2023 Kansas City National Conference

October 25-28, 2023

All sessions added to My Agenda prior to this notice have been exported to the mobile app and will be visible in your account when the app launches. Any sessions added now, will also have to be added in the app.
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Rooms and times subject to change.
113 results
Save up to 50 sessions in your agenda.

SC-2: Designing and Using Three-Dimensional Assessment Tasks to Support NGSS Instruction

Wednesday, October 25 • 8:15 AM - 3:30 PM

Kansas City Convention Center - 3501 B

Add to Cart 71 tickets available


STRAND: Research to Practice

Show Details

This full day course will introduce and immerse participants in the Next Generation Science Assessment (NGSA) design approach including unpacking dimensions, developing integrated dimension maps, articulating learning performances, identifying phenomena, and designing tasks.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn the steps for designing 3-dimensional tasks that align with NGSS performance expectations, take into consideration students’ diverse backgrounds, and create their own tasks at the grade level and science topic of their choice.

SPEAKERS:
Joseph Krajcik (CREATE for STEM Institute, Michigan State University: East Lansing, MI), Christopher Harris (WestEd)

Getting a Foothold for Creating Three-Dimensional Classroom-Based Assessment Tasks

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 3501 A


STRAND: Research to Practice

Show Details

Learn a design process for creating three-dimensional assessment tasks that support instruction and student learning. Participants will be introduced to each phase: unpacking dimensions, developing integrated dimension maps, articulating learning performances, identifying phenomena, and designing tasks.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn the steps of a systematic process for designing three-dimensional tasks that align with NGSS performance expectations, take into consideration students’ diverse backgrounds, and can be used in classrooms to provide information to teachers and students to improve learning.

SPEAKERS:
Joseph Krajcik (CREATE for STEM Institute, Michigan State University: East Lansing, MI)

Integration by Design: The Task Analysis Tool for Developing Meaningful Science Lessons

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 2215 B


STRAND: Research to Practice

Show Details

NGSS emphasize the integration of disciplinary core ideas, crosscutting concepts, and science and engineering practices in ways that reflect real-world practices. Integration has shown to enhance students' interest in multiple content areas, improve their attitudes toward the discipline, and develop life-long learning skills. Integration can be challenging without proper support and resources. The Task Analysis Tool (TAT) is a graphic organizer tool and a practical process that supports the meaningful, intentional, and purposeful integration of content and skills within a lesson. The TAT has proven to be beneficial for designing student-centered lessons, identifying integration points, and collaborating with others. This 60-minute workshop proposal aims to provide participants with an opportunity to learn about the TAT, its significance, related research, potential applications, and to interact with the tool by applying it to their personal lesson or activity.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants in this workshop will gain knowledge of the TAT; how it can be used and applied in their personal contexts. In addition, participants will be given digital and physical resources, including their own adaptable TAT that they can take with them and use immediately in their own classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Britt Miller (George Mason University)

Improving the Early Field Experience for Preservice Teachers and Cooperating Teachers Using a Core Practices Based Observational Tool

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 2211



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Core practices and indicators.docx
Core Practices CT observation tool V1.docx
Core practices Obs Tool builder NSTA.xlsx
NSTA 2023 Core practices Observational tool.pptx

STRAND: Research to Practice

Show Details

There is a growing call for both making early field experiences more impactful for preservice teachers and developing a stronger connection between methods courses and field experiences. The development of core practices is rooted in K-12 classroom instruction and is intended to serve as an answer to this call for a stronger connection (Windschitl et al, 2012). The goal of this research study was to collect feedback from preservice secondary science teachers in an early field experience, the methods instructors, and the cooperating teachers to design a tool based on a few select core practices that would be used to help create a more focused and insightful observational experience in the secondary science classroom. Attendees to the session will have an opportunity to develop their understanding of core practices and learn how this tool can be used in the secondary classroom to frame the experiences of a preservice teacher who is observing the teacher in action.

TAKEAWAYS:
During this session, you will learn how this observational tool can be used by preservice teachers as a means to guide their early field experience, as well as how you can use this tool to highlight your pedagogical practices, or as a basis for feedback you give to students you host in your classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Kraig Kitts (Graduate student: , IN)

Genes in Space: A Free Experimental Design Competition

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 2504 B


STRAND: Research to Practice

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: miniPCR bio

Engage students in authentic research through Genes in Space: the experimental design competition that launches experiments to the International Space Station. Learn about free educational resources, including lesson plans, classroom activities, explainer videos, and biotechnology equipment loans.

SPEAKERS:
Marc Bliss (miniPCR: Cambridge, MA)

BIOZONE’s Latest Biology Titles - Learn How These Superb Interactive Texts Deliver Flexible and Engaging Science Programs

Thursday, October 26 • 10:50 AM - 11:50 AM

Kansas City Convention Center - 1501 A


STRAND: Research to Practice

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: BIOZONE Corporation

BIOZONE's innovative, interactive worktext approach is a departure from traditional textbook learning; providing flexible, engaging, student-centered resources. Teacher Toolkit helps teachers plan, deliver, and assess. Attendees receive a FREE print copy and a 1-year ebook license.

