The first step toward a cleaner tomorrow is to raise awareness about the plastic waste crisis, and small-scale recycling is a possible solution. Learn how IN MOCEAN and its Recycling Fleet are collaborating with others on a local level to set up micro recycling workspaces around the world.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn about IN MOCEANs global project and of the possibilities and potential of small scale recycling. With information about the process of plastic recycling and how anyone can get involved, one might be interested in setting up a recycling workspace in a school or community.

SPEAKERS:
Jennifer Zaidlicz Everett (Teacher: Barrington, NH)

Students must use discourse to engage with the Science and Engineering Practices, but what if students do not speak the language of instruction? Learn specific strategies and supports to create a welcoming environment for student language use and acquisition in inquiry-based science.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will experience the instructional practices designed to support language use for newcomer students in inquiry-based science. They will leave with ready-to-use strategies to implement in their classroom or district to support students who do not speak the language of instruction.

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

Use A-I to create a fictional planet in order for students to make connections between settling on a foreign planet and early American civilization of Jamestown. How will you choose where to settle? How will your colony be sustainable? How do you ethically interact with native species?

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees are going to learn how to utilize A-I by exploring settlement on a fictional planet mirroring Jamestown addressing sustainability, ethical interaction with natives, citizen science, robotics, and lessons for Earth's care.

SPEAKERS:
Jesse Wren (Riverfield Country Day School: Tulsa, OK), Lisa Robinson (4/5 Grade Educator: Bixby, OK)

Investigating the motion of a pendulum will help your students understand gravity's effect on an object and Newton's First Law of Motion.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will be able to relate pendulums to Newton's first law of motion and determine how the motion of the pendulum is related to its length.

SPEAKERS:
Dr. Diane Smith (Wells Academic and Performing Arts Complex: Flowood, MS)

Immerse yourself in two intermediate grade units on Weathering & Erosion and Earth's Systems which integrate algorithmic thinking and student-generated models using block coding. Project {FUTURE} has co-designed CS-integrated curriculum units with teachers in CT and WI, available as OER.

TAKEAWAYS:
Our CS and Science integrated units are ready to use and benefit student learning in both areas. By building algorithms and programs, students model Earth System relationships in novel ways. Likewise, applying CS concepts in the context of science enhances meaning, rigor, and engagement.

SPEAKERS:
Renee Scianni (Milwaukee Public Schools: Milwaukee, WI), Christine Thorp (Teacher: Wallingford, CT), Darcy Ronan (Sacred Heart University: Fairfield, CT)

Participants are invited to attend this session to engage in problem-posing, STEM-infused, standards-aligned mathematics and science activities. Learn strategies for helping students make real-world math and science connections, promote positive identities, and relate to real-life situations.

TAKEAWAYS:
The purpose of this session is to provide participants with an opportunity to learn strategies for purposefully infusing STEM in math and science instruction. Participants will explore standards-aligned activities and resources that promote the SEPS, the SMPS, and cross-curricular connections.

SPEAKERS:
Latrenda Knighten (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics: Baton Rouge, LA)

Participants will engage in dynamic, hands-on science and technology activities, merging STEM concepts with popular children's books. Discover how interactive STEM and literacy activities can support and encourage the development of STEM career pathways in young learners.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will connect impactful STEM activities with children’s literature. They will be shown ways to strengthen equitable learning outcomes and foster excitement for career exploration. Educators will have the opportunity to explore lessons and will leave with materials for their classrooms.

SPEAKERS:
Clint Coleman (Louisiana Board of Regents: New Orleans, LA)

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: PASCO Scientific

In this workshop, you’ll learn how to facilitate deeper student understanding of mole ratios, stoichiometry, and limiting reactants. This hands-on activity uses common household chemicals to simplify setup and a Wireless Pressure Sensor to support live data collection and immediate data analysis.

Sponsoring Company: Carolina Biological Supply

Experience a hands-on model lesson from OpenSciEd for High School & discover how the Carolina Certified Edition enhanced these high-quality instructional materials, making them more accessible, user-friendly, & safer for classroom use. Participate in the Serengeti board game from the Biology 1 unit.

