CODAP is a free and easy-to-use online data visualization and analysis platform accessible to middle school students. In this session, participants will learn how to leverage CODAP to engage their students in authentic and meaningful data analysis and interpretation.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will come away with new knowledge about how to use CODAP to bring authentic and meaningful data analysis and interpretation to their classrooms.

SPEAKERS:
David McKinney (Senior Research Associate: Albany, CA)

Explore density with hands-on activities in 'Layers of Learning: Exploring Density through Student Sensemaking.' Engage in creating density columns to understand matter and enhance science teaching with practical strategies.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn to use density columns for teaching, apply sensemaking in science education, and integrate student-driven inquiry to boost understanding and engagement.

SPEAKERS:
Anthony Cohutt (Thurston Middle School: Sharon, MA)

Physical and engaging classroom activity to explore motion calculations and graphing.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers explore motion graphing from students perspective, learning tricks to address common misconceptions.

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

How can we create a visual representation of sound waves? This session will explore a cross curricular PBL unit that takes students through the process of creating visual art from a sound recording.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will explore an overview of a cross-curricular PBL unit on creating art from sound waves created in the Audacity app. Attendees will practice creating and exporting a sound wave and then using a graphic design app to create an art piece. Student samples of 3D artwork will be displayed.

SPEAKERS:
Cheryl Szurkowski (Ursuline Academy: Aston, PA), Eileen Koenig (Ursuline Academy: Cochranville, PA)

Graduates with data literacy skills will have an advantage. Data is ubiquitous in today’s workplaces, particularly in STEM. Yet, what does it mean to be data literate? We will share a framework for developing fundamental data literacy skills and handouts that can be used to promote them.

TAKEAWAYS:
Educators will learn how students’ data literacy skills progress and ways to help students: ask and pursue questions, create graphs, expect variability, analyze data, interpret patterns, and communicate findings.

SPEAKERS:
Jocelyn Foran (Tuva)

Poll results are in the news during an election year. We will discuss the science and math behind polling and sampling, and engage in an inquiry activity in which small groups will design a procedure based on random sampling, collect data, and draw inferences about a population.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will be able to confidently facilitate an inquiry investigation with their own students that teaches the statistical concepts behind random sampling/sample size and the applications to polling and experimental design.

SPEAKERS:
Ellen Schiller (Grand Valley State University, Robert C. Pew Campus: Nunica, MI)