How board games can engage your students and develop environmental literacy

Thursday, October 26 • 10:50 AM - 11:50 AM

Kansas City Convention Center - 1501 B


STRAND: Research to Practice

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Adventerra Games North America LLC

N/A

SPEAKERS:
Sue Mundell (Adventerra Games North America: Boston, MA), Bryan Mundell (Founder: , Switzerland), Lauren Kelly (Crowley ISD: Fort Worth, TX)

Expanding Access to STEM and the Arts: Nutcracker Ballet + STEM

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 2208



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
NSTA Presentation Powerpoint
Here is the Powerpoint used in the presentation.
Nutcracker Ballet + STEM - Lesson Plans and Registration Link

STRAND: Research to Practice

Show Details

The Nutcracker Ballet + STEM learning event was created to expand access to high-quality STEM and art learning experiences for K-3 students. Created in partnership with Stephens Auditorium, this free program is based upon current research that includes, but is not limited to, the report Science and Engineering in Preschool Through Elementary Grades: The Brilliance of Children and the Strengths of Educators (2022). In this presentation, we will first overview the research-base and development process. Then, participants will be introduced to the free hands-on STEM + arts challenges. These engaging challenges were designed for easy implementation with low-cost materials. All challenges use the experiential learning model of Do, Reflect, and Apply. This will then be followed by photos and video from the event to add depth and provide details on the experience. To conclude, impact data and discussion around lessons learned will be shared.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn about an educational model for integrating STEM and the arts, while gaining access to free educational materials to support a similar program in their area.

SPEAKERS:
Sara Nelson (Iowa State University: Ames, IA)

Creating a Sustainably Integrated Pedagogy Using STEM, Social Studies, and ELA

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 2209



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
NSTA 2023_ Creating a Sustainably Integrated Pedagogy.pdf

STRAND: Research to Practice

Show Details

According to recent studies, teaching elementary reading, writing, and math in isolation is not the most effective way for students to learn. We will show how it is possible to develop integrated learning opportunities using all of the subjects in the elementary school day-- building strong connections within young students' brains. Such rich and impactful experiences in student learning enhances the likelihood for students to make lasting connections with what they're learning every day. The Framework for K-12 Science in Education in conjunction with the NCSS C3 Framework is our basis for designing lessons and units. Presenters will model and help teachers brainstorm robust, integrated lessons with STEM, ELA, and social studies to improve student understanding in all subject areas as they gather, reason, and communicate connections in problem-solving STEM activities, fiction, informational text, writing, and simulated learning experiences– all capable of supporting each other.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn the connections between NGSS, NCSS, and CCSS and the impact they can have on student learning with mindful integration of these subjects. Using a template to guide their planning, attendees will begin to practice integrating lesson/unit plans based on their own core requirements.

SPEAKERS:
Deborah Draper (Cedar Ridge Elementary School: Tulsa, OK), Julie Siebach (Retired Teacher: Cedar Hills, UT)

Evaluating Information & Digital Literacy

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

Kansas City Marriott Downtown - Andy Kirk



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Evaluating Info & Digital Literacy Slides
Evaluating Info & Digital Literacy Slides

STRAND: Research to Practice

Show Details

One of the most powerful skills we can develop in our students to practice scientific literacy when they leave our classroom is the skill of critically evaluating information. This is particularly pertinent today with an uncharted landscape of misinformation and social media. We will share our experience as high school science teachers of explicitly incorporating the NGSS Scientific Practice of Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating information (SEP8) into our classrooms with proficiency-based assessment. We will share the research that influenced our work, resources that include scaffolds, activities, and assessments, and lastly, reflections and strategies after having explicitly taught and assessed evaluating information. After our first year teaching this scientific practice, we asked ourselves, "How had we not taught this skill before!?"

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will be provided with a framework and resources to help students engage in arguably the most important skill needed for them to continue to develop their scientific literacy outside of and after school -- to critically evaluate information for themselves and for a functioning democracy.

SPEAKERS:
Brett Erdmann (Adlai E. Stevenson High School: Lincolnshire, IL), Thomas Wolfe (Adlai E. Stevenson High School: Lincolnshire, IL)

Lessons from Our Classrooms: Successfully Supporting Emerging Multilinguals

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

Kansas City Marriott Downtown - Jay McShann A



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Slides with links to resources on slide 27

STRAND: Research to Practice

Show Details

Participants will learn research-based methods for supporting emerging multilinguals in their science classroom. These methods will be modeled by sharing sections of Biology labs that have been modified to support English learners. At the end of the workshop, participants will be able to take home sample lessons and labs specifically developed for a multilingual science classroom. Teaching methods presented are based on research and actual classroom experience, developed collaboratively by a team including a science teacher, English as a new language teacher, and a language development researcher. Labs shared with participants are designed to foster critical thinking while incorporating appropriate scaffolding. Lab handouts for participants to take back to their classrooms will include the following topics: scientific method, ecology, enzymes, biomolecules, cell transport, photosynthesis, and cellular respiration.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn and practice teaching techniques for supporting English learners in their science class while engaging with lessons that model these procedures.

SPEAKERS:
Tina Ahmadi (PhD Student: Indianapolis, IN)

Hurry Up and Wait – Utilizing “Downtime” in Plasmid Ligation (and Other Biotechnology) Wet Labs

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 1501 C


STRAND: Research to Practice

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

Give your students a deeper understanding of what is happening inside those tiny tubes during PCR, endonuclease digest, and incubation wait times through hands-on modeling. This workshop will feature the use of the Biotechnology Kit © and focus on plasmid ligation.

