The first step toward a cleaner tomorrow is to raise awareness about the plastic waste crisis, and small-scale recycling is a possible solution. Learn how IN MOCEAN and its Recycling Fleet are collaborating with others on a local level to set up micro recycling workspaces around the world.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn about IN MOCEANs global project and of the possibilities and potential of small scale recycling. With information about the process of plastic recycling and how anyone can get involved, one might be interested in setting up a recycling workspace in a school or community.

SPEAKERS:
Jennifer Zaidlicz Everett (Teacher: Barrington, NH)

In this interactive lesson, participants become health advocates, analyzing and interpreting scientific research to propose effective solutions for barriers to prenatal care access.

TAKEAWAYS:
In this interactive session, participants will use scientific research to uncover how socioeconomic factors and policies impact healthcare while developing a deeper appreciation for the intersection of science and society and the role of scientific knowledge in addressing societal needs.

SPEAKERS:
Ashley Burkart (Estrella Mountain Community College: Avondale, AZ)

Explore strategies for providing equitable STEM education for students with disabilities. Understand how to create physically safe and accessible classrooms. Learn practical tips for multi-modal instruction, hands-on learning, and project-based learning connected to student interests/experiences.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will take away practical strategies for designing inclusive, equitable STEM learning experiences that leverage Universal Design principles and students' diverse strengths to make STEM accessible for all learners.

SPEAKERS:
Sarah Redick (Ohio Department of Education and Workforce: Powell, OH)

NSTA provides in-person, online, and blended personalized professional learning experiences for cohorts of K–12 educators. All programs engage educators with digital resources, virtual experiences, the larger online community, and expert staff. NSTA membership included.

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

SPEAKERS:
Tricia Shelton (NSTA: Clarksville, TN), Flavio Mendez (NSTA: Owings Mills, MD)

Through discussions and workshopping, participants consider ways to leverage the curriculum adoption process, including setting an instructional vision, developing criteria, and evaluating materials, to develop teacher understanding of rigorous science instruction.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn strategies for using K-12 curriculum adoptions to support deep professional learning around the NGSS/Framework, particularly sensemaking with the three-dimensions and phenomenon and problem based instruction.

SPEAKERS:
Shannon Wachowski (EdReports.org: Lander, WY)

This session will examine 2024 election results, explore how education and STEM policy will fare in the new Administration, and discuss the upcoming reauthorization of the federal education law (Every Student Succeeds Act) and what teachers can expect from Congress and Washington, DC.

TAKEAWAYS:
What kind of policy developments can science educators expect to see from national leaders going into 2025.

SPEAKERS:
James Brown (STEM Education Coalition: Washington, DC)

Transdisciplinary STEM learning that positions students in the context of real-life scenarios and to problem solve authentic issues can increase students' conceptual understanding of content area knowledge, inspire community connections, as well as increase student engagement in their learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn why transdisciplinary and convergence education matters for the twenty-first century and how this type of learning can be framed and developed, with an overall understanding of how this type of learning and teaching could transform our country and world.

SPEAKERS:
Stefanie Holloway (Greater Oregon STEM Hub: La Grande, OR)

How can we shift the culture of science teaching and learning in an elementary school or district? Explore how transformative leadership practices can build the capacity of teacher leaders and create the conditions for equitable opportunities for 3D phenomena-based science in K-5 classrooms.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will take away ideas and next steps for building the capacity of educators in their own school or district context, including how teacher leadership fits within a broader set of conditions that support the teaching and learning of science in that context.

SPEAKERS:
Rebecca Abbott (The Lawrence Hall of Science: Berkeley, CA), Leslie Stenger (The Lawrence Hall of Science: Santa Rosa, CA), Matthew Christiansen (Oceanside High School #7: Oceanside, NY)

The implementation of high-quality instructional materials requires support as teachers make the shifts needed for effective use. Dig into Change Management from The Elements of curriculum based professional learning to figure out how key lessons can help you lead change.

TAKEAWAYS:
Join other leaders to consider key lessons from change and dig into Change Management from The Elements: Transforming Teaching through Curriculum-based Professional Learning.

SPEAKERS:
Jody Bintz (BSCS Science Learning: Colorado Springs, CO), Jim Short (BSCS Science Learning: Ridgefield, NY)

This session will explore a process for creating NGSS aligned IEP science goals using the Science & Engineering Practices. Attendees will be presented with a prototype tool for collecting data, writing goals, and monitoring progress that has been created for use across Chicago Public Schools.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will explore a process for writing science IEP goals that goes beyond simply recreating math and literacy based goals.

