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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FILTERS APPLIED:PreK - 5, Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice, Engineering

 

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

Let's DIVE-In to Engineering and the Engineering Design Process

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 2504 A


STRAND: Students and Sensemaking

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning

Students get engaged with practical and inquiry-based engineering experiences by using the DIVE-in method. This program was developed with the New York Hall of Science. Transform your classroom into an authentic makerspace with the DIVE process. Learn how to use the design process through consensus.

SPEAKERS:
Margo Dye (Accelerate Learning Inc.: Houston, TX)

“Raising the Green Roof” for STEM Learning: A 4th Grade Water Cycle Unit

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 2201


STRAND: STEM Haven

Show Details

“Raising the Green Roof” is a 4-week interdisciplinary STEM unit developed by university architectural studies and science education faculty working with elementary educators. In the unit, students use place-based strategies to explore how human-built structures impact the environment and then learn that green roof designs can help restore the natural water cycle. Water cycle basics (evaporation, condensation, precipitation) are emphasized as students explore stormwater runoff, test water retention in various soils, model roof design features, and discover the role that plants play in water management. The unit culminates in an engineering design challenge with students building their own miniature doghouses, green roofs included. Our workshop introduces teachers to our unit’s structure and the science and sustainability concepts behind it. Teachers will also have an opportunity to practice several hands-on investigations and modelling activities from the unit’s lesson plans.

TAKEAWAYS:
This hands-on workshop provides an overview of Green Roof lessons and gives participants a chance to practice modelling and engineering investigations from the unit. Educators will learn architectural content knowledge and receive a link to classroom-ready curriculum and teacher support materials.

SPEAKERS:
Laura Zangori (University of Missouri: Columbia, MO), Suzy Otto (University of Missouri)

K-5 STEAM Labs: Maximizing Creativity Through Criteria and Constraints

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 2204


STRAND: STEM Haven

Show Details

This session consists of a student facing experience in which participants will engage in a sample lab activity followed by a collaborative debrief about the intentional decision making process behind the experience. Participants will leave with an understanding of how they can replicate experiences like this in their classroom, even in the absence of a designated space such as the STEAM Lab. Fairport Central School District has implemented STEAM Labs in each of its elementary schools. The vision is to support, challenge, and prepare all Fairport students to be Future Ready. By engaging with curricular and extracurricular projects and inquiries, students will utilize their innate creativity to actively construct knowledge. Students are at the center of the learning and are seen and valued for who they are. The Labs provide opportunities for students to tinker with ideas and collaborate with each other, to support the social-emotional and academic development of all learners.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how the use of criteria and constraints increase student engagement and creativity in the problem-solving process.

SPEAKERS:
Travis Wood (Fairport Central School District: No City, No State), Kristin Larsen (Honeoye Falls- Lima CSD: Honeoye Falls, NY)

Solving Problems Using Multiple Lenses

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 2206


STRAND: STEM Haven

Show Details

Problem based learning uses observable events and processes that occur in the world. It is important to provide students with sensemaking opportunities that require them to combine their knowledge about multiple, cross-disciplinary DCIs, science and engineering practices, and cross cutting concepts, and ELA, math, and social studies, to design solutions to a real-world problem. The purpose of this session is to model the intentional combination of multiple disciplines to design a solution to the impact farming can have on the environment. During the session, participants will engage in designing a windmill that will help them reduce the impact of farming on the environment. We will explore the transdisciplinary nature of designing windmills and work in engineering teams to create the most efficient windmill. This presentation provides access to an NGSS Design Badge 5th grade unit, and strategies for combining multiple disciplines to design solutions to real-world problems.

TAKEAWAYS:
The audience will walk away with access to an NGSS Design Badge 5th grade unit that exemplifies strategies for engaging students in real-world problem-solving using multiple disciplines.

