2024 Denver National Conference

March 20-23, 2024

Additional sessions will be added as they are accepted and confirmed over the next several weeks.
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FILTERS APPLIED:9 - 12, Presentation, Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

 

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

Empowering Education: Harnessing the Power of AI for 21st Century Classrooms

Thursday, March 21 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Colorado Convention Center - 703


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Explore transformative AI tools for education, including Questionwell, Curipod, and Twee. Learn to seamlessly integrate them into lessons, enhance student engagement, and elevate learning with AI-generated questions and personalized feedback.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will gain hands-on experience with AI tools for education, understanding their potential to enhance student engagement, streamline assessment, and promote innovative teaching strategies.

SPEAKERS:
Selene Verhofstad (Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship: No City, No State), Faryal Shaukat (Dobie High School: Houston, TX)

Formative Assessment Techniques

Thursday, March 21 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Hyatt Regency Denver - Mineral Hall A



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

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

This session will offer practical and adaptable examples of formative classroom assessment techniques that could be incorporated into any science classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
This session will present formative assessment techniques that attendees can take back to their classrooms and use immediately.

SPEAKERS:
Tyler Buchan (Salisbury Composite High School: Sherwood Park, AB)

Down The Rabbit Hole: Assessment of the Crosscutting Concept 'Patterns' in High School Chemistry

Thursday, March 21 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Hyatt Regency Denver - Centennial Ballroom H


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

We often rely on Crosscutting Concepts within the Next Generation Science Standards as ways of thinking students participate all the time, in every grade, in every subject. But what happens when those skills have not been honed in the way we need them to be for our grade level and disciplinary core?

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will leave our session having attained concepts and skills that will help them measure attainment of Patterns, a critical Crosscutting Concept in the Next Generation Science Standards. Participants will be introduced to assessment resources and instructions for using them.

SPEAKERS:
Sonal Patel-Dame (Plattsburgh High School), Anoopa Singh (Manhattan Center for Science and Mathematics: New York, NY)

How to Use EdReports to Select High-Quality Instructional Materials

Thursday, March 21 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 210/212



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
NSTA_How to Use EdReports to Select High Quality K-12 Instructional Materials.pdf

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Participants will learn about the characteristics of hiqh-quality instructional materials (HQIM) and how to identify them. They will use EdReports resources to compare and contrast materials based on markers of quality and discuss how to use this process when selecting HQIM for their local context.

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

SPEAKERS:
John-Carlos Marino (Science Lead), Shannon Wachowski (EdReports.org: Fort Collins, CO)

Problem-Based Learning for Environmental and Social Justice

Thursday, March 21 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Hyatt Regency Denver - Centennial Ballroom B



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Problem Based Learning : Complete unit on Environmental Racism/Social Justice
This is the slide show for my presentation

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Participants will engage in the development of a PBL Life Science unit— from start to finish for any secondary student. Several examples of successful PBL Units will be shared and participants will have the opportunity to create their own PBL— specifically Brownfields, Env. Disasters, etc.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will be able to walk away with a partial or entire PBL unit.

SPEAKERS:
Margaret Busker-Postlethwait (Teacher/presenter: Akron, OH)

Engineering Solutions to Feed the World’s Growing Human Population

Thursday, March 21 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Hyatt Regency Denver - Centennial Ballroom F


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

By 2050, 9.7 billion humans may be living on Earth. If current trends continue, food production will need to increase 60-100%. In this storyline, students design solutions to feed this growing population while building space spacing food production systems (ie-hydroponics, vertical garden).

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn about a new storyline that engages students in designing and evaluating solutions for how to solve the issue of feeding the world’s growing human population based on scientific knowledge, student-generated sources of evidence, prioritized criteria, and tradeoff considerations.

SPEAKERS:
Shane Cullian (Whitewater High School: Whitewater, WI)

Using Modeling to Develop a Deep Understanding of Photosynthesis & Cellular Respiration as Chemical Processes

Thursday, March 21 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Hyatt Regency Denver - Centennial Ballroom G



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

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

In this hands-on workshop, participants will work with models of chemical reactions, photosynthesis, and cellular respiration that can help students develop a deep and flexible understanding of these important processes.

TAKEAWAYS:
Modeling, an important component of the NGSS, can help students understand biological processes more fully. These hands-on, minds-on models are engaging and lead to rigorous learning.

SPEAKERS:
Jennifer Hofeld (Harrah High School: Harrah, OK)

What is OpenSciEd HS? What do teachers who use OpenSciEd have to say?