SPEAKERS:
Amy Brady (Dept. of STEM, CPS Bridgeport: Chicago, IL), Joseph Seabloom (Chicago Public Schools: Chicago, IL)

Sponsoring Company: Kognity

Join Kognity for an impactful session dedicated to empowering historically underserved populations in the field of science. We will explore strategies and initiatives aimed at promoting inclusivity and equity in science education.

SPEAKERS:
Grace Boersma (Kognity: Stockholm, Sweden)

Shared Waters is a classroom-ready curriculum for 3rd to 6th graders, exploring watershed health and human impacts. Students collect and analyze data to identify clean water issues, fostering student-led action.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn about a NOAA-funded curriculum co-created with teachers, focusing on watershed health. The 10-lesson program engages students in field experiences and data analysis, empowering them to identify and address clean water issues.

SPEAKERS:
Nanette Marcum-Dietrich (Millersville University: Kennett Square, PA)

Students will be presented with the question if racism is a disease. What is racism? What is a disease? What did you discover?

TAKEAWAYS:
Does racism affect the human body?

SPEAKERS:
Andrea Baxter (Stem Facilitator: Goshen, AL)

Want to learn how LSTA is representing science educators in our state? Interested in being involved in science education in your region and/or at the state level? Join us for the annual LSTA meeting! Hosted by BrainPOP Science, LSTA members will mix and mingle with regional representatives, other members of the board and network with both formal and informal science educators to get the inside scoop on upcoming LSTA events, science opportunities and much more. During the meeting we will also take a closer look at the BrainPOP Science platform and get a peek at the new engineering projects. You don’t want to miss this special LSTA members only event. If you aren’t an LSTA member, you can join at the door! See you there!

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will mix and mingle with regional representatives, other members of the board and network with both formal and informal science educators to get the inside scoop on upcoming LSTA events, science opportunities and get a sneak peek of the new BrainPop engineering projects.

SPEAKERS:
Bianca Deliberto (Central Community School System: Baton Rouge, LA)

Once you’ve adopted high-quality instructional materials, how do leaders ensure effective and sustained implementation, especially at high school? Join us to explore features of transformative professional learning that address a range of concerns teachers may have about implementation and change.

TAKEAWAYS:
Effective and sustained implementation of high-quality instructional materials requires planning for change prior to implementation, generating excitement, providing transformative professional learning, monitoring implementation progress and using data to support continuous improvement.

SPEAKERS:
Jody Bintz (BSCS Science Learning: Colorado Springs, CO), Jim Short (BSCS Science Learning: Ridgefield, NY), Cynthia Gay (BSCS Science Learning: Steamboat Springs, CO)

Through discussions and workshopping, participants consider ways to leverage the curriculum adoption process, including setting an instructional vision, developing criteria, and evaluating materials, to develop teacher leaders in science and support understanding of rigorous science instruction.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will develop a plan for using K-12 curriculum adoptions to develop teacher leadership, support deep professional learning around the NGSS/Framework, and increase stakeholder buy-in.

SPEAKERS:
Shannon Wachowski (EdReports.org: Lander, WY), Matthew Christiansen (Oceanside High School #7: Oceanside, NY)

Learn about 5 fairy tale based units that were created as part of my dissertation, to help Kindergarten students learn about Nature of Science aspects. Mock crime scenes and digital science notebooks helped to engage students in discussion & learn from peers along with capturing student thinking.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will leave with access to five fairy tale based units that can be used right away in an early childhood classroom to engage students in learning about Nature of Science.

SPEAKERS:
Kristen Poindexter (Allisonville Elementary School: Indianapolis, IN)

By implementing STEM related mini grants, students will be positively impacted through multidisciplinary, hands-on, and inquiry-based learning. Students benefit from experiencing mini grants in the classroom which also allows teachers to more effectively teach their students.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn the specific benefits and reasons for implementing STEM mini grants throughout every grade level. Through learning the positive impacts on students, attendees will understand how to meet the specific needs of one's own classroom and their content area.

SPEAKERS:
Karen Hansen (Student: Bridgeport, CT), Adriana Piccolino (Student: Mount Kisco, NY), Jenna D'Angelo (Student: Bridgeport, CT)

Learn how students have revolutionized cultrually and linguistically sustaining teaching and learning in Denver Public Schools. Engage with student stories, research, and district leaders to understand how one district is changing the narrative of how to select high quality instructional materials.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will leave with knowledge and resources to determine what science instructional materials are culturally and linguistically sustaining.

SPEAKERS:
Elizabeth Johnston (Denver Public Schools: Denver, CO), Matthew Christiansen (Oceanside High School #7: Oceanside, NY)

The Shared Waters Curriculum is a watershed-focused, 10-lesson curriculum that explores watershed health and human impacts. It culminates with a student action project. The curriculum is classroom-ready for teachers, providing access to all lesson materials and a complete teacher's guide.