SPEAKERS:
Mark Arnholt (3D Molecular Designs: Milwaukee, WI)

Brave Enough to Fail: Three Strategies for Building Student Resilience Around Data Analysis

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 1501 B


STRAND: Research to Practice

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Stile Education

Join our session to learn strategies for teaching data analysis and modeling in line with the NGSS. Empower your students to analyze real-world data, create accurate models, and apply their knowledge with easy-to-implement techniques. Participate in and win CHARTY PARTY while enhancing your toolkit!

SPEAKERS:
Hailey Vogel (Head of Teaching and Learning: Los Angeles, CA)

Inspiring the Future with DoD STEM

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 2101


STRAND: Research to Practice

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: DoD STEM

Department of Defense STEM scientists and engineers are the bedrock of our nation’s most advanced technology and research breakthroughs, including virtual reality, autonomous vehicles, and more! Join us as we explore multiple STEM career pathways supported by DoD STEM’s network of partners in academia, industry, not-for-profit, and local/federal government.

SPEAKERS:
Dr. Marquis Mason (RTI International: Research Triangle Park, NC), Dr. Whitney White (RTI International: Research Triangle Park, NC)

Cat Genetics: An Accessible Gel Electrophoresis Investigation for all Learners

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 2504 B


STRAND: Research to Practice

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: miniPCR bio

A purrfect introduction to genetics! Track inheritance in a family of cats using Punnett squares. Then, use gel electrophoresis to examine the gene that controls that trait. Students connect Mendelian genetics with our modern understanding of genes! No stains or extra visualization equipment needed.

SPEAKERS:
Kristin Hennessy-McDonald, PhD (miniPCR: Cambridge, MA)

Promoting Student Agency Through Equitable Phenomena

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 2215 A



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Handout (Phenomena)
Session Slides (Phenomena).pptx.pdf

STRAND: Research to Practice

Show Details

A collaborative team of teachers and researchers share results from a research project aimed at leveraging compelling and equitable phenomena in NGSS-designed instruction with multilingual learners (MLs). Using our yearlong fifth-grade curriculum, we share our approach to selecting phenomena from both science and equity perspectives. From a science perspective, we ensured that a unit anchoring phenomenon (a) promotes deep science and engineering understanding, (b) integrates science disciplines, (c) sustains a 9-week unit, and (d) raises awareness of societal concerns. From an equity perspective, we ensured that a unit anchoring phenomenon (a) creates relevance for all students, (b) utilizes funds of knowledge, (c) provides context for language, and (d) promotes participation of all students. We focus on the impact of using compelling and equitable phenomena with MLs and present case studies of two teachers who implemented such phenomena across four units over one school year.

TAKEAWAYS:
By using phenomena and problems that meet both science and equity criteria, teachers ensure that all students, especially MLs, have agency to make connections to the world around them, see science as relevant to their lives and future careers, and see themselves as scientists and engineers.

SPEAKERS:
Iovanna Williams (Science Teacher: , NY), Adriana Romanzo (Elementary Science Teacher: New York, NY), Abigail Schwenger (Research Associate)

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)

Polar Data Stories in High School Biology Classrooms

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

Kansas City Marriott Downtown - Andy Kirk



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
NSTA Handout for Polar Data Stories In High School Biology Classrooms .docx
Handout from presentation
NSTA Polar Data Stories In High School Biology Classrooms_v2.pptx
Slides from the presentation
Polar Connections video

STRAND: Research to Practice

Show Details

Participants will engage with the Polar Data Stories collection of authentic data sets from polar scientists on phenomena such as how changing ocean currents affect penguin foraging in the Antarctic Peninsula and how climate change is affecting the forests in the Arctic. Through exploring two examples of data stories and engaging with both the student and educator-facing materials, participants will become familiar with the application of these data sets in high school biology and/or environmental science classes.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to implement Polar Data Stories in their science classrooms where students use real science data to construct scientific explanations of polar phenomena.

SPEAKERS:
Julie Wood (The Young Womens Leadership School of Brooklyn)

Off and Running: Moving Students in Their Own Race

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 2210



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Enrichment, Practice, and Remediation Guiding Document.pdf
Note sheet for EPR.pdf
NSTA Kansas City 2023- Off and Runing Moving Students in Their Own Race..pptx

STRAND: Research to Practice

Show Details

Students learn and develop at different speeds and in different ways. How can we meet them where they are and move them forward? Enrichment, Practice and Remediation are lessons designed to focus on a science concept (or cluster of concepts) for students to actively engage in accessible learning. EPRs include active learning experiences designed to support students continuing to learn based on their needs. Some students will be ready to dig deeper into the concept, while others might need a little more time for mastery. Experience your own learning by looking at an example score, becoming a student, and joining others as you learn through an enrichment, practice, or remediation activity

TAKEAWAYS:
Enrichment, Practice, and Remediation allows us to meet students where they are and move them in their science knowledge. EPR will help supervisors, coaches, and teachers understand, visualize, and experience what differentiated learning in science looks like and how simple it can be.

