2024 New Orleans National Conference

November 6-9, 2024

Additional sessions will be added as they are accepted and confirmed over the next several weeks.
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FILTERS APPLIED:Curriculum and Assessment, Informal Science Education

 

Rooms and times subject to change.
26 results
Save up to 50 sessions in your agenda.

The Hows, Whys and Wows of Using Podcasts in the Science Classroom for Project-Based Learning

Thursday, November 7 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center - 295


STRAND: Curriculum and Assessment

Show Details

Are you an educator eager to use podcasts in your classroom but aren’t sure where to start? Tinkercast will present practical tips on why and how to include podcasts in your science curriculum, including an introduction to TinkerClass, our FREE, easy-to-use NGSS-aligned Project-based learning tool.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will have the opportunity to learn how and why podcasts are so engaging, to ask questions about using podcasts in the classroom, and to leave the session feeling empowered to incorporate podcast learning into their classrooms right away.

SPEAKERS:
Rebecca Caban (Educational Producer)

STEM Town Hall Meeting

Thursday, November 7 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center - 279


STRAND: Research to Practice

Show Details

Join a STEM Town Hall Meeting session leveraging two decades of data to explore sustainable strategies for fostering teachers' growth. Discover evidence-based approaches applicable across schools, districts, and states, with a particular focus on culturally relevant and responsive teaching in STEM.

TAKEAWAYS:
This event promises to equip you with actionable insights drawn from research, offering valuable guidance for advancing teaching practices and promoting equitable access to quality STEM education.

SPEAKERS:
Luria Young (Southern University and A&M College: Baton Rouge, LA), Katrin Smith (East Baton Rouge Parish School System: No City, No State)

The Sweet Laboratory: Exploring Food Science with Biotechnology

Thursday, November 7 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center - 256


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Edvotek

Bring inquiry into your classroom with food science! Learn how to extract dyes from candy to analyze using agarose gel electrophoresis and paper chromatography. Students use the simple techniques as a starting point to design experiments, test hypotheses, and use STEM techniques to analyze results.

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

The Definition of STEM and Why it Matters: Connecting Education and Workforce

Friday, November 8 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center - 279


STRAND: STEM Haven

Show Details

What is in a definition? The Louisiana STEM Advisory Council (LASTEM) recently adopted a statewide definition for STEM that drives the work of the Regional STEM Centers. Learn how the LASTEM network leverages its education-workforce connections to drive meaningful impact around the state.

TAKEAWAYS:
No matter what acronym you use (STEM, STEAM, STEMM, etc.) you are doing STEM as defined by the LASTEM council. Attendees will also learn how the LASTEM network utilizes the newly adopted definition of STEM to support our outreach.

SPEAKERS:
Clint Coleman (Louisiana Board of Regents: No City, No State)

Connecting education to brand, the power of direct industry partnerships

Friday, November 8 • 9:20 AM - 10:20 AM

New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center - 399


STRAND: STEM Haven

Show Details

Collaborating with regional workforce enhances the depth of career-focused education, forging valuable connections for both sides. Explore how the LASTEM initiative seamlessly integrates career exploration across K-20 classrooms, empowering learners with practical skills and real-world insights.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will leave equipped with the knowledge of key contacts within corporations for effective outreach projects. Additionally, they'll grasp the significance of aligning lesson plans with career exploration to deepen student comprehension.

SPEAKERS:
Clint Coleman (Louisiana Board of Regents: No City, No State)

Muddy Boots and Natural Beauty: Exploring Wetland Restorations with Elementary Students

Friday, November 8 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center - 270


STRAND: Students and Sensemaking

Show Details

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 (PreK - 1st Science Teacher), Jennifer Williams (Isidore Newman School: New Orleans, LA)

Service & Science - Essential questions that link content and service learning projects!

Friday, November 8 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center - 385



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Upload Service & Science - New Orleans.pdf

STRAND: Students and Sensemaking

Show Details

Can service learning opportunities for students enhance your science content? Yes, it can make it relevant, interesting, and impactful for the student experience! Creating essential questions is the foundation to linking science content with service Learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will create broad essential questions that will link their science content with service learning opportunities in their respective geographic regions.

SPEAKERS:
Kenta Ferrin (American School Foundation of Guadalajara: Guadalajara Jalisco, Jal.)

Teacher Leadership Opportunities within the Federal Government

Friday, November 8 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center - 245


STRAND: Research to Practice

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching

Did you know the federal government offers numerous internships, fellowships, and institutes for teachers? Join us as Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) recipients share their own experiences working with federal agencies like NASA, NSF, and more.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will hear from presidential award-winning teachers that excelled in their careers through professional development opportunities. These opportunities could be correlated to winning a PAEMST and been recognized by the National Science Foundation and Office of White House Technology Policy.

