Teachers spend about 7-12 hours per week searching for & creating instructional materials. In this session we’ll hear from teachers about how using vetted, high quality materials as a starting point opened up new possibilities and helped them to be the teacher they always wanted to be.

TAKEAWAYS:
Using high-quality instructional materials in your classroom can shift your role as teacher from "creator" to "innovator" and allow more time for supporting students and improving outcomes.

SPEAKERS:
Erika Palys (OpenSciEd: Palatine, IL), Matt Krehbiel (OpenSciEd: Derwood, MD)

This workshop addresses the NGSS by showcasing how designated ELD standards are embedded in an 8th grade integrated course and a 9th grade Physics in the Universe course. Both NGSS and ELD standards are in the model provided to the participants.

TAKEAWAYS:
Long term English Language Learners are marginalized as they are denied elective courses by being placed in an ELD class. Research also shows that language is better acquired through experience, of which an NGSS class is the perfect setting for both science and language.

SPEAKERS:
Susan Gomez Zwiep (BSCS Science Learning: Long Beach, CA), Shay Fairchild (Norwalk La Mirada Unified School District: Norwalk, CA)

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)

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)

Creating Regionally Relevant Lessons engage students on a personal level allowing for greater insight into where they fit and their role in their community as well as how they can impact the world around them.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will walk away with plenty of ideas of how to connect what they're teaching in the classroom to their own local resources and, how bundling performance expectations can be a great way to start!

SPEAKERS:
Teresa Rockwood (Kendall Hunt Publishing Co.: Austin, TX)

Discover innovative strategies for creating inclusive, problem-driven learning environments in science education, leveraging antibias principles for student empowerment that integrates students' life experiences into the curriculum, fostering representation and ensuring all voices are valued.

TAKEAWAYS:
Effectively incorporate antibias education strategies into STEM curricula to create more inclusive, engaging, and representative learning environments that empower all students.

SPEAKERS:
Neotha Williams (STEM4Real: Addis, LA), Jennifer Munoz (STEM4Real: Carlsbad, CA)

Educators of all levels will learn how to create equitable STEM opportunities for girls of urban backgrounds. In addition, suggestions will be given on how ensure that urban girls sustain an interest in STEM which will results in them choosing STEM related college/university majors and careers.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn the importance of representation and how to reverse the narrative when it comes to teaching STEM to African American girls.

SPEAKERS:
Carla Neely (Warrensville Heights Middle School: Lyndhurst, OH)

You have a coherent phenomenon-based learning plan for your students, and midway through, you get sick or jury duty - now what?!? This session will highlight approaches to substitute plans that are flexible, easy to implement, and support student learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
When students are tasked with sensemaking and figuring out day in and day out, it is easier to have that happen without the teacher present. Utilizing a quality curriculum that supports student coherence and phenomenon-based learning is the best tool to make that a reality.

SPEAKERS:
Sarah Delaney (OpenSciEd: San Carlos, CA), Matt Krehbiel (OpenSciEd: Derwood, MD)

The Learning Progression Model is a flexible, equitable assessment strategy to provide descriptive feedback, set goals, evaluate teaching, and report achievement. Attendees leave knowing how they can implement this in their classrooms even in a traditional grades school.

TAKEAWAYS:
Understand how the Learning Progression Model keeps students engaged and accountable, how learning progressions are used to develop/assess skills and knowledge aligned with NGSS, and how to integrate this approach into the traditional grading system.

SPEAKERS:
Elise Naramore (Pascack Hills High School: Saddle River, NJ)

Explore STEM enrichment through a STEM Innovation Fair, delving into its goals, structure, and impact on fostering creativity and scientific inquiry among K-12 students. Participants discover how the Fair empowers students to be change-makers and ignites a passion for STEM education and careers.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will leave equipped with the knowledge and tools to spearhead their own innovation fairs within their school districts, fostering creativity, problem-solving, and community engagement among students while cultivating a culture of innovation for future generations.