SPEAKERS:
Kristin Squires (The School District of Osceola County: St Cloud, FL)

STEM Behind Breast Cancer and Type I Diabetes

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

Kansas City Marriott Downtown - Jay McShann A


STRAND: Research to Practice

Show Details

Finding causes, treatments, and cures for diseases is “STEM on the front-lines.” Without all four components of the STEM model firmly set in place, any serious medical research is destined to fail. Sanford Research in Sioux Falls, SD has formed an “all-star research team” that is committed to finding a cure for Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) and Breast Cancer. In this session, we will highlight the progress that is being made in solving the T1D and Breast Cancer puzzles. Using interactive virtual activities, participants will develop an understanding of the difference between a body that is functioning normally and one that has developed T1D or Breast Cancer. We will wrap up the session with a discussion of the paths that Sanford Research is taking in their quest to help cure the disease. All discussion of human anatomy and physiology will be at a gentle introductory level.

TAKEAWAYS:
Using real case studies, attendees will follow the journeys of a breast cancer survivor and a teenage Type I Diabetic, from diagnosis through treatment.

SPEAKERS:
Jeffrey Lukens (Retired Science Teacher: Sioux Falls, SD)

International STEM Career Role Models: Curated Children’s Books at the Forefront of K-6 STEM Lessons

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 2201


STRAND: Research to Practice

Show Details

Research indicates that teachers need to address STEM career awareness and connect to students’ lives. Our goal is to highlight STEM careers/role models across the globe through using children’s books to anchor STEM lessons. The books are chosen to cover various peoples/cultures from around the world. Using books to engage students in thinking about how STEM connects to various cultures across the globe can be a powerful learning tool and can lead to important classroom discourse regarding cultural awareness (Yoon, 2022). For example, Tu Youyou’s Discovery: Finding a Cure for Malaria by Songju Ma Daemicke focuses on returning to Chinese herbal medicine to discover treatment for malaria. In the same manner, One Plastic Bag by Miranda Paul, highlights Istaou Ceesay’s true story from Gambia. The main character in this book started a grassroots movement to recycle plastic bags since they were causing pollution and negatively impacting livestock. Participants will be actively engaged!

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will engage in hands-on STEM mini-lessons in small groups. Each participant will explore several picture books highlighting STEM careers and people from across the globe.

SPEAKERS:
Sumreen Asim (Indiana University Southeast: New Albany, IN)

Empowering Parents’ Support for Early Science Through Home-to-School Connections

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 2207


STRAND: Research to Practice

Show Details

This presentation will discuss the importance of home-to-school connections in fostering early science opportunities through everyday activities. We explore research on family-school partnerships and the value of incorporating families' experiential knowledge into the curriculum to promote equity and inclusivity in early childhood. The Early Science Framework, an infant, toddler, and preschool adaptation of the Framework for K-12 Science Education, provides a research-based approach to early science learning that connects science to children's everyday lives. We will discuss how teachers can use this framework to create a more dynamic curriculum. Practical resources and ideas for teacher professional development will be provided to support culturally responsive preschool science engagement. By promoting family-school partnerships and bringing research into practice, we can create a more engaging learning environment for children and stronger partnerships between families and schools.

TAKEAWAYS:
We provide resources and examples incorporating experiential knowledge from families into the classroom, connecting children’s learning to their everyday lives. These home-to-school connections provide culturally relevant and equity-informed opportunities for high-quality teaching and learning.

SPEAKERS:
Daryl Greenfield (University of Miami: Miami, FL), Chabely Figuereo (Graduate Student: Coral Gables, FL)

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)

Everything You Always Wanted to Know about NGSS, But Were Afraid to Ask

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 2215 B



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Everything You Always Wanted to Know About NGSS Handout
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vRtiYhuGkgiE9mz0cHDUsaaOKFBGLXHwRki7XdQfu5HMhr110VQIVYqpaWlGRGhlsBM7UmSfIAwa34O/pub?start=false&loop=false&delayms=60000
Kansas City 2023_Everything You Wanted to Know about NGSS Presentation

STRAND: Research to Practice

Show Details

The NGSS is very complicated. The Institute for Quality Science Teaching at the Museum of Science and Industry provides professional learning opportunities for science teachers in Chicagoland and surrounding areas. Our approach is to ground everything we do in the NGSS and take a deep dive into all the elements of 3-dimensional learning. The professional learning programs at MSI are invested in helping teachers understand how to teach science effectively using these standards. This presentation will review the basics of the NGSS, the 3 dimensions, how they’re combined in Performance Expectations, and the basics of how to enact the NGSS in the classroom. If you need a refresher, just want a review, or still don’t have all those acronyms straight in your head, this is the presentation for you.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will leave with a basic understanding of the structures of the Next Generation Science Standards and how they inform three-dimensional standards and three-dimensional science teaching.

SPEAKERS:
Garrett Gray (Sr. Educator, School and Teacher Programs: Chicago, IL), Tara Flett (Sr. Educator IQST: Chicago, IL)

Upgrading Science with Artificial Intelligence

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

Kansas City Marriott Downtown - Andy Kirk


STRAND: Research to Practice

Show Details

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)

A Hands-On Lab to Teach the Central Dogma of Molecular Biology

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 2504 B


STRAND: Research to Practice

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: miniPCR bio

Add a hands-on lab to your study of the central dogma! With the cell-free BioBits® system, students can watch as polymerases transcribe RNA and ribosomes translate it to make protein, all using fluorescent indicators. Now you can experiment directly with transcription and translation!