Thursday, March 21 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Hyatt Regency Denver - Centennial Ballroom D



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1P3urTNNQuY4JGBTPJHqgIiMMjJbyVChPvxxciN06b58/edit#slide=id.p1

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Get acquainted with OpenSciEd HS, from the anchoring phenomena to the curricular routines to assessment.

TAKEAWAYS:
OpenSciEd HS's storyline approach, curricular routines, student discourse strategies, and assessment systems work together to help students build equitable science learning experiences.

SPEAKERS:
Zoe Buck Bracey (Senior Science Educator and Director of Design for Justice: Colorado Springs, CO), Kate Henson (University of Colorado Boulder: Boulder, CO)

Building Bridges to Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Thursday, March 21 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

Hyatt Regency Denver - Mineral Hall B



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Building Bridges Slides with LInks

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Learn from our experience as a math and a science teacher collaborating together to give our students an interdisciplinary learning opportunity so that you can start your own plan. We will share the logistics from this authentic inquiry-based project and you’ll hear testimonials from our students.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will be provided with one way to overcome logistical challenges inherent with interdisciplinary collaboration at the secondary level, including differing rosters and schedules. Furthermore, attendees will have the opportunity to start their own plan for their own interdisciplinary project.

SPEAKERS:
Joseph Schneiderwind (Daniel C Oakes high school: Castle Rock, CO), Nadene Klein (Daniel C. Oakes High School: Castle Rock, CO)

Lab Skills Performance Assessments in Chemistry

Thursday, March 21 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

Hyatt Regency Denver - Mineral Hall A



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Chemistry Lab Skills Self-Assessment.docx
Lighting a Bunsen Burner Checklist.docx
PA Presentation.pptx
Pipetting Skill Checklist.docx
Science Attitudes Survey.docx
Titration Skill Checklist.docx
Using a Graduated Cylinder Checklist.docx
Using an Electronic Balance Checklist.docx

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

This session will provide concrete and practical examples of how to implement lab skill performance assessments in the classroom and will offer easy-to-use and tangible information that teachers can take back to their own schools.

TAKEAWAYS:
This session will present how to administer performance assessments of five basic lab skills and the benefits to the classroom that result.

SPEAKERS:
Tyler Buchan (Salisbury Composite High School: Sherwood Park, AB)

High School Chemistry Storylines

Thursday, March 21 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

Hyatt Regency Denver - Centennial Ballroom H



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Illinois Chemistry Storyline Presentation
Please email [email protected] for any further questions! Thanks!

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

This presentation will showcase a 3D + NGSS-aligned Northern Lights Storyline designed for High School Chemistry. This presentation will showcase the: Student Activities, Teacher Narratives, Formative and Summative Assessments in this Storyline.

TAKEAWAYS:
Anyone attending this presentation will be shown an example of a completed Chemistry Storyline based on the Northern Lights and learn how to implement three-dimensional learning in their classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Charlie Pozen (Gateway High School, Aurora CO: No City, No State)

Fishing in New England — Human Impact Unit

Thursday, March 21 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 712



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Fishing Unit Supplemental Information
Supplemental resources from the UBD document. Please make a copy of documents.
Fishing Unit UBD
Session PowerPoint Presentation

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Explore the application of phenomenon-based science teaching through the lens of fishing. Applications for any state enable students to explore human impacts on natural recourses and the impact on the overall health of the ocean. Essential questions are investigated using mini-projects and more.

TAKEAWAYS:
This unit models a phenomenon-based unit about fishing and aquaculture. Students explore cultural, economical, and ecological impacts around fishing to explore human impacts on our natural resources. Mini project-based learning and dissections are used as teaching strategies in this unit.

SPEAKERS:
Ashley Garcia (Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School: Plymouth, MA)

OpenSciEd High School Chemistry: How can we find, make, and recycle the substances we need to live on and beyond Earth?

Thursday, March 21 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

Hyatt Regency Denver - Centennial Ballroom D



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1kdemzkYayC5s0ru_88CzNTUQOAPFIKKp?usp=drive_link
All presentation materials including handouts.
NSTA Denver 2024 - C.3 Molecular Processes in Earth Systems_ (1).pdf
Presentation slides.

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

OpenSciEd Chemistry's 3rd unit explores how we can use chemistry and Earth and space science understandings to survive living off of Earth. Learn how students build understanding of atomic structure and function through modeling, investigations, and patterns of thinking.

TAKEAWAYS:
This unit supports students as they figure out how atomic structure impacts the patterns we see on the Periodic Table and the role of water to sustain life and react with materials to form surface features. Participants will see how students build these ideas through investigations and manipulatives.

