2023 Kansas City National Conference

October 25-28, 2023

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Rooms and times subject to change.
102 results
Save up to 50 sessions in your agenda.

NSTA First Timers Orientation Session

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 3501 C


Show Details

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

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

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

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)

Finding a North Star for STEM Equity

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 2215 A


STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

In this session educators will be presented with the following equity frameworks: (1) Equity and NGSS, (2) Inclusive Ed Tech, (3) Culturally Responsive and Sustaining STEM, (4) Anti-Racist STEM, and (5) Environmental Justice. Educators will work in small groups to learn more about their equity framework of choice and summarize their learning for a larger group. Next, groups will unpack equity moves to identify how they support or hinder equity work through the lens of the framework they selected and identify next steps. By the end of the session, each group will share out actions they can take in their classroom to create a more equitable STEM classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
Educators will leave with knowledge of equity frameworks and unique next steps that can be implemented into their classroom for a more equitable, inclusive, culturally responsive, and anti-racist classroom community.

SPEAKERS:
Kelly Houston (STEM Ed Innovators: Saratoga, CA)

Using the NSTA Sensemaking Tool to Evaluate Lessons for Sensemaking - Elementary

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 3501 E



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Demystifying the Practice of Using Mathematics and Computational
Kansas City Fall 2023 Elementary and Secondary Sessions

STRAND: Students and Sensemaking

Show Details

The NSTA Sensemaking Tool (adapted from the research-based NGSS Lesson Screener) is designed to help educators be critical consumers of curricular materials as well as create and/or revise science lessons to reflect the instructional shifts required by new standards (sensemaking). Join us to gain experience using the tool and facilitating criteria-based consensus conversations with colleagues.

TAKEAWAYS:
Recognize the critical aspects of sensemaking in a science lesson.

SPEAKERS:
Emily Mathews (NSTA: McLean, VA), Holly Hereau (NSTA: Arlington, VA), Kate Soriano (NSTA: Arlington, VA)

Recharge yourself! From Striving to Thriving - How to Manage Your Stress

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 3501 C



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
NSTA How To Manage Stress October 2023

Show Details

In today’s fast-paced world, chronic stress is common, but your mind and body can pay a high price. Learn to recognize overwhelming stress—and what you can do about it. Most importantly, learn how to use the power of your senses to relieve stress on the spot and stay calm, productive, and focused—no matter what life throws at you.

TAKEAWAYS:
Tips on how to manage stress.

SPEAKERS:
Michelle Phillips (NSTA: Arlington, VA), Azra Chughtai (NSTA: McLean, VA)

Motivating Elementary Teachers to Infuse STEM

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 2214


STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

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

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

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

How to Use EdReports to Select High-Quality Instructional Materials (Grades K-12)

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 3501 E



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
NSTA_Selecting HQ NGSS-Aligned K-12 IM.pdf

STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

In this session, participants will learn about the characteristics of high-quality instructional materials, and how to use EdReports’ reports to identify these characteristics in a curriculum adoption process. Participants will participate in a mock materials adoption where they will learn how to use EdReports’ resources to identify priorities and compare and contrast sample programs around the identified criteria. Through this process participants will learn how to effectively read and leverage EdReports reports and how to begin to narrow materials selection through a critical lens, through guided practice and discussion. Finally, we will orient participants to EdReports' complete reviews of instructional materials, existing adoption and selection tools, as well as other resources for making materials selections for their school or classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
Through engaging in a sample materials selection process, participants will gain an understanding of the characteristics of high-quality instructional materials and how to use EdReports' free resources.

SPEAKERS:
Teresa Eliopoulos (EdReports.org: Alexandria, VA), Sam Shaw (EdReports.org)

Using the NSTA Sensemaking Tool to Evaluate Lessons for Sensemaking - Secondary

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 3501 C



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Demystifying the Practice of Using Mathematics and Computational
Kansas City 2023 Elementary and Secondary Sessions

STRAND: Students and Sensemaking

Show Details

The NSTA Sensemaking Tool (adapted from the research-based NGSS Lesson Screener) is designed to help educators be critical consumers of curricular materials as well as create and/or revise science lessons to reflect the instructional shifts required by new standards (sensemaking). Join us to gain experience using the tool and facilitating criteria-based consensus conversations with colleagues.

TAKEAWAYS:
Recognize the critical aspects of sensemaking in a science lesson.