SPEAKERS:
Christi Sanderson (mySci Instructional Specialist: University City, MO), Lauren Ashman (Washington University in St. Louis Institute for School Partnership: Saint Louis, MO)

Teaching STEM and Humanities: Combining STEM Activities with Social Studies and History

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 2207


STRAND: STEM Haven

Show Details

Incorporating social studies and history into STEM education doesn’t have to be difficult. Situations and events from the past can be used to present phenomena to students. Explore how you can use real world events and situations from World War II to engage your students with observable phenomena. In this workshop session led by an educator from The National WWII Museum, educators will explore how to incorporate a story, situation, or event from WWII into a phenomenon that meets NGSS standards. All of the activities also have a reading to accompany them for an added literacy component. The stories and activities will all come from our free curriculums: Little Engineers and Real World Science. Attendees will receive a hard copy of each curriculum. During this workshop, the activities demonstrated will feature Victory Gardens (parts of plants, growing seeds) and Earn Your Wings (engineering challenge with paper airplanes) activities.

TAKEAWAYS:
Incorporating social studies and history into STEM education doesn’t have to be difficult; situations and events from the past can be used to present phenomena to students.

SPEAKERS:
Kelly Goodner (Assistant Director of K-12 Programs: New Orleans, LA)

Engineer Physical Science Excitement with a Carolina STEM Challenge®

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 2505 B


STRAND: STEM Haven

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Carolina Biological Supply Co.

Apply creative problem-solving skills and engineering practices to chemistry and physical science challenges. Experience how Carolina makes it easy to incorporate STEM into your classroom. Launch a chemical reaction rocket and race a car powered by a balloon.

SPEAKERS:
Patricia Kopkau

How Do You Support Students Through Productive Struggle?

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 1501 A


STRAND: Students and Sensemaking

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Great Minds

In this workshop, participants undergo a challenging student experience as they work through a complex investigation. Throughout the course of the session, participants discover the importance of fostering an environment that encourages challenges where students can struggle in a safe space.

SPEAKERS:
Sally Robichaux (Great Minds: Washington, DC)

Invention Education for Every Student: Free Tools to Get Started

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 2203


STRAND: Tech Tools

Show Details

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

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

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

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)

STEM Bins with Brooke Brown: Engineering Through Play

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 2502 B


STRAND: Students and Sensemaking

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: hand2mind

Discover how to effectively use STEM Bins® as a foundational, developmentally appropriate form of engineering for elementary students. Learn simple ways to implement STEM Bins® for early finishers, enrichment, morning work, centers, makerspaces, and literacy and math extensions.

SPEAKERS:
Brooke Brown (Roosevelt Elementary School: Norman, OK)

Showcase: What’s New at STEMscopes?

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 2504 A


STRAND: Students and Sensemaking

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning

If you're using STEMscopes (or wanna-be), this session is for you. Come see the most popular digital curriculum during this session. Discover assessment packages, streaming videos with activities, coding with app building, hands-on engineering projects, STEM teacher certification, and much more.

SPEAKERS:
Angela Campana (Accelerate Learning, Inc.: Houston, TX)

Using TinkerClass Podcasts to Promote Project Based Learning and STEAM: Free Tools to Support Your Teaching

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 2105


STRAND: Tech Tools

Show Details

Our session will explore the following: The research behind using podcasts via TinkerClass in the classroom, which revealed: -Observable engagement and equitable experience in project-based activities across all learners, irrespective of their race, native language or income level -Lowered anxiety regarding reading and encourages executive functioning skills as kids lean into scientific inquiry -Shared community experience -Passion and joy for learning in an accessible format -Activated creativity and ideation -Teachers' want for a tool that promotes science, 21st century skills, and the 6-C’s: Content, Creative Innovation, Critical Thinking, Communication, Collaboration, Confidence How teachers can use podcasts & TinkerClass in the classroom: -Explanation of equipment required -Examples of how to integrate audio into existing lesson plans / curricula -Run-through of how podcasts and TinkerClass can streamline instruction and be templated to optimize teacher prep time

TAKEAWAYS:
Panel attendees will learn how to use podcasts in the classroom through TinkerClass’ modular LISTEN, WONDER, TINKER, MAKE pathway, which guides students to gather and analyze their own hypotheses and data to create multimedia presentations of their engineering designs and scientific experiments.

SPEAKERS:
Carole Paterson (TinkerCast and Valley School of Ligonier: Laughlintown, PA), Rebecca Caban (Educational Producer)

Putting the 'E' in STEM

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 2102 A


STRAND: STEM Haven

Show Details

Even if educators understand the role of an engineer, they often do not know how to teach it at an elementary level. In this session, I will explain the components of the engineering design process, including ask, imagine, plan, create, test, and improve. A comparison will be made between the scientific and engineering design processes. A description of STEM will be presented that centers on the engineering design process. Participants will explore the alignment of the engineering design process and the next-generation science standards. A simple STEM project will be analyzed through the engineering design lens in order to identify potential adjustments to foster the inclusion of critical thinking of an engineer.