SPEAKERS:
Michael Novak (Northwestern University: Evanston, IL), Nicole Vick (Northwestern University)

Cultivating Literacy in Science: Strategies for Comprehension

Thursday, March 21 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 603



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Cultivating Literacy in Science Powerpoint
Cultivating Literacy in Science Resource Folder

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Learn about the differences between content and disciplinary literacy. Participants will understand the benefits of implementing literacy strategies in science. Participants will learn vocabulary and literacy strategies that they can take to help build their student's comprehension of science texts.

TAKEAWAYS:
In this session, participants will learn about the differences between content and disciplinary literacy, and engage in vocabulary and comprehension strategies that they can use in the classroom to build their student comprehension.

SPEAKERS:
Megan Hodge (Mississippi Department of Education: Jackson, MS)

Chemistry Storylines: Northwestern University Materials World Modules (MWM)

Thursday, March 21 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

Hyatt Regency Denver - Centennial Ballroom H


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Chemistry storylines supporting phenomena-based curriculum and alignment to Next Generation Science Standards. High school chemistry teachers partnered with Northwestern University Materials Research Center to design and implement two new modules— STEM+C Solar Cell Project and SCI+Art Project.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how NGSS inquiry and design pedagogy can be used with Materials World Modules. Each module connects everyday phenomena to NGSS performance expectations, emphasizing how to build toward design and engineering skills. Presenters will share modifications to meet varying academic levels.

SPEAKERS:
Ami LeFevre (Niles West High School: Skokie, IL)

AUTHOR: Model-Based Inquiry in Biology: Three-Dimensional Instructional Units for Grades 9-12

Thursday, March 21 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 107/109


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

We will introduce our recently published NSTA book containing a collection of units and resources to help teachers engage students in three-dimensional learning through model-based inquiry.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn about four biology model-based inquiry units for rigorous and equitable instruction. Developed with secondary science teachers, the session guides three-dimensional learning, anchoring phenomena, modeling, and scientific explanations.

SPEAKERS:
Todd Campbell (University of Connecticut: Storrs Mansfield, CT), Ron Gray (Northern Arizona University: Flagstaff, AZ)

OpenSciEd High School: Developing and using models to explore inheritance and variation of traits through and investigation of cancer.

Thursday, March 21 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

Hyatt Regency Denver - Centennial Ballroom D


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

OpenSciEd Biology's 3rd unit explores who gets cancer and why and where we should focus efforts on treatment and prevention. Learn how students build understanding of inheritance and variation of traits through modeling, investigations and cause and effect thinking.

TAKEAWAYS:
This unit supports students as they figure out understandings of inheritance and related ideas. Participants will see how students build these ideas through a series of investigations.

SPEAKERS:
Kate Henson (University of Colorado Boulder: Boulder, CO)

Algorithm alleys: Strategies to elevate Science and Engineering Practices using ChatGPT

Thursday, March 21 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 703



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
NSTA Presentation, Algorithm alleys Strategies to elevate Science and Engineering Practices using ChatGPT.pdf

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Explore the application of ChatGPT to facilitate student choice, interest, and motivation and to address science and engineering practices! Investigate ChatGPT’s capacity to inform design decisions through inquisitive exploration, creative brainstorming, and interpretive lenses.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will explore how ChatGPT elevates science and engineering practices through the investigation of problems, topics, and phenomena; creative brainstorming options; generation of experiments with conceptual and hypothetical results; and interpretation of data for product improvement.

SPEAKERS:
Andrew Kipp (Texas A&M)

Swimming in Knowledge: Daphnia Research in K-12 Classrooms

Friday, March 22 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Hyatt Regency Denver - Centennial Ballroom G


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

The water-flea, Daphnia, is a charismatic model organism in the life sciences. They are easy to find in lakes/ponds and to care for, making them great for classroom investigations. Here we present two interconnected curriculum units exploring the effects of pollution on Daphnia and their ecosystems.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how to facilitate NGSS-aligned, inquiry-driven classroom investigations with Daphnia. We will share two examples of interconnected investigations based on our current work as science graduate students at the University of Illinois. Curriculum materials will be provided.

SPEAKERS:
Patrick Wilson (PhD Student: Urbana, IL), Barbara Hug (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign: Champaign, IL), Jeannette Cullum (Graduate Student: Urbana, IL)

Science Has to Have Story — But How Do You Get It In There?

