Explore the concept of sensemaking in elementary science education! We will discuss how to help students make sense of scientific concepts by listening to their ideas, building on their prior knowledge, and providing opportunities for them to engage in inquiry-based learning. STEM group collaboration made easy Need a simple way to help your students collaborate during STEM challenges? Using this all-in-one graphic organizer, students have a way to organize their individual ideas while collaborating together. As a teacher, you can quickly see a small group thinking and planning through the entire process. Creativity: The Green Eggs and Ham Hypothesis This session will explore the Green Eggs and Ham Hypothesis (Tromp, 2016) and how constraints increase creativity in problem solving. Participants will learn how constraints changed a K-5 STEAM/Inquiry Lab and learn how they can use constraints to increase creativity in their classrooms. Students Teaching Students: Climate Literacy in the Elementary and Middle School Classroom The Gonzaga Center for Climate, Society, and the Environment has created the Climate Literacy Fellows, which hires and trains Gonzaga undergraduates to deliver high-impact climate literacy lessons and help students understand climate change through hands-on, inquiry driven activities.

TAKEAWAYS:
Explore the concept of sensemaking in elementary science education! We will discuss how to help students make sense of scientific concepts by listening to their ideas, building on their prior knowledge, and providing opportunities for them to engage in inquiry-based learning.

SPEAKERS:
Lauren Kelly (Crowley ISD: Fort Worth, TX), Travis Wood (Fairport Central School District: No City, No State), Karli Honebein (Gonzaga Institute for Climate, Water, and the Environment)