TAKEAWAYS:
What is engineering, and how can it be used to enhance my STEM teaching?

SPEAKERS:
Erika Neuman (University of Texas at San Antonio: No City, No State)

Discover NSTA’s Elementary Instructional Materials!

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 3501 C


Show Details

This session will introduce participants to NSTA instructional materials (lessons and units) designed for elementary classrooms. These instructional materials are designed around the critical aspects of sensemaking: students experience a phenomenon, engage in science and engineering practices and share ideas and to build and/or apply disciplinary core ideas and crosscutting concepts needed to explain how or why the phenomenon occurs. Sensemaking is in the vision of A Framework for K-12 Science Education - “the doing of science and engineering is highlighted as a strategy that can capture students’ interest in science and motivate their continued study.” (A Framework for K-12 Science Education, pp 42-43). NSTA lessons and units provide opportunities for all students to engage in science learning that is meaningful to them.

TAKEAWAYS:
Phenomenon-driven, three-dimensional lessons and units provide students opportunities to actively try to figure out how the world works or design solutions to problems (sensemaking).

SPEAKERS:
Patrice Scinta (NSTA: Arlington, VA)

Buildings, Bridges, and Structures, Oh My!

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 2103 B



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Arch Bridges.pdf
Here is worksheet for arch bridges.
Beam Bridges.pdf
Beam Bridges Worksheet
Cable-Stayed Bridges.pdf
Here is a worksheet for cable-stayed bridges.
Cantilever Bridges.pdf
Here is a worksheet for cantilever bridges.
Copy of NSTA Conference_ Bridges, Buildings, and Structures, Oh My!.pdf
Here is my slideshow from the workshop I gave.
Famous Bridges Around the World.pdf
Here are some famous bridges from around the world.
Suspension Bridges.pdf
Here is a worksheet for suspension bridges.
Truss Bridges .pdf
Here is a worksheet for truss bridges.

STRAND: STEM Haven

Show Details

What student has not been amazed by the incredible bridges and buildings constructed by architects! How many of them have wanted to try and design their own structures? In this hands-on workshop, the participants will have an opportunity to view some of the creative buildings and bridges my second graders have constructed using mostly recyclable materials. They will hear about some of the record-breaking buildings that have been constructed around the world, and they will also have a chance to see a short video about some of the most unusual structures ever built. Before commencing any of the building, the participants will receive information on the different types of bridges built throughout the ages. These include the covered bridge, the truss, suspension, cantilever, beam, cable-stayed, and arch bridges. Once the participants have a general knowledge of the different types of bridges, they will then have an opportunity to work as a team to build a bridge or a building.

TAKEAWAYS:
In this session, participants will learn how to develop an engineering unit for elementary students where they design and build their own skyscrapers and bridges. Relevant videos will be shown and student work will be showcased.

SPEAKERS:
Joan Gillman (The Browning School: New York, NY)

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)

Ready, Set, Launch Students into Engineering Design!

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 2102 A


STRAND: STEM Haven

Show Details

Participants learn hands-on how to engage students in a STEM design challenge. They discover the importance of research through experimentation while investigating 4 variables that affect a straw rocket’s flight. They’ll create a series of straw rockets, testing each variable through launching. Participants will learn strategies to teach students measurement and data collection skills with any experimental design process for any level; whether that is beginning measurement in Pre-K and K to the importance of significant figures in measurement with high school. Teachers will experience strategies for classroom data analysis and use this in their ultimate challenge: designing and engineering the ideal straw rocket to test in a distance competition. Teachers will learn strategies to differentiate this concept in any K-12 classroom and see testimonials on this from the Air Camp Programming and Teacher Air Camp alumni.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn hands-on strategies to help students develop measurement, data collection, and analysis skills they can apply in engineering design lessons. You will learn methods to differentiate this in any K-12 setting and leave with free resources for your classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Jennifer Stormer (3-6 STEM Teacher/ Elementary and Teacher Curriculum Specialist, Air Camp USA: Union, OH), Christina Davis (Air Camp USA, Inc.: Dayton, OH)