SPEAKERS:
Allison Nishitani, PhD (miniPCR: Cambridge, MA)

Making Meaningful Connections to Social Emotional Learning Alongside the NGSS

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 2201


STRAND: Research to Practice

Show Details

Since the NGSS, science teachers have been increasingly considering how to effectively engage students during science lessons using science and engineering practices (SEPs). In order to engage in these practices deeply, students need to have effective social and emotional skills. Therefore, embedding social-emotional learning (SEL) can be a tool that teachers use to build a classroom community that deeply engages in the SEPs. This session will engage students in three science activities (one elementary, one middle school, and one high school) that promote 3D learning and SEL. For example, the high school activity will consist of us doing a simulation where participants will act as animals getting "food". We will use it to connect SEL to HS-LS2-8. We will then have participants reflect on SEL teaching strategies such as explicit/reflective SEL questions (Bahnson et al., 2020) in order to demonstrate how to meaningfully embed SEL into 3D NGSS lessons.

TAKEAWAYS:
You will learn strategies to teach SEL in existing NGSS lessons.

SPEAKERS:
Kathryn Borton (Science Teacher and Ed.D Student: Nevada, IA), Jesse Wilcox (University of Northern Iowa: Cedar Falls, IA)

Off and Running: Moving Students in Their Own Race

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 2203



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Enrichment, Practice, and Remediation Guiding Document.pdf
Note sheet for EPR.pdf
NSTA Kansas City 2023- Off and Runing Moving Students in Their Own Race..pptx

STRAND: Research to Practice

Show Details

Students learn and develop at different speeds and in different ways. How can we meet them where they are and move them forward? Enrichment, Practice and Remediation are lessons designed to focus on a science concept (or cluster of concepts) for students to actively engage in accessible learning. EPRs include active learning experiences designed to support students continuing to learn based on their needs. Some students will be ready to dig deeper into the concept, while others might need a little more time for mastery. Experience your own learning by looking at an example score, becoming a student, and joining others as you learn through an enrichment, practice, or remediation activity.

TAKEAWAYS:
Enrichment, Practice, and Remediation allows us to meet students where they are and move them in their science knowledge. EPR will help supervisors, coaches, and teachers understand, visualize, and experience what differentiated learning in science looks like and how simple it can be.

SPEAKERS:
Kristin Squires (The School District of Osceola County: St Cloud, FL)

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)

Decipher a Chain of Infection

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 1501 B


STRAND: Research to Practice

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Sponsoring Company: Bio-Rad Laboratories

Join us for this fun, interactive workshop in which you will apply a molecular diagnostic test, basic principles of virology, and clues hidden within a restaurant to track the chain of infection of a novel norovirus. The results may just make you want to wash your hands…

SPEAKERS:
Leigh Brown (Bio-Rad Laboratories: Hercules, CA), Tamica Stubbs (Bio-Rad Laboratories: Hercules, CA)

Travelling back in time through Earth’s history with scientific ocean drilling

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 2201



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
scientific-ocean-drilling-NSTA2023-KC.pdf

STRAND: Research to Practice

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How do we know about mass-extinctions and meteor impacts? Using fossils to study past glacial periods? Shells, sand grains and even dust and volcanic ash from faraway lands fall slowly through the ocean and pile up on the seafloor, eventually becoming rocks. When we drill into the seafloor to collect layers of rocks (as cores), the deeper down we go, the further back in time we go. Scientists looking at these cores are effectively reading the pages in a book that reveals the Earth’s past, and sheds light on our future. This workshop will have teachers look at how using real scientific data collected onboard the JOIDES Resolution and other ships in the program, we can translate findings into data sets and activities to inspire students and help them see science in action. The focus will be on how data from oceanic drilling can be used to create activities using real-world phenomena that can connect to many scientific concepts, such as climate, natural hazards, and Earth’s systems.

TAKEAWAYS:
By looking into the past and present, we can begin to predict our future. The International Ocean Discovery Program creates educational resources that enable students to use real data collected by scientists investigating global concerns and explore parts of our world usually hidden to them.

SPEAKERS:
Maya Pincus (Columbia University / U.S. Science Support Program: Palisades, NY), Carol Cotterill (U.S. Science Support Program: Palisades, NY)

Building Your Classroom of the Future: Student Centered Learning in a Low Tech Classroom

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 2202


STRAND: Research to Practice

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(This workshop is geared toward classrooms of all grade levels with minimal technology available.) 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.

TAKEAWAYS:
​​Participants will experience this model as students as they explore low-tech 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)

CONSTRUCTing Effective Assessment Questions Using the NGSS DCIs

Friday, October 27 • 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.)
NSTA-KC 2023, CONSTRUCT presentation, NSTA upload.pptx

STRAND: Research to Practice

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Using the Disciplinary Core Ideas and a research-based “citizen science” approach, science educators contributed their own test items, and also helped to revise existing test items in order to address crucial issues such as difficulty, gender, and racial/ethnic bias that were present in the item analysis characteristics. We share the analysis and results of these efforts so that educators can assess their own test items to be more inclusive of all students understandings in one of the dimensions of the 3-D approach to learning. Learn what changes contributed to improvement of the item as well as what types of changes or revisions made the item worse than before. We also share results of field testing of these items in student classrooms and discuss the importance of incorporating students’ misconceptions into the response choices to capture their true understanding of science concepts as outlined in the DCIs.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn to evaluate assessment questions that you use to assess students’ sensemaking of elements outlined in the NGSS DCIs. Are the questions free of bias, not too difficult, indicative of overall student performance? Do they include common misconceptions that students hold? Access a free resource.

