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)

Sponsoring Company: Retro Report

Discern how to use short-form documentary films in the Environmental Science classroom to drive the inquiry process. Explore Retro Report’s free, high quality instructional resources. Retro Report is an independent, nonprofit, non-partisan news organization.

SPEAKERS:
Jeremy Wang (Saint Thomas More Catholic School: Saint Paul, MN), Derek Dubossi (Laguardia High School: New York, NY), Filiz Yargici (Retro Report: New York, NY)

Sponsoring Company: Adventerra Games

Come play Global Warning, a cooperative board game from Adventerra Games. Learn how to work together to solve local and global climate problems, and learn strategies to mitigate climate change. Workshop includes results from a new Michigan State study of learning gains associated with this game.

SPEAKERS:
Bryan Mundell (Founder: Paradiso, Switzerland), Peter White (Associate Professor: East Lansing, MI), Sue Mundell (Adventerra Games North America: Boston, MA)

Sponsoring Company: PASCO Scientific

Learn how to facilitate simple hands-on photosynthesis experiments with wireless sensors. Help students collect and analyze carbon exchange data from plant leaves in real-time! Dispel student doubts in their understanding of photosynthesis and respiration.

Sponsoring Company: Carolina Biological Supply Company

Participants will examine how models can be used to drive understanding of complex concepts. Tree ring data will be used as an example of a line of evidence to support climate models and a balloon model will be used to support universe expansion.

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

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)

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: 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)

Discover how Columbus City Schools has strategically developed and utilized Spruce Run to bridge the gap between urban landscapes and natural environments. Participants will gain insights into the district's commitment to providing all students with equitable access to outdoor learning experiences.

TAKEAWAYS:
Highlight the impact of outdoor education field trips and monthly open houses on students from the city, educators, and the community using partnerships and volunteers.

SPEAKERS:
Brian Hamilton (Southland Center CCS: Columbus, OH), Heather Allen (Columbus City Schools: Columbus, OH)

Sponsoring Company: Simulation Curriculum

"Dive into Earth's wonders! Our Earth Science workshop for teachers offers hands-on activities, expert insights, and teaching strategies to inspire curiosity and deepen understanding. Join us in exploring the dynamic systems of our planet!" Geology, Meteorology, Climate, Physical Geography!

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: 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.

Introduce basic energy concepts early on with hands-on lessons delivered through songs, stories, games, & chants to teach energy buzz words and science concepts. Teach and learn while having fun!

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to teach energy, efficiency, and conservation to young students through the guise of entertaining games and activities.

SPEAKERS:
Kimberly Swan (The NEED Project: Manassas, VA)

In this workshop participants experience modeling and literacy activities from integrated project based science 3-day unit that address life and earth science performance expectations for grade K-3. We explore strategies for supporting students in sharing experiences related to climate change.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will explore teaching experiences and pedagogy ideas through discussion, and be ready to teach an integrated project-based 3 day lessons about climate change that use ELA practices to promote three dimensional learning in early elementary science.

SPEAKERS:
Ayca Fackler (University of Missouri: Columbia, MO)

Sponsoring Company: NOAA

Join us for a demo of our database of 1,300+ educational resources from NOAA. We host ocean, coast, Great Lakes, weather, and climate resources. Tour our lesson plans and activities and ask us your questions. Learn more at noaa.gov/education/resources. This session is appropriate for K-16 educators.

SPEAKERS:
Bekkah Lampe (NOAA Office of Education: College Park, MD), Kayla Smith (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: Silver Spring, MD)

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: Carolina Biological Supply Company

Add excitement to your class with live organisms! Explore how organisms find food and interact. Discuss how these two hands-on activities can be applied to younger students: How creatures find food, and to older students: Social behavior and inter-species interactions.

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

Learn how one school implemented a science-based, service learning program that takes elementary students into our local wetlands and brings the Science and Engineering Practices to life. Discover how to encourage students to problem-solve local issues and take action in their communities.

TAKEAWAYS:
1.) Learn how to establish mutually beneficial local partnerships that support science instruction; 2.) Discover how to encourage students to problem-solve local issues and take action in their communities; and 3.) Walk away with ideas and strategies for taking learning beyond the classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Elaine Sevin (Isidore Newman School: New Orleans, LA), Lucy Krause (Isidore Newman School: New Orleans, LA), Jennifer Williams (Isidore Newman School: Belle Chasse, LA)

Students are given questions to answer about a scientific phenomenon. They must dig through research and investigations to find their evidence for a group seminar. Students come to the circle prepared to discuss their CER and their own questions. Peers agree or disagree, with evidence of their own.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will participate in a Seminar that teaches the process of how to facilitate. They will also get to participate in one first hand as a demonstration. Attendees will have access to editable google slide presentations, self and peer assessments, and a rubric.