TAKEAWAYS:
Discover how the Shared Waters curriculum enriches elementary education, fostering student-driven environmental action through hands-on watershed health lessons.

SPEAKERS:
Bill McConnell (Virginia Wesleyan University: Norfolk, VA), Nanette Marcum-Dietrich (Millersville University: Kennett Square, PA)

Whether you are a new educator looking to incorporate AI into your teaching practice or a veteran administrator seeking innovative solutions, this presentation will provide valuable insights and practical advice for integrating AI into a variety of educational settings.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn practical strategies for using AI to enhance curriculum and instruction, communication, and productivity within their classrooms and school communities, leading to improved performance and success.

SPEAKERS:
Kirsten Redmond (Lower School Administrator: Tulsa, OK), Kirsten Redmond (Lower School Administrator: Tulsa, OK), Jesse Wren (Riverfield Country Day School: Tulsa, OK)

30 years of teacher leadership development have generated impressive results in Wisconsin. Three iterations of summer institutes shaped the science education field, formed lifelong professional networks of educators, and cultivated teacher leaders that steer our state science teachers' association.

TAKEAWAYS:
Fueling educator’s passion and building strong professional networks can work hand-in-hand to develop leadership in your region or state. This session will provide a recipe for a leadership development program certain to transform careers and invigorate your state science teacher association.

SPEAKERS:
Sue Whitsett (NSTA: Waupaca, WI), Chad Janowski (The Einstein Project: Green Bay, WI), Matthew Christiansen (Oceanside High School #7: Oceanside, NY), Dennis Rohr (Seymour Community High School: Seymour, WI)

NSTA's Early Childhood - Elementary Science Committee welcomes educators seeking science and STEM teaching resources for our youngest learners. Discover teaching support, network with peers, and explore leadership opportunities with NSTA membership. All EC and elementary teachers are welcome!

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn about NSTA's leadership opportunities, committees, and resources available to early childhood and elementary educators.

SPEAKERS:
Jenn Brown-Whale (Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE): Randallstown, MD), Katie Morrison (University Child Development School: Seattle, WA), Jennifer Williams (Isidore Newman School: Belle Chasse, LA), Simone Nance (University of Southern Indiana: Newburgh, IN)

Sustaining the use of high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) requires monitoring progress throughout implementation. Join us to consider how leaders from one district gathered and analyzed data to inform decisions and how lessons learned can help refine your plan for the sustained use of HQIM.

TAKEAWAYS:
Deepen understanding of data collection tools and how to use them to inform planning to support the sustained and effective use of high-quality instructional materials.

SPEAKERS:
Jody Bintz (BSCS Science Learning: Colorado Springs, CO)

Can play-based learning improve critical thinking in the classroom? Teaching can be tough and disruptive students can cause burnout. Research shows that incorporating fun, interactive activities into lessons can increase student engagement and encourage curiosity.

TAKEAWAYS:
By researching modern teaching methods like playing in any subject, educators can design stimulating lessons that appeal to students' natural curiosity and desire for play.

SPEAKERS:
Brooke Garza (St. Rose of Lima Catholic School: Houston, TX)

Elementary level teachers can be both learners and leaders who collaborate with colleagues to improve their science instruction. Learn strategies to lighten the load of siloed science teaching. Brainstorm and envision processes of collaboration for your own setting. We are strongest together!

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will learn a protocol that improves their science content knowledge and teaching practices via group study. They will develop ideas to leverage their collective teaching experiences/skills and thus improve student engagement, student achievement, and teacher satisfaction.

SPEAKERS:
Carmen King (Mercy Center for STEM Education: Bronx, NY)

This session will guide educators into introducing writing into their science curriculum starting at 3rd to 5th grade and how to make it fun, interactive, and informational!

TAKEAWAYS:
After this session attendees will be able to effectively introduce writing into their science curriculum to strengthen students' knowledge of the science curriculum and deepen critical thinking skills.

SPEAKERS:
Krystal Rising (Science Teacher: Cedar Hill, TX)

Join Louisiana teachers and state leaders in an immersive science experience that will unlock strategies for nurturing the brilliance and strengths of K-2 students and cultivate a strong science foundation.

TAKEAWAYS:
In this session, teachers will experience an anchor phenomenon as a student and will consider practical strategies for how phenomenon-based, three-dimensional instruction can support K-2 students sensemaking in science. Participants will receive tips on how to advocate for more time on science in K-2.

SPEAKERS:
Garelyn Adam-Dinet (Teacher: Marrero, LA), Molly Talbot (Louisiana Dept. of Education: New Roads, LA)