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)

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)

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)

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)

Energy Stewardship projects will empower your students to become energy and environment advocates. With a thorough understanding of energy resources, students become experts about both the energy transition and every-day environmental protections and share this knowledge with the school/community.

TAKEAWAYS:
Explore the fundamentals of energy stewardship projects that you can implement with your grades 4-12 students, putting the science and engineering practices into practical work. These projects will increase engagement as your students learn knowledge and skills, allowing them to “do” science.

SPEAKERS:
Lynn Kistler (Switch Classroom: Pittsburgh, PA)

Are you curious and ready to discover practical strategies that promote inclusivity and equity in your classroom? This is a session to help educators recognise their implicit biases and work towards solutions to provide equitable classroom science experiences to all.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will; understand and identify biases and stereotypes in science education; leave with a list of applicable easy to implement sharable strategies; feel confident implementing equitable teaching practices; and identify areas in curriculum where they adapt gendered language.

SPEAKERS:
Sarah Dowd (United Nations International School: New York, NY)

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)

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)

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)

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)

Empower students to take action with an in-depth study of biodiversity and sustainability of urban forests. Use iNaturalist’s Seek App and analyze data from a comprehensive study to examine challenges to urban forests’ sustainability and advocate for communities by developing possible solutions.

TAKEAWAYS:
A lesson that can be used with students to use understanding of biodiversity and sustainability to advocate for their local communities, including use of a free app to collect species data, opportunities to utilize AI tools, and suggestions for community-facing products that students can create.

SPEAKERS:
Laurie Jack (Humble ISD: Humble, TX), Elissa Griffin (Humble ISD: Kingwood, TX)

Core skills of Research, Oral and Visual Presentation, and Civic Action are integrated into a yearlong experience in numerous courses. Students choose relevant community issues to investigate and take action towards solving a problem. A symposium showcases project results at the end of the year.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees learn to implement research proposals, use formative checkpoints to manage individual progress, and analyze findings. Examples will be shared from physics, environmental science, and math courses. Discussion will include challenges and successes with the project and how to manage workload.

SPEAKERS:
Marci Harvey (University of North Carolina School of the Arts: Winston Salem, NC)

We will share the 2.0 version of the project-based learning that works for the students and the teachers. Our version has the effective tools, structures and supports for teachers and students to mitigate the challenges with teacher bandwidth and student time commitment.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will receive our ready-to-implement toolkit and see various student projects. Our student projects highlight how our students take on the most challenging and complex issues in our community and make a positive impact through interdisciplinary research and project-based learning.

SPEAKERS:
Kavita Gupta (Monta Vista High School: Cupertino, CA)

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)

Learn how one graduate student approaches careers in STEM learning with her high school students through an intentional exploration of what could be. Learn how to collaborate with professionals within your community and host career events for graduating seniors to explore their options.

TAKEAWAYS:
Discover practical strategies for implementing a STEM career exploration embedded unit into your curriculum. Seek out opportunities to introduce students to diverse career paths through workshops, guest speakers, virtual experiences, and partnerships with professionals and organizations.

SPEAKERS:
Olivia Cruse (Graduate Student and High School Teacher: Lufkin, TX)

Students often ask “why are we learning this?” and “when will I use this?” that point to issues of connecting STEM concepts to their everyday experiences. Participants will discuss and plan how to incorporate social justice STEM pedagogy in classrooms to foster students’ civic engagement.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers share best practices for fostering student debates on complex issues, considering ethics, culture, and morals. They will explore evidence-based science arguments and civic engagement, with access to classroom resources like sample units of study.

SPEAKERS:
Augusto Macalalag, Jr. (Arcadia University: Wyncote, PA), Joseph Johnson (Mercyhurst University: Erie, PA), Dylan Fedell (Palisades High School: Kintnersville, PA)

Learn how to weave in the stories of cancer survivors, local public health data, and health care experts into the OpenSciEd HS biology cancer unit. Discuss social emotional learning strategies that support students and teachers while learning about cancer as a phenomena.

TAKEAWAYS:
The stories of cancer survivors and local public health data can help students identify health disparities in their community and empower students to think critically about the role they can play to improve the health of themselves, their family and their community.

SPEAKERS:
William Baur (Washougal High School: Battle Ground, WA)

Full inclusion of students with disabilities in STEM involves both accommodation strategies for students and universal design of instruction that enhances learning for all students.

TAKEAWAYS:
Universal design of instruction makes science lessons accessible to students with special needs as well as mainstream learners.

SPEAKERS:
Lyla Mae Crawford (University of Washington: Spokane, WA)

Immerse yourself in a captivating learning experience as you critically analyze the environmental and social issues surrounding a coal ash landfill located in a small, rural town in Alabama. Join others as you explore how to help students analyze and solve community issues through Design Thinking.

TAKEAWAYS:
Science educators will learn how to create and implement Design Thinking lessons centered around local community issues.

SPEAKERS:
Malysa Chandler (Clinical Instructor/Doc Student: Marion, AL)

Climate change can affect us all differently but it is still the biggest threat to humanity on our planet. Learn how engaging in STEM projects can elevate student voices and hope for the future through climate action.

TAKEAWAYS:
Get ideas on how to incorporate STEM projects while teaching Climate Change and Environmental Science.

SPEAKERS:
Jessica Kohout (Educational Consultant: Ellicott City, MD)

Boasting above average IQs, it could be assumed that all Gifted students are successful and teeming with potential. Data collected at a Title 1 High School in Florida showed quite a different picture. Committed to the success of her students, one science teacher took action.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will understand the 'signs and symptoms' of Gifted students, both struggling and thriving, gaining insight into their lived experience. Attendees will be offered suggested 'next steps' and strategies for supporting Gifted learners in their own buildings.

SPEAKERS:
Jacqueline Bromley (Pasco High School: Dade City, FL)