SPEAKERS:
Emily Mathews (NSTA: McLean, VA), Holly Hereau (NSTA: Arlington, VA), Kate Soriano (NSTA: Arlington, VA)

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

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 2211


STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

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

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

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

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

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

Kansas City Marriott Downtown - Truman A


STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

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

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

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

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

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 3501 H


STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

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

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

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

Find your PASSION -- CREATE Opportunity -- LEAD

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

Kansas City Marriott Downtown - Trianon E


STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

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

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

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

Science Education Leadership Coffee Talk

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

Kansas City Marriott Downtown - Trianon C/D



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

Show Details

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

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

SPEAKERS:
Trisha Herminghaus (Alaska Science Education Consultants: Anchorage, AK), Matthew Christiansen (Oceanside High School #7: Oceanside, NY)

Learn About NSTA’s Digital Resources, Online Community, and Membership

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 3501 G



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
NSTA-National-Conference-KC2023-Digital_Resources-Final.pdf

STRAND: Tech Tools

Show Details

Participants will become knowledgeable about the plethora of digital resources available on NSTA’s website, about the live events, member benefits, and the professional learning community that can help them enhance their knowledge and improve their teaching practices. Numerous live events are offered to educators of science every month to enhance and extend their content and pedagogical knowledge -- many of them free to NSTA members and guest users of the NSTA website. Participants will also learn how to engage with other educators of science and grow their network of like-minded individuals. Join us and learn about NSTA's discussion forums and profile page. NSTA staff will be available to answer questions.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will become knowledgeable about the plethora of digital resources available on NSTA’s website, about the live events, member benefits, and the professional learning community that can help them enhance their knowledge and improve their teaching practices.

SPEAKERS:
Michelle Phillips (NSTA: Arlington, VA), Flavio Mendez (NSTA: Arlington, VA)

Transforming Science Teaching and Learning Through Curriculum-Based Professional Learning: Change Management

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

Kansas City Marriott Downtown - Colonial Ballroom


STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

Curriculum implementation is complicated and requires significant planning so that the system, including everyone in it, can make the needed shifts in practice to reap the benefits of using high-quality instructional materials to strengthen science teaching and learning. Participants will have a common experience with “a change” and consider important lessons that can help them lead change in their systems.

TAKEAWAYS:
Leaders can create a culture that is conducive to the significant changes in knowledge, beliefs, and practices required to support the implementation of high-quality instructional materials for next generation science.

SPEAKERS:
Janna Mahfoud (BSCS Science Learning: Colorado Springs, CO), Susan Gomez Zwiep (BSCS Science Learning: Colorado Springs, CO), Jody Bintz (BSCS Science Learning: Colorado Springs, CO)

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

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

Kansas City Marriott Downtown - Trianon E



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

STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

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

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

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

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

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

Kansas City Marriott Downtown - Truman A


STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

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

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

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

Educational Leader as Coach

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

Kansas City Marriott Downtown - Trianon C/D


STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

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

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

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

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

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 2211


STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

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

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

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

Learning to be an Ambitious Science Teacher

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 2105


STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

In order for teachers to support the three-dimensional learning of their students, they need high-quality professional learning (PL). This presentation outlines a PL approach that focuses on Ambitious Science Teaching (Windschitl, M. Thompson, J., & Braaten, M., 2018) as an approach to support teacher and student three-dimensional science learning. The PL model includes 4 PL sessions followed by 3 action periods to “try-on” strategies in their classrooms. During the PL sessions teachers experienced ambitious strategies as learners, connected theory to practice, collaborated meaningfully with colleagues, and reflected on their implementation of strategies. The sessions led to a change in teacher practice that was evident through the artifacts they collected. Teachers also made cross-curricular connections with many of the introduced strategies. This presentation provides suggestions for supporting teachers in implementing ambitious science teaching strategies.

TAKEAWAYS:
The audience will walk away with a model for high-quality professional learning for teachers that supports student growth in three-dimensional science learning. The model can be implemented at the school, district, or cross-district level.