SPEAKERS:
Jodie Landry (STEM Lab K-5: Lafayette, LA)

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)

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)

During this hands-on lesson exploring the significance of local watersheds, participants create a model of a watershed and explore its role in the water cycle. We will share insights with educators to help them integrate this lesson plan into their classrooms.

TAKEAWAYS:
This workshop highlights the value of hand-on experience and adapting investigations to integrate sustainability principles to support teaching the NGSS. Leave with insights and strategies to adapt this investigation in your classroom to support sustainability education.

SPEAKERS:
Emily Rogers (SubjectToClimate: Harahan, LA)

"Teek and Tom Explore Planet Earth", investigates the relationship between the ocean, weather and climate on global to local scales. This workshop introduces ten hands-on activities for upper ES and MS students to reinforce Earth science concepts related to oceanography, meteorology and climate.

TAKEAWAYS:
Educators will sample the range of activities that incorporate graphing, data analysis, visualizations and sense-making to introduce Earth/atmosphere/climate connections on local and global scales.

SPEAKERS:
Peggy Steffen (Ready, Set, STEM: West Liberty, IA)

Sponsoring Company: Gardyn

Hydroponics is the future of food production! Come learn the basics of hydroponics and how Gardyn towers can enhance your classroom experience, while being on the cutting edge of technological trends. Most importantly, learn how to integrate hydroponic gardening into your curriculum.

SPEAKERS:
Alicia Kuntz (Niles Community Schools: Buchanan, MI), Renee Egan (Gardyn Workshop Presenter/ 7th Grade Science: ACWORTH, GA)

Sponsoring Company: PASCO Scientific

Learn how to facilitate simple hands-on photosynthesis experiments with wireless sensors. Help students collect and analyze carbon exchange data from plant leaves in real-time! Dispel student doubts in their understanding of photosynthesis and respiration.

Looking to incorporate local phenomena into your curriculum? Hear how a diverse group of Louisiana teachers working with subject matter experts engaged in a NOAA BWET funded project to examine environmental indicators through place-based learning. Gain access to the lessons these teachers created.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will gain an overview of the Louisiana phenomenon, environmental proxies and scientific concepts teachers examined as well as themes that emerged throughout the project while gaining access to the LSSS and NGSS aligned lessons these teachers created.

SPEAKERS:
Dani DiIullo (Louisiana Sea Grant: Baton Rouge, LA), Alvera McMillan (Louisiana Sea Grant: Saint Francisville, LA)

Led by members of NSTA Early Childhood-Elementary Committee, the session addresses the relationship between the NSTA book series and natural phenomena providing an interactive platform for educators to discover how this series of books can support & enhance SEPs in the classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will explore the integration of this series with science and engineering practices through cross-disciplinary connections and hands-on activities. Resources provided.

SPEAKERS:
Simone Nance (University of Southern Indiana: Newburgh, IN), 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)

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)

This is a two part workshop in which we will delve into the power of plants, our connection to the natural world, and build a culture of curiosity, while we generate questions that lead to larger scientific connections. Participants will learn the processes of naturally dyeing fabric, experiment with the PH levels of our dye to observe how it affects color, and ultimately produce a freshly dyed bandana. We will also explore the relationship between tannins found in plants and iron oxide by making botanical prints on fabrics. This is a way to transform textiles and get curious about compounds and chemical reactions. Participants will gain experience practicing and witnessing natural phenomena as a means of sensemaking together. Get curious and creative with us!

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will leave with the tools to facilitate two activities that weave together art, science, and the natural world. We will be working with food, PH levels, and chemical reactions to create printed and dyed textiles to take back to our communities and classrooms.

SPEAKERS:
Mallory Schmackpfeffer (Shelburne Farms: Vergennes, VT), Hannah Corbin (Summer and Afterschool Program Coordinator: Shelburne, VT)

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)

Participants will engage in science and engineering practices to develop their understanding of why flooding frequently happens in some areas of New Orleans but not others. Then, they will learn strategies for leading their own students through conducting schoolyard investigations.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will leave with suggestions to support elementary students in modeling a complex environmental science phenomenon that’s relevant to their everyday lives, getting outside of the classroom to collect data, and using this data to revise their understanding of the phenomenon.

SPEAKERS:
Karen Marshall (International School of Louisiana: New Orleans, LA), Claire Anderson (Ripple Effect)

Explore two museum-school partnership models that integrate best practices in outdoor and environmental education to connect urban K - 8 students to place-based learning through teacher professional development and direct student engagement both in the classroom and outdoors.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will dive deeper into the ways these programs allow schools to partner with cultural institutions, connecting them to resources and building teacher capacity through supported outdoor experiences, to connect K-8 students with the nature in their neighborhood and city.

SPEAKERS:
Melissa Siska (Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum: Chicago, IL)

Living With Water is the Louisiana Children’s Museum’s place-based environmental education program for 3rd graders in New Orleans. Through classroom visits, outdoor experiences, bespoke museum field trips, and interactive design challenges, we illustrate the student’s role in our unique ecosystem.

