A unique and open-ended STEM investigation that incorporates absolute and relative dating techniques, anomalies, historical context, volcanoes, solar proton events, energy cycles, Earth systems, terrestrial events, and supernovas by analyzing 430 years of Earth history from 1562 to 1992.

TAKEAWAYS:
In constructing knowledge, there is no definitive answer, only plausible conclusions based on constructing, analyzing, and comparing data and research from multiple disciplines. This investigation provides a better understanding of the scientific process of developing models and defending results.

SPEAKERS:
Donna Young (NASA/NSO/UoL Program Manager: Laughlin, NV)

Photons of electromagnetic radiation of all wavelengths are collected by telescopes and processed using computers. Scientists use image analysis software to analyze the data and construct unique models of the data, including stars and galaxies, while maintaining the integrity of the underlying data.

TAKEAWAYS:
All our knowledge of stars and galaxies is determined by spectroscopy— the analysis of radiation emissions, including radio, infrared, optical, ultraviolet, gamma, and X-ray. Knowledge of spectroscopy is essential to understanding the processes producing the individual wavelengths.

SPEAKERS:
Donna Young (NASA/NSO/UoL Program Manager: Laughlin, NV)

Join me as we engage with many high-leverage SEL strategies I regularly incorporate into my high school classroom. I use these strategies to foster a sense of belonging and support strong development of the NGSS SEPs. We’ll discuss successes and strategize your adaptations of my ready-to-use tools.

TAKEAWAYS:
One core SEL strategy I’ll share is a “temperature check” in which students take 5 minutes of class weekly to fill out a digital (or paper) survey to let me know how they’re doing. I’ll share my rationale behind the questions I use and how they have increased my ability to support students.

SPEAKERS:
Andrea Ames (Meridian High School: Bellingham, WA)

Learning targets and success criteria are meant to support our students, but they often give away meaningful opportunities for sensemaking. Come consider our process for embedding the 3Ds into our learning targets and success criteria to ensure administrative compliance AND student sensemaking.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will explore how dimension-aligned sentence stems help to make science learning targets and success criteria more 3D and supportive of sensemaking. They will consider how the resulting targets and criteria support administration goals and improve teacher planning and practice.

SPEAKERS:
Martha Inouye (University of Wyoming: Laramie, WY), Erin Arnold (Green River High School: , WY), Megan Allen (Teacher: Green River, WY), Shawna Mattson (Green River High School: Green River, WY), Richard Carroll (Teacher: Green River, WY), Ana Houseal (University of Wyoming: Laramie, WY)

Dinosaur Ridge is an outdoor fossil and geology wonder near Denver, Colorado. Home of the nation’s #1 Dinosaur Tracksite and a dozen points of geological interest, we bring an online, 360° tour for your students to explore.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teaching physical science in classrooms can be tough without real-world examples to show students. Dinosaur Ridge is a site that specializes in this and life sciences using cross-cutting systems, patterns, concepts, and scientific knowledge.

SPEAKERS:
Erin LaCount (Education Programs Director: Morrison, CO)

This short session will chronicle the journey of developing and enhancing NGSS-aligned Performance Assessment Tasks that complement effective science instruction and engage students in high-quality phenomenon-based lessons and assessment AS learning!

TAKEAWAYS:
The key takeaways will include: 1. Tips and tricks for writing novel performance assessment tasks that fit right into regular science classes. 2. Tips and tricks for enhancing/modifying existing assessment tasks. 3. Samples of modified assessment tasks for both Biology & Physical Science.

SPEAKERS:
Marissa Murdock (Dekalb County School District: No City, No State)