Sponsoring Company: NOAA

Learn to leverage freely available global data visualizations using NOAA’s SOS Explorer mobile application (available on Apple and Android devices and Chromebooks), and an observational technique used in art museums to increase critical thinking and time spent on visual and group thought analysis.

SPEAKERS:
Beth Russell (NOAA Office of Education: Silver Spring, MD), Hilary Peddicord (NOAA Earth System Research Laboratory: Lyons, CO)

Sponsoring Company: Milestone C & STEMI

This essential Foundations of Tech will provide an introduction to areas of new-age tech that are embedded in Industry 4.0, including design, robotics, and AI. Let's work together to make students developers, instead of consumers, of tech and STEM for their future and ultimately, career choices.

SPEAKERS:
Dave Conelias (Milestone C LLC: Shelton, CT)

Portals are “a gateway between one world and the next,” Arundhati Roy offers. As young people use video games, they are accessing and developing portals, revealing how they imagine new social possibilities, futures, and worlds. In this keynote, Cortez will share insights and vignettes from The Learning To Transform (LiTT) Video Gaming Lab, a space he founded that supports undergraduates, community members, and Black and Latinx high school students in jointly re-imagining the role of everyday gaming as a robust site for learning. Through these examples, Cortez will offer new pedagogical portals for how social justice, the socio-political imagination, play, and STEM converge in everyday learning contexts.

TAKEAWAYS:
Through examples, Cortez will offer new pedagogical portals for how social justice, the socio-political imagination, play, and STEM converge in everyday learning contexts.

SPEAKERS:
Arturo Cortez (Assistant Professor: Boulder, CO)

TikTok is all the rage, and student spend a large amount of time on TikTok. Because of this, students do not always like traditional methods of receiving information (notes, lectures, demonstrations, labs). Additionally, according to Pew Research, 26% of 18-29 years old get their news (whether accurate or inaccurate) on TikTok. This number is probably higher for younger ages. Because students spend so much time on TikTok, they are used to getting short (less than 1 min) snippets of information in an engaging environment. In order to better serve our students, educators need to know how to use TikTok to their advantage to inform students. Tiktok can be used to share information with students (as photos or videos) and can serve as a great tool for formative and summative assessments (i.e.: students sharing information about their experimental results, taking polls, analyzing other TikTok's for their educational value).

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to use TikTok for educational purposes; including disseminating information to students via TikTok and using TikTok as a formative and summative assessment tool for high school and post-secondary students.

SPEAKERS:
Kelsey Mescher (Battle High School: Columbia, MO), Stephanie Coyle (Jefferson Middle School: Columbia, MO)

The United States Patent and Trademark Office has developed free, online educational resources for K - 12 educators and students to teach the basics of intellectual property where disciplines converge through STEM and invention education. The purpose of this session is to introduce teachers to EquIP HQ and other free tools and resources from the US Patent and Trademark Office delivered by the USPTO's Office of Education staff of Education Program Advisors and Specialists. EquIP HQ provides free, online lessons and activities to teach the invention process, as well as what intellectual property is and how it drives innovation and industry. By learning about intellectual property, your students can gain a deeper understanding of the role of innovation in our society and how they can make a positive impact through problem solving. By using USPTO resources, you can help your students develop critical thinking and research skills as well as creativity and problem solving.

TAKEAWAYS:
The purpose of this session is to introduce teachers to EquIP HQ and other free tools and resources from the US Patent and Trademark Office to help your students develop essential critical thinking and research skills as well as creativity and problem-solving through invention education.

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

Working in teams, students take a short analog message and convert it to binary code for cell phone transmission. Students then send those zero’s and one over a carrier wave using a form of amplitude modulation to another team. At the other end the message is decoded and rewritten in analog form. which message was first? How close was it? A discussion of challenges the students’ faced in acting like a DSP (digital signal processor) lets student see some of the challenges of the original binary code and how subsequent forms of coding came about to address some of those challenges. Students discover the binary code they used was Morse code. Students then code and send a different message using the original 5-digit computer code. After racing to send their messages, students are guided through a follow-up discussion on the pros and cons of the new (Baudot) computer code used.

TAKEAWAYS:
Students will understand some of the challenges faced in digital signal processing as sending digital information evolved by completing a lab activity where they will code and decode messages into a digital format for transmission and receiving, similar to how cell phones work.

SPEAKERS:
John Clark (Volusia Online Learning: Port Orange, FL)

Since the beginning of the COVID pandemic, teachers have had to restructure how they teach. When schools closed, teachers were given multiple options and had to pick one. Many schools chose the Google Classroom option as it was the easiest for some schools to set up, but didn't allow for inclusivity with every student both in and out of the room. Using examples from my own Chemistry and fully virtual Applied Digital Skills classes, I will show how Microsoft Teams can give both the teachers and students a hub for all their presentations, notes, assignments, and even assessments. It allows teachers the ability to grade assignments and for students and parents to see those grades within the platform. It also allows for teachers to keep track of students' mental health and insights that can be shared with parents or councilors about students' habits on their computer. This may not be a science specific topic, but it works so well for managing a science classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will know how to use Microsoft Teams to host virtual lessons, create postings students can read and interact with, create and grade assignments, and how to check in with the emotional needs of students.

SPEAKERS:
Jill Elder (Assumption High School: Louisville, KY)

Seckinger High School utilizes an Artificial Intelligence framework that is incorporated into every subject. The framework will be shared with a see-think-wonder protocol. Participants will work through 3 sample lessons integrating parts of the framework. The Biology lesson will feature 3 uses of generative text models for learning: analysis of generated text for accuracy, creation of generative images for student productivity, and use of generative text models for creative problem-solving and student ideation. For the Chemistry lesson, students will use PASCO probes, along with their knowledge of acids and bases, chemical bonding, and properties to design a solution to a real-world problem. The Physics lesson will use an inquiry-based investigation to discover the coefficient of friction while comparing data between a spring scale and PASCO probes. Participants will receive hard copies of handouts and access to all digital resources.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to “upgrade” their lessons as education continues to move into the phase of artificial intelligence.

