This session is the first of a series of four - join for one or more - focused on early childhood science and language arts integration. Engage with concrete examples of interdisciplinary connections focused on life science. Part of the NSTA Early Childhood/Lower Elementary Science Pathway.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will be able to plan and implement instruction that integrates early childhood life science and language arts learning targets with fidelity.

SPEAKERS:
Jenn Brown-Whale (Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE): Randallstown, MD)

Sponsoring Company: Edvotek

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

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

Sponsoring Company: miniPCR bio

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

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

Sponsoring Company: Edvotek

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

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

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

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

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

Sponsoring Company: miniPCR bio

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

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

Sponsoring Company: 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)

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

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

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

Sponsoring Company: PASCO Scientific

Discover how PASCO's innovative equipment seamlessly integrates with OpenSciEd's standards-based curriculum. Engage in hands-on Middle School investigations. See how sensor-based data transforms traditional labs into dynamic learning experiences, empowering students to think like scientists.

Sponsoring Company: miniPCR bio

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

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

Sponsoring Company: Pets in the Classroom

Learn about new STEM tools teachers are using for innovative standards based instruction by engaging students with a classroom pet. 98% of teachers reporting see increase in student responsibility and student engagement. Grants are available to help teachers with pet expenses.

Sponsoring Company: Edvotek

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

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

Sponsoring Company: miniPCR bio

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

SPEAKERS:
Ally Huang (miniPCR: Cambridge, MA)

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: 3D Molecular Designs

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

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

Sponsoring Company: miniPCR bio

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

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

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: Edvotek

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

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

Sponsoring Company: Bio-Rad Laboratories

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

Sponsoring Company: miniPCR bio

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

SPEAKERS:
Ally Huang (miniPCR: Cambridge, MA)

Sponsoring Company: Texas Instruments

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

Sponsoring Company: Edvotek

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

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

Sponsoring Company: Bio-Rad Laboratories

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

Sponsoring Company: miniPCR bio

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

Sponsoring Company: 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)

Sponsoring Company: Texas Instruments

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

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: 3D Molecular Designs

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

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

Sponsoring Company: Anatomy in Clay

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

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

Sponsoring Company: Bio-Rad Laboratories

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

Sponsoring Company: PASCO Scientific

Discover how PASCO's innovative equipment seamlessly integrates with OpenSciEd's standards-based curriculum. Engage in hands-on Middle School investigations. See how sensor-based data transforms traditional labs into dynamic learning experiences, empowering students to think like scientists.

There is no greater challenge then that of providing interesting and leveled reading choices. This is especially so when it comes to Science based non-fiction. A recent influx of titles and resources makes this task a bit easier.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will be introduced to the benefits of the science centered library and given resources to help them build their own.

SPEAKERS:
Michele Bacon (McCaw STEAM Academy: Henderson, NV), William Hall, Jr. (McCaw STEAM Academy: Henderson, NV)

To provide interesting and hands-on activities aligned with the NGSS we constantly need to look outside of the "box." A pet in the classroom provides an interactive way to learn responsibility, connect to the standards, and make meaningful emotional connections in the classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
This session will provide elementary educators with an in depth look at the hands on benefits of a pet in the classroom. This will include a look at the social emotional benefits, classroom enrichment ideas, and how having a pet can be linked to the NGSS.

SPEAKERS:
Michele Bacon (McCaw STEAM Academy: Henderson, NV), William Hall, Jr. (McCaw STEAM Academy: Henderson, NV)

Students will be presented with the question if racism is a disease. What is racism? What is a disease? What did you discover?

TAKEAWAYS:
Does racism affect the human body?

SPEAKERS:
Andrea Baxter (Stem Facilitator: Goshen, AL)

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

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

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

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

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

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

Sponsoring Company: Bio-Rad Laboratories

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

Sponsoring Company: 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.

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)

Sponsoring Company: Activities in a Pinch

Health Science – Activities in a Pinch is a full, interactive educational program designed to help life science teachers use more “show” than “tell” in their student instruction of anatomy, medical terminology, physiology, biology and zoology concepts.

SPEAKERS:
Denise Abbott (: Orem, UT)

Sponsoring Company: Bio-Rad Laboratories

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

This workshop will introduce key strategies for supporting students with different learning needs (kinesthetics, visuals, hands-on activities, explicit instruction, simplified language) in order to meet NGSS standards. The workshop will include specific examples from a unit on honeybees.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will experience firsthand how the above-mentioned strategies for special education support learning for all students in an elementary classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Lindsey Marx (Stephen Gaynor School: New York, NY), Cristina Fabricant (Science Specialist: New York, NY)

This session explores how productive uncertainty in science investigations can support meaningful engagement in science practices and conceptual understanding. Participants will engage with uncertainty, analyze examples of elementary students grappling with uncertainty, and explore tools for use.

TAKEAWAYS:
Uncertainty is core to sense-making at all ages. We can elicit and build from specific forms of uncertainty as children move between phenomenon, investigation, evidence, and explanation to support productive classroom sensemaking.

SPEAKERS:
Annabel Stoler (Boston University: Malden, MA), Eve Manz (Boston University: Boston, MA)

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

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

SPEAKERS:
Courtney Behrle (BioNetwork: Greenville, NC)

Sponsoring Company: Activities in a Pinch

Health Science – Activities in a Pinch is a full, interactive educational program designed to help life science teachers use more “show” than “tell” in their student instruction of anatomy, medical terminology, physiology, biology and zoology concepts.

SPEAKERS:
Denise Abbott (: Orem, UT)

Sponsoring Company: InnerOrbit

How do we scaffold and prepare students for 3-dimensional, sensemaking assessments? Join us to explore how Louisiana and other states are using InnerOrbit’s bank of scaffolded questions and phenomena to gather actionable data and to prepare for the LEAP and other state tests.

Sponsoring Company: InnerOrbit

In this session we’ll provide concrete strategies to use throughout each of your units to help students engage with phenomena and sensemaking consistently, so they can more confidently approach the phenomena-driven LEAP (and other state tests) and new phenomena in instruction.

Explore the wonders of science with engaging upper elementary experiments! From chemical reactions to animal diversity and electrical circuits, hands-on activities ignite curiosity and inspire learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn practical strategies and obtain access to a Google folder with resources for conducting and seamlessly implementing upper elementary hands-on science experiments. Participants will gain insight into fostering inquiry-based learning and promoting STEM engagement in the classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Suzanne Sutton (5th grade teacher: Boca Raton, FL), Paul Lehman (A.D. Henderson University School: Boca Raton, FL)

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

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

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

Experience the fascinating world of color perception through two intriguing phenomena: colored shadows and afterimages. Experience light color through hands-on exploration and captivating demonstrations. These are ready-to-implement activities for your class (NGSS-aligned).

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers engaging in this fun activity will gain insights into the mechanisms of human color perception, providing them with engaging ways to use these hands-on experiments and captivating demonstrations into their curriculum to enhance students' understanding of waves, light, color and vision.

SPEAKERS:
Sophia Crook (LIGO Livingston Observatory: Livingston, LA), Mishael Sedas (LIGO Livingston Observatory: Geismar, LA)