Sponsoring Company: Edvotek

Explore the world of forensic science with these fun and exciting escape room activities! Try forensic blood detection and agarose gel electrophoresis experiments, decipher clues, and solve puzzles. Learn to design your own escape room to have students unravel the evidence and free the innocent.

SPEAKERS:
Danielle Snowflack, PhD (Edvotek Inc.: Washington, DC), Brian Ell (Edvotek Inc.: Washington, DC)

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

Dive deep into water's secrets! while harnessing the power of physical 3D models to unravel states of matter, polar covalent bonding, and beyond in an immersive journey from atoms to oceans.

SPEAKERS:
Mark Arnholt (3D Molecular Designs: Milwaukee, WI)

Sponsoring Company: miniPCR bio

Link physical science concepts like circuits and charged particles to the essential biotech method gel electrophoresis. Build a reusable gel electrophoresis system with the Bandit STEM Electrophoresis Kit, and use it to separate colorful dyes. Also, add the A to STEAM with creative pipetting art!

SPEAKERS:
Rose Chaffee-Cohen (miniPCR: Cambridge, MA)

Sponsoring Company: Carolina Biological Supply Company

Take a tour through the mammalian heart and trace the path of a blood cell on its journey to oxygenation. Participants take blood pressure readings. Then dissect a preserved sheep heart to model blood flow and connect BP to heart anatomy. Don’t skip a beat - it’s going to be hands-on fun!

SPEAKERS:
Patti Kopkau (Carolina Biological Supply Co.: Hale, MI)

Sponsoring Company: Carolina Biological Supply

Experience a hands-on model lesson from OpenSciEd for High School & discover how the Carolina Certified Edition enhanced these high-quality instructional materials, making them more accessible, user-friendly, & safer for classroom use. Participate in the Serengeti board game from the Biology 1 unit.

SPEAKERS:
Cory Ort (Carolina Biological Supply Co.: Burlington, NC)

Sponsoring Company: Edvotek

Unleash the power of gene editing with your students using REAL CRISPR-Cas technology to knock out colorful genes in E. coli. Identify successful knockout based on the color of the cells. Experiment by switching RNA templates and analyzing results, letting your students prove the specificity of CRIS

SPEAKERS:
Danielle Snowflack, PhD (Edvotek Inc.: Washington, DC), Brian Ell (Edvotek Inc.: Washington, DC)

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

Dive into modeling the movement of ions and nutrients across membranes. Help your students connect theory with the results from popular homeostasis labs.

SPEAKERS:
Ruth Hutson (3D Molecular Designs: Westmoreland, KS)

Sponsoring Company: miniPCR bio

Molly the Labradoodle has surprise puppies. Students use Punnett squares and DNA gel electrophoresis to track the furnishings trait and determine the father. Mendelian genetics has never been this cute!

SPEAKERS:
Kristin Hennessy-McDonald, PhD (miniPCR: Cambridge, MA)

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

What happens when you cook an egg? Is it possible to un-cook it? Investigate the characteristics of amino acids, the levels (and rules!) of protein folding, and how denaturing a protein alters its function in an engaging investigation of the Amino Acid Starter Kit.

SPEAKERS:
Mark Arnholt (3D Molecular Designs: Milwaukee, WI)

Sponsoring Company: miniPCR bio

Use gel electrophoresis to investigate if someone was wrongfully convicted. Based on the principles from the FBI’s CODIS system, this forensics investigation allows your students to make connections between DNA analysis and its uses in the criminal justice system. Inspired by the Innocence Project.

SPEAKERS:
Rose Chaffee-Cohen (miniPCR: Cambridge, MA)

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Science Education

Why are some coral and fish species disappearing? In this 3D lesson, students investigate how climate change impacts interdependent relationships in aquatic ecosystems. Help your students ask questions, define problems, and use sensors to investigate how excess CO2 affects ocean and freshwater pH.

Sponsoring Company: Edvotek

You’ve planned the experiment and collected data, now let’s discuss the best way to analyze it. In this workshop, we’ll use PCR and ELISA to bring quantitative data analysis and statistics to the lab. Mastery of these skills is crucial to prepare students for careers in biotechnology and STEM.

SPEAKERS:
Danielle Snowflack, PhD (Edvotek Inc.: Washington, DC), Brian Ell (Edvotek Inc.: Washington, DC)

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

Model how DNA is transcribed into mRNA and how mRNA is translated into a protein - the final stages of the flow of genetic information.

SPEAKERS:
Ruth Hutson (3D Molecular Designs: Westmoreland, KS)

Sponsoring Company: miniPCR bio

Teach topics ranging from protein function to genetic diseases with this engaging hands-on activity. It only takes one class period! Students help a fictional family obtain molecular diagnoses using gel electrophoresis. Bonus: a free hands-on activity to model sickle cell gene therapy treatments.