SPEAKERS:
Holly Hall (Seckinger High School: No City, No State), Natasaskia Wayne (Gwinnett County Public Schools: No City, No State), Krystal Shearon (Seckinger High School)

Understanding the nature and process of science is critical to scientific literacy. When students engage in the practices of science, they are more likely to integrate science as part of their own identities (Gee, 2007). To do this successfully, students must reflect on what they are doing and why, along with comparing their strategies to those of professional scientists (NRC, 2011). In this session, participants will examine their own conceptions of the nature and process of science, make connections to pedagogical frameworks (NGSS SEPs & CCCs), engage as students to use the Flowchart Mapping tool from the Understanding Science project to trace their approach to figuring out a biological phenomenon about why blue whales are so big, compare their process to that of the scientists investigating the phenomenon, and reflect on how they might use this tool and strategy in their own classrooms with other phenomena or lessons.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how to use the Science Flowchart interactive journaling tool to illuminate the dynamic nature and process of science, and how to apply the tool to any phenomenon or lesson in their classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Lindsey Roy (Science and Digital Learning Coordinator: Lincoln, NE), Betsy Barent (Lincoln Public Schools: No City, No State)

Using the standard model kits for inspiration, attendees will see how using simulations for 3-D modeling of molecular geometry can help students "see" the unseen. Taking this knowledge, attendees will code a rover to draw the molecular shapes using simple and easy coding commands. NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED! Student's will be exposed to not only molecular geometry, but will also tie in mathematical geometry with the use of interior and exterior angles for their shapes.

TAKEAWAYS:
Give students new ways to visualize molecular geometry while integrating coding into the science classroom and maybe learning a little geometry!

SPEAKERS:
Stacy Thibodeaux (Southside High School: Youngsville, LA), Chris Coker (Camden Fairview High School: Camden, AR)

Discussion boards and class discussions can tend to become routine, unproductive, and often frustrating to both teachers and students. After participating in a NGSS Twitter Chat, I began to wonder how I could replicate this experience in my course. Using the structure of Twitter and the function of the Twitter Chat, I reimagined facilitation of a class discussion that promoted increased engagement and learning for all my students. Using the stream format in Padlet and intentional questions for reflection, I replaced a typical reading response and class discussion. To my surprise, it was one of my students’ favorite strategies and continues to be each semester. Participants will engage in a Twitter chat simulation to support their understanding of the simulation and how students participate. Directions for creating the Padlet will be demonstrated and participants will have time to design their own Twitter chat simulation padlet and chat questions to use with upcoming content.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will use the structure and function of social media experiences, understand how they can be safely simulated in our classrooms using tools like Padlet, and leave with a Twitter Chat simulation they design around their upcoming content. (No Twitter account needed.) Upper Elem-PostSec.

SPEAKERS:
Beth Pesnell (Kansas State University: Manhattan, KS)

Join us for a fast-paced session where you'll learn about a variety of tech tools, and STEM Night Ideas that can help you engage your elementary students in science. This session is designed to be informative and interactive, so come prepared with questions. We'll also have time for a Q&A at the end. Enhancing Teaching Efficiency and Personalizing Learning: The Advantages of ChatGPT for Teachers' Lesson Planning This proposal emphasizes the benefits of AI, specifically ChatGPT, in teaching practices. ChatGPT reduces the workload and stress of lesson planning, and offers personalized resources that can enhance teaching efficiency and improve student engagement and achievement. Flippity: A go to versatile tool to increase engagement Flippity can "easily turn Google™ spreadsheets into flashcards and other cool stuff." This session will highlight three go to interactives to increase student engagement with one another and with content. Consider bringing a device to practice creating one or two of these cool things. Family STEM Nights Participants will gain insight into how to plan a school site or district wide STEM Night. Grant writing, community partnerships, do’s and don’ts, creating engaging, interactive booths for students, and timeline for planning the event will all be discussed.

TAKEAWAYS:
Join us for a fast-paced session where you'll learn about a variety of tech tools that can help you engage your elementary students in science. This session is designed to be informative and interactive, so come prepared with questions. We'll also have time for a Q&A at the end.

SPEAKERS:
Li Zhu (PhD student: , IA), Hye Ryung Won , Lauren Wagner (Ph.D. Candidate: , FL), Hyesun You (University of Iowa: Iowa City, IA), Simone Nance (University of Southern Indiana: Evansville, IN), Jeff Thomas (University of Southern Indiana: Evansville, IN), Krissy Johnson (Midwest City-Del City ISD #52: Oklahoma City, OK)

Science educators will share their favorite tech tools for teachers and students. Learn about tools for interactive simulations, virtual field trips, data collection, and more. This is a great opportunity to discover new tools and learn how to use them in your own classroom. ASTE: Assistive Technology, Students with Learning Differences & Achieving Scientific Literacy A presentation of the findings from a study addressing the impact of audio technology to uncover the ideal devices that best advance scientific literacy and comprehension for students with learning differences. How science really works: Enhancing instruction with the Science Flowchart interactive Find out how to modify your current instruction to better communicate the dynamic process of science using an interactive tool from the Understanding Science website. Help students recognize science as a dynamic, exciting, creative, and intensely human endeavor! Tech Tools to Improve Student Data Fluency from Rubin Observatory Rubin Observatory has applied multiple strategies to improve student data fluency and self-efficacy in the design of its free online astronomy investigations. These investigations feature interactive tools and innovative authentic data representations designed to address common topics in astronomy.