SPEAKERS:
Heather Milo (Washington University in St. Louis: St. Louis, MO), Alex Gerber (Instructional Specialist: University City, MO)

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

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 3501 G



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

STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

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

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

SPEAKERS:
Flavio Mendez (NSTA: Arlington, VA)

Transforming Science Teaching and Learning Through Curriculum-Based Professional Learning: Immersion into Science Curriculum and Curriculum-Based PL

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

Kansas City Marriott Downtown - Colonial Ballroom


STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

Curriculum implementation requires a robust professional learning program to support teachers in making the shifts toward the three dimensional phenomenon-and-problem-driven science teaching and learning called for in NRC’s Framework for K-12 Science Education. This experience is grounded in BSCS Science Learning’s new instructional model, Anchored Inquiry Learning (AIL), and an immersion model of professional learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
Leaders can support teachers with making the instructional shifts called for in the NRC’s Framework through immersive, curriculum-based professional learning programs.

SPEAKERS:
Jenine Cotton-Proby (BSCS Science Learning: Colorado Springs, CO), Cynthia Gay (BSCS Science Learning: Colorado Springs, CO), Jody Bintz (BSCS Science Learning: Colorado Springs, CO)

Transforming Science Teaching and Learning Through Curriculum-Based Professional Learning: Key Elements and Enabling Conditions

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

Kansas City Marriott Downtown - Colonial Ballroom


STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

Leaders will study the Core Design Features and Structural Design Features of curriculum-based professional learning to figure out how they can use them together to support teachers in making the shifts called for in NRC’s Framework for K-12 Science Education and the Next Generation Science Standards. These shifts promote three-dimensional phenomenon and problem-driven science teaching and learning. Participants will read and discuss excerpts of the report from the Carnegie Corporation of New York, The Elements: Transforming Teaching Through Curriculum-Based Professional Learning. They will have opportunities to make connections from the text to the previous two sessions in this series and/or to their prior experiences.

TAKEAWAYS:
By attending to Core and Structural Design Features of curriculum-based professional learning, leaders take a systems approach to supporting teachers in the instructional shifts called for by NRC’s Framework. These shifts promote three-dimensional phenomena/problem-driven science teaching and learning.

SPEAKERS:
Amy Belcastro (Science Educator/Grad Student), Jody Bintz (BSCS Science Learning: Colorado Springs, CO)

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

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

Kansas City Marriott Downtown - Truman A


STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

N/A

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

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

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

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

Kansas City Marriott Downtown - Trianon E


STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

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

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

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

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

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

Kansas City Marriott Downtown - Trianon C/D


Show Details

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

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

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

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

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 2211



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

STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

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

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

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

How to Use Instructional Vision Setting to Impact Adoption of High Quality K-12 Instructional Materials

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 3501 E



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
NSTA_Instructional Vision Setting in Adoption.pdf

STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

EdReports is well known for its reports evaluating high-quality instructional materials (HQIM), however this session will support participants in understanding EdReports beyond the reports. We will dig into how to identify local priorities and set an instructional vision that will serve as a benchmark for a smart instructional materials adoption process. We will deliver strategies for engaging local educators and stakeholders in decision making and equip leaders with how to be advocates for HQIM. Participants will engage in large and small group conversations to reflect on their local adoption practices and learn about how to utilize EdReports resources to improve current practice. Participants will be provided with resources highlighting the resources EdReports offers around materials adoption as well as aspects of the review tools and reports.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how to develop local priorities and establish an instructional vision, will engage with EdReports reviews of instructional materials to make informed decisions based on local context, and will leave with materials to support replicating this process with local educators.

SPEAKERS:
Teresa Eliopoulos (EdReports.org: Alexandria, VA), Sam Shaw (EdReports.org)

STEM Belonging Unplugged

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 2104 B


STRAND: STEM Haven

Show Details

In this session educators will be presented with several research-based STEM equity moves that can be used in their classroom. These equity moves fall under the following categories: (1) Equity and NGSS, (2) Inclusive Ed Tech, (3) Culturally Responsive and Sustaining STEM, (4) Anti-Racist STEM. Educators will select an equity move and engage in a Remix Protocol to modify the equity moves to fit their classroom and context, and may even modify an activity, lesson, and/or assessment for their own class. Educators will share their ideas and hear the amazing ideas that their peers developed. All the work will be shared in a Padlet that will be available after the workshop to keep the conversation going! The session is designed in a way that educators will engage in some of the equity moves with a learner lens as they are exploring the equity moves. We will unpack this additional layer when we reflect on the learning activities.

TAKEAWAYS:
Educators will leave this session with tangible ideas to increase STEM belonging in their classroom or district.

SPEAKERS:
Kelly Houston (STEM Ed Innovators: Saratoga, CA)

Facilitate the "What is Sensemaking?" Discussion for your Team!