SPEAKERS:
Cory Ort (Carolina Biological Supply Co.: Burlington, NC)

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Science Education

How do forensic scientists find evidence in invisible ink? Students must think like both detectives AND scientists to find out! By capturing spectra of ink samples, students investigate electromagnetic radiation, explore light-matter interactions, and use mathematical models to calculate energy.

Sponsoring Company: Amplify

Energize your science classroom and foster deep scientific thinking! Through exemplar activities and teacher moves, discover actionable strategies for fostering a classroom culture that celebrates student thinking, promotes risk taking, and cultivates student growth.

SPEAKERS:
Eric Cross (Albert Einstein Academy Middle School: SPRING VALLEY, CA)

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: Brooklyn, NY)

No curriculum is perfect out of the box. Explore how one district utilized a local frog expert to enhance a newly adopted curriculum. Let hands-on lessons inspire you to find your own Frog Guy, place student inquiry at the center, and go beyond a guest speaker. Extend your storyline and engagement!

TAKEAWAYS:
After a learner-lens experience with frogs, participants will gain insights in identifying areas within a unit storyline and developing customizations aligned to the NGSS and teaching practices to reach all learners. Participants will then have time to apply this process to their own organization.

SPEAKERS:
Samantha Perrelli (STEM Instructional Coach: No City, No State)

Sponsoring Company: LEGO Education

Learn how to inspire elementary and middle school students to see themselves in STEM careers. We’ll explore STEM professionals’ stories and share classroom resources co-created with experts in racing and ocean advocacy to bring hands-on, playful learning to life.

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: Carolina Biological Supply Company

Apply creative problem-solving skills and engineering practices to chemistry and physical science challenges with race cars and rockets. Experience how Carolina makes it easy to incorporate STEM into your classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Patti Kopkau (Carolina Biological Supply Co.: Hale, MI)

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Science Education

Get started with Vernier! Explore sensors for chemistry, biology & physics and learn how to integrate them in your curriculum to support 3D science learning. Found a box of sensors in your classroom? We’ll help you navigate how to assess and use them, too. Walk away with resources and experiments.

Sponsoring Company: HHMI BioInteractive

Exploring by The Seat of Your Pants, a non-profit digital educator, and Wild Hope, a movement highlighting conservation success stories, invite you to discover how to host free, virtual events with top scientists who will get your students exploring the world without ever leaving their desks.

SPEAKERS:
Jessie Hildebrand (HHMI Tangled Bank Studios: Chevy Chase, MD)

Sponsoring Company: Science Bits

Learn to double student learning gains by increasing fidelity to the 5E instructional model in your classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Charlene Wetzel (Archbishop Rummel High School: Metairie, LA)

Sponsoring Company: LEGO Education

Experience the power of hands-on, inquiry-based learning with lessons that engage students and inspire STEAM careers. Explore how Science integrates with Computer Science and STEAM skills through real-world challenges, making it easy to bring science and engineering to life in the classroom!

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)

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)

Space Rocks! Making heads and tails of rocks in space. Comets, meteors, asteroids? What’s the difference? We will use high-engagement strategies to help our students understand the difference between these windows to our galactic past.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will depart with tested lessons, prepared background information, and complete resources for hands-on labs, and three engineering-based STEM projects that incorporate Earth's place in space and human-created systems to make predictions and establish patterns.

SPEAKERS:
Amanda Walker (University Academy: Lynn Haven, FL)

Learn how the Central Indiana Educational Service Center provided Indiana educators an opportunity to elevate their teaching and ignite their creativity with Teacher Industry Experiences in Indiana (TIE-IN), an exclusive initiative designed to bridge the classroom with the dynamic world.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will gain insights into how they can create their own teacher industry experiences in their communities.

SPEAKERS:
Christina Hilton (Central Indiana Educational Service Center: Indianapolis, IN)

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: 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: Vernier Science Education

Why are some coral and fish species disappearing? In this 3D lesson, students investigate how climate change impacts interdependent relationships in aquatic ecosystems. Help your students ask questions, define problems, and use sensors to investigate how excess CO2 affects ocean and freshwater pH.

Sponsoring Company: LEGO Education

How can we equip students with future-ready skills in a world of evolving technology? This hands-on session with LEGO® SPIKE™ Prime shows how students can analyze data, find patterns, and build evidence-based conclusions to tackle real-world challenges and excel in their future careers.