TAKEAWAYS:
Science educators will share their favorite tech tools for teachers and students. Learn about tools for interactive simulations, virtual field trips, data collection, and more. This is a great opportunity to discover new tools and learn how to use them in your own classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Clement Gomes (CUNY Guttman Community College: New York, NY), Felicia Mensah (Teachers College, Columbia University: New York, NY), Lindsey Roy (Science and Digital Learning Coordinator: Lincoln, NE), Betsy Barent (Lincoln Public Schools: No City, No State), Ardis Herrold (Vera C. Rubin Observatory: Tucson, AZ)

Sponsoring Company: ExploreLearning

This interactive session will explore a digital interface that develops models to capture students' thinking when designing and testing solutions to real-world problems. We will immerse ourselves in solving a puzzling STEM Case to develop a model and use it to optimize a solution.

SPEAKERS:
Patricia Low (ExploreLearning: Charlottesville, VA)

This presentation will examine current research showing the positive effect virtual/augmented reality has on student engagement and achievement when used effectively in the classroom. Educators will have the opportunity to review the literature to determine if and how virtual/augmented reality could be beneficial in their classrooms. Attendees will have the opportunity to use a virtual reality headset and experience educational applications. They will also be provided with various virtual/augmented reality educational resources. These resources range from requiring highly updated technology to simply needing a Chromebook. Any educator can implement virtual/augmented reality into their STEM classroom. This presentation will introduce many educators to a new age in educational technology.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn what educational research currently says about virtual/augmented reality in STEM classrooms, as well as what future studies should be conducted. Various tools and resources will be provided to enable teachers to utilize virtual/augmented reality in their classrooms.

SPEAKERS:
Kayla Sullivan (Chemistry Teacher HS: Georgetown, OH)

In Wisconsin, 5th-grade students develop models to explain how Earth's systems interact. 10 Milwaukee Public Schools are engaged in Project {FUTURE}; a DOA research and outreach grant as partners with Marquette and Sacred Heart Universities to bring Computer Science into elementary classrooms. A group of these Project {FUTURE} teachers are members of a collaborative cohort developing integrated computer science units. These units embed and bridge Computer Science content, such as algorithms and programming, into other content areas. The highlighted "novel" integrated unit connects the science topic of Earth's systems to the beginning computer programming language of Blockly to create interactive models using CODE.org's Sprite Lab. The culminating project requires students to incorporate research and data gathered on two or more of Earth's systems, and create an interactive app using sprites, variables, and simulations within CODE.org Computer Science Fundamental Course F.

TAKEAWAYS:
The poster session will outline the collaborative process experienced by a cohort of teachers in designing integrated computer science units. The featured Earth's System unit embeds computer science components of programming and algorithms with the WI and NGSS grade 5 standards for physical science.

SPEAKERS:
Renee Scianni (Milwaukee Public Schools: Milwaukee, WI)

The session will give teachers an opportunity to see examples of the rich and meaningful three-dimensional assessment that are called for by the NGSS. This session, as a result, will include 20 minutes of audience participation in student hat and 20 minutes for examining student responses in order to make sense of student thinking. Participants will leave the session with access to a library of high-quality instructional 3-D assessment that they can use in their own classrooms. The agenda for this session is: • A discussion of what makes assessments useful for teaching and learning (5 min) • A discussion of the difference between 3-D, 2-D, and 1-D assessments (5 min). • An opportunity for participants to experience an example of high-quality 3-D assessment (20 min) • An overview of a tech tool that teachers use to access and use a library of these assessments (5 min) • Questions (5 min)

TAKEAWAYS:
Characteristics of high-quality three-dimensional assessments include: (1) can be used to examine how students use a DCI, CC, and SEP to figure something out, (2) easy to administer and take, and (3) include tools that lead to useful insights about student thinking.

SPEAKERS:
Todd Hutner (The University of Alabama: Austin, TX)

NEED’s Exploring Marine Hydrokinetics (MHK) is an exploratory unit for secondary students that includes teacher and student guides containing comprehensive background information on energy, the properties of fluids and waves, electricity, hydrokinetic technologies, and careers in the emerging industry of MHK. Participants will have the opportunity to apply the science of the oceans and electricity generation as they learn about the many types of MHK technology, explore case studies, consider siting a project, and build their own sample wave generator model. The curriculum is available for free and includes hands-on, inquiry-based explorations, group presentations, and cooperative learning activities.

TAKEAWAYS:
The energy of moving water can be harnessed and converted into electricity in many ways, including technologies for harnessing the energy in ocean tides, waves, and currents. Participants will learn activities for students that explore these concepts and best practices for implementing.

SPEAKERS:
Don Pruett, Jr. (Washington Science Teachers Association: Everett, WA)

A lab done in science classes leads students to discover that the force of a hanging mass can be offset by the force of a spinning mass, finding equilibrium between centrifugal force and gravity. Discover how that same physics principle used in astronomy applies to the rotation of the Milky Way and led to the discovery of Dark Matter. Students will compare their calculations for circular and planetary motion with those for the rotation of the galaxy as collected by radio astronomer’s plotting the movement of neutral hydrogen. How will your students react when they discover these calculations don’t match? Learn how to lead your students through a discussion of the world of radio astronomers who grappled with the same problem when their data did not align with the laws of physics. The explanation became a new field in cosmology – the study of dark matter and dark energy.

TAKEAWAYS:
Students will learn that galactic rotational motion follows different rules than either circular motion or Kepler’s planetary motion laws. This led to the discovery of dark matter.