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 3501 C



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
What is Sensemkaing KC23.pptx

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

NA

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will build an understanding of sensemaking and receive a toolkit to lead the session with other educators.

SPEAKERS:
Tricia Shelton (NSTA: Arlington, VA)

Transforming Teaching Through Curriculum-Based Professional Learning: The Essentials

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 3501 F


STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

Look across the Essential Elements of Leadership, Resources, and Coherence, to identify enabling conditions for curriculum-based professional learning to ensure that ALL teachers are prepared to leverage high-quality materials as they provide meaningful learning experiences for ALL students.

TAKEAWAYS:
Gain concrete ideas about how you, as a leader, can plan for effective curriculum-based professional learning.

SPEAKERS:
Nancy Hopkins-Evans (BSCS Science Learning: Colorado Springs, CO)

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

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 3501 B


STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

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

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

SPEAKERS:
Meg Richard (Piper School District USD 203: No City, No State), Stephanie Alderman-Oler (Washington High School: Kansas City, KS), Spencer Martin (Kansas City Kansas Public Schools: Kansas City, KS)

Step by Step: Making a Plan for Using Video To Reflect on Your Practice

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 2102 B



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Video Planning Meeting Agenda
This team meeting agenda is designed to empower all educational professionals to use video to improve their practice.

STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

The NGSS set forth a call to action requiring all teachers to make the changes necessary to provide equitable and high-quality science instruction. However, for teachers to change their teaching practice it requires that they first understand the current reality of their classroom. Video recording is a powerful tool that can help teachers and partners in the classroom recognize strengths in order to determine areas for growth and change. Additionally, video can reveal to a teacher biases in their interactions with students that have gone previously unnoticed. Teachers often feel too vulnerable or are unprepared to use video. In this session we will take part in a reflective exercise to help educators become more comfortable with using video recording as a form of job-embedded professional learning. Participants will learn about a group of science educators who used a reflective protocol, how it impacted their attitude towards video recording and resulted in real change.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn about a group of science educators who used a reflective protocol, how it impacted their attitude towards video recording, and resulted in real change. A checklist to prepare for recording and a tool to use for watching/reflecting on videos for goal setting will be provided.

SPEAKERS:
Sarah Millette (Chicago Public Schools: No City, No State), Andrew DeVivo (Chicago Public Schools: Chicago, IL), Carla Shortino (Chicago Public Schools: Chicago, IL)

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

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 2211


STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

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

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

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

SHELL Science Education Leadership Pathways

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

Kansas City Convention Center - Grand Ballroom 2501


STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

Dr. Conerly will lead a discussion with other past Shell awardees about strategies and pathways for science educators to develop their leadership skills and advance in their careers while advocating for and promoting opportunities for students.

TAKEAWAYS:
Dr. Conerly will lead a discussion with other past Shell awardees about strategies and pathways for science educators to develop their leadership skills and advance in their careers while advocating for and promoting opportunities for students.

SPEAKERS:
Alicia Conerly (Marion County Schools: Columbia, MS), Roy Basa (Zuni Public School District: Zuni, NM), Adrine Williams (Jackson State University: Jackson, MS), Cecelia Gillam (Benjamin Franklin High School: No City, No State)

Federal STEM Education Resources - Where can I find them?

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 3501 E



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

STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

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

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

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

STOM: We Built a Zoo!

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 3501 G


STRAND: STEM Haven

Show Details

To get kids excited to come to school, we built a School Zoo with 113 small animals that is run by an Animal Science elective class and student zookeepers. The students learn and run everything, including tours to over 3,000 elementary students. We will discuss the zoo and how to replicate it.

TAKEAWAYS:
Create a classroom or school zoo where your students become advocates and leaders while they learn by solving practical STEM related daily issues that come up.

SPEAKERS:
Jennifer Szydlowski (Jefferson Middle School: Columbia, MO), Mike Szydlowski (Science Teachers of Missouri: Columbia, MO)

Using NSTA in Lieu of a Textbook w/Preservice Teachers: Instructors’ Stories

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 2215 A



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
NSTA_Speed-Sharing_2023_KC_MO_final.pdf

Show Details

University/college instructors at several institutions in the US and Canada are using NSTA resources in lieu of a textbook when teaching preservice teachers. Participants will meet some of these instructors and learn how they integrate NSTA resources in their courses and the benefits of the program. Preservice teachers using NSTA create a library of resources, grow their network of professional colleagues, and enhance their content and pedagogical knowledge of science. Instructors receive a class landing page to manage their course and a private forum for asynchronous discussions. They also gain access to an administrator's dashboard to monitor and assess their students' engagement within the NSTA website. All instructors receive a free NSTA membership. Students can become members of the Association through graduation and add to the website's library all of NSTA’s Interactive E-Books+ Professional, professional learning units, and other fee-based resources to use in class and beyond.