Friday, March 22 • 9:20 AM - 10:20 AM

Hyatt Regency Denver - Granite


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Our brains and our students' brains are programmed to engage with stories. This is true not only for the stories of STEM discoveries and history but also for broader applications. Engagement, understanding, and even classroom culture all benefit when the instructor becomes the storyteller.

TAKEAWAYS:
Come learn how to find, cultivate, create, and deliver the stories embedded within your content area with a published author and 16-year science educator. Also, learn techniques for adding story where it might not seem apparent and building the story of your classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Matt Brady (Atkins High School: Winston-Salem, NC)

Using the Patterns Approach to Engage all Students in the NGSS

Friday, March 22 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

Hyatt Regency Denver - Capitol Ballroom 7



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Using the Patterns Approach to Engage all Students in the NGSS
Link to presentation

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Discover a transformative, three-year NGSS curriculum that's equity-focused and engineering-based, including climate science. Adopted in 33+ Northwest districts, this vertically articulated program could revolutionize your high school science program.

TAKEAWAYS:
Discover a transformative, three-year NGSS curriculum that's equity-focused and engineering-based, including climate science. Adopted in 33+ Pacific Northwest districts.

SPEAKERS:
Matt McCollum (Mountainside High School: Beaverton, OR), Bradford Hill (Mountainside High School: Beaverton, OR)

The OpenSciEd High School Assessment system

Friday, March 22 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

Hyatt Regency Denver - Centennial Ballroom D



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1xJPNfpCbGq0zFqTE5CigaHcN6-yV7PKJ?usp=sharing
File containing all handouts.
OpenSciEd Assessment System.pdf
Presentation slides

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Explore the structure of the OpenSciEd High School assessment system across Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

TAKEAWAYS:
In OpenSciEd HS, the assessment system is structured to support teachers in assessing all three dimensions of the NGSS through formative, summative, peer, and self-assessment opportunities.

SPEAKERS:
Nicole Vick (Northwestern University), Zoe Buck Bracey (Senior Science Educator and Director of Design for Justice: Colorado Springs, CO), Kate Henson (University of Colorado Boulder: Boulder, CO)

Using the NGSS SEPs as Proficiency Scales in Standards-Based Grading & Reporting

Friday, March 22 • 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM

Hyatt Regency Denver - Centennial Ballroom B



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1oYFtKQKu88sJ76iNDLdJbhmGgO__6BBs1dQyrYMEgxQ/edit?usp=sharing

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Learn to integrate science and engineering practices into proficiency scales for evaluating student performance in assessments. Explore how classroom educators calibrate student assessments and how to report scores into a gradebook that communicates to all stakeholders.

TAKEAWAYS:
Educators will learn how to integrate the SEPs into proficiency scales that can be used in a standards-based model, including instruction, assessments, and in PLCs through calibration and reporting.

SPEAKERS:
Erin Sinner (Davies High School: Fargo, ND), Alexandra Kollman (Fargo Public Schools: Fargo, ND)

The Science of Skepticism: Empowering Educators with Sagan's Baloney Detection Kit

Friday, March 22 • 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 702


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Explore the importance of reflective thinking, skepticism, and the tools for critical inquiry as emphasized by Sagan's Baloney Detection Kit. This session guides educators in fostering students' intellectual curiosity and equipping them with survival skills for the information age.

TAKEAWAYS:
Equip yourself with strategies to foster reflective and skeptical thinking in students, empowering them with Sagan's nine components of critical inquiry, ensuring they navigate the information glut with discernment.

SPEAKERS:
Nathan Lang-Raad (Author, Speaker, Educator: , ME)

Assessment 3.0: The Learning Progression Model

Friday, March 22 • 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM

Hyatt Regency Denver - Mineral Hall B



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
https://reimaginedschools.com/nsta-conference-presentations/
A copy of the slide presentation plus many other useful resources!

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

The Learning Progression Model is a flexible, equitable assessment strategy to provide descriptive feedback, set goals, evaluate teaching, and report achievement. Attendees leave knowing how they can implement this in their classrooms, even in a traditional grades school. For K-College, all courses.

TAKEAWAYS:
Understand how the Learning Progression Model keeps students engaged and accountable, how learning progressions are used to develop/assess skills and knowledge aligned with NGSS, and how to integrate this approach into the traditional grading system.

SPEAKERS:
Elise Naramore (Pascack Hills High School: Montvale, NJ)

Teach Like an Elder and Have Success in a Modern, Healing STEM Classroom!