SPEAKERS:
John Clark (Volusia Online Learning: Port Orange, FL)

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

Physical models reveal the invisible molecular world, but can have limitations. Digital media can address these limitations, but is experienced separate from the models. With 3DMD AR, digital overlays appear directly onto the physical models, seamlessly combining the strengths of physical models and digital media.

SPEAKERS:
Mark Hoelzer (Director of Materials Development: Milwaukee, WI)

The NGSS emphasizes practices including: 1) analyzing/interpreting data, 2) constructing explanations, and 3) obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information. Passive learning will not help middle school students practice these skills. But by giving students agency, ChatGPT, and proper scaffolding, teachers can incorporate such practices. This workshop will support teachers as they navigate through a scaffolded learning experience with ChatGPT. Attendees will discover that ChatGPT can be used to offload lower-level thinking skills and advance students into higher order thinking. For example, MS-PS1-3 reads: Gather and make sense of information to describe that synthetic materials come from natural resources and impact society. Students could use ChatGPT to gather the information and then analyze, evaluate, and construct explanations to make sense of the information. After one hour, attendees will have developed an NGSS-aligned activity using ChatGPT that they can confidently use!

TAKEAWAYS:
To be successful with ChatGPT in the science classroom, we need to give students agency. In this workshop, attendees will control their learning. They will develop a valuable idea for using ChatGPT in their class AND witness a fully different way of managing their class…by giving students agency.

SPEAKERS:
Walter Ryan (Retired Educator), Chris Turner (Chief of Staff: Rockaway, NJ), Denise Bressler (Chief Ideologist: Liberty Corner, NJ)

SPIN, a FREE web-based notebook created with funding by NSF, has three customizable lessons for data-focused investigations in Earth Science on Sunspots, Tides, and Hurricanes. Teachers can also input their own lessons into SPIN. One of the teachers who created the lessons in the notebook will be presenting. The first 30 minutes presenters will give teachers accounts in SPIN and show how students can use the notebook and the metacognitive support features such as the Communication Hub, I’m Stuck button, and SPAARC prompts. Experiences of teachers and students who have used SPIN will be discussed. In the final 30 minutes, teachers will customize a lesson in SPIN or input their own lessons with help from the presenters. By the end of the session, teachers will be able to use SPIN effectively with the ability to share the notebook with all of the teachers at their school. Use of SPIN is free and is found at https://spin.cehd.gmu.edu/login. Biology, chemistry, and physics also available.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will learn how to use SPIN to download and edit a lesson from the Global Marketplace or create their own lesson in SPIN. Teachers who have used SPIN note that it has helped their students understand data practices explicitly.

SPEAKERS:
Kevin Cabaniss (Teacher, Science), Erin Peters-Burton (George Mason University: Fairfax, VA)

Chemical equilibrium is a central topic to the understanding of both Chemistry and Biology, yet students have many misconceptions. The NGSS standard HS PS1-6 covers this important topic. In a recent AP Chemistry Exam, the vast majority of students did poorly on the topic and had misconceptions about equilibrium; 73 % of the students received a zero or had no response to the equilibrium question. Students are most familiar with equilibrium problems and experiments where the K value is small; usually less than one. Exam questions dealing with a large K value cause the majority of students to do poorly. In this presentation, participants will take part in a “hands-on” inquiry activity with an equilibrium having a large K value. Participants will learn methods to overcome student misconceptions of equilibrium. Join this workshop to take an inquiry lab back to use in your classroom. Handouts will be provided. There will be time allotted for participant questions.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn to use Inquiry to overcome student misconceptions about chemical equilibrium.

SPEAKERS:
Gregory Dodd (Retired Chemistry Teacher: Pennsboro, WV)

Rubin Observatory is a public US observatory funded by the NSF. Educational materials and services are freely available to all. “Coloring the Universe” is one of six free online investigations that offer a complete, classroom ready lesson. Designed to support the NGSS, it comes with a phenomenon, teacher guide, presentation slides, videos, and a variety of three-dimensional formative and summative assessments and scoring guides. Since the entire lesson cannot be completed in 60 minutes, we will adopt a drop in approach at various places of the phenomenon and online app, and role-playing from the student perspective.We will then visit the website to preview additional resources. This workshop will also model how the lesson can be incorporated in Earth-Space or Physics storylines, and will demonstrate formative assessment and inclusive learning techniques.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how to use the free interactive Coloring the Universe online investigation and support materials designed for NGSS teaching and learning, as well as active learning and assessment strategies that support inclusive techniques for building student communication skills.

SPEAKERS:
Ardis Herrold (Vera C. Rubin Observatory: Tucson, AZ)

Sponsoring Company: CloudLabs Virtual STEM

Discover how gamified classrooms enhance STEM, creativity, and autonomous learning. Get engage with gamified environments, exploring benefits, challenges, and best practices for integrating technology in education.

SPEAKERS:
Jiovany Orozco (CloudLabs LLC)

In the presentation, I will be sharing STEM activities for grades 6-8. The activities shared will include STEM icebreakers, STEM projects for content units, and other fun and engaging STEM activities. Get ready to have a STEM-sational time as you will be creating projects to take back to your school. I will also provide links to activities/projects that participants can use that will not be demonstrated/experienced that will align the concept of cells to TEKS for grades 6-8.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will experience hands-on learning for grades 6-8. This experience will give attendees fun and engaging activities for students to learn about STEM.

SPEAKERS:
Amy Rush (Lufkin Middle School: Lufkin, TX), Rebecca Walker (Tays Junior High School: Katy, TX)

Digital notebooking is a tool that can support both teaching and learning and can be utilized for a variety of purposes. The time during this 60 minute session will be split between the presenters sharing information including examples of various ways to implement digital notebooks that align with research-based best practices and participants having time to plan and prepare usage for their own setting. Teachers will leave with ready-to-use takeaways to assist them in empowering students to not only learn content more independently but also reflect on their learning path and level of understanding to gear up for future success. Teachers will also be able to explore how the notebooks provide quick access to each student's progress in learning and the ability to give feedback when and where it is needed.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will leave this session with a digital notebook template and the knowledge and resources to create and implement one successfully, as well as a framework that coicides with the use of a digital notebook and fits any curriculum to allow for students to have influence on their learning.