SPEAKERS:
Mary Dillon (Indianapolis Public Schools: Cicero, IN)

During this interactive hour long hybrid between a professional development and research presentation participants will learn about and ideate on how to make STEM learning spaces more equitable through simple changes to classroom organization.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will leave with strategies and resources on how to organize and decorate their classrooms to promote equity and belonging in STEM.

SPEAKERS:
Molly Novelli (PhD student: Cedar Park, TX)

Explore a unit of instruction developed in partnership with researchers from UC San Diego. From experiencing and analyzing the unit, you will identify design principles that promote specific pedagogical routines for teachers. You will leave with specific strategies for collaborating with researche

TAKEAWAYS:
Experience science curriculum design principles based on equity design centered instructional frameworks. Learn and apply a protocol for partnering with researchers to generate curriculum resources that support both teacher and student learning.

SPEAKERS:
Alec Barron (UC San Diego)

In the United States, 9.34% of African Americans earn science degrees compared to other ethnicities. As a result, African Americans are not adding to scientific innovation or global competitiveness. Underrepresentation in science fields has been a challenge for African Americans.

TAKEAWAYS:
Parent knowledge about science is critical to increasing the number of African American scientists in the United States. According to the lived experiences of this study's participants, the parent component was the most influential factor in African Americans becoming scientists.

SPEAKERS:
Charlese Brown, Ed.D. (Teacher/Author: New Orleans, LA)

Foster inclusive STEM environments valuing students' culture, language & experiences. Learn to infuse culturally responsive learning into STEM through problem-based units that bolster identity & enhance STEM culture. Create a sense of belonging by integrating STEM into diverse learning experiences.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn practical strategies to design problem-based STEM learning experiences that celebrate student diversity, affirm cultural identities, and create an inclusive classroom environment where all students feel valued and empowered to engage with STEM content and develop a positive STEM identity.

SPEAKERS:
Latasha Turner (Reynoldsburg City Schools: Reynoldsburg, OH), Sarah Redick (Ohio Department of Education and Workforce: Powell, OH)

After a year of diving into the implementation of the OpenSciEd curriculum, learn about our experience. We will share reflections on the experience in implementing OpenSciEd through a curriculum-based professional learning model to foster collective efficacy and curriculum implementation.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn pros and cons, and strategies for a “ripping off the Band-Aid” approach to curriculum implementation, including analysis of curriculum-based professional learning for student and teacher growth; partnership and coaching for ongoing implementation support.

SPEAKERS:
Matthew Wlodarczyk (Capitol Region Education Council: Wethersfield, CT), Julie Christianson (CREC Magnet Schools: Hartford, CT)

3-dimensional transfer task assessments require students to apply learning to related phenomena, demonstrate deep levels of understanding, and engage in new learning. Learn how to tailor existing transfer tasks and support students in completing them from 2 teachers who do this in their classrooms.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will examine revised and customized transfer task assessments, effective strategies and supports, and hear student testimonials to help guide and assist their students through the often challenging transfer task assessment process.

SPEAKERS:
Nicole Bolduc (Ellington Middle School: South Windsor, CT)

This session will center on cohorts of educators who participated in a series of learning cycles. It will showcase the purpose and outcomes of the learning cycles, which empower teachers to refine their pedagogical approaches to directly address the diverse needs of their students.

TAKEAWAYS:
By implementing learning cycle protocols, teachers refine their pedagogical approaches to better meet the diverse needs of their students. Data collection and reflection processes further enhance instructional strategies, leading to continuous improvement and informed decision-making.

SPEAKERS:
Taissa Lau (Chicago Public Schools: Chicago, IL)

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)

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)

The Framework and NGSS called for phenomena-based 3D learning experiences for all students. Unpack WHY this is so important and HOW to make it a reality in your classroom. Take away phenomena and storylines to try in your classroom and strategies for making every student look forward to your class.

TAKEAWAYS:
The shift to phenomena-based 3D learning brings the student to the center of the learning and uses their life experiences and approaches to sensemaking to drive the learning.

SPEAKERS:
Matt Krehbiel (OpenSciEd: Derwood, MD)

This session will introduce teachers to a variety of note-booking techniques that will increase student engagement and excitement for learning. Students will take pride in their notebooks and therefore increase the level of effort they put into their work.