TAKEAWAYS:
University/college instructors are using NSTA resources in lieu of a textbook when teaching preservice teacher courses. Participants will meet some of these instructors and learn how they integrate NSTA resources in their courses and the benefits of the program.

SPEAKERS:
Flavio Mendez (NSTA: Arlington, VA)

Sensemaking and Phenomena: Engaging Secondary Science Students in Learning

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 2203



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Handout - Spoiler Alert!
Shared in NSTA Session
Science Scope Article Spoiler alert!
Bergman, D.J. (2021). Spoiler alert! Avoiding hazards to science inquiry and classroom creativity. Science Scope, 45(1), 10-14. Available at https://www.nsta.org/science-scope/science-scope-septemberoctober-2021/spoiler-alert

Show Details

Join us for a speed-sharing session on how to use sensemaking and phenomena to engage secondary science students in learning. We'll explore the role of phenomena in sensemaking, share tips for selecting engaging phenomena, and discuss how to use sensemaking to support student learning. Using Images and Crosscutting Concepts to Cultivate Reasoning This session will incorporate sorting photos of different eyes to help educators and students explain their sorting choices by focusing on any of the crosscutting concepts to make sense of the images through that particular lens. Connecting precipitation chemistry to community: From modeling precipitation reactions to citizen science and service learning Presentation of lab-based modeling approach to precipitation (“double replacement”) reactions. Discussion of ways to integrate environmental science concepts, specifically biogeochemical cycles and water safety, into the chemistry curriculum. SPOILER ALERT! Avoiding Hazards to Students' Sensemaking and Authentic Science Learning "Spoilers" pervade entertainment news, social media, conversations . . . AND our science classrooms! Teachers must beware of spoilers that can sabotage, short-circuit, or short-change students' learning and sensemaking. Learn how to avoid spoilers and use alternative strategies to enhance lessons.

TAKEAWAYS:
Join us for a speed-sharing session on how to use sensemaking and phenomena to engage secondary science students in learning. We'll explore the role of phenomena in sensemaking, share tips for selecting engaging phenomena, and discuss how to use sensemaking to support student learning.

SPEAKERS:
Heather Summers (Project ECHO for Education), Aaron Musson (Omaha Public Schools: Omaha, NE), Daniel Bergman (Wichita State University: Wichita, KS)

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

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 3501 B



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

STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

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

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

SPEAKERS:
Trisha Herminghaus (Alaska Science Education Consultants: Anchorage, AK), Matthew Christiansen (Oceanside High School #7: Oceanside, NY)

The NSTA Atlas of the Three Dimensions

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 2215 C


STRAND: Students and Sensemaking

Show Details

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

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

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

Anchoring Science Leadership in Equity Principles

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 3501 F


STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

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

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

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

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

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 2211


STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

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

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

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

Supporting Transgender and Non-Binary Students in the Classroom

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 2209


STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

Given the current political situations surrounding transgender, non-binary, and intersex individuals, we want to make sure there is a session to give current and future teachers an understanding of what students might be going through. We will be sharing experiences from current teacher's, students, and ourselves. We will also give out resources for teachers to share in their classroom with students and ways that they can get involved in helping their students. The session will begin with an introduction of myself (a gay, transgender pre-service teacher who leads a middle school trans. peer-to-peer group) and co-presenter (a straight, cisgender associate professor of science education). We'll include both an overview of vocabulary and terminology used in the LGBTQIA+ community and real-life classroom and school scenarios of LGBTQIA+ students' and teachers' experience. The session will conclude with time for attendees to ask questions they have about teaching LGBTQIA+ students.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees with gain an understanding for, and information about, the LGBTQIA+ community, some of the struggles the students face everyday, and how teachers can create a classroom to make students feel welcome and safe. Focusing on the transgender and non-binary experience.

