This session will showcase how artificial intelligence (AI) can be integrated within STEM-based design challenges to enhance student engagement and the 'improve' step of the engineering design process. Teachers usually stop design challenges after students test their designs. The presenter will walk participants through how to develop AI prompts, engage students in reflecting upon the AI responses, building/creating and testing the AI provided solution, and ultimately, guiding students through the reflection and optimization process. The students are challenged to "beat the computer" by utilizing data collected through the test phase to create an optimized solution that will be tested against the AI-generated solution. The presentation will take the form of demonstration, discussion, and provision of examples.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) within STEM-focused design challenges to engage in the test and improve/optimize steps of the engineering design process.

SPEAKERS:
Dennis Dagounis (Berkeley Heights Public Schools: Berkeley Heights, NJ)

This presentation will provide teachers with a ready-to-teach Unit designed to help their students experience several Physical Science, Earth-Space Science, and Engineering NGSS standards. The unit addresses global weather patterns and the impacts of potential pattern changes. It also addresses thermal energy and its applications in building design. All middle school science teachers; whether new to profession, new to phenomena based learning, or seasoned veterans will find something new and exciting to bring back to their classrooms. This Unit combines my understanding of the middle school science classroom with expertise of curriculum writers at Pacific Education Institute. Teachers will receive help planning lessons, activities, and discussions. They will also take the role of a student to have first hand experience with labs and activities. Teachers will receive a digital copy of all of the instructional materials including grading rubrics.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will learn how to teach and assess a dynamic 3-D unit addressing Physical Science and Earth Space Science NGSS Standards. Teachers will leave with editable access to all Unit materials. Teachers will get time and guidance on how to adapt the Unit to their classroom and student needs.

SPEAKERS:
Kat Chamberlain (Ridgetop Middle School: No City, No State)

Birds provide an accessible context for student science investigations and creative engineering design projects. From building a bird feeder from recyclables, to building nest boxes for specific species, to thinking critically about bird adaptations, using citizen-science projects to inspire authentic questions and original scientific studies… we aim to help creative students engage in STEM! During this workshop, I will provide free resources to help teachers develop students’ science and engineering practices—while also supporting a connection to the local environment. During this time, teachers will: • Work to create a bird feeder and chat about the factors that make a successful design • Design a well-adapated bird that can survive in a challenging habitat

SPEAKERS:
Susan Licher (Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Ithaca, NY)