Designing with Purpose: Leveraging Student Ideas in the Engineering Design Process

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 2104 A


STRAND: Students and Sensemaking

Show Details

We will unpack the purpose of each phase within the design cycle (Ask-Imagine-Plan-Create-Improve) and the role it plays in developing and showcasing student understanding of scientific concepts and their development of SEPs. Students often jump quickly from asking questions to designing solutions. Participants will engage in an activity that emphasizes the importance of slowing down the engineering process to zoom in on intentional brainstorming and planning that encourages students to think creatively, yet logically, about their ideas. We will focus on helping students articulate their thinking and communicate their scientific ideas throughout the design process. We will look at how these ideas can be mirrored in the improve phase to allow students to reflect on their process, gather and communicate new findings, and purposefully redesign. Through well-developed design projects, elementary students can build strong scientific understanding and develop critical 21st-century skills.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will take away ideas for enhancing the engineering design process for their students in order to leverage student ideas and collaboration to create better engineering solutions.

SPEAKERS:
Briana Trager (Graduate Student: , NC)

STEAM is Elementary

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 2103 A



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

STRAND: STEM Haven

Show Details

The participants will follow a sequence of activities that align with a progression of the skills found in the PreK-2 engineering standards (NGSS). During the session, the participants will complete the hands-on activities in order to bring them back to their classrooms or modify them as they see fit. The first activity has the participants cut up a water cooler paper cup (cone shape) in order to maximize the “float time” after it was placed on a box fan pointed upwards. By watching the different designs, they will be encouraged to make a second design to test. The second activity has the participants making straw rockets using the following materials: plastic straw, clay, card stock. Using a straw rocket launcher, the participants will see how far their rocket goes. Last activity includes the designing and testing a sail for a car. Teaching materials will be provided, along with ways to encourage science fairs and family STEAM nights for elementary grades.

TAKEAWAYS:
During the session, the participants will complete hands-on STEAM activities that they can use or modify with their students the next day!!!

SPEAKERS:
Jeanine Doxsee (Franklin Early Childhood Center: Hewlett, NY), Brian Terry (Hewlett-Woodmere Public Schools: Woodmere, NY)

Changing the Game with STEM in Family Engagement

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 2103 B


STRAND: STEM Haven

Show Details

Participants will experience multiple hands-on playful learning activities that engage young children and their families. Participants will use plastic bricks that will help inspire ideas about STEM learning outcomes that can be achieved through play. This workshop will engage participants in a knowledge journey of playful learning, STEM inquiry, and modeling educator practices. The session will share best practices for engaging young children and families with STEM. Our program session will help the audience using knowledge to create relevance in programs to prepare student participants for lifelong STEM learning and inquiry. In the workshop they will have the opportunity to interact with others in the session, engaging in mutual inquiry, teamwork and building relationships.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will experience multiple hands-on playful learning activities that engage children and their families. Participants will use plastic bricks that will help inspire ideas about STEM learning outcomes that can be achieved through play.

SPEAKERS:
Kathryn Sample (Specialist, Education), Tammy Pankey (Director of Education)

Incorporating the Engineering Design Process in the Elementary Grades

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 2103 A


STRAND: STEM Haven

Show Details

This engineering workshop for elementary teachers is designed to provide educators with a foundation in engineering practices that can be applied in the classroom. The workshop will be divided into three segments covering the following topics: 1. Introduction to Engineering: The workshop will start with an introduction to the Engineering Design Process and its applications in our daily lives. Workshop attendees will learn how to help young students make connections to their own lives. 2. Hands-on Activities: A hands-on activity (building a watering device) will be be included in the workshop to provide teachers with a first-hand experience of the engineering design process. Teachers will work in teams to brainstorm, design, build, test, and refine their prototypes, much like they will ask their students to do. 3. Curriculum Integration: A discussion and ideas on how to integrate engineering concepts into the elementary classroom curriculum.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn the importance of incorporating the Engineering Design Practices in their elementary classrooms as well as ways to teach this to young learners in a way that is engaging, exciting, and memorable.