SPEAKERS:
Cynthia Crockett (Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian: Cambridge, MA)

Authentic Learning Opportunities in the Science Classroom

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 2204


STRAND: Research to Practice

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Authentic learning (AL) in the classroom is not new, however it is underutilized in the science classroom. We will present current research on the topic of authentic science learning and its efficacy in developing scientific literacy. Through this presentation we will inspire teachers to provide more real-world scientific experiences and interactions with real scientists to their students. We will also provide educators with ready-to-use materials to use in the classroom. The presentation will include the definition of authentic learning and what types of teaching strategies qualify as 'authentic' with a focus on project-based, inquiry-based, and problem-based teaching methods. Also included in the presentation are the interwoven connections between authentic learning opportunities, socio-scientific issues and citizen science, and the natural connection between AL and NGSS Science and Engineering Practices.

TAKEAWAYS:
Educators will walk away with an understanding of Authentic Learning and what authentic learning opportunities look like in the science classroom. Attendees will have access to pre-made activities to use immediately with minimal preparation.

SPEAKERS:
Kristen Benton (Kenesaw Public Schools: Kenesaw, NE), Bailey Johnson (Hastings Public Schools: Hastings, NE)

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

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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)

Hooking Key Scientific Concepts for Below-Proficient Readers Using Anchor Texts

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 2207


STRAND: Research to Practice

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In the first part, participants will gain an understanding of how anchor texts are connected to science and engineering practices -- what students do using student work samples and sample anchor texts. First, we will explore the use of concept loading in scientific complex texts through a discussion, examples, and video. We will look at how scientific texts are organized to communicate key ideas through concept loading using text/visual features and text structures such as direct definition context clues through a group discussion. In groups, teachers will dissect a given text to develop a think-aloud to explicitly teach scientific key ideas and concepts using text/visual features. Next, we will compare informational and science fiction text using a model and T-chart for text organization/structure. We will unpack an NGSS standard so participants understand which key concepts and vocabulary must be presented in the given text through a group summary for key takeaways.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers as change agents provide the cultural tools through the modeling of science and engineering practices using literacy strategies. Through modeling, teachers can engage students to interact with complex informational texts for increased sensemaking.

SPEAKERS:
Leslie Birdon (Richwood High School: Monroe, LA)

Off and Running: Moving Students in Their Own Race

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 2203



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Enrichment, Practice, and Remediation Guiding Document.pdf
Note sheet for EPR.pdf
NSTA Kansas City 2023- Off and Runing Moving Students in Their Own Race..pptx

STRAND: Research to Practice

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Students learn and develop at different speeds and in different ways. How can we meet them where they are and move them forward? Enrichment, Practice and Remediation are lessons designed to focus on a science concept (or cluster of concepts) for students to actively engage in accessible learning. EPRs include active learning experiences designed to support students continuing to learn based on their needs. Some students will be ready to dig deeper into the concept, while others might need a little more time for mastery. Experience your own learning by looking at an example score, becoming a student, and joining others as you learn through an enrichment, practice, or remediation activity

TAKEAWAYS:
Enrichment, Practice, and Remediation allows us to meet students where they are and move them in their science knowledge. EPR will help supervisors, coaches, and teachers understand, visualize, and experience what differentiated learning in science looks like and how simple it can be.

SPEAKERS:
Kristin Squires (The School District of Osceola County: St Cloud, FL)

Using Research-Based Practices to Overcome Plant Awareness Disparity By Uncovering Students' Botanical Histories

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 2104 A


STRAND: Research to Practice

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This session will focus on sharing instructional modules that have been developed to facilitate relationships between herbaria and high school students to highlight the importance of plants and preserving botanical specimens. Many times plants are overlooked or considered less significant than animals. This research-backed perspective is known as Plant Awareness Disparity. These free, research-based modules allow students to investigate their own botanical history by connecting with plants that are important to them and their families, then experience the entire process of collecting, mounting, cataloging, and digitizing their specimen. There are 10 modules that are aligned with the NRC K-12 Framework and heavily rely upon student-centered and place-based learning. All participants will be given access to the modules and encouraged to interact with the module developers as they implement the activities.

TAKEAWAYS:
Many times, plants are overlooked and considered less significant than animals. This is known as Plant Awareness Disparity. Participants in this session will learn about free instructional modules that will help high school students connect with plants through exploring their own botanical history.

SPEAKERS:
Kelly Moore (Tennessee Tech: Cookeville, TN)

An Introduction to Designing Three-Dimensional Assessment Tasks to Support NGSS Teaching and Learning

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 2215 C


STRAND: Research to Practice

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This course is designed to introduce participants to the Next Generation Science Assessment (NGSA) design approach including unpacking dimensions, developing integrated dimension maps, articulating learning performances, identifying phenomena, and designing tasks.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn the steps of a systematic process for designing 3-dimensional tasks that align with NGSS performance expectations, take into consideration students’ diverse backgrounds, and can be used in classrooms to provide information to teachers and students to improve learning.