SPEAKERS:
Vera Hayslip (7th grade Science: Cincinnati, OH), Kelly Hartings (Indian Hill Middle School: CINCINNATI, OH)

In this exciting and topical workshop, participants will act as their students to roleplay as a team of EV drivers, city planners, and community members to plan EV infrastructure. Participants will need to balance the needs and desires of different stakeholders to place EV chargers in their community. They will test their plan by simulating a day trip by calculating distance, battery capacity, and charging time. The challenge will be to make it a whole day without running out of battery power. This activity is inspired by electrification lessons from The Energy Coalition’s Energy is Everything curriculum program. Participants will leave this workshop with the tools to facilitate a roleplaying activity that explores city planning, identifying and addressing tradeoffs, and electrification within their communities. All materials will be provided by The Energy Coalition’s program, Energy is Everything.

TAKEAWAYS:
This hands-on, standards-aligned workshop will show the influence of engineering, technology, and science on society. Participants will learn to facilitate a roleplaying activity that explores city planning, stakeholder tradeoffs, and electrification within their own communities.

SPEAKERS:
Hanna Buechi (Sr. Project Coordinator: Irvine, CA), Jasmine Pineda (Project Manager: Irvine, CA)

Virtual reality is an emerging technology that has the potential to revolutionize the way we learn and teach. As a tool in education, VR can create immersive and interactive experiences that engage students in ways that traditional methods cannot. VR can be used to create virtual field trips, simulations, visualizations, and collaborative environments that allow students to explore, experiment, and learn in ways that were previously impossible. VR as an educational tool has the potential to improve student engagement, understanding, and retention. The immersive and interactive nature of VR can help students to better understand complex concepts and retain information more effectively. As the technology continues to evolve, it is likely that VR will become an increasingly important tool in education, providing new opportunities for learning and teaching. ClassVR (the platform we will use)can be used as an educational tool that not only engages the students but helps the educator teach!

TAKEAWAYS:
Virtual Reality as a teaching tool is a great way to engage and immerse your students and can help fill any gaps they may have from their personal experiences.

SPEAKERS:
Ashish Vadalia (Chesapeake Lighthouse Foundation: No City, No State)

Sponsoring Company: Pivot Interactives

Learn how to use Pivot Interactives as a source of phenomena to quickly bring data analysis into all parts of the learning cycle. Unlock the science practices with your ready to go data and easily implement into your instruction.

SPEAKERS:
Eric Friberg (Pivot Interactives: Minneapolis, MN)

This presentation will give an overview of how to incorporate an Innovations Technology STEM class into the elementary building schedule. This STEM and engineering course has been offered for grades K-5 at Orchard Farm School District in St. Charles Missouri for years. Often science is overlooked in the elementary school schedule and is often pushed to the side for more time for ELA and mathematics, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic. This course has enabled our students to stay ahead of the curve as engineering scientists, and this presentation will enable participants to ask questions, explore curriculum, as well as give benefits they could bring back to their buildings to incorporate a class like this at their schools. Participants will explore how NGSS standards, makerspace opportunities, and CS curriculum are all used to build a creative curriculum to engage the littlest scientists on a consistent basis!

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn the characteristics of Orchard Farm School District's Innovation Technology class at the elementary level, including curriculum ideas, ways to build the course into an existing schedule, and STEM and NGSS implications!

SPEAKERS:
Melissa Tackett (Innovations Technology Teacher: , MO)

Teachers will experience what it is like to be a student in a unique and engaging modern classroom that uses innovative methods that place students in the center of their learning. Their assignments will be to view examples from science classrooms currently using the model, and create components of a modern classroom using content from their own courses or provided samples. By completing this workshop, teachers will have a better understanding of how to use technology with blended instruction, mastery learning, and self-paced structures that incorporate collaboration, projects, and hands-on learning into a modern classroom to effectively reach the needs of every student, and receive valuable next steps to begin transforming their teaching and create a Classroom of the Future. This workshop is geared toward 1:1 classrooms of all grade levels.

TAKEAWAYS:
​​Participants will experience this model as students as they explore blended instruction, self-pacing, and mastery-based grading. They will then begin to apply these concepts to their own lessons and units using the toolbox of samples, templates, and resources.

SPEAKERS:
Sumala Paidi (Teacher: , TX), Julie Gastler (Hickman High School: Columbia, MO)

Preparing preservice teachers with opportunities to engage with innovative technology may increase the likelihood that they will use technology in their elementary/middle school classrooms. Preservice teachers in an educational technology class learned how to use innovative technology prior to introducing students in the United States and/or Mexico to the technology. Preservice teachers took surveys and wrote reflections about their opinions of the effectiveness of the technology as an educational tool for science classrooms. opportunities

TAKEAWAYS:
Teacher educators will have opportunities to engage with floor-robots and virtual reality headsets during this workshop presentation. Researchers will detail highlights from a service-learning trip to Mexico prior to engaging participants in hands-on learning opportunities.

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

Sponsoring Company: Pivot Interactives

What do hands-on labs do well? What not well? Are you open to considering a paradigm shift? Come see how Pivot Interactives expands the options to implement phenomena, the science practices, feedback, and scaffolding easily across the learning cycle.