SPEAKERS:
Ally Huang (miniPCR: Cambridge, MA)

Explore a seabird study and the effects of climate change. We will share our integrated curriculum: authentic data analysis, field techniques, seabird biology, the Arctic ecosystem, and talking about climate change with students. Come try a fish foraging simulation, bird banding, and research tools!

TAKEAWAYS:
Explore an integrated curriculum for all ages centered on a 50-year Arctic seabird study and the impacts of climate change on the Arctic ecosystem. Hands-on: fish foraging simulation (very fun!), bird banding activity, research tools, and strategies for talking about climate change with students.

SPEAKERS:
Alyssa Barr (Science Teacher: Seattle, WA), Katie Morrison (University Child Development School: Seattle, WA)

This interactive session is designed specifically for science educators looking to prioritize their well-being while managing the demands of teaching. The session incorporates guided meditations, walking practices, and mindful movements to help participants cultivate joy and equanimity.

TAKEAWAYS:
One key takeaway from this session for participants, supported by research, is the effectiveness of mindfulness practices in reducing stress and enhancing well-being among educators. Studies have shown that engaging in mindfulness activities improve relationships with colleagues and students.

SPEAKERS:
Jennifer Munoz (STEM4Real: Carlsbad, CA)

Sponsoring Company: Edvotek

Unlock biology's mysteries with model organisms! Join our workshop to learn how to culture and study C. elegans in your classroom laboratory. Explore heavy metal effects using a simple locomotion assay. Integrate STEM concepts, data collection, and statistics for an enriching learning experience.

SPEAKERS:
Danielle Snowflack, PhD (Edvotek Inc.: Washington, DC), Brian Ell (Edvotek Inc.: Washington, DC)

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

Empower your high school students to unlock the secrets of enzyme specificity through hands-on biotech design challenges

SPEAKERS:
Mark Arnholt (3D Molecular Designs: Milwaukee, WI)

Sponsoring Company: miniPCR bio

Experience an easy-to-implement genetic engineering lab with simple teacher prep - no starter cultures or incubator required! This robust lab allows students to visualize the transformation of bacteria from white to bright blue using a protocol that can be completed in a 45-minute class period.

SPEAKERS:
Kristin Hennessy-McDonald, PhD (miniPCR: Cambridge, MA)

Sponsoring Company: Carolina Biological Supply Company

With the transition to 3-dimensional learning and NGSS,is there still a place for dissections in the classroom? The answer is yes! As you dissect a frog,we will demonstrate how to integrate the 3 dimensions of learning while highlighting adaptations and relationships between structure and function.

SPEAKERS:
Patti Kopkau (Carolina Biological Supply Co.: Hale, MI)

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Science Education

Help students explore why dairy can cause digestive discomfort! This 3D investigation looks at lactase enzyme function and sugar metabolism in yeast and builds an understanding of molecular structure, function & energy transfer while connecting to real-world health issues like lactose intolerance.

Sponsoring Company: Terra Science and Education

Spend a week learning how to set up and run a Bahamas trip. Snorkeling and evening classes mirror the trip you can run for students. The goal is to gain the knowledge and skills needed to work with Terra to run a program that is safe, exciting, and rigorous. Room and board is free for all attendees

SPEAKERS:
George Wolfe (Retired: Walworth, NY)

Sponsoring Company: Edvotek

Explore Nobel Prize-winning CRISPR in our hands-on electrophoresis workshop! This powerful biotechnology breakthrough is making dramatic changes to human health RIGHT NOW. Dive into CRISPR biology with quick experiments modeling cures for genetic diseases like Sickle Cell Anemia and Cystic Fibrosis.

SPEAKERS:
Danielle Snowflack, PhD (Edvotek Inc.: Washington, DC), Brian Ell (Edvotek Inc.: Washington, DC)

Sponsoring Company: HHMI BioInteractive

Join us as we explore a lesson sequence that utilizes multiple BioInteractive resources to explore the phenomenon of tusklessness in elephant populations. We'll model how to have students explain the effects of a selective pressure on the Gorongosa elephant population.

SPEAKERS:
Dionne Reid (Teacher - Science: Pembroke Pines, FL)

Sponsoring Company: Bio-Rad Laboratories

Dive into forensic science's role in justice with our workshop. Study a cold case solved by DNA based technologies like RFLPs & PCR, and its legal implications. Ideal for law and science enthusiasts.

Sponsoring Company: miniPCR bio

Investigate transcription and translation without culturing cells! In this inquiry-based lab, RNA glows green and protein glows red, so you can see gene expression happen in a test tube. Use experimental data to test hypotheses about variables that affect transcription and translation.