Friday, March 22 • 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM

Hyatt Regency Denver - Centennial Ballroom H


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

This session will connect the teaching methods of our elders to the current best practices in STEM education. This will include the removal of barriers to learning as well as taking the lessons into the world of students. Lesson templates will be shared as well as examples of all methods.

TAKEAWAYS:
For many attendees, existing materials and methods can be adapted to the worlds of the students and drastically increase engagement, critical thinking, and practical application. This will result in a strengthening of the student's identity as a STEM learner, as well as STEM being a possible career.

SPEAKERS:
Joel Truesdell (Kamehameha Schools Hawaii Campus: Keaau, HI)

Differentiation in the AP Physics Classroom: Reaching and Challenging ALL Students

Friday, March 22 • 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Bluebird Ballroom 2F


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

In my AP Physics 1 class I have a student who can’t rearrange simple equations alongside a student who got a 5 on AP Calc BC. I have the star of Honors English Lit and a new international student who doesn’t yet understand simple directions in English. How can I reach and challenge every student?

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to cater for every student in your classroom using my three guiding rules: facilitate self-paced learning, emphasize mastery, and playing to students’ strengths. This will ensure all students get a solid conceptual foundation and have the support that they need to reach their full potential.

SPEAKERS:
Abigail Vega (Physics & Chemistry Teacher: , CA)

Get the M in STEM Working for You!

Friday, March 22 • 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM

Hyatt Regency Denver - Agate



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Plans and Presentation
Check here for the documents that support the lessons in my presentation!

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Let's face it, science often takes a backseat to math! Change the conversation with ideas to support integrating science curriculum and find funding for authentic learning experiences. Help get your topics more recognition and revitalize the most hated subject in school, math!

TAKEAWAYS:
Discuss successful steps taken to integrate curriculum, fund activities, and even co-teach ES, biology, chemistry, and STEM topics with math teammates. Walk away with lesson plans you can take to your math department to model the process.

SPEAKERS:
Scarlett Lyon (STEM Outreach Coordinator)

Engaging Students in the Science and Engineering of Food

Friday, March 22 • 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM

Hyatt Regency Denver - Centennial Ballroom C



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Ag Biology Overview & Apples 03_22_24.pdf

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Engage in conversations for how to use the three dimensions of the NGSS and the NRC Framework, storylines, driving questions, formative and summative assessments, and hands-on activities to learn science and engineering skills while making sense of one of our most basic needs – FOOD.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will engage in a morsel of a storyline on producing the perfect apple. In this storyline, students notice and wonder about different varieties of apples and are challenged to explain why it took 30 years for the Honeycrisp apple to be available to consumers.

SPEAKERS:
Shane Cullian (Whitewater High School: Whitewater, WI)

AUTHOR: Model-Based Inquiry in Chemistry: Three-Dimensional Instructional Units for Grades 9-12

Friday, March 22 • 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 107/109


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

We will introduce our forthcoming NSTA book containing a collection of units and resources to help teachers engage students in three-dimensional learning through model-based inquiry.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn about four chemistry model-based inquiry units for rigorous and equitable instruction. Developed with secondary science teachers, the session guides three-dimensional learning, anchoring phenomena, modeling, and scientific explanations.

SPEAKERS:
Ron Gray (Northern Arizona University: Flagstaff, AZ), Todd Campbell (University of Connecticut: Storrs Mansfield, CT)

Using Explicit Instruction to Teach Python Programming

Friday, March 22 • 2:40 PM - 3:40 PM

Hyatt Regency Denver - Mineral Hall A



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Teaching Python with Explicit Instruction Final Revised.ppt

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Learn to use Explicit Instruction (EI) to teach Python programming as part of a science course or a standalone course. EI can help reach ESL, lower socio-economic backgrounds, and special education students. It can also keep ALL students engaged in the lessons as it involves hands-on practice.

TAKEAWAYS:
Develop an Explicit Instruction (EI) lesson for Python ‘if statements’ and have the knowledge to develop a full EI curriculum in Python programming to reach all students, including underserved students.

SPEAKERS:
Gargi Adhikari (Holland Brook School/Readington Township Schools: Whitehouse Station, NJ), Mary O'Donnell (Penn State University)

Using the Cultural Wealth Model to Build Classroom Community

Friday, March 22 • 2:40 PM - 3:40 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 704


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

This presentation is aimed at providing an overview of the six tenets within the Cultural Wealth Model, each including activities and strategies that can be implemented within the classroom to promote social justice, equity, and cultural relevance.

TAKEAWAYS:
This presentation will provide teachers with resources to begin constructing culturally relevant lessons with ease, while building community in the classroom and resisting oppressive structures within education.