TAKEAWAYS:
This presentation will detail Living With Water, an environmental education initiative undertaken by the Louisiana Children’s Museum. This program teaches 3rd graders in New Orleans about the importance of wetlands and how both humans and animals have adapted to survive in coastal landscapes.

SPEAKERS:
Alahna Moore (Education Outreach Coordinator: New Orleans, LA)

Developed from current research on extreme heat and equity, elementary students are excited to investigate the "Urban Heat Island Effect" phenomenon through the use of thermal imaging cameras and different roof surfaces. Join us as we share this NGSS-aligned, classroom-tested activity!

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to implement a lesson on heat energy where students experience a phenomena, relate it to their prior experiences, collect and analyze data, and then notice patterns in data to make a claim. We provide options for modifying the activity for context and student needs.

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

Cultivating Sustainability: Integrating locally-based environmental education curriculum through the Everglades Literacy Foundation Presented by: Martha Bjorklund and Emily Griffith Integrating Locally Based Environmental Education Curriculum into your school science program

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to work with local organizations in your community to design a science curriculum for your students that protects local ecosystems.

SPEAKERS:
Emily Griffith (Lower School Science and Innovation Teacher: West Palm Beach, FL), Martha Bjorklund (Palm Beach Day Academy: Palm Beach, FL)

Discover the seamless integration of science and literacy by fostering a love for nature and enhancing student learning. Gain practical strategies for engaging young learners and promoting environmental awareness in the classroom while incorporating nature studies and sustainability themes.

TAKEAWAYS:
Educators will leave the session equipped with a toolkit of practical ideas, lessons, and resources to seamlessly integrate environmental science and literacy instruction, fostering a deeper understanding of the natural world and nurturing a lifelong passion for conservation.

SPEAKERS:
Alexis Tharpe (ODU Research Foundation TCEP: Norfolk, VA 23508, VA), Venicia Ferrell (Research Assistant Professor: Norfolk, VA)

Discover how nature positively impacts student well-being while fostering curiosity, critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Learn to integrate environmental education into your curriculum with research, cross-curricular lessons, and strategies for both urban and rural settings.

TAKEAWAYS:
The key takeaway from this session is a comprehensive understanding of the positive impact of nature on students' well-being and practical strategies for integrating environmental education into your curriculum.

SPEAKERS:
Kim Harding (Van Andel Institute)

The Water Replenishment District (WRD) manages and protects the local groundwater resources for a little over four million residents. WRD's free Education Programs allow residents and educators to learn and familiarize themselves about the importance of water in our region.

TAKEAWAYS:
Educators will be able to learn how to contact their local water agency for free resources and/or field trips that educate students about the importance of water.

SPEAKERS:
Monica Sijder (Water Replenishment District: Huntington Park, CA)

Interested in new ways to teach science process skills and the nature of science? Consider visiting this poster that showcases an elementary after-school club where third-grade students learn and explore birding on their school grounds.

TAKEAWAYS:
The research will highlight aspects of birding relevant to all grade levels and include creative ways to utilize place-based learning that is applicable within the classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Ann Catherine Cox (Carrollton Elementary School: Carrollton, VA), Rachel Gisewhite (The University of Southern Mississippi: Long Beach, MS), Stacey Britton (University of West Georgia: Roopville, GA)

This poster presentation will showcase best practices to address that “all forms of energy production” have “risks as well as benefits.” The free, online Switch Classroom provides non-partisan content in this critical area of NGSS instruction. Adaptable for grades 4-12.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn practical strategies to teach energy source pros/cons aligned with NGSS, fostering equity and inclusion in STEM classrooms while empowering students as informed decision-makers for a sustainable future.

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

In NYC, a nonprofit offers Science education for underserved communities, integrating Spanish language. They engage students in hands-on activities through afterschool programs, fostering cultural pride and preparing them for future careers.

TAKEAWAYS:
Science education combined with Spanish language instruction in NYC's out-of-school programs for underserved communities boosts academic achievement and cultural pride, preparing students for future success in STEM fields.

SPEAKERS:
Luz Angelica Velasco Vela (BioBus: new york, NY)

Do you want to develop a stronger sense of global citizenship in your students? Join us to explore practical place-based learning resources and activities you can immediately implement. Join like-minded teachers to explore nature journaling, literacy resources, observation skills, and more!

TAKEAWAYS:
Help your students develop a sense of community and plant the seeds of global citizenship. Attend the workshop and learn new ideas from the presenters and fellow attendees. Together we can create a community of teachers that will prepare our students for the challenges of our changing environment.

SPEAKERS:
Rachel Gisewhite (The University of Southern Mississippi: Long Beach, MS), Stacey Britton (University of West Georgia: Roopville, GA), Ann Catherine Cox (Carrollton Elementary School: Carrollton, VA)