SPEAKERS:
Ally Huang (miniPCR: Cambridge, MA)

Sponsoring Company: Carolina Biological Supply Company

Participants will make and use alginate beads containing algae and alginate beads containing yeast. They will learn how the beads can be used to model the processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration.

SPEAKERS:
Crystal Risko (Carolina Biological Supply Co.: Burlington, NC)

Sponsoring Company: Texas Instruments

A decomposing corpse is found in a field. Four possible missing persons fit the description. But who is it? Using clues near the scene will help determine identity. Forensic anthropologist Diane France helped to develop this free middle school and high school forensic science lesson.

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

Dive deep into water's secrets! while harnessing the power of physical 3D models to unravel states of matter, polar covalent bonding, and beyond in an immersive journey from atoms to oceans.

SPEAKERS:
Mark Arnholt (3D Molecular Designs: Milwaukee, WI)

Want to improve learning through common assessments? To do so, you need a way to design assessments efficiently that cover a wide range of standards and a way to score assessments that fits your capacity as a school or district. In this workshop, join us to explore practical common assessment design.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will leave with a process for designing, administering, and scoring common assessments that require students to apply three dimensions of science to explain phenomena and solve problems that are meaningful to students and important to their communities.

SPEAKERS:
Abraham Lo (BSCS Science Learning: Ambler, PA), Kate Henson (University of Colorado Boulder: Boulder, CO), William Penuel (University of Colorado Boulder: Boulder, CO)

Sponsoring Company: Edvotek

Wildlife conservators often return captive-bred animals to their native habitats to rewild the area. In this interactive workshop, we’ll explore the use of RFLP analysis and phylogenetics in conservation biology to analyze the DNA samples of two lions. Can we return them to their ancestral home?

SPEAKERS:
Danielle Snowflack, PhD (Edvotek Inc.: Washington, DC), Brian Ell (Edvotek Inc.: Washington, DC)

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

Discover how modeling with interactive, collaborative tools can help your students learn about this new gene editing technology. Hear how the treatment has helped people.

SPEAKERS:
Ruth Hutson (3D Molecular Designs: Westmoreland, KS)

Sponsoring Company: HHMI BioInteractive

Scientists collect data to create models and develop solutions. We'll explore free HHMI BioInteractive resources that ask students to analyze authentic data in order to connect how climate change impacts coral bleaching and understand the effects of increasing global temperatures.

SPEAKERS:
Chi Klein (Saint Stephen's Episcopal School: Bradenton, FL), Cathy Sammons (Teacher: Lexington, KY)

Sponsoring Company: Bio-Rad Laboratories

Discover forensic biotech in our workshop. Perform Bradford Assay for biological sex identification from fingerprints, and delve into biochemical analysis with practical skills.

Sponsoring Company: miniPCR bio

PTC tasting is a classic way to link genotype and phenotype. Use PCR and gel electrophoresis to determine if students have taster or non-taster alleles for bitter perception. Learn about our all-new curriculum and see how easy it can be to bring molecular genetics to your class!

Sponsoring Company: Texas Instruments

Bring a friend with you to attend, "Zombie Apocalypse!". Just make sure you can run faster! Zombies provide a great way to get students interested in understanding how diseases move through a population. Great for middle and high school students.

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

Explore DNA and RNA with three different physical models. Discover strategies to help students learn about nucleotide structure, base-pairing, DNA directionality, and even Epigenetics!

SPEAKERS:
Mark Arnholt (3D Molecular Designs: Milwaukee, WI)

Sponsoring Company: Anatomy in Clay

They will acquire the knowledge to engage science students with immediate, hands-on learning using a proven method that is nationally recognized to increase student retention and test scores. Come build the rotator cuff with us!

SPEAKERS:
John-Paul Theriault (ANATOMY IN CLAY Learning Systems: Loveland, CO)

Sponsoring Company: HHMI BioInteractive

Do your students struggle with constructing scientific explanations? We'll explore free BioInteractive resources featuring authentic data about the evolution of Caribbean anoles and discuss how students can utilize multiple sources of evidence, such as phylogenetic trees, to support their claims.

SPEAKERS:
Mark Eberhard (St. Clair High School: Saint Clair, MI), Dionne Reid (Teacher - Science: Pembroke Pines, FL)

Sponsoring Company: Bio-Rad Laboratories

Join our workshop to explore Ozempic's dual action on diabetes and weight loss. Learn about semaglutide's role in blood sugar and appetite regulation through hands-on ELISA simulations.

Wondering how to reach your neurodivergent students? Come listen to a teacher who is neurodivergent herself provide information on the innerworkings of the ASD and ADHD mind in relation to the classroom. Learn simple ways to create a classroom environment that is equitable for all brains!