SPEAKERS:
Dr. Alfred Hall (National Science Foundation: Alexandria, VA)

Engineering with Paper: Amazing projects with the Simple Supplies

Friday, November 8 • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


STRAND: Lesson Showcase

Show Details

Learn how to create easy inexpensive science and engineering activities using just paper, tape and scissors.

TAKEAWAYS:
Fun engaging projects can be made with inexpensive easily accessible supplies

SPEAKERS:
Godwyn Morris (Dazzling Discoveries / Skill Mill NYC: New York, NY)

STEM Doodles with 3-D Printing Pens

Friday, November 8 • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


STRAND: STEM Haven

Show Details

Wondering about ways to use 3-D printing pens with your students? Practice using a 3-D pen to create a small but STEM-tastic model or design to use in your classroom. Explore the possibilities of using the engineering design process to solve real-world problems with creativity and a new tech gadget.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will have an opportunity to use a 3-D pen to make (and take) a small model or design for the classroom using a provided pattern or an original design. Information about eCYBERMISSION and programs administered by NSTA and sponsored by AEOP will be available.

SPEAKERS:
Kathryn Lasky (NSTA/Army Educational Outreach Program), Brian Kutsch (National Science Teaching Association, eCYBERMISSION)

A Second Grader’s Guide to the Galaxy: Engaging Elementary Aged Audiences in Astrophysics

Friday, November 8 • 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM

New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center - 284



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Galactic Cosmos Lesson Plan.docx
Instruction Booklet - Life of a Star .pdf
Life of a Star Gameboard.pdf
Life of a Star Star Cards.pdf
The Life of a Star Lesson Plan.docx

STRAND: Curriculum and Assessment

Show Details

Come experience the wonder of our universe through the lens of a young learner while taking the abstract out of astrophysics! Join AMNH Educators as they present astrophysics lessons for young audiences, try activities that combat common misconceptions in space science, and receive lesson resources.

TAKEAWAYS:
This session aims to break down the barriers of intimidation that come with teaching an abstract concept like astrophysics and address common misconceptions in space science. Attendees will practice techniques for teaching astrophysics to elementary-aged students using AMNH lessons and activities.

SPEAKERS:
Ilana April (American Museum of Natural History: New York, NY), Kate Schmidt (Museum Educator: New York, NY)

Informal Space Science Resources

Friday, November 8 • 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


STRAND: STEM Haven

Show Details

Sharing free Department of Defense and US Space Force online resources around careers and space science topics. Will have a "light saber" circuit make or take kit.

TAKEAWAYS:
Sharing free Department of Defense and US Space Force online resources around careers and space science topics. Will have a "light saber" circuit make or take kit.

SPEAKERS:
Deb Novak (AFRL STEM Academy: No City, No State)

The (STEAM)2 Learning Model Within the Context of NASA's Artemis 2 Program

Friday, November 8 • 2:40 PM - 3:40 PM

New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center - 279


STRAND: Tech Tools

Show Details

Dr. Michael Hammond-Todd (Utah Tech University) will be presenting the (STEAM)2 - STEAM Squared model of lesson design for formal and informal K-12 educators that connects the STEM curriculum to inclusive practice by combining STEAM with NASA's Artemis 2 Program in a very interactive workshop.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants and STEM educators will be able to use the (STEAM)2 model to explore NASA's Artemis 2 program within the context of inclusive lesson design based on the contextual factors and diversity of their learners. You will also be able to explore this model within your own educational ideas.

SPEAKERS:
Michael Hammond-Todd (Utah Tech University: No City, No State)

Natural Dye and Printmaking with Plants!

Friday, November 8 • 2:40 PM - 3:40 PM

New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center - 296



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Natural Dye PH Cards
Natural Dye Presentation.pptx
Natural Dye Zine

STRAND: Students and Sensemaking

Show Details

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: Shelburne, VT), Hannah Corbin (Summer and Afterschool Program Coordinator: Shelburne, VT)

Using Urban Ecosystems as Classrooms: Empowering Teachers to Connect Students with Local Ecology

Friday, November 8 • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center - 279



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Session Slides

STRAND: Students and Sensemaking

Show Details

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)

Building Community Through Student Celebration in Science

Saturday, November 9 • 8:45 AM - 9:15 AM

New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center - 392



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Building Community Through Student Celebration

STRAND: Students and Sensemaking

Show Details

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: Lincolnshire, IL)

Living With Water at the Louisiana Children's Museum

Saturday, November 9 • 8:45 AM - 9:15 AM

New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center - 285


STRAND: Students and Sensemaking

Show Details

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)

LISTEN, WONDER, TINKER, MAKE: Using TinkerClass’s Innovative, Audio-Based Framework to Encourage the 21st Century Skills of Curiosity, Collaboration, and Critical Thinking In Science Classrooms

Saturday, November 9 • 8:45 AM - 9:15 AM

New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center - 394


STRAND: Curriculum and Assessment

Show Details

Explore all the ways TinkerClass’s FREE, audio-based framework brings the “WOW” to science curricula. We’ll show you how to get your K-5 students excited about hands-on, scientific inquiry and engineering design using TinkerClass’ modular LISTEN, WONDER, TINKER, and MAKE experience.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will walk away with practical ideas for how to ignite Curiosity, Collaboration, and Critical Thinking in their classrooms and leave the session feeling empowered to incorporate podcast learning into their curriculum right away.