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)

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)

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: Adventerra Games

Come play Global Warning, a cooperative board game from Adventerra Games. Learn how to work together to solve local and global climate problems, and learn strategies to mitigate climate change. Workshop includes results from a new Michigan State study of learning gains associated with this game.

SPEAKERS:
Bryan Mundell (Founder: Paradiso, Switzerland), Peter White (Associate Professor: East Lansing, MI), Sue Mundell (Adventerra Games North America: Boston, MA)

Sponsoring Company: Lessi AI

Lessi AI helps science teachers find and customize high-quality open science resources. This workshop will help participants learn to build, extend, and adapt freely available NGSS-aligned lessons and assessments to meet the needs of all learners.

SPEAKERS:
Patrick Marcotte (Lessi AI: Saint Paul, MN)

Sponsoring Company: Carolina Biological Supply

Discover how the Carolina Certified Edition enhanced these high-quality instructional materials, making them more accessible, user-friendly, and safer for classroom use. Participate in the featured light box model activity from 6.1: Light & Matter unit and walk away with valuable resources.

SPEAKERS:
Cory Ort (Carolina Biological Supply Co.: Burlington, NC)

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Science Education

What’s the difference between baking soda and baking powder? Help students investigate properties of common kitchen chemicals using pH and CO2 sensors and explain differences using evidence. Using what they discover, students design their own baking powder and test it against commercial products.

Sponsoring Company: LEGO Education

Experience hands-on STEAM learning with LEGO® Education! In this session, you'll explore cause-and-effect, model real-world phenomena, and analyze data to solve problems. Discover how our solutions help students understand force, motion, and energy while bringing learning to life through play.

Participants will explore an engineering design challenge that engages upper elementary students in the creation of tiny homes as a solution to homelessness after a local natural disaster. Explore Design Thinking principles and how empathy plays a role in authentic and inclusive STEM inquiry.

TAKEAWAYS:
Engage in an NGSS-based engineering design challenge where you design a solution for homelessness caused by natural disasters and learn the role of empathy in STEM inquiries by using Design Thinking principles and place-based strategies that engage all learners in STEM.

SPEAKERS:
Jennifer Williams (Isidore Newman School: Belle Chasse, LA)

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)

In this dynamic session, we delve into the unique challenges and opportunities of establishing a thriving STEM program in small, nonpublic schools. With limited resources and varying student backgrounds, the task may seem daunting, but it's entirely achievable with the right approach.

TAKEAWAYS:
Establishing a thriving STEM program in small, nonpublic schools is challenging but achievable. Limited resources and diverse student backgrounds require resilience, creativity, and collaboration. We will share experiences and best practices to foster growth in STEM programs (K-8th).

SPEAKERS:
Selena Scott (Our Lady of Grace Catholic School: Noblesville, IN), Rachel Plunkett (Our Lady of Grace Catholic School: Noblesville, IN), Michelle Boyd (Our Lady of Grace Catholic School: Noblesville, IN), Elizabeth Ahlgrim (Our Lady of Grace Catholic School: Noblesville, IN)

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

Join us and hear from Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) recipients as they share their favorite STEM lessons. These award-winning educators will showcase how they engage their students using innovative and creative techniques.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn best practices and key takeaways from presidential award-winning teachers. They will see examples of lesson plans that have been recognized by the National Science Foundation and White House Office of Science Technology Policy.

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

Sponsoring Company: Edvotek

Unlock biology's mysteries with model organisms! Join our workshop to learn how to culture and study C. elegans in your classroom laboratory. Explore heavy metal effects using a simple locomotion assay. Integrate STEM concepts, data collection, and statistics for an enriching learning experience.

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

Sponsoring Company: PlayVS

Exploring the integration of esports and well-being - delves into how integrating esports in school can enhance student engagement, foster teamwork, and cultivate strategic thinking and a sense of belonging for the digital generation.

Sponsoring Company: Carolina Biological Supply

Through a hands-on lesson, we will model instruction and resources that support 3-dimensional teaching and learning and actively engage students in the use of the Science and Engineering Practices. Resources include teacher instructional slides, student-friendly investigation materials.