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will leave with information on the mind of students with ASD and ADHD. Teachers will acquire simple, low cost ways of making their classroom environment more accessible to neurodivergent students.

SPEAKERS:
Amanda Goodwin (Olive Branch H.S.: Southaven, MS)

In this workshop, you’ll discover nature-themed elementary storybooks and their free book guides. We’ll learn while having fun with activities that meet NGSS, Math, ELA, and Art standards. These engaging activities will increase science vocabulary and literacy.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will be able to use engaging storybooks and activities centered on nature and birds to boost their diverse students’ science vocabulary, increase their connection to nature and science, and teach integrated STEAM content.

SPEAKERS:
Susan Licher (Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Blacksburg, VA)

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

Model how our DNA genome replicates – the first stage of the flow of genetic information and preserves genome integrity.

SPEAKERS:
Ruth Hutson (3D Molecular Designs: Westmoreland, KS)

Sponsoring Company: HHMI BioInteractive

During this workshop, we'll use an HHMI BioInteractive activity to explore major biodiversity threats and design solutions for preserving biodiversity. Participants will leave the workshop with a complete activity and ways to implement it while emphasizing student inclusion and agency.

SPEAKERS:
Cathy Sammons (Teacher: Lexington, KY)

Sponsoring Company: Bio-Rad Laboratories

Experience CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing experiments designed for your students' learning! In this hands-on workshop edit a chromosomal gene, complete with essential experimental controls, using the same cut-and-repair technology used in medicinal and agricultural applications.

Sponsoring Company: Savvas Learning Company

Whether degrading curricula, handicapping librarians, or thwarting medical and environmental educators, science denial impedes rational individual decision making, impedes environmental policy-making, and seriously threatens both individual and public health. What can we educators do about it?

SPEAKERS:
Joseph Levine (Science Writer and Producer: Concord, MA)

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)

Sponsoring Company: HHMI BioInteractive

Extreme climate events are driving evolutionary changes in anole lizards! Use BioInteractive resources to help students develop data literacy skills in analyzing data from the primary literature and practice writing scientific explanations about how climate affects gene pools.

SPEAKERS:
Mark Eberhard (St. Clair High School: Saint Clair, MI)

Sponsoring Company: Bio-Rad Laboratories

Discover the role of Scenedesmus obliquus in biotechnology, from biofuels to wastewater treatment and microplastics detection. This hands-on workshop includes a powerful teaching lab for photosynthesis and cellular respiration, and allows students to engage in structured and open inquiry

Sponsoring Company: Carolina Biological Supply Company

Get students of all ages doing hands-on plant science: learning life cycles, genetics, evolution, and ecology. Wisconsin Fast Plants® make teaching life sciences interactive and practical. Learn planting, pollination, and more with these versatile organisms.

SPEAKERS:
Laurie Nixon (Watauga High School: Blowing Rock, NC)

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

Model how DNA is transcribed into mRNA and how mRNA is translated into a protein - the final stages of the flow of genetic information.

SPEAKERS:
Ruth Hutson (3D Molecular Designs: Westmoreland, KS)

Under a NIIMBL grant, NC biopharma industries combined with NC STEM outreach organizations to create a fun and interactive activity to showcase the biotech career pathway.

TAKEAWAYS:
My Future in Biotech is a comprehensive pilot program which addresses the unprecedented growth and demand for a skilled workforce in the biomanufacturing industry. This presentation will go through the pilots, the activity, and what we've learned from the experience and students and teacher feedback.

SPEAKERS:
Courtney Behrle (BioNetwork: Greenville, NC)

Session participants will experience the immersive Half-Earth Project map to explore our planet's richness and fragility. Then, they will learn to utilize ARC-GIS Story Maps to transform scientific content and data into compelling narratives suitable for non-formal and formal environments.

TAKEAWAYS:
In this session, attendees will be introduced to RC-GIS Story Maps and learn to create simple, learner-centered resources. They will also receive materials to support the continued application of this tool and facilitate student-created content.

SPEAKERS:
Claire Lannoye-Hall (Detroit Zoological Society: Huntington Woods, MI), Jocelyn Miller (E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation: Chapel Hill, NC)

Learn how students create and execute immune system posters, which combine analogy, visuals, and concise explanations. This is a low-cost and creative way for students to demonstrate their understanding of the complex workings of the immune system in an engaging and accessible manner!

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will see samples of student work demonstrating this approach's effectiveness in understanding the immune system. Teachers will come away with the scaffolding, instructions, and rubrics of this immune system visual/oral project to use in their own classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Beth Pethel (Science Faculty: Hudson, OH)