SPEAKERS:
Eric Friberg (Pivot Interactives: Minneapolis, MN)

Sponsoring Company: Stile Education

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SPEAKERS:
Shawna Jensen (Stile Education: Portland, OR)

This is a Share-a-Thon presentation highlighting the learning of computational thinking with the guidance from artificial intelligence. Through a live demonstration of describing a game's logic in English, the AI will guide the user to think computationally and bring the game to fruition.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn to: clearly articulate programming concepts, think like a programmer, relate various aspects of each sentence to computational concepts and constructs, and apply lessons to various subjects.

SPEAKERS:
Michael Hsiao (Virginia Tech: Blacksburg, VA)

Even though children interact with the natural and designed worlds daily, they don’t often think and act like scientists and engineers-- who often use computational thinking. Come see how to embed computational thinking into an elementary lesson on light!

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to incorporate computational thinking into science lessons!

SPEAKERS:
Jesse Wilcox (University of Northern Iowa: Cedar Falls, IA)

The unique nature of this presentation leverages the extensive knowledge and experience of both a chemistry and a biology educator (who is also a research scientist) to show how teachers can use biotechnologies, such as DNA Fingerprinting and CRISPR Cas-9, to motivate student exploration while expanding their chemistry knowledge and inspiring them to pursue research. This topic is particularly important because CRISPR Cas-9 is at the forefront of medical breakthroughs such as CAR-T cell cancer treatments and gene therapy. Unfortunately, this topic has not yet been used to its full potential in the classroom. This presentation will raise awareness among teachers of how to explain and utilize biotechnologies in various ways. Specifically, this session will show how to use chemistry to explain CRISPR Cas-9 while emphasizing the six elements of life, functional groups, and macromolecules (using hands-on molecular models) to leverage sense making to explain these complex processes.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how to excite students to learn and apply the chemistry necessary to understand the latest breakthroughs in biotechnology such as DNA Fingerprinting and CRISPR Cas-9. This presentation will showcase the crosscutting concept of systems and system models.

SPEAKERS:
Susan Allison (Dawson Education Service Cooperative: Arkadelphia, AR), Patrycja Krakowiak (Biology Instructor: Hot Springs, AR)

Attendees will walk through the process of creating a Google Site specific to their classroom. They will learn how to create a master template to share with their students and how to help their students get started with the Google Site. They will also learn how to support their students as the Google Site is used to submit projects, portfolios, or lab notebooks. Attendees will learn how to insert pictures, files, and videos into the Google Site to create a more interactive resource for students. Attendees will begin to create their own template in the session with the goal of having a template ready to use in their classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
Google Sites streamlines the grading process for lab notebooks and projects.

SPEAKERS:
Brodie Solomon (Physics Teacher: Ft Worth, TX), Katie Labadie (Science Department Chair: Fort Worth, TX)

Create interactive questions with randomizable values for your students using our completely FREE tool!

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will learn how to use my tool to create interactive, randomized questions to use with their students!

SPEAKERS:
Jack Replinger (FormerTeacher / Founder: , WA)

Join us as we take you through a hands-on journey, walking you step-by-step through the process of crafting impactful movies. Whether you’re a seasoned tech enthusiast or new to the world of video editing, this session caters to all levels of expertise. Learn how to: 1. Choose the Right Software: Explore the functionalities of iMovie, Clips, and other popular editing tools, and determine which one suits your presentation style best. 2. Plan Your Story: Dive into the art of storytelling and how to structure your presentation to convey information effectively. 3. Capture and Edit Footage: Discover techniques for capturing engaging video content and editing with precision, including adding transitions, effects, and captions. 4. Incorporate Visuals: Learn how to integrate images, graphics, and animations to enhance your message and keep your audience engaged. 5. Perfect the Audio: Understand the importance of clear audio and explore how to incorporate music, narration, and sound effects.

TAKEAWAYS:
Educators will learn how to seamlessly integrate critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, communication, information literacy, media literacy, technology literacy, flexibility, leadership, and initiative into their STEM curriculum through video-based projects.

SPEAKERS:
Tambra Clark (Birmingam City: No City, No State), Portrice Warren (William James Christian K-8 School: Birmingham, AL)

Participants will have an opportunity to practice using a 3-D printing pen. They will be able to create small models and designs from a pattern (or just by doodling). This activity also aims to spark ideas for 3-D pens as a relatively easy and inexpensive way to introduce the engineering design process with practical applications for students. Information about eCYBERMISSION and the other programs sponsored by the Army Educational Outreach Program will be available as well. Submitted for the STEM Haven activity session on Saturday AM session, request access to electrical outlets and table space Please do not schedule to conflict with the following sessions: The Scoop on K-12 STEM Programs and Teacher Awards Administered by NSTA; eCYBERMISSION STEM Competition - The Power of Phenomenon-Based Learning; eCYBERMISSION STEM Competition - Authentic, Engaging, Accessible; or Translating Experience to Classroom Practice through Research Experiences for STEM Educators & Teachers (RESET)

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will have an opportunity to use a 3-D pen to make (and take) a small model or design for the classroom using a provided pattern or an original design. Information about eCYBERMISSION and programs administered by NSTA and sponsored by AEOP will be available.

SPEAKERS:
Brian Kutsch (National Science Teaching Association, eCYBERMISSION), Carey Dieleman (National Science Teaching Association: No City, No State)

Participants will have an opportunity to participate in a virtual reality simulation of a laboratory setting by wearing a VR headset. They will be able to “test” potential solutions for a refillable canteen by following verbal and visual instructions within the VR application. The VR experience also offers additional options to learn about various technological developments researched and developed by scientists and engineers working in Army laboratories, including night vision goggles and walkie talkies. Information about eCYBERMISSION and the other programs administered by NSTA and sponsored by the Army Educational Outreach Program will be available as well.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will have an opportunity to use virtual reality goggles and applications to explore a technological alternative to hands-on scientific inquiry and engineering design processes. Information about eCYBERMISSION and programs administered by NSTA and sponsored by AEOP will be available.