SPEAKERS:
Hoover Herrera (Carolina Biological Supply Co.: Cranford, NJ)

Sponsoring Company: LEGO Education

LEGO® Education offers hands-on learning for all abilities and language backgrounds, promoting collaboration, communication, and STEM skills through play. Discover how our solutions empower every K-8 learner to succeed in science and engineering, regardless of language differences.

This session will examine 2024 election results, explore how education and STEM policy will fare in the new Administration, and discuss the upcoming reauthorization of the federal education law (Every Student Succeeds Act) and what teachers can expect from Congress and Washington, DC.

TAKEAWAYS:
What kind of policy developments can science educators expect to see from national leaders going into 2025.

SPEAKERS:
James Brown (STEM Education Coalition: Washington, DC)

Led by members of NSTA Early Childhood-Elementary Committee, the session addresses the relationship between science education & children’s literature by providing an interactive platform for educators to discover how literature can support & enhance science & engineering practices in the classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will explore the integration of children's literature with science and engineering practices through cross-disciplinary connections and hands-on activities. Resources provided.

SPEAKERS:
Simone Nance (University of Southern Indiana: Newburgh, IN), Katie Morrison (University Child Development School: Seattle, WA), Jennifer Williams (Isidore Newman School: Belle Chasse, LA), Jenn Brown-Whale (Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE): Randallstown, MD)

This introduction to STEM for elementary, secondary, or special education classrooms will allow participants to explore motion and energy while creating their own Rube Goldberg machine using found objects.

TAKEAWAYS:
Students can easily plan, build, and problem solve their own Rube Goldberg project using recycled and found materials.

SPEAKERS:
Elaine Sevin (Isidore Newman School: New Orleans, 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)

Engage in hands-on exploration of a place-based drone curriculum co-developed with tribal communities for elementary students in Alaska. Access the free student and teacher lesson plans and educational videos, and identify place-based drone applications for your community.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will don "student hat" to participate in a hands-on lesson about how drones fly, learn how to access a suite of free resources for teaching about drones, and also learn tips for STEM curriculum co-production by Indigenous and Western institutions.

SPEAKERS:
Mariah McNamara (Education Specialist: Fairbanks, AK), Lori Schoening (Geophysical Institute: Fairbanks, AK)

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: Carolina Biological Supply Company

Participants will make and use alginate beads containing algae and alginate beads containing yeast. They will learn how the beads can be used to model the processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration.

SPEAKERS:
Crystal Risko (Carolina Biological Supply Co.: Burlington, NC)

Sponsoring Company: PASCO Scientific

In this workshop, you’ll learn how to facilitate deeper student understanding of mole ratios, stoichiometry, and limiting reactants. This hands-on activity uses common household chemicals to simplify setup and a Wireless Pressure Sensor to support live data collection and immediate data analysis.

Sponsoring Company: LEGO Education

How can we equip students with future-ready skills in a world of evolving technology? This hands-on session with LEGO® SPIKE™ Prime shows how students can analyze data, find patterns, and build evidence-based conclusions to tackle real-world challenges and excel in their future careers.

This immersive and engaging workshop is designed to empower and cultivate teacher leaders in science education. It will provide participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to become effective leaders in their schools and communities, driving positive change in science education.

TAKEAWAYS:
One key takeaway related to leadership in science is the importance of raising awareness of implicit bias in science education. Implicit bias refers to the unconscious attitudes and stereotypes that influence our perceptions and actions, often leading to inequities in educational settings.

SPEAKERS:
Dr. Kay Williams (KEDE Educational Business, LLC: Woodstock, GA)

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)

Transdisciplinary STEM learning that positions students in the context of real-life scenarios and to problem solve authentic issues can increase students' conceptual understanding of content area knowledge, inspire community connections, as well as increase student engagement in their learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn why transdisciplinary and convergence education matters for the twenty-first century and how this type of learning can be framed and developed, with an overall understanding of how this type of learning and teaching could transform our country and world.

SPEAKERS:
Stefanie Holloway (Greater Oregon STEM Hub: La Grande, OR)

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)

Merge reading and engineering with STEM activities inspired by classic read-alouds, saving time and increasing engagement.

TAKEAWAYS:
Discover three engaging read-alouds and three complimentary STEM activities that encourage curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking.