SPEAKERS:
Megan Beckam (University of Nevada, Reno: Reno, NV), Samson Stynen (Michigan State University: East Lansing, MI)

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

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

Kansas City Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

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

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

SPEAKERS:
Matthew Blank (Assistant Professor: Houston, TX)

Partnerships Bring STEAM To Students

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

Kansas City Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

We will share the collaboration between Westminster College and local elementary schools to enhance the learning of science. At Westminster, we conducted a STEAM Night for the local elementary schools. Education and Science majors teamed up to create stations that covered science topics such as structure & function, force & motion, the engineering design process, the structure of DNA, botany, art & geometry, and robotics. Elementary students and their families participated in hands-on experiences to reinforce science concepts taught in the classroom. Our poster shares the benefits of collaboration that provide learning experiences which students may not have in the classroom. Not only do these activities have benefits for elementary students and their teachers, but it also gives college students experience in how to work with children and conduct impactful science lessons. This experience creates opportunities to build bridges between schools and colleges to learn STEAM together.

TAKEAWAYS:
Science education can be transformed through partnerships between colleges and schools. Elementary teachers sometimes lack time to focus on the subject of science. Colleges can collaborate with schools to give students science learning experiences they may not get otherwise.

SPEAKERS:
Tami Ensor (Westminster College: Fulton, MO), Annette Ramirez (Preservice Teacher/Student: No City, No State), Courtney Street (Student: No City, No State)

NSTA District Professional Learning: Find Out What NSTA Can Do For You to Support Science Teaching and Learning!

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.)
Poster - NSTA District Professional Learning

STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

A Framework for K–12 Science Education and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) encourages students to engage in science and engineering practices to develop deeper understanding of disciplinary core ideas and crosscutting concepts. As a partner in the development of the NGSS, NSTA has been at the forefront of the shift toward improving the quality of science instruction for all students. Let us support your school or district efforts to implement three-dimensional standards and transform classroom instruction.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to bring NSTA professional learning services to your school, district, or organization (face-to-face, virtual, and hybrid).

SPEAKERS:
Michelle Phillips (NSTA: Arlington, VA)

Starting an NSTA Student Chapter in Higher Education

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

Kansas City Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

This poster will demonstrate the process of creating a Missouri Western State University node for pre-service science teachers affiliated with NSTA. It will include the components as outlined in the “Students Chapter Procedures Guide” from NSTA, as well as the Recognized Student Organization guidelines under the Student Government Association at MWSU. Chapters include a mission statement, by-laws or constitution, and a faculty advisor. Students presenting this poster will also highlight how applied learning at the state designated university compliments the goals of NSTA student chapters.

TAKEAWAYS:
Students struggle with advocating to bring their classroom learning to the community to foster change. One of the primary challenges is where to start. From this Poster Session, faculty and students will learn the starting points of beginning their own chapter at their respective institution.

SPEAKERS:
Ollie Bogdon (Missouri Western State University: Saint Joseph, MO)

Explore NSTA’s Online Professional Learning Opportunities

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.)
Poster - Online Opportunities

STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

Join us to explore the variety of online professional development opportunities for educators. We will be highlighting all the opportunities to gain NSTA certificates that could be used as continuing education certificates, including many that are free!

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn about the variety of professional learning opportunities that NSTA has to offer.

SPEAKERS:
Michelle Phillips (NSTA: Arlington, VA)

Girls Building STEAM: Grabbing and Keeping Females Attention in STEAM

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.)
Resources

STRAND: Students and Sensemaking

Show Details

In 2014 Girls Building STEAM was concieved after attending an ISTE presentation. The goal was to do short, fun activities that girls could continue at home, like melted crayon art, air pressure games with cheeseballs, and MAKER activities. Once a month 30 minute meetings grew into weekly 1 hour meetings and stand-alone ideas grew into year-long projects. Along the way, a group of girls took charge and began leading, assisting in grant writing, planning, and teaching. We created a successful year-long fashion program that taught fashion design, jewelry-making, art, and more to bring attention to environmental issues in South Florida. In this session we will share our day plans, month plans, and year plans. You will hear from students and student leaders about why this program is important, and how it has enhanced their learning in school and guided their choices for the future.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will gain insight on how to start, maintain, and succeed with a student-led club that helps build young ladies into leaders. You will hear from current students and mentors who discovered their love of STEAM, and are now motivated to get others hooked on the fun and learning.