SPEAKERS:
Rebecca Caban (Educational Producer)

The Power of Play

Saturday, November 9 • 8:45 AM - 9:15 AM

New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center - 276


STRAND: Research to Practice

Show Details

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)

Writing your Fund for Teachers Fellowship Proposal

Saturday, November 9 • 9:30 AM - 10:00 AM

New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center - 269



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1-mNoEbO9N1eFXpGuH-AmLC76OgAijjAhS_Fgx2w010g/edit?usp=sharing
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1-mNoEbO9N1eFXpGuH-AmLC76OgAijjAhS_Fgx2w010g/edit?usp=sharing

STRAND: Students and Sensemaking

Show Details

I will review the process, give tips and advice, and answer questions about the Fund for Teachers Fellowship. I have received three Fund for Teachers Fellowship grants (2012, 2018, and 2023). I've also scored grants in years that I haven't applied.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will feel confident writing and submitting their Fund for Teachers grant proposal. This is still highly selective, so no promises can be made about people getting awarded the grants, but they will be able to make a strong application.

SPEAKERS:
Kristen Maier (Skinner North Classical School: Chicago, IL)

Cultivating Sustainability : Integrating Locally- based environmental education curriculum through the Everglades Literacy Foundation

Saturday, November 9 • 9:30 AM - 10:00 AM

New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center - 266


STRAND: Curriculum and Assessment

Show Details

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)

Engaging All Ages With Deep-Sea Habitats and Restoration

Saturday, November 9 • 10:20 AM - 11:20 AM

New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center - 386


STRAND: Curriculum and Assessment

Show Details

Connecting audiences to deep-sea habitats and the impacts humans can have on them is challenging. Creative hands-on activities, stunning videos, and talking to scientists at sea in real time brings an important ecosystem they may never see to them instead!

TAKEAWAYS:
After hands-on demonstrations of new, interactive educational materials and a viewing of highlights from livestream broadcasts, formal and informal educators and community leaders will leave the session with access to ready-to-use deep-sea activities for all ages, from “K to Gray".

SPEAKERS:
Sasha Francis (National Marine Sanctuary Foundation: Silver Spring, MD)

Easy & Effective Uses of ARC-GIS in Formal and Non-Formal Settings

Saturday, November 9 • 10:20 AM - 11:20 AM

New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center - 279


STRAND: Tech Tools

Show Details

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: Royal Oak, MI), Jocelyn Miller (E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation: Durham, NC)

Drilling for Stardust in the Ice Core Record, A.K.A. The Mystery of the Missing Supernova

Saturday, November 9 • 10:20 AM - 11:20 AM

New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center - 275



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Ice Core Records Student Worksheet Answer Key
Ice Core Student Handout
Ice Core Student Worksheet Answer Key

STRAND: Curriculum and Assessment

Show Details

A unique and open-ended STEM investigation that incorporates absolute and relative dating techniques, anomalies, historical context, volcanoes, solar proton events, energy cycles, Earth systems, terrestrial events, and supernovas by analyzing 430 years of Earth history from 1562 to 1992.

TAKEAWAYS:
In constructing knowledge, there is no definitive answer, only plausible conclusions based on constructing, analyzing, and comparing data and research from multiple disciplines. This investigation provides a better understanding of the scientific process of developing models and defending results.

SPEAKERS:
Donna Young (NSO/NASA: No City, No State)

Improve your demonstrations using simple research-tested strategies

Saturday, November 9 • 11:40 AM - 12:40 PM

New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center - 244


STRAND: Research to Practice

Show Details

Improve the effectiveness and efficacy of your classroom demonstrations, by using research-based methods of engagement within the demonstrations. Hear in students’ own voices what they think about demonstrations. Small changes DO make a big difference!

TAKEAWAYS:
Engaging students through questioning and physical interactions help students build positive mental models and associate these models with the practice of doing science. Second takeaway: In building a series of demos, the more complex anchoring phenomena should go first to decrease misconceptions.

SPEAKERS:
William Katzman (LIGO's Science Education Center: Livingston, LA)

Using Birds as a Tool for Teaching Content and the Nature of Science

Saturday, November 9 • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


STRAND: Research to Practice

Show Details

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, GA), Rachel Gisewhite (The University of Southern Mississippi: Long Beach, MS), Stacey Britton (University of West Georgia: Carrollton, GA)

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