SPEAKERS:
Shawn O’Neill (University of Massachusetts Lowell: Lowell, MA)

Cellular Connections

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

Kansas City Convention Center - 2102 B


STRAND: STEM Haven

Show Details

Presenters will be using resources created through the Master Teacher of Invention Program which is a program of the United States Patent and Trade Office. Participants will begin by looking at patents related to the telephone and putting them in chronological order. Next the participants will generate ideas about innovations regarding the telephone. The participants will then learn about the 4 different types of intellectual property (Copyright, Patent, Trademark, Trade Secret). From there, participants will experience the design process of identifying problems and finding solutions related to cell phone usage.This workshop will be taught as if participants are students experiencing the lesson; therefore, participants will be up and moving around. Resources from the United States Patent and Trade Office will be shared.

TAKEAWAYS:
Educators will walk away with a lesson focused on invention and intellectual property created by teachers in the Master Teacher of Invention and Intellectual Property Program that can immediately be implemented in the classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Juan Valentin (U.S. Patent and Trademark Office: Alexandria, VA), Denise Henggeler (Northeast Nodaway)

Showcase: What’s New at STEMscopes?

Friday, October 27 • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Kansas City Convention Center - 2504 A


STRAND: Students and Sensemaking

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning

If you're using STEMscopes (or want to be), this session is for you. Come see the most popular digital curriculum during this session. Discover assessment packages, streaming videos with activities, coding with app building, hands-on engineering projects, STEM teacher certification, and much more.

Clean Cut - Learning about Simple Machines and Engineering Design

Friday, October 27 • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Kansas City Convention Center - 2102 B



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

STRAND: STEM Haven

Show Details

Simple machines are historically a difficult subject to teach due in part to limited integration with other content. The Clean Cut unit is suitable for upper elementary students and combines the concept of the wedge and the engineering design process. The goal is not only to introduce students to simple machines but also to introduce them to the nature of engineering design. Throughout the unit, students learn that one perfect solution does not exist; instead, they learn to tolerate and learn from failures. The students learn why simple machines are used in everyday life and design a solution to a problem while learning about and using an engineering design process. The students refine their design to fit within the constraints and criteria set by a client. Students test the design and collect qualitative data to refine their design. The unit includes a summative assessment in the form of a letter to the client describing what was learned about simple machines and engineering design.

TAKEAWAYS:
The context of the lesson is designing a tool to split soap for use by people who have been through a natural disaster. Participants will learn about the integrated approach using engineering design and simple machines, experience part of the unit, and receive the handouts for use in the classroom.

SPEAKERS:
William Walker (Assistant Director, CATALYST: No City, No State), Sopheak Seng (Mr.: Lafayette, IN)

K-5 STEAM Labs: From Grassroots Beginnings to Systemic Implementation

Saturday, October 28 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Kansas City Convention Center - 2202


STRAND: STEM Haven

Show Details

The vision of the Fairport STEAM Lab is to support, challenge, and prepare all Fairport students to be Future Ready. We believe that by engaging with curricular and extracurricular projects and inquiries, students will utilize their innate creativity to actively construct knowledge. Students engage with materials and technologies that help them share their learning and tell their stories. The Labs are a place for young people to develop skills that they can transfer to other parts of their lives as they prepare themselves for the future. The presenters will share our experience with building a Lab with attendees that are interested in creating them in their districts and how we have expanded our work to other area districts. We will explore how our curriculum is scaffolded to increase levels of sophistication regarding engineering design, computer science, and digital literacy concepts.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will leave with recommendations for creating STEAM Labs in their districts based on the blueprint that Fairport used to launch Labs that incorporate the NGSS Engineering Design standards, Computer Science and Digital Fluency Learning Standards, and a focus on social-emotional learning.

SPEAKERS:
Travis Wood (Fairport Central School District: No City, No State), Kristin Larsen (Honeoye Falls- Lima CSD: Honeoye Falls, NY)

METRICS: Maximizing Engagement Through Regular Immersion in Computer Science

Saturday, October 28 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Kansas City Convention Center - 2101


STRAND: Research to Practice

Show Details

Winchester is 1 of 10 public schools in the country, out of 43 schools in total, to receive the coveted Education Innovation and Research Early-Phase grant from the U.S. Department of Education. Through the Metrics program, students at John Kerr Elementary School and Garland Quarles Elementary School have an immersive experience with computer science and computational thinking which are driving the 21st century economy. This session is meant to be a dissemination of our five year project, to share what we have learned about immersing students and teachers in grades K-4 in computers science, and to provide resources and time for participants to experience some of our activities and build a trajectory for building their own computer science program.