TAKEAWAYS:
This session will provide teachers and administrators with various strategies to differentiate learning for English Language Learners, Special Education Students, and General Education Students, and accurately assess student learning through note-booking by tracking student thinking/understanding.

SPEAKERS:
Darren Wells (Mather Elementary School: Dorchester, MA), Karen Ziminski (EMK Academy for Health Careers: Boston, MA)

The session will cover culturally sustaining pedagogy and how to implement relevant teaching strategies within the science classroom to increase science identity in the urban classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to leverage pedagogy to help your students actualize themselves as scientists in the urban science classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Tasha Jordan (Riverview Gardens School District: Saint Louis, MO)

Want to better understand your standards? In this session, we walk through the process of breaking down a standard using a learning progression protocol. This will result in teachers involved having an intensive understanding of their standards and a list of scaffolded student "skill" statements.

TAKEAWAYS:
A process and resources for walking through the process from standards/big ideas through scaffolded student skill statements.

SPEAKERS:
Delsey Olds (Tolleson Union High School District: Phoenix, AZ)

Grading that supports student sensemaking doesn't have to keep you at school all night. Learn approaches to grading that prioritize 3D sensemaking and utilize technology, collaboration, and existing resources so you have can your evenings back.

TAKEAWAYS:
The process of giving feedback and assigning grades is easier when there are strong materials and assessments to build from and technology can help make it faster without decreasing effectiveness for students.

SPEAKERS:
Sarah Delaney (OpenSciEd: San Carlos, CA), Matt Krehbiel (OpenSciEd: Derwood, MD)

Invention Education supercharges STEM for all K-12 students! Learn how the invention meets the needs of all learners and allows students to take control of their learning. Invention begins with students identifying problems in their own lives/community and solving these problems through STEAM.

TAKEAWAYS:
Experience the power of creative problem solving through hands-on activities to help educators prepare students to become inventors. Learn how invention becomes a vehicle for connecting your students with their community. The session will connect educators with a community of support and resources.

SPEAKERS:
Christine Lawlor-King (MIT, InventEd, Invention Convention, STEMisED: Manchester, CT)

Practice three structured talk routines while engaging in collaborative sensemaking around research that centers how students acquire the language of science and develop their science identity. (K-12th Grades)

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will walk away with insight into educational research and resources for planning and implementing well structured student talk as a tool to support science language acquisition and foster the development of students' science identity.

SPEAKERS:
Elizabeth Johnston (Denver Public Schools: Denver, CO)

Do you struggle to help your English Language Learners (ELL) engage with and understand your science lessons? If so, please join us to explore specific, practical strategies that you can use immediately to assist your ELL students.

TAKEAWAYS:
How to apply various strategies for Scientific Literacy, such as using, Language Objectives, graphic organizers, and color-coding key vocabulary to any science unit.

SPEAKERS:
Sydnie Chouery (Science Teacher: Silverdale, WA), Mikayla Kagey (Central Kitsap Middle School: Silverdale, WA)

Engage with resources that cultivate nine Learning Conditions which support students’ identity development, engagement, and academic growth. Produced by the Chicago Public Schools Office of Student Voice and Engagement and informed by the University of Chicago’s Cultivate Survey and Framework.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will receive a resource guide for each Learning Condition, which provides the definition and rationale, along with specific teacher-ready, student-friendly resources that foster enhanced student sensemaking in the science classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Niranjani Prabhakar (Chicago Public Schools: Chicago, IL), Kori Milroy (Chicago Public Schools: Chicago, IL), Sarah Millette (Chicago Public Schools: Chicago, IL), Chantell Windham (Chicago Public Schools: Chicago, IL)

Learn how you can build a STEM academy in your school through targeted and authentic learning. You will learn how to embed research based international competitions WITHIN the school day, how to find STEM guest speakers, and the importance of digital student portfolios.

TAKEAWAYS:
Our low-income STEM academy has won two international NASA competitions, has multiple state and national award winners in STEM fields, and immediate undergraduate success in college. You CAN provide authentic STEM education that prepares students while working in your current school structure.