SPEAKERS:
Maizie Dyess (Graduate Assistant: , NV)

The Illinois Biology Storylines: Introduction and Updates

Friday, March 22 • 2:40 PM - 3:40 PM

Hyatt Regency Denver - Centennial Ballroom F



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

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Storylines led by phenomena improve student engagement and understanding of overarching biological concepts. We will model using phenomena to anchor and lead instruction.

TAKEAWAYS:
Storylines provide an equitable, culturally-responsive learning experience that support long-lasting learning for all students.

SPEAKERS:
Michele Koehler (Riverside Brookfield District 208: Riverside, IL), Shane Cullian (Whitewater High School: Whitewater, WI), Kathlyn Van Hoeck (St Xavier University: Chicago, IL), Charlie Pozen (Gateway High School, Aurora CO: No City, No State)

Biofabrication in the Classroom: Project-Based Learning for Equitable Education

Friday, March 22 • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Hyatt Regency Denver - Centennial Ballroom B



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

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Discover BioTrek, a free project-based learning program that introduces your students to regenerative science through advanced technologies, entrepreneurship and career pathways in the biofabrication industry. Learn how to bring this dynamic inquiry-driven experience to your classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees gain insight into cutting-edge tissue engineering concepts and free NGSS-aligned curriculum. Learn how ARMI is shaping the industry and empowering the future workforce of biofabrication through BioTrek, a program that exposes students to exciting careers via transdisciplinary learning.

SPEAKERS:
Alanis Vicente (ARMI / BioFab: Manchester, NH), Gabrielle Mourousas (ARMI / BioFab: Manchester, NH)

Rev Up Your Engineering Integration with the Knowles Project Complexity Rubric

Friday, March 22 • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Hyatt Regency Denver - Centennial Ballroom F


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

How can engineering design invite student creativity and choice in a science classroom? Come learn about a teacher-developed tool for scaling student autonomy both up and down within engineering practices into your science class. Leave with new activity ideas and a new strategy for developing more.

TAKEAWAYS:
In this presentation, teachers will look at several examples of integrated-STEM instruction on a continuum of student-centricity and complexity. Teachers will use a Project Complexity Rubric to consider modifications to the examples and to their own engineering-oriented math and science instruction.

SPEAKERS:
Kylie Bertram (Science Teacher: Willingboro, NJ), Emily Berman (Global STEM Challenges Program)

Making it Fit: Reframing Learning Targets and Success Criteria to Crack the Code on Student Sensemaking

Friday, March 22 • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 603


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

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)

Beyond Lucy: Bringing Human Evolution Alive in the Classroom

Friday, March 22 • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 607


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

In this session, three author-educators will use 3D-printed fossils to introduce the topic of human origins, identify critical adaptations, and learn stories behind the fossils. Attendees will gain age-appropriate strategies tailored to diverse student populations (lower grades through high school).

TAKEAWAYS:
This session provides educators with skills and resources for teaching human evolution. Through a trifold approach, participants will increase confidence in teaching about human origins by exploring major milestones in human evolution and headline-grabbing discoveries. Bibliography provided.

SPEAKERS:
Elizabeth Shreeve (EMLA: No City, No State), John Mead (St. Mark's School of Texas: Allen, TX), Pamela Turner (Author: Oakland, CA)

"Think Global, Act Local" Climate and Environmental Projects That Teach Skills, Agency, and Optimism

Friday, March 22 • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 704



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Think Global Act Local Teaching Agency, Skills and Optimism

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Learn to use the Solutionary Framework to design instruction that engages students in solving real-world problems in their community. Empower young people to become climate solutionaries who explore complex problems and find solutions that do the most good for all stakeholders.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will use the four-part Solutionary Framework to expand their ability to design units that empower students to address the complex climate issues facing their generation.

SPEAKERS:
Julie Meltzer (Director of K-12 and Teacher Education: Surry, ME), Angela Whittaker (Institute for Humane Education: No City, No State)

Empower Scientific Inquiry with Primary Sources

Friday, March 22 • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Hyatt Regency Denver - Centennial Ballroom C


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

This session will provide strategies on Teaching with Primary Sources in the science curriculum to promote student a.) inquiry and discourse b.) critical thinking and analysis and c.) understanding of scientific history.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will engage in teaching strategies that exemplify how analyzing primary sources can support critical thinking and the scientific method of observation, hypothesizing, and analysis.