TAKEAWAYS:
Build your own pathway to develop techies {thinkers} and tinkerers in your space.

SPEAKERS:
Amy Thomas (John Kerr Elementary School: Winchester, VA), Jennifer Ramsey (Garland R. Quarles Elementary School: Winchester, VA), Jennifer LaBombard-Daniels (Winchester Public Schools: Winchester, VA)

Tackling Real-World Problems With TCI’s Engineering Challenges

Saturday, October 28 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

Kansas City Convention Center - 2505 B


STRAND: Students and Sensemaking

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: TCI

Build student interest in engineering with TCI's Engineering Challenges. In TCI’s Bring Science Alive! programs, students take charge of their learning and develop solutions to real-world problems just like engineers do. Join to discover the power of TCI and practical tips for your classroom.

Invention Education Lightning Round

Saturday, October 28 • 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Kansas City Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Share-a-thon Area


Show Details

This Share-A-Thon stop will include information and free teacher materials from the USPTO's Office of Education presented by a Master Teacher of Invention Education & Intellectual Property. There will also be an opportunity for further networking with other fellow elementary teachers.

TAKEAWAYS:
You will walk away with free materials from the US Patent & Trade Office created specifically for elementary teachers, along with an invitation to explore further with a Master Teacher of Invention Education & IP.

SPEAKERS:
Kathy Hoppe (STEMisED, Inc)

Putting It All Together With PBL

Saturday, October 28 • 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Kansas City Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Share-a-thon Area


STRAND: STEM Haven | STEAM

Show Details

During this session, participants will discover how our school utilizes all resources to make PBL a learning experience like no other! Learn how our school collaborates with experts and stakeholders throughout the community to bring experiential learning to our students in the classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
Educators will learn how our school implements PBL through cross-curricular concepts using art, technology, and research integration as well as bringing in community experts to make for an immersive learning experience.

SPEAKERS:
Tyler Lappe (Instructional Coach: Cape Girardeau, MO)

Clean Cut - Learning about Simple Machines and Engineering Design

Saturday, October 28 • 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Kansas City Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Share-a-thon Area



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

Show Details

Simple machines are historically a difficult subject to teach due in part to limited integration with other content. The Clean Cut unit is suitable for upper elementary students and combines the concept of the wedge and the engineering design process. The goal is not only to introduce students to simple machines but also to introduce them to the nature of engineering design. Throughout the unit, students learn that one perfect solution does not exist; instead, they learn to tolerate and learn from failures. The students learn why simple machines are used in everyday life and design a solution to a problem while learning about and using an engineering design process. The students refine their design to fit within the constraints and criteria set by a client. Students test the design and collect qualitative data to refine their design. The unit includes a summative assessment in the form of a letter to the client describing what was learned about simple machines and engineering design.

TAKEAWAYS:
The context of the lesson is designing a tool to split soap for use by people who have been through a natural disaster. Participants will learn about the integrated approach using engineering design and simple machines, experience part of the unit, and receive the handouts for use in the classroom.

SPEAKERS:
William Walker (Assistant Director, CATALYST: No City, No State), Sopheak Seng (Mr.: Lafayette, IN)

Build a Better Future Activity

Saturday, October 28 • 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Kansas City Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Share-a-thon Area



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Build a Better Future Activity

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Engineers, architects, and builders design ways to make structures more durable, accessible, safer, and better. How can you build a better future? 1. Brainstorm: Use your imagination to design a structure for one of these scenarios. (K-2-ETS1-1) (3-5-ETS1-1) • Environmentally friendly design (K-ESS3-3) (5-ESS3-1) • Durable design to withstand a natural disaster (3-ESS3-1) (4-ESS3-2) • Improve an existing place to be more accessible. 2. Design: Draw a picture of your solution to the challenge. (K-2-ETS1-2) 3. Create: Build a model to represent your solution using only the pieces provided. (2-PS1-3) 4. Share: Think about your answers to these questions. Record your responses or share your answers. (3-5-ETS1-1) (3-5 ETS1-2) • What problem did you solve? • Explain how your solution solved the challenge. • What constraints did you have to follow in this activity? • If you could choose any materials, how would you modify and improve your design? • Brainstorm solutions for the other sc

TAKEAWAYS:
You will do a STEM challenge that uses the engineering design process in an easy and fun way with just a small bag of LEGO elements. You will receive a NGSS-aligned student challenge activity card as a takeaway, as well as a bag of LEGO elements!