SPEAKERS:
Terra Tarango (Van Andel Education Institute: Grand Rapids, MI)

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: New Orleans, LA)

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)

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

Discover how modeling with interactive, collaborative tools can help your students learn about this new gene editing technology. Hear how the treatment has helped people.

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

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: Vernier Science Education

From friction to collisions, engage students in real-world motion phenomena! Investigate questions like “how do brakes stop a bicycle?” or “why are seat belts crucial to car safety?” We’ll explore sensor carts in action, analyze velocity and acceleration data, and share hands-on investigations.

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.

Sponsoring Company: LEGO Education

Experience hands-on STEAM learning with LEGO® Education! In this session, you'll explore cause-and-effect, model real-world phenomena, and analyze data to solve problems. Discover how our solutions help students understand force, motion, and energy while bringing learning to life through play.

In this session, participants will learn how to bring electrical engineering to life with the creation of "Electric Houses". Participants will walk through the steps of turning science standards about electricity into a fully hands on project that involve all types of learners.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will be immersed in a project based activity bringing electricity and circuits to life. Using basic knowledge of electrical circuits, participants will be able to teach concepts in a hands-on immersive way to engage their learners in a real world situation about electrical engineering.

SPEAKERS:
Alicia Reno (STEM - Teacher: Decatur, GA)

Introducing Sprocket: Powered by Educurious! Sprocket is a free platform with OER project-based learning science courses for educators everywhere. Created by researchers, experts, and educators, Sprocket is now part of Educurious. Join us for a guided tour of Sprocket’s courses and online community.

TAKEAWAYS:
Sprocket is the world’s only OER platform providing access to evidence-based, full-year, project-based learning courses at no cost. Participants will learn how to navigate Sprocket, access the curriculum, and connect with an online community of colleagues and collaborators.

SPEAKERS:
Adrian Baez-Alicea (Educurious Partners: Portland, OR), Hanna Jaramillo (Educurious Partners: Kirkland, WA)

Personal narratives bring topics to life. With a booklet available as a free download, engage critical thinking skills with astronaut personal narratives. Compare and contrast rocket designs and basic data. Based on learning that takes place, design a rocket with at least 1 innovative feature.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will examine a set of rockets and data on performance. They will select a feature to design to improve performance and explain why they made the design changes they chose. Through this, they learn how to engage students with engineering design principles.

SPEAKERS:
Laurie Boulden (Warner University: Frostproof, FL)

For this workshop, you will see how to develop an engineering unit for elementary students where they are challenged to use recyclable materials to build skyscrapers, bridges, and other structures. Try your own skill in building structures using easily accessible materials.

TAKEAWAYS:
In this session, participants will learn how to develop an engineering unit for elementary students where they design and build their own skyscrapers and bridges. Relevant videos will be shown and student work will be showcased.

SPEAKERS:
Joan Gillman (The Browning School: Teaneck, NJ)

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)

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: 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: Carolina Biological Supply Company

Explore easy, engaging, and safe chemistry activities that guarantee a reaction in your students. These lab activities support 3-dimensional learning and work every time, not just periodically.

SPEAKERS:
Laurie Nixon (Watauga High School: Blowing Rock, NC)

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Science Education

Where does food come from? And where does it go next? Join us to explore the free OpenSciEd curriculum, which uses investigative questions & anchoring phenomena to engage middle school students in NGSS-aligned lessons. Walk away with three-dimensional, sensor-based experiments to add to your toolkit

Sponsoring Company: Amplify

Discover research-based strategies to effectively differentiate STEM instruction for diverse learners, and foster a positive classroom culture that celebrates neurodiversity as an asset. Engage in interactive activities and leave with tools to create inclusive learning environments for all.

SPEAKERS:
Gregory Trieste (STEM Program Specialist: Irving, TX)

Sponsoring Company: LEGO Education

LEGO® Education offers hands-on learning for all abilities and language backgrounds, promoting collaboration, communication, and STEM skills through play. Discover how our solutions empower every K-8 learner to succeed in science and engineering, regardless of language differences.

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)

In this session you will learn learn about two real world engineering projects happening on opposite sides of our world, and how students can draw inspiration from cultures that may be different than their own