SPEAKERS:
Dat Le (Arlington Public Schools: Arlington, VA)

A writing center led by science teachers? Why it works and how to implement it in your school!

Friday, March 22 • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 708



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
writing center and science literacy resource folder

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Using a Peer-assisted-learning model, you can learn how to establish a writing center at your school to support science literacy and foster student leadership. Doing so can also emotionally support students and build student self-confidence while communicating in multiple ways.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will be provided an approach for developing a writing center at their schools with research outlining the necessity of science literacy and for science teachers to support and teach literacy.

SPEAKERS:
Brooke Whitworth (Clemson University: Clemson, SC), Ashley Hunter (Graduate Research/Teaching Assistant: Clemson, SC), Althea Roy (Clemson University: Clemson, SC)

Leveraging Technology to Prevent Teacher Burnout: Strategies from a HS Physics and Chemistry Teacher

Friday, March 22 • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Hyatt Regency Denver - Mineral Hall B


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

In my first year teaching I worked 16 hours a day, swamped with planning and grading. Despite my best intentions, neglecting my own needs had a negative impact on my teaching. I now leverage technology to work smarter not harder, reducing my workload while improving my students’ learning experience.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to reduce your workload whilst maximizing students’ benefit. Reduce grading workload using my three rules for grading: automate it, delegate it, and simplify it! Save time lesson planning using my 3 favorite tools: the 5-minute lesson plan, video examples, and Google suite.

SPEAKERS:
Abigail Vega (Physics & Chemistry Teacher: , CA)

The Matter-Energy-Forces Triangle: A Common Approach to Make Sense of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Earth Science in OpenSciEd

Friday, March 22 • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Hyatt Regency Denver - Centennial Ballroom D


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Explore a unifying framework used in OpenSciEd for making connections between matter, energy, and forces across Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Earth Science. Dig into this tool in free NGSS-aligned units to explain phenomena and consider how it could be applied to other phenomena in your context.

TAKEAWAYS:
The Framework calls for “a common use of language about energy and matter across the disciplines in science instruction.” The MEF triangle uses cues and prompts to draw attention to interactions between matter, energy, and forces to help students make sense of complex phenomena across domains.

SPEAKERS:
Jamie Noll (BSCS Science Learning: Colorado Springs, CO), Diego Rojas-Perilla (BSCS Science Learning: Colorado Springs, CO)

Digital Electronic Notebooks: It's Like a Regular Notebook... but Better

Saturday, March 23 • 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM

Colorado Convention Center - 101



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
eNotebook presentation links
These are links to the resources used in the presentation

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

I have been utilizing electronic notebooks with students in a variety of ways. I will share examples and what I’ve found useful and problematic about different platforms, and what I hope to add in the future. I will give you resource copies and contact info to collaborate on future improvements.

TAKEAWAYS:
Electronic notebooks are a better approach for students to record what they are learning and doing. They have all the abilities of traditional notebooks plus many additional features: from animation and linked videos, to manipulatable pictures, to cross-platform aspects like graphs and much more.

SPEAKERS:
Matthew Kuehl (Grand Rapids High School: , MN), Joshua Dumas (Biology Teacher: Medford, MN)

Science Unveiled: Case Study Exploration in Secondary and Post-Secondary Education

Saturday, March 23 • 11:40 AM - 12:40 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Mile High Ballroom 3B



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Costa Rica Grant Video
Costa Rica Grant Trip in 2015
Savegre Case Study Handout
Savegre Case Study Presentation

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Take part in a punctuated case study led by four preservice students on how to utilize, modify, and adapt case materials in the classroom. Hear from the author about how her experiences in Costa Rica led to the writing of a published case study (NCCSTS/ NSTA) of Costa Rican sustainability.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees in this session will take part in a punctuated case study and be provided instruction on how to write, utilize, and adapt case studies to fit in the secondary or lower-level postsecondary classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Madison Lockhart (Olivet Nazarene University: No City, No State), Emily Blucker (Student: No City, No State), Matthew Aude (Olivet Nazarene University: Bourbonnais, IL), Haley Lloyd (Olivet Nazarene University: No City, No State), Aggie Veld (Olivet Nazarene University: Bourbonnais, IL)

Exciting, Hands-On Solar System Modeling You Will Remember Using Fractions, Proportions, & Decimals

Saturday, March 23 • 11:40 AM - 12:40 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Bluebird Ballroom 3B


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

10 unique and unusual science-based examples of solar system modeling that use simple materials with all these interactive activities stress the use of decimals, fractions, and proportions in a scalable, adaptable, and fun exploration of the planets, including Pluto and the Asteroid Belt.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will experience the solar system in new ways through activities addressing hands-on size comparisons, geologic age, light distance, object ratios, density, gravity, and travel time. Each model uses inexpensive and effective materials that are easily recreated and shared.