SPEAKERS:
Joseph Krajcik (CREATE for STEM Institute, Michigan State University: East Lansing, MI), Christopher Harris (WestEd)

Power Up With Gamification

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 2214


STRAND: Research to Practice

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Countless studies have found that teachers are struggling to support students in maintaining focus, finding self-worth, and being intrinsically creative learners. Gamification provides the building blocks for engagement, community, healthy competition, and self motivation, and works with any grade level and any subject. With gamification, students can use their creativity in learning choices and earn incentives based around curricular and extracurricular themes. Student examples from a sixth grade science classroom include reviewing challenges that emphasize content and game elements. Participants in this session will gain the initial building blocks to create their own game for their classrooms that is manageable and can be enhanced over time. Activities will include defining gamification and creating their own game theme. During the session, the participant will participate in a game challenge by using a choice board to explore and expand the strategies and methods of gamification.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will begin the journey of gamifying their classroom right away. They will also leave with resources to use to continue their gamification journey.

SPEAKERS:
Michelle Simmons (Klahowya Secondary School: Silverdale, WA)

Does coherence perspective matter? Examining a comparison of 5E and storylines curricula on students’ academic achievement and attitudes toward science.

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 2215 B



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Dissertation Defense Presentation.pdf
Copy of presentation - you can search for the full dissertation on ProQuest.

STRAND: Research to Practice

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Educators have struggled with maintaining student engagement in science, especially as students transition from primary to middle school and upper grades (Vedder-Weiss & Fortus, 2012). With the adoption of the Next Generation Science Standards, teachers are looking for curricula to support its implementation. Two curricula, mySci 5E and OpenSciEd storylines, were compared in terms of student academic achievement and attitudes toward science. The research questions were: (1) To what extent is there a difference between achievement in science by eighth grade students experiencing the OpenSciEd storyline science curriculum and those experiencing MySci 5E as measured by end of unit assessment scores? (2) To what extent is the difference between attitudes towards science by eighth grade students experiencing the OpenSciEd storyline science curriculum and those experiencing MySci 5E as measured by My Attitudes Toward Science (MATS) surveys (Hillman et al., 2016)?

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will hear about the results of the study and potential impacts of the perception of coherence on students’ academic achievements and attitudes toward science. Implications for future research will be discussed.

SPEAKERS:
Nina Blanton (Educator: , MO), Nicole Vick (Northwestern University)

Four Ways to GMO Detection!

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 1501 B


STRAND: Research to Practice

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Sponsoring Company: Bio-Rad Laboratories

Is your food genetically modified? Learn three different hands-on activities that explore this topic. First, simulated PCR analysis using pre-amplified DNA (no thermal cycler needed), then DNA extraction and PCR, and next, quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Bonus activity: use ELISA to detect GMOs!

SPEAKERS:
Tamica Stubbs (Bio-Rad Laboratories: Hercules, CA), Leigh Brown (Bio-Rad Laboratories: Hercules, CA)

Discovering Lemur Diversity: Teaching Conservation Genetics Through an Authentic Case Study

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 2504 B


STRAND: Research to Practice

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Sponsoring Company: miniPCR bio

Bring molecular techniques to Ecology and Evolution units. Join an expedition to Madagascar to decide if an extinct lemur species has been rediscovered! Test DNA with gel electrophoresis, build phylogenetic trees, and analyze authentic field data from the Duke Lemur Center.

SPEAKERS:
Allison Nishitani, PhD (miniPCR: Cambridge, MA)

CRISPR comes to the clinic: The Revolution in Human Genetics

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 2505 A



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
CRISPR Slides - part 1
Slides from my presentation
CRISPR slides - Part 2
Slides from my presentation
CRISPR-Case-Studies-NSTA-KC.pdf
CRISPR Case Studies as described in my presentation at NSTA-KC-2023

STRAND: Research to Practice

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Sponsoring Company: Savvas Learning Company

Techniques such as CRISPR, mitochondrial transfer, and mRNA therapeutics have opened new possibilities for genetic manipulation, bringing with them new opportunities to energize the biology curriculum.

SPEAKERS:
Kenneth Miller (Brown University: Providence, RI)

Integrating Literacy and Science in Elementary Classrooms with Multiple Literacies in Project-Based Learning (ML-PBL)

Friday, October 27 • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Kansas City Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


STRAND: Research to Practice

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The main resource that will be shared is a poster that presents an overview of a case study completed as a part of the Multiple Literacies in Project-Based Learning (ML-PBL) Efficacy Study. The information shared will focus on the affordances of carrying the thinking from science to other parts of the school day and of using science-related texts for multiple purposes in literacy instruction. Overall efficacy study results will be shared. The url for finding the posted free ML-PBL OER curriculum resources will be provided, as well as information for learning more about ML-PBL. The case study has been published in a book of case studies, which will be mentioned (is shown in a section of the poster), but not promoted. Texts used to extend Grade 3 units will be available for attendees to review.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will be exposed to free resources and ideas for selecting resources for literacy lessons that allow students to continue to fine-tune and extend the ideas they are developing in science class. Handouts with links to additional resources will be available.