SPEAKERS:
Hannah Oldham (Sprayberry High School: Marietta, GA)

Science Club is an equity-based innovative approach to science professional learning that fosters hands-on, minds-on science engagement in preschool classrooms. Our approach embraces young children’s natural curiosity to engage in science as well as integrates children’s local context and culture.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn from project staff and teachers how to leverage young children’s interests, local context, and local culture to support engagement through intentional, flexible science experiences using our equity-based early childhood adaptation of the 3-D Framework for K-12 Science Education.

SPEAKERS:
Daryl Greenfield (University of Miami: Miami, FL), Cynthia Parker (consultant - coach: Woburn, MA)

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)

Learn how to craft content language objectives (CLOs) that seamlessly blend the 3D of NGSS with the four elements of a language objective, providing insight into structuring targeted support.

TAKEAWAYS:
CLOs are a practical solution to the pressing challenge of addressing language proficiency as students access and engage with complex scientific concepts.

SPEAKERS:
Jean Rowe (DSST Public Schools: Denver, CO)

Immersing educators in a locally relevant context is a powerful way to foster professional learning, enhance curriculum, and boost student engagement. This session will present successful examples of immersive professional learning that have impacted hundreds of educators across the country.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn about the benefits of immersive and place-based learning and how it can bring the sensemaking process to life. We will explore how immersive professional learning can surface local phenomena that can be leveraged to support curricular modifications and enhance relevance.

SPEAKERS:
Rick Henningfeld (Vivayic, Inc.), Craig Rebich (Relevant Classroom: Lawrenceburg, IN), Brian Beierle (Relevant Classroom, a Division of Vivayic, Inc.: Wauwatosa, WI)

Presenters will share the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office EquiP HQ free K-12 resource, science of innovation video lessons, trading card lessons, journeys of innovation stories, and professional development opportunities. Resources are available for K-12 classrooms.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will be provided with resources that can be implemented in K-12 classrooms and opportunities for professional development. Invention education integrates into the STEM curriculum seamlessly and can catalyze student engagement and creative thinking.

SPEAKERS:
Kathy Hoppe (STEMisED, Inc: Rio Rico, AZ), Christine Lawlor-King (MIT, InventEd, Invention Convention, STEMisED: Manchester, CT)

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)

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)

By intertwining the principles of inquiry with the interdisciplinary nature of science and social studies, students will develop a holistic understanding of the world around them, its scientific underpinnings, and its societal implications.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will have the opportunity to start creating inquiry based interdisciplinary units in STE and H/SS, to maximize their time on learning in a culturally aware, critical thinking and sensemaking lens.

SPEAKERS:
Jennifer Orlinski (H-SS Dept Chair 6-12: Norwood, MA), Elizabeth Warren (Framingham Public Schools: Milford, MA)

Engaging students in phenomenon-based 3D science learning is challenging; when students are absent, it can feel impossible. In this session, participants will take away strategies for supporting absent students in staying engaged in learning when they miss classroom instruction.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will take away strategies for supporting absent students in staying engaged in learning when they miss classroom instruction.

SPEAKERS:
Matt Krehbiel (OpenSciEd: Derwood, MD), Sarah Delaney (OpenSciEd: San Carlos, CA)

Bring Science alive to ALL students by aiming to transform special education with innovative strategies that integrate UDL and STEM, fostering inclusivity and transdisciplinary problem-solving with special day classes and alternative settings that focus on inclusion and belonging.

TAKEAWAYS:
Understanding and application of innovative, evidence-based teaching strategies that facilitate sensemaking among special education students. Participants will learn how to create inclusive learning environments that leverage Universal Design for Learning in the science exploration stage.

SPEAKERS:
Neotha Williams (STEM4Real: Addis, LA), Jennifer Munoz (STEM4Real: Carlsbad, CA)

3-dimensional transfer task assessments require students to apply learning to related phenomena, demonstrate deep levels of understanding, and engage in new learning. Learn how to tailor existing transfer tasks and support students in completing them from 2 teachers who do this in their classrooms.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will examine revised and customized transfer task assessments, effective strategies and supports, and hear student testimonials to help guide and assist their students through the often challenging transfer task assessment process.