SPEAKERS:
Tammy Pankey (Director of Education)

AEOP Virtual Reality “Lab”

Saturday, October 28 • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Kansas City Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


STRAND: STEM Haven

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

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

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

K-5 STEAM Labs: From Grassroots Beginnings to Systemic Implementation

Saturday, October 28 • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Kansas City Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


STRAND: STEM Haven

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The vision of the Fairport STEAM Lab is to support, challenge, and prepare all Fairport students to be Future Ready. We believe that by engaging with curricular and extracurricular projects and inquiries, students will utilize their innate creativity to actively construct knowledge. Students engage with materials and technologies that help them share their learning and tell their stories. The Labs are a place for young people to develop skills that they can transfer to other parts of their lives as they prepare themselves for the future. The presenters will share our experience with building a Lab with attendees that are interested in creating them in their districts and how we have expanded our work to other area districts. We will explore how our curriculum is scaffolded to increase levels of sophistication regarding engineering design, computer science, and digital literacy concepts.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will leave with recommendations for creating STEAM Labs in their districts based on the blueprint that Fairport used to launch Labs that incorporate the NGSS Engineering Design Standards, Computer Science and Digital Fluency Learning Standards, and a focus on social-emotional learning.

SPEAKERS:
Travis Wood (Fairport Central School District: No City, No State), Kristin Larsen (Honeoye Falls- Lima CSD: Honeoye Falls, NY)

Cereal Box Dominoes in the K-4 Science Classroom

Saturday, October 28 • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Kansas City Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


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We believe lifelong learners are developed as a result of a strong early childhood foundation in problem-solving and sensemaking. This session documents a lesson in engendering, math, and problem-solving we developed with cereal box dominoes in our K-4 science class. The lesson included and engaged all students in saving, sorting, and creating a domino path pattern, as well as the community and surrounding city as churches, parents, apartment complexes, friends, and family saved boxes and eagerly anticipated the domino event.

TAKEAWAYS:
Session demonstrates how science is presented to K-4 students to both build a strong science foundation and competency in problem solving.

SPEAKERS:
Susan (Cee Cee) Cohen (Retired Teacher: Madison, WI)

STEM Doodles with 3-D Pens

Saturday, October 28 • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Kansas City Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


STRAND: STEM Haven

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

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

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

Expanding the Innovation Ecosystem: Removing Barriers to Reach All Students

Saturday, October 28 • 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM

Kansas City Convention Center - 2204


STRAND: Research to Practice

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As science teachers, we understand the importance of innovation in driving progress and economic growth. However, many students living in high-barrier areas across the country lack access to the resources and opportunities necessary to participate in the innovation ecosystem. This presentation proposes strategies for expanding the innovation ecosystem and engaging these underserved students in innovation activities. We will discuss the Innovation Atlas, a valuable resource for identifying innovation clusters and potential partnerships. We will also explore ways to connect students with innovation centers, industry mentors, and entrepreneurship programs. By expanding the innovation ecosystem and breaking down barriers, we can inspire the next generation of innovators and ensure that all students have the chance to contribute to our shared future.

TAKEAWAYS:
Our mission is to inspire inclusive U.S. innovation and global competitiveness. This starts in the K-12 classrooms by identifying and breaking down barriers that prevent students from learning how to be inventors and innovators.

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

Engineering Connects Classrooms to STEM Careers

Saturday, October 28 • 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM

Kansas City Convention Center - 3501 C


STRAND: STEM Haven

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Looking for ways to integrate engineering in your science curriculum? Join us to become familiar with freely-available, high-quality instructional materials that create opportunities for students to apply science ideas to solve real-world problems, gain confidence and see themselves in STEM careers.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to engage students in learning that centers on addressing pressing social challenges and be able to describe transdisciplinary approaches to education.

SPEAKERS:
Rob Wallace (: Kenner, LA)

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