SPEAKERS:
Nancy Penchev (Scheck Hillel Community School: Miami, FL)

Content Knowledge for Teaching Matters: Tools for Teacher Education & Professional Development

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.)
Poster

STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

Learning about matter serves as an important and critical foundation for understanding many other scientific ideas. Understanding what matter is, forms in which it exists, properties of matter, and conservation of matter in the elementary grades supports students in being able to explain a variety of phenomena including melting and freezing, as well as larger processes such as the water cycle. However, despite its importance as a foundation to science learning, the concept of matter is both complex to teach and difficult to learn. Furthermore, the NGSS represent a fundamental shift in how matter is taught at the elementary level. Through a set of educative curriculum materials developed with funding from NSF, teacher educators and professional developers can support elementary teachers in developing their content knowledge for teaching. Materials are free and include elicitation tasks, lesson plans, and more-- educative supports are included to aid facilitators in implementation.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn about content knowledge for teaching about matter and a set of research-based tools that they can use in workshops and teacher education courses to help elementary teachers develop the understanding they need to teach matter in ways that align with the NGSS.

SPEAKERS:
Debi Hanuscin (Western Washington University: Bellingham, WA)

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

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

Kansas City Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

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

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

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

Re-remembering and re-affirming why we became teachers in the first place

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 2505 A



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Wysession_NSTA_ReaffirmationOfTeaching.pdf
Slides on the importance of teaching science and how that provide for a satisfying and meaningful career.

STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Savvas Learning Company

Join Professor Michael Wysession in an inspirational session to reconnect you with the reasons you chose teaching as your profession. Through the lens of a modernized ancient concept (the Japanese “Ikigai”), participants will reflect on their teaching careers and rediscover the rewards (personal, societal, financial) of the teaching profession.

SPEAKERS:
Michael Wysession (Washington University in St. Louis: Saint Louis, MO)

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

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 2215 C


STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

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

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

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

University and College Instructors: Use NSTA with Preservice Teachers

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 3501 G



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

STRAND: Research to Practice

Show Details

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

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

SPEAKERS:
Flavio Mendez (NSTA: Arlington, VA)

Recharge Yourself! From Striving to Thriving: Part 2 Stress Management

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 2209



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
NSTA Stress Management Part II October 2023

Show Details

N/A

TAKEAWAYS:
Tips on how to relieve pressure and regain control.

SPEAKERS:
Michelle Phillips (NSTA: Arlington, VA), Azra Chughtai (NSTA: McLean, VA)

KATS: Kansas Association of Teachers of Science supports YOU!

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 2211


STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

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

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

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

NextGen TIME: A Toolkit for Materials Evaluation

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 3501 F


STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

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We know two things: 1) the purchase of new instructional materials represents a significant district investment and 2) effective classroom use of high-quality instructional materials improves student learning. NextGen TIME can help districts ensure investment in the best possible instructional materials and provide guidance on preparing teachers for effective use. NextGen TIME is a suite of tools and processes to support districts in evaluating, selecting, and implementing instructional materials designed for the NGSS. NextGen TIME is also designed as a professional learning experience for teachers to deepen their understanding of NGSS as they analyze instructional materials. It addresses the needs of states, districts, and schools for a deep understanding of the NGSS to make selection decisions for instructional materials, plan for implementation of those materials, and provide teacher professional learning that enables effective implementation of NGSS‐aligned teaching and learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how NextGen TIME supports the evaluation of current instructional materials to strengthen their design for NGSS and how NextGen TIME tools and processes can serve as critical components of curriculum-based professional learning. You’ll walk away with free access to NextGen TIME resources.

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

Teaching Biology in a Time of Conflict -- Challenge, Opportunity, and Optimism

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 2105



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Presentation Slides - Part 1
Presentation Slides - Part 2

STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

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Every crisis brings opportunity, and behind the challenges we face as science educators is a looming opportunity to engage our students in some of the most important questions that affect their lives. Even our youngest students are acutely aware of the ways in which crises such as the Covid pandemic, extreme weather, and climate change have impacted their lives, and this awareness provides a genuine opportunity to engage students with the scientific process. Contrary to what the daily grind of the news cycle seems to tell us, we are actually living in a golden age of scientific innovation and discovery. Almost without exception, the crises we face today have scientific solutions, and each of them provides a way to make science meaningful, interesting, and exciting to our students. That is the challenge we face, but it is also why today is actually the “Best of Times” to be a science educator, and we should make the most of it.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will be presented with some of the principal challenges facing science educators around the nation, and will examine specific ways educators can respond effectively to these challenges.

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