SPEAKERS:
Brian Kutsch (National Science Teaching Association, eCYBERMISSION), Carey Dieleman (National Science Teaching Association: No City, No State)

Even prior to the adoption of Illinois' media literacy requirement, Stanford University had researched student search patterns and developed a curriculum for teachers/specialists to educate students on evaluating online sources. I am a biology teacher who worked on a teacher-led team for 3-years with Stanford to implement a cross-curricular Civic Online Reasoning experience for all freshmen. Our program was highlighted in Chicagoland All Things Considered (NPR) and Scripps National News Literacy Week. Focus will be on why students need explicit experiences, three online focuses, and designing lessons for immediate use. https://cor.stanford.edu/curriculum/ https://docs.google.com/document/d/1t_mVir5PHvfnOKgzm48HCqDPxilpeKwnZ1qf_7CSnek/edit?usp=sharing

TAKEAWAYS:
Science teachers can take the front seat in teaching students best practices in online searches with mini-lessons embedded in science content.

SPEAKERS:
Adrianne Toomey (Neuqua Valley High School: Naperville, IL)

Often art mimics science and some aspects of science seem divinely beautiful. As an approach for developing a holistic curriculum for the science classroom, the novel approach of using common, free, 3D modeling tools has been considered and implemented in the science classroom. The objective of this session is to introduce educators to the benefits and opportunities of using 3D modeling in the science classroom to enhance student learning and engagement. The session will provide practical tips and strategies for integrating 3D modeling technology (Blender) into science lessons, as well as showcase examples of successful implementation. Blender is a free, easy to use, yet robust, 3d modeling and simulation software.

TAKEAWAYS:
Educators will have practical tips and strategies for integrating 3-D modeling into their science lessons. Participants will have hands-on experience with 3-D modeling tools and software. Educators will be able to share their experiences and ask questions about using 3-D modeling in the classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Ashley Posey (McCallie School: Chattanooga, TN), Jessica Dobrin (Science Teacher: Chattanooga, TN), Caleb Bagby (Director of Educational Technology: Chattanooga, TN)

Copper is used in plumbing, coinage, and electrical wiring; yet we often take this element for granted. Copper has been known since at least 9000 BC, but many of its reactions and properties have only been determined in recent centuries. This inquiry requires students to: research the chemical reactions of copper (redox, double displacement, and decomposition), apply prior knowledge of stoichiometry and conservation of matter, analyze a copper solution using spectroscopy, and use proper laboratory techniques and skills. NGSS standards HS PS1-2, HS PS1-5, and HS PS1-7 will be addressed. Participants will: research and design an Inquiry experiment, use technology to collect/analyze data, & visualize what occurs on the submicroscopic level by employing particulate drawings. Join this workshop to take home a two-unit inquiry lab which is a perfect beginning-of-year lab and end-of-course lab practical. There will be time allotted for participant questions. Handouts will be provided.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will take part in a “hands-on” Inquiry experiment, use technology to collect/analyze data, and visualize what occurs on the submicroscopic level in copper chemical reactions by employing particulate drawings.

SPEAKERS:
Gregory Dodd (Retired Chemistry Teacher: Pennsboro, WV)

Part 1: We'll demonstrate how to use the ChatGPT to create dynamic curriculum & lesson plans that encourage student curiosity and foster a love for scientific inquiry. We'll demonstrate how to use the AI to generate thought-provoking questions, design hands-on activities, and provide real-time feedback to enhance student learning. Part 2: Learn how ChatGPT can assist you in designing assessments that effectively measure student understanding and track progress toward learning objectives. We'll cover strategies for generating AI-powered quizzes, tests, and projects, as well as using ChatGPT to analyze student performance and provide personalized feedback. Part 3: Navigate the potential challenges and ethical considerations of using ChatGPT in the classroom. We'll discuss best practices for responsibly and transparently integrating ChatGPT into your teaching, while maintaining student privacy and addressing potential biases in the AI's output.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to effectively integrate ChatGPT into science education, enhancing lesson plans, curriculum, and assessments while addressing ethical considerations for responsible AI implementation.

SPEAKERS:
Ren Rende (University of Nebraska at Omaha: No City, No State), Noah Glaser (Assistant Professor: COLUMBIA, MO)

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)

Attendees will walk through the process of creating a Google Site specific to their classroom. They will learn how to create a master template to share with their students and how to help their students get started with the Google Site. They will also learn how to support their students as the Google Site is used to submit projects, portfolios, or lab notebooks. Attendees will learn how to insert pictures, files, and videos into the Google Site to create a more interactive resource for students. Attendees will begin to create their own template in the session with the goal of having a template ready to use in their classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
Google Sites streamlines the grading process for lab notebooks and projects.

SPEAKERS:
Brodie Solomon (Physics Teacher: Ft Worth, TX), Katie Labadie (Science Department Chair: Fort Worth, TX)

A hot topic in energy management circles is microgrids. This activity introduces this concept and is designed to help students build simple DC circuits to “connect” and “light” their microgrid buildings. We’ll further discuss critical thinking activities and idea for classroom discussion to help students develop an understanding of their role in keeping our electric power system running smoothly, as well as how smart technologies in the home apply to a smart grid system.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn activities for students to be able to explain what a microgrid is and how to gather and analyze data to understand electricity use.