SPEAKERS:
Susan Codere (CREATE for STEM Institute, Michigan State University, Retired)

Fire: Friend or Foe? 5E Lesson

Friday, October 27 • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Kansas City Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


STRAND: Research to Practice

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Using the authenticity framework, students are guided through a 5E lesson, to answer the essential question “How does fire impact prairie ecosystems?” Embedded are real-world connections, the construction of knowledge, student inquiry, and student-centered learning. Lesson snapshot: Students will: Engage with various prairie ecosystem photos and images of prairie fires, and write descriptive words that come to mind. Explore a map of North American prairies, and complete an I Notice, I Wonder; we will explore articles to begin a CER to answer the essential question. Explain by participating in an activity to sort goods and services based on their knowledge of prairies. Extend by viewing an Individual Career and Academic Plan (ICAP) video to learn about the importance of using fire to improve plants and ecosystems, and how indigenous tribes used fire for agriculture. Evaluate the completion of their CER using their notes from the lesson and a list of prescribed vocabulary terms.

TAKEAWAYS:
HS teachers will have a ready-to-use, standards-based 5E lesson that they can use in their classrooms immediately. And it’s FREE!

SPEAKERS:
Teresa Randall (The University of Oklahoma: Norman, OK)

Implementing Virtual Reality Into STEM Classrooms

Friday, October 27 • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Kansas City Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


STRAND: Research to Practice

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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)

Culturally Inclusive Teaching in the Garden

Friday, October 27 • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Kansas City Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Culturally relevant practices in the school garden.pdf

STRAND: Research to Practice

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Discussion of culture is often missing in garden-based education. To share and validate the interests of our culturally diverse students, we will delve deep into the significance of culture as it relates to food and gardens and also as it relates to the diverse populations with whom we work. Through student voices and examples we will share the principles of culturally responsive garden education that honors diversity and inclusion. Join us as we explore ways to celebrate and center culture through garden-based learning. School gardens have many benefits for students which include helping students make nutritious choices, encouraging students to be environmentally conscious, and providing experiential learning. Research shows that students who participate in garden-based science curriculum score significantly higher on science achievement tests than students in a traditional classroom-based control group. This garden-enhanced achievement benefits both boys and girls equally.

TAKEAWAYS:
By their nature, gardens embody diversity. Garden education is increasingly recognized as an interdisciplinary approach that integrates academic goals, health and wellness, place-based education, and community connections and relationships.

SPEAKERS:
Lindsey Noonan (Topeka Public Schools USD 501: Topeka, KS), Rhonda Gadino (Topeka Public Schools: No City, No State)

What Pre-Service Teacher Interns Want From Their Field Host Teachers -- and Vice Versa

Friday, October 27 • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Kansas City Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


STRAND: Research to Practice

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Interviews with pre-service teachers and their host teachers inform how host teachers can best support observing pre-service teachers, and how observing pre-service teachers can authentically and meaningfully engage in the classroom. The poster will present how both parties can work together to create a learning environment that both the pre-service teacher and host teacher mutually benefit from, and address typical pitfalls causing disengagement and miscommunication in the classroom environment. The research serves to answer the questions of "What do pre-service teachers and host teachers need from each other to produce a meaningful observation experience?" in order to progress science education preparation programs.

TAKEAWAYS:
Both practicing and pre-service teacher attendees will learn how to best support each other during teacher practicum observation hours to ensure both parties mutually benefit and learn from each other.

SPEAKERS:
Carol Compton (Fort Zumwalt North High School: O'Fallon, MO)

Vision, Change, and Interactions in General Education Life Science (IGELS) Courses

Friday, October 27 • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Kansas City Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


STRAND: Research to Practice

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For many students, an undergraduate general education life science (GELS) course may be the only one where they are exposed to scientific reasoning at the collegiate level. In order to contribute to a scientifically literate and informed society, the Interactions in General Education Life Sciences (IGELS) project aims to engage students in reasoning skills around topics that are highly relevant to students. We describe the goals and activities of IGELS and provide preliminary results of our survey of GELS instructors that assesses their current knowledge and implementation of the “Vision and Change” (AAAS, 2009) framework in their courses. These data will inform our future activities to provide faculty development and develop curricular models that support reasoning and relevancy in GELS courses while implementing principles of “Vision and Change.”

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will be able to describe the mission of IGELS and envision how future projects can assist educators in increasing reasoning skills in learners in ways that are relevant to their lives.

SPEAKERS:
Heather Rissler (North Iowa Area Community College)

Investigating With the All of Us Data Browser

Friday, October 27 • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Kansas City Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


STRAND: Research to Practice

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The historic All of Us Research Program by the National Institutes of Health aims to engage one million or more people across the US as research participants and partners. These individuals are providing data to build one of the largest, most diverse, and broadly accessible datasets ever assembled. De-identified, aggregated data collected by the All of Us Research program is publicly available via the interactive Data Browser. Participants, researchers, and other members of the public may use this online tool to learn more about the All of Us participant community and explore summary data. We’d like to introduce teachers and students to the power of “big data” and support them in using the Data Browser to conduct authentic investigations related to science content standards. The poster session will include an introduction to the All of Us Research Program, the Data Browser, and paper-based and multimedia classroom resources, and use it to investigate research questions.

TAKEAWAYS:
The All of Us Research Program is building the largest, most diverse biomedical database of its kind. The program is making de-identified, aggregated data from the database available to the public through a Data Browser and providing resources to help students navigate it.

SPEAKERS:
Molly Malone (The University of Utah: Salt Lake City, UT)

How do cultural factors impact acceptance of evolutionary theories among university biology majors?

Friday, October 27 • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM