Explore the NSTA website with us and learn how to maximize your member benefits! NSTA provides high-quality digital resources and opportunities—all within a professional community—that supports professional learning and classroom instruction. NSTA staff will be available to answer questions.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will become knowledgeable about their member benefits, the plethora of digital resources available on NSTA’s website, about the live events, and professional learning community that can help them enhance their knowledge and improve their teaching practices.

SPEAKERS:
Michelle Phillips (NSTA: Arlington, VA), Flavio Mendez (NSTA: Owings Mills, MD)

Claims regarding NGSS alignment are prevalent in science materials. This session will focus on how to identify phenomena, problems, and sensemaking in K-12 lessons and materials, to support participants to make informed decisions on using and adapting materials to best meet students' needs.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will gain an understanding of the characteristics of phenomena/problems and sensemaking opportunities and how to identify them in materials. With example lessons, they will use tools to evaluate materials for NGSS-aligned instruction in order to effectively identify aspects of quality.

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

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)

Trauma affects a significant portion of the student population and can manifest in various ways. This session focuses on the application of trauma-informed practices within the science classroom and its potential to enhance student engagement, facilitate learning, and promote emotional resilience.

TAKEAWAYS:
Drawing upon research and practical strategies, this session aims to equip educators with the knowledge and tools necessary to create safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environments that empower students to thrive academically and emotionally.

SPEAKERS:
Cheryl Robertson (University of Tennessee, Knoxvile: Knoxville, TN)

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)

During this session, participants will discuss the significance of artificial intelligence, belonging and culture in STEAM learning. Additionally, participants will obtain and practice using a tool to include culturally inclusive practices in STEAM lessons.

TAKEAWAYS:
Why are culturally inclusive strategies important in STEAM classrooms? How can you use AI and belonging strategies that challenge and engage a diverse group of learners? In this session, we will reveal a planning tool that you can use to support learner success in STEAM classroom settings.

SPEAKERS:
Deanna Taylor (Interactive Learning Solutions LLC: Columbia, SC)

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)

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)

Calling all educators passionate about interdisciplinary learning! Dive deep into the rich waters of Rhode Island's quahogging and fishing industries as we explore the intricate web of stakeholders and its impact on coastal communities and the fragile marine ecosystem.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how to facilitate cross-curricular connections by learning how to design interdisciplinary units that integrate content from various subjects to foster deeper understanding and engagement and how to create student investment by focusing on local environmental issues.

SPEAKERS:
Yulie Lee (Moses Brown School: Providence, RI), Caitlin Smith (7th Grade Science Teacher: Tiverton, RI)

Teacher Leaders are the superheroes of education. In this session participants will investigate the Domain I of the Teacher Leader Model Standards. In this deep dive, modeling effective skills in listening, presenting ideas and leading discussions among colleagues will be addressed.

TAKEAWAYS:
Through participant dialogue, each attendee will walk away with a list of the Teacher Leader Model Standards, as well as ways to collaborate and support colleagues.

SPEAKERS:
Jenne VandePanne (Michigan Technological University/Newaygo Public Schools: Newaygo, MI), Jessica Wagenmaker (Holton Middle School: Twin Lake, MI)

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)

Come learn about a research project you can implement with your middle school students. This is a way to highlight marginalized groups in STEM while teaching students about research & communication. I will provide the framework & some amazing resources, including ways to reach out to scientists.

TAKEAWAYS:
You will learn the ways to start a project like this in your classroom. You will leave with a pile of resources & ideas to help you kick off a project researching women in STEM with your students.

SPEAKERS:
Marjorie Vereen (The Town School: New York, NY)

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)

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)

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)

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)

Are you looking for ways to make your Introductory/General Education College Science Classes more engaging for students with special needs? Join your colleagues as they share how they use culturally relevant pedagogies, anti-bias teaching, and other resources to support STEM instruction for students

TAKEAWAYS:
Science Learning and Teaching for All! Come learn how to use culturally relevant pedagogies, anti-bias teaching, and other resources to support STEM instruction in your college science courses.

SPEAKERS:
Elesha Goodfriend (Walters State Community College: Morristown, TN), Kelly Moore (Walters State Community College: Rutledge, TN), Richard Jones (University of Hawaii-West Oahu: Kapolei, HI)

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)

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)

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)

How do we teach Tier 3 science vocabulary to students with limited English (or no English) and encourage success? We will share multiple strategies for teaching Tier 3 Academic Science vocabulary, as well as modalities that incorporate visual aids, manipulatives, and kinesthetic activities to engage.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will leave with: Tier 3 strategies for teaching science; visual and kinesthetic activities to engage ALL students; and forms of assessment for ALL levels of English Language Learners.

SPEAKERS:
Karen Ziminski (EMK Academy for Health Careers: Boston, MA)

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)

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)

In anticipation of the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) science results, join us to learn more about our new composite variable for measuring student socioeconomic status (SES) and how it can be used to uncover connections between SES and student achievement on NAEP.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will better understand the previous variables used to measure SES and how the recommendations provide new insights into student achievement in the upcoming 2024 NAEP Science release.

SPEAKERS:
Markus Broer (Managing Researcher: Washington, DC)

Learn how one graduate student transformed a Humane Education course project into engaging field experiences for students, fostering environmental stewardship, animal protection, and social justice.

TAKEAWAYS:
Discover practical strategies for implementing humane education through field experiences, integrating experiential learning theory and data analysis techniques into your curriculum.

SPEAKERS:
Melissa Hulings (Stephen F. Austin State University: Nacogdoches, TX), Shelly Pugh (Graduate Student: Hallsville, TX)

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)

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)

Come learn about a research project you can implement with your middle school students. This is a way to highlight marginalized groups in STEM while teaching students about research & communication. I will provide the framework & some amazing resources, including ways to reach out to scientists.

TAKEAWAYS:
You will learn the ways to start a project like this in your classroom. You will leave with a pile of resources & ideas to help you kick off a project researching women in STEM with your students.

SPEAKERS:
Marjorie Vereen (The Town School: New York, NY)

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)