SPEAKERS:
Don Pruett, Jr. (Washington Science Teachers Association: Everett, WA)

Rubin Observatory is a public US observatory funded by the NSF. Educational materials and services are freely available to all. “Expanding Universe” is one of six free online investigations that offer a complete, classroom ready lesson. Designed to support the NGSS, it comes with a phenomenon, teacher guide, presentation slides, videos, and a variety of three-dimensional formative and summative assessments and scoring guides. This workshop will model scaffolded teaching and assessment techniques to help students achieve success in making sense of abstract concepts presented in the lesson. Since the entire lesson cannot be completed in 60 minutes, we will adopt a drop in approach at various points by using portions of the phenomenon and the online app, and role-playing from the student perspective. We will then visit the website to preview additional resources.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how to use the free interactive Expanding Universe online investigation and support materials designed for NGSS teaching and learning, as well as scaffolded teaching, and as formative assessment strategies to ensure that all students may achieve a successful learning experience.

SPEAKERS:
Ardis Herrold (Vera C. Rubin Observatory: Tucson, AZ)

Using the often discarded coinage, attendees will use the penny, calculators, force sensors, graduated cylinders, and formulas to collect and analyze data. This data will be used to analyze density comparisons of pre- and post- 1982 pennies with scientific as well as mathematical tools. Attendees will also use force sensors to analyze mass and force data to find the acceleration due to gravity. Both activities use slope and graphing knowledge to ensure student success in the science and math classroom, as well as solidifying science skills needed for standardized testing.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to incorporate technology in the science classroom that will solidify concepts learned in the math classroom which directly apply to science.

SPEAKERS:
Chris Coker (Camden Fairview High School: Camden, AR)

In the presentation, I will be sharing activities for a 6-8 aligned unit on force and motion. The activities the participants will experience will include: a hands-on activity with technology to collect and analyze data that will aid in calculating speed and a hands-on activity using technology to graph motion in real time. I will also provide links to activities/projects that participants can use that will not be demonstrated/experienced that will align the concept of force and motion to TEKS for grades 6-8.

TAKEAWAYS:
Vertically aligned lessons for teaching force and motion that involves hands-on experiences which will engage your students. We will use hot wheels to collect data to calculate speed and create motion graphs using hands-on technology.

SPEAKERS:
Rebecca Walker (Tays Junior High School: Katy, TX), Amy Rush (Lufkin Middle School: Lufkin, TX)

The session will give teachers an opportunity to participate in the same sort of rich and meaningful learning experiences that are called for by the NGSS. This session, as a result, will include approximately forty minutes of audience participation in student hat. Teachers will leave with high-quality instructional materials that they can use in their own classrooms. The agenda for this session is: • A discussion of some topics that are challenging to teach because many students see them as irrelevant and why students think this way about them (10 mins). • An opportunity for participants to experience an example of how a meaningful and authentic phenomenon can drive a learning experience (40 mins) • An overview of a tech tool to help teachers create these types of learning experiences (5 mins) • Questions and suggestions for learning more (5 mins)

TAKEAWAYS:
Meaningful phenomena and authentic problems can make topics not only more meaningful for students, but can also make instruction more rigorous and equitable.

SPEAKERS:
Todd Hutner (The University of Alabama: Austin, TX)

Over the last 10 years, STEM West, Inc. has engaged over 40 local STEM industries with schools through a variety of programs: Bridging the Gap (teachers partnered with businesses to create PBL units for the classrooms related to real business challenges), EXTREME STEM Tours (every 8th grader visited 2 local STEM businesses and they toured their community college to understand connections between pathways and businesses), and Robotics clubs that presented prototype solutions using their robotic platforms to advance the industries' production. The goal is to ignite participants' ideas of how they can modify these examples to fit their school, district, or region.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will take away several different ways to engage local businesses through partnerships.

SPEAKERS:
Carol Moore (STEM West: CLAREMONT, NC)

The unique nature of this presentation leverages the extensive knowledge and experience of both a chemistry and a biology educator (who is also a research scientist) to show how teachers can use biotechnologies, such as DNA Fingerprinting and CRISPR Cas-9, to motivate student exploration while expanding their chemistry knowledge and inspiring them to pursue research. This topic is particularly important because CRISPR Cas-9 is at the forefront of medical breakthroughs such as CAR-T cell cancer treatments and gene therapy. Unfortunately, this topic has not yet been used to its full potential in the classroom. This presentation will raise awareness among teachers of how to explain and utilize biotechnologies in various ways. Specifically, this session will show how to use chemistry to explain CRISPR Cas-9 while emphasizing the six elements of life, functional groups, and macromolecules (using hands-on molecular models) to leverage sense making to explain these complex processes.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how to excite students to learn and apply Chemistry necessary to understand the latest breakthroughs in biotechnology such as DNA Fingerprinting and CRISPR-Cas9. This presentation will showcase the crosscutting concept of systems and system models.

SPEAKERS:
Susan Allison (Dawson Education Service Cooperative: Arkadelphia, AR), Patrycja Krakowiak (Biology Instructor: Hot Springs, AR)

In this session, teachers will have the opportunity to rotate through small group sessions with expert educators who will discuss a variety of topics such as blended instruction, self-pacing, mastery learning, classroom management, and collaboration. Each expert will share their insights and strategies and then answer questions. This session is designed for teachers who are eager to embrace technology and student-centered learning to create a dynamic and engaging classroom. (This Q&A session is a follow-up to our other two workshops: “Building Your Classroom of the Future: Embracing Technology and Student Centered Learning” and “Building Your Classroom of the Future: Student Centered Learning in a Low Tech Classroom” and is suitable for all grade levels.)

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will get tangible and practical ideas to begin the journey of transforming their classroom into the Classroom of the Future. Teachers will leave equipped with samples, templates, resources, guidelines, tips and tricks.

SPEAKERS:
Sumala Paidi (Teacher: , TX), Julie Gastler (Hickman High School: Columbia, MO)