SPEAKERS:
Nicole Bolduc (Ellington Middle School: South Windsor, CT), Amy Hetherington-Coy (Teacher: Ellington, 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)

This session will engage attendees in developing their ability to engage in data science learning across the elementary curriculum with an eye towards culturally responsive and affirming practices. Attendees will practice integrating data science skills into one of their science lessons.

TAKEAWAYS:
This session will engage attendees in developing their ability to engage in data science learning across the elementary curriculum with an eye towards community centered and culturally responsive practices. Participants will practice integrating data science within science lessons.

SPEAKERS:
Colby Tofel-Grehl (Utah State University: Salt Lake City, UT)

This session focuses on developing and using multilingual science books.. A study to identify misconceptions was implemented with elementary students. Based on these misconceptions multilingual books were developed. Participants will be given free access to these.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn contemporary approaches to integrating science and language with multilingual learners with open resource multilingual science books.

SPEAKERS:
Candice Burkett (Assistant Professor: Indianapolis, IN), Sally Blake (NIU: Dekalb, IL)

This goal of this session is to give teachers the tools they need to adjust to the addition of Fluids to the AP Physics 1 curriculum. During this session, we will reinforce content understanding, and provide classroom-ready resources such as instructional materials, labs, and more!

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will walk away with alleviated anxiety about the addition of a new unit to AP Physics 1, and perhaps even excitement! Participants will leave with a stronger understanding of fluids concepts, labs, problems, modeling activities, as well as finding a new group of collaborative friends!

SPEAKERS:
Oather Strawderman (Lawrence Free State High School: Lawrence, KS), John Pinizzotto (Director, AP Physics: Whitman, MA)

Join our discussion on equitable science education, integrating sense-making pillars into culturally and linguistically sustaining practices. Engage with phenomena, student ideas, and disciplinary core ideas for meaningful learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
We offer a glimpse of science classrooms that are engaged in authentic, culturally sustainable experiences that foster sensemaking.

SPEAKERS:
Johanna Esparza (Assistant Professor of Practice: Brownsville, TX), Miriam Ortiz (Assistant Professor of Practice: San Benito, TX), Uma Ganesan (University of Texas Rio Grande Valley: Brownsville, TX), Zulema Williams (Assistant Professor of Practice: Brownsville, TX), Patricia Ramirez (UTRGV)

In New Brunswick, NJ, district leaders and educators engaged in collaborative spaces to design placed-based learning involving multiple disciplines. We gained a "River of Insights" while engaging in equitable, inquiry-based learning, and designing innovative solutions for climate-related problems.

TAKEAWAYS:
We will explore a placed-based instructional approach to addressing local environmental challenges, and will collaboratively reflect on how we can naturally integrate multiple disciplines to design innovative solutions and promote equitable practices for addressing Climate Change.

SPEAKERS:
Elizabeth Nunez (New Brunswick Public Schools: Passaic, NJ)

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)

Elementary schools have neglected science locally, statewide, and nationally. With science soon to be included onto California’s 2025 dashboard, elementary schools are experiencing pressure to fit science into daily schedules somehow. Learn how to budget and integrate science into daily schedules.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to increase science instruction in your K-6 classes through integration and schedule creativity.

SPEAKERS:
Marcus Sherman (Stockton Unified School District: Stockton, CA)

Work through NSTA's Beyond Representation and BSCS Science Learning's Humane Genetics Program, has given me the tools to transform more traditional curriculum to include Social Justice Standards as a way of teaching and learning in science classes. Transformed units and lessons will be shared.

TAKEAWAYS:
Social Justice Standards can and should be a way of teaching and learning science along side NGSS. Attendees will see examples of how this can be done in the Biology and Environmental Science classrooms.

SPEAKERS:
Lizabeth Peterson (Highland Park High Schoo Dist 113: Highland Park, IL)

Pulling off an awesome field trip seems like a daunting task - but what better way is there to expose students to phenomena and have them think like scientists? With a few ground rules in mind, let's go places!

TAKEAWAYS:
Ideas and strategies for putting together a meaningful and tear-free trip for your students.

SPEAKERS:
Elizabeth Swiatkowski (Alverta B. Gray Schultz Middle School: Lindenhurst, NY)

In our presentation, we'll show how a standard five-section lab report is divided into chunks with clear prompts for clarity, grading, and executive functioning support. As students improve in technical writing, scaffolding is phased out, building confidence and improving communication skills.

TAKEAWAYS:
Improving science writing skills enhances clear communication, and when scaffolded effectively, fosters inclusivity, bolsters student confidence, and encourages systems thinking.

SPEAKERS:
Michael Hirsch (Upper School Science Teacher: Rye, NY), Jennifer Doran (Rye Country Day School: Rye, NY)

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)

ScienceSaves (www.sciencesaves.org) promotes the fact that science makes life healthier and easier. Our FREE lessons teach graphing, data analysis, engineering practices, etc. They include teacher notes, standards, rubrics, and lesson plans. Check out our $15,000 scholarship for high school seniors.

TAKEAWAYS:
Too often, our students view science as a cold, calculated endeavor. We have lessons that show how a diverse array of scientists have given humanity amazing innovations, like open-heart surgery, CRISPR, and seatbelts. Our goal is for students to see themselves as future scientists.

SPEAKERS:
Melanie Trecek-King (Thinking Is Power: Franklin, MA)

As our classrooms grow into beautiful, diverse places, students benefit from peer bonding experiences that build a collaborative classroom. Learn an array of ready-to-use strategies from Background Speed Dating to nominating the Phenomenal Physicist to unite your student scientists.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will learn an array of tools and resources to build, maintain, and reinforce their classroom science community to engage students, strengthen peer feedback, and unify the classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Hannah Alperstein (Science Teacher: Lincolnshire, IL), Laura Paynter (Stevenson High School: Chicago, IL)

Engage students, families, and the community in STEAM through Family STEAM Nights in order to equitably build understanding and interest in STEAM.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how to create, recruit, and implement a Family STEAM Night to engage students, families, and the community in STEAM.

SPEAKERS:
McKenna Serowka (Lake Zurich High School: Lake Zurich, IL)

Chunking texts from various sources allows teachers to decrease the amount of teacher-centric time and increase student-centric time. Students will also measurably grow in their science literacy skills as their increase their fluency with purposeful practice.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will learn simple strategies to add chunking to their lesson as a substitution for lecture. In addition, they will take away some understanding the role of literacy and student success in a science classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Brian Hamilton (Southland Center CCS: Columbus, OH)

This session connects archaeology, anthropology, and history with STEM to bring TPBL activities and culturally relevant information to the classroom. The goal of these activities is to encourage diverse students to see themselves in STEM as a way to promote positive affect and a sense of belonging.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will leave with materials, biographies, and TPBL activities that can be utilized to boost engagement among diverse students and help them see themselves in STEM majors and careers, while complying with NGSS goals and state standards.

SPEAKERS:
Lane Fargher Navarro (The PAST Foundation: Columbus, OH)

Host a STEM Fair promoting student-centered learning with equitable access to resources and a focus on the scientific method or engineering design process. Students investigate topics that interest them as part of the curriculum, culminating in an all-school celebration of student research.

TAKEAWAYS:
A school based STEM Fair allows students to engage in a four year scaffolded series of research projects ensuring that all have the same access to resources and time to experiment at school. The culminating fair offers students authentic feedback and celebrates their research.

SPEAKERS:
Nichole Lazor (Hathaway Brown School: Shaker Heights, OH), Kelly Wilson (Hathaway Brown School: Shaker Heights, OH)

The presentation will present the latest research on how to support EMLs in science. Current practices from Montgomery County, MD Public Schools elementary science curriculum will be shown as examples of how to plan for and implement during science instruction to promote student sensemaking.

TAKEAWAYS:
In this 30-minute session, participants will gain deeper understanding of the importance of student sensemaking in elementary science and how to support multilingual learners.

SPEAKERS:
Nikki Brassell Snyder (Montgomery County Public Schools: Germantown, MD), Jennifer Orodeckis (Montgomery County Public Schools: Gaithersburg, MD)

Data Science, AI, and You (DSAIY) in Health Care aims to broaden participation in STEM through an innovative and culturally responsive learning ecosystem for teaching rapidly evolving cross-disciplinary STEM fields to high school students, using data science and AI.

TAKEAWAYS:
After completing the curriculum and datathon, we interviewed teachers and students. One teacher commented, “The kids walked away getting a much better appreciation for AI, how it's impacting certain aspects of the healthcare field, how it can impact society.

SPEAKERS:
Kathryn Eller (STEM Program Director: barrington, RI)

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)

Participants will put themselves into the shoes of various people around the city of Philadelphia to get a sense of how their experiences shape their access to nutritional food. Following this activity, participants will engage in a discussion about their first thoughts about the SSI topic at hand.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants in this session will take away ideas on how to incorporate active student learning about the socio-scientific issue of food insecurity and its effects on school-based achievement.

SPEAKERS:
Shawnee Harvey (teacher: Philadelphia, PA), Abigail Howard (Special Education Teacher: Philadelphia, PA)

Accurately assessing students’ scientific thinking without language ability getting in the way is a challenge. This session will share exemplar three-dimensional assessments for middle school science and provide practical tips for updating your existing assessments for all learners.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will leave with 3D assessments and grading rubrics ready for their middle school classrooms, as well as research-based strategies for adapting their existing assessments for struggling readers and English Learners.

SPEAKERS:
Linda Malkin (University of Wisconsin-Madison: Middleton, WI), Katrina Pommerening (Outreach Specialist: Madison, WI)

In this session, attendees will discuss perhaps unseen sides of assessment and learn how to use them to boost confidence and motivate students. Join us for strategies on how to make minor changes for big effect in your classroom!

TAKEAWAYS:
Walk away with strategies that allow students to share their input, share what they know, and share in the wealth that can be assessment.

SPEAKERS:
Amber Richards (Chatsworth Elementary School: Chatsworth, GA)

I developed a cancer biology unit with the University of Chicago, enriching middle schoolers' understanding through hands-on labs. Results exceeded expectations, indicating successful intellectual growth. Presentation includes a dance activity on mitosis and scaffolded scientific writing.

TAKEAWAYS:
During the presentation, participants will engage in a dance activity, focusing on mitosis and cellular reproduction, which are core themes in cancer biology. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to examine student work and learn specific scaffolding techniques.

SPEAKERS:
Michael Dixon (Chicago Public Schools: Chicago, IL)

Explore empowering environmental education for Indigenous students of a Native American science teacher whose hands-on science activities help confront colonial injustices, nurture healing from intergenerational trauma, and integrate sense-making into equitable, culturally sustaining practices.

TAKEAWAYS:
The session will unveil culturally sustainable science teaching practices of a Native American educator, enhancing sensemaking for students. Empowering all learners, these strategies transform science into an accessible journey, unlocking education's transformative power for Indigenous communities.

SPEAKERS:
Uma Ganesan (University of Texas Rio Grande Valley: Brownsville, TX)

Build environmental literacy skills by engaging students in real-world projects based in citizen science, place-based learning, hands-on research, and case studies addressing conservation initiatives conducted by indigenous people in the Peruvian Amazon

TAKEAWAYS:
Educators will use citizen science tools and research projects to engage students in understanding their role as environmental stewards in local and global ecosystems, using sustainable practices implemented by indigenous groups in the Peruvian Amazon as a case study.

SPEAKERS:
Julie Rivenbark (Teacher: Dunnsville, VA)

This essential biology investigation requires students to compare hominid skulls, studying the morphological changes as humans evolved. Skull models cost thousands of dollars. Do this important investigation for free with our slide presentation, student instructions, 2D skulls, and online resources.

TAKEAWAYS:
This essential biology investigation requires students to compare hominid skulls, studying the morphological changes as humans evolved. Skull models cost thousands of dollars. Do this important investigation for free with our slide presentation, student instructions, 2D skulls, and online resources.

SPEAKERS:
Melanie Trecek-King (Thinking Is Power: Franklin, MA)

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)