SPEAKERS:
Martin Horejsi (University of Montana: Missoula, MT)

Unlocking the Genetic Code: Visualizing Protein Synthesis and Mutations

Saturday, March 23 • 11:40 AM - 12:40 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 207


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

In this session, participants will utilize activities that use model representation to help students understand processes like protein synthesis and genetic mutations. These complex biological processes engage students in the scientific practice of using and developing models.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will gain access to free resources to teach types of genetic mutations and simulate protein synthesis, with multiple versions of the student activity available. Attendees will practice using one of the student versions and consider how to embed this activity in their lessons.

SPEAKERS:
Aja Mattise-Lorenzen (High School Science Teacher: Fort Collins, CO), Dr. Yajaira Fuentes-Tauber (Rocky Mountain High School: Fort Collins, CO)

Track Stars: Step into the Future of Competitive Student-Led Data-Driven Pedagogy

Saturday, March 23 • 11:40 AM - 12:40 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 704


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Track Stars is a transformative professional development session that not only empowers teachers with data-driven strategies but also harnesses the competitive spirit of students, ultimately leading to improved academic outcomes and a culture of excellence in secondary education.

TAKEAWAYS:
Track Stars is a dynamic professional development program tailored to secondary teachers, designed to equip them with practical data-tracking strategies that can revolutionize their classrooms into highly effective and competitive data-driven environments.

SPEAKERS:
ROBBIE KEUCHLER JR (Secondary Science Specialist: Orange Park, FL)

Developing Science Instruction Through Video Lab Creation: Supporting Students Beyond the Classroom

Saturday, March 23 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 710



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Presentation
Process Guide for Video Lab Creation
QR codes
QR codes for video labs and student facing documents

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Participants will learn about and experience how we created student-focused digital video science labs. We will share how we modified existing labs by identifying phenomena, developing mini-storylines with student materials, and creating/editing videos.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how to develop storyboards along with how to video/edit their associated three-dimensional sensemaking interactive labs.

SPEAKERS:
Laura Sanches (Saratoga Middle/High School: Saratoga, WY), Lesley Urasky (Saratoga Middle/High School: Saratoga, WY)

Questions and Crosscutting Concepts in OpenSciEd High School: How can we support students in asking good questions?

Saturday, March 23 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 102/104


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

OpenSciEd High School units consider all student sensemaking to be three-dimensional - including the questions that drive the unit. Explore examples from biology, chemistry, and physics show how targeted anchor lessons help students ask productive questions.

TAKEAWAYS:
Instruction can be designed so that crosscutting concepts are both a tool for student sensemaking as well as a desirable outcome. In particular, crosscutting concepts can help students ask questions that will be productive throughout a storylines unit.

SPEAKERS:
Jamie Noll (BSCS Science Learning: Colorado Springs, CO), Kate Henson (University of Colorado Boulder: Boulder, CO)

Machine Learning & AI literacy through scientific inquiry: a natural fit

Saturday, March 23 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 603



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Presentation Slides
Teacher Guide and Materials linked on slide 35

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

We present an out-of-school-time curriculum where machine learning is taught through hands-on scientific inquiry. We highlight one day of instruction where Artificial Neural Networks are introduced through digital interactives and kinesthetic activities.

TAKEAWAYS:
Students can see themselves as those who use and understand the value and application of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence when those fields are embedded in a natural history curriculum focused on scientific inquiry and how science is practiced.

SPEAKERS:
Juanita Martin (Life Science Educator/ Educational Psychology Doctoral Student: , NY), Devin D'Agostino (American Museum of Natural History: New York, NY), Sofia Schembari (Life Science Educator: New York, NY), Mark Weckel (Director; Youth Programming: New York, NY)

Civilization Exists by Geologic Consent: How Geologic Events Have Shaped Human History

Saturday, March 23 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 101


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Dr. Michael Wysession, NGSS co-author and geophysics professor, will explore fascinating Earth and space science (ESS) storylines of how geologic events such as volcanoes, earthquakes, and climate change have shaped the rise and fall of civilizations and altered human history.

TAKEAWAYS:
The usual and sometimes bizarre history of human impacts from geological events make for engaging phenomena and storylines that can be used to help students understand not only Earth and space science but also NGSS performance expectations in life science and physical science.

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

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