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: Baton Rouge, LA)

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: New Orleans, LA)

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.)

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)

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)

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: Baton Rouge, LA)