; Introduce pillars; Provide examples; “Green Lens” Evaluation: Attendees rate their school for each pillar. 'Challenges' reflection for incorporating green schools practices. WHOLE-SCHOOL SUSTAINABILITY (WSS) & SHOW-ME GREEN SCHOOLS: Define WSS - work within campus, curriculum, culture. Show-Me Green Schools explained with video testimonials: Green Schools Quest (student-driven, project-based contest; community mentors assist lead teacher with project development & implementation); Missouri Green Schools (annual recognition for systems approach to WSS; roadmap for achievement); U.S. Depart. of Education Green Ribbon School Award (national award for demonstrated excellence & innovation of designated pillars); Green Schools Network BENEFITS: Increased job satisfaction, student engagement & achievement, better health for school community, social-emotional well-being; ADDRESSING CHALLENGES: Team development, staff collaboration, whole school support; CLOSING: Programs in US.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn what green schools are and how they benefit students, staff, and administration. Participants will walk away with some ideas for getting started, addressing common challenges, and connecting with green school teams in their state.

SPEAKERS:
Traci Jansen (Kirkwood School District: KIRKWOOD, MO)

Creating STEM Pathways for All

Saturday, October 28 • 2:40 PM - 3:40 PM

Kansas City Convention Center - 2205


STRAND: STEM Haven

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In this presentation, we will be reviewing how our district has built a STEM Pathway program that has developed a community of STEM learners and led to the creation of programming opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom that builds knowledge of STEM careers, foster STEM skills, and ultimately begins to create a community of real-world problem solvers. In addition to discussing the programs, we will discuss how we have leveraged community resources, how the program has branched out to create other unique STEM opportunities for our students and has ultimately allowed us to close the gender gap for STEM in our schools, reach our diverse population, and promote our founding belief that STEM is for all.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will leave with resources and tangible ways to build a STEM community and provide a variety of opportunities for all students to participate and deepen their understanding of the STEM field.

SPEAKERS:
Kelly Curtiss (Coordinating Supervisor of Mathematics, Computer Science, and Business: Parsippany, NJ), Rachel Villanova (Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Schools: Parsippany, NJ)

Solar Eclipse Education for All: Using the Double Eclipse to Help All Students Make Sense of a Rare Phenomenon

Saturday, October 28 • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Kansas City Convention Center - 2202



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Solar Eclipse Education for All
Powerpoint and activity documents

STRAND: Students and Sensemaking

Show Details

This presentation will focus on how our STEM education center educated students and the public about the upcoming solar eclipses. Presenters will share how the Center incorporated sensemaking through the phenomenon of solar eclipses by engaging students with the SEPs of modeling and constructing explanations. The outreach will primarily focus on standard MS-ESS1-1, but the goal of the outreach aligns with the goals of the Framework to educate all students in science and engineering and to provide foundational knowledge for our future scientists, engineers, technologists, and technicians. Attendees will engage in an activity that they can share with their classroom in order to safely view the 2024 solar eclipse, including the creation of a solar eclipse viewer. Presenters will also share teaching strategies that make use of modeling and online simulations for eclipses. Time will be included for participants to share their own ideas of effective solar eclipse teaching strategies.

TAKEAWAYS:
Educators will take away ideas for educating their classes about eclipses and ideas for educating the public on what causes eclipses and how to view them safely. This information will be a result of our STEM education center's eclipse outreach and its effectiveness.

SPEAKERS:
Alice Steimle (Director: University, MS), Christian Clark (University of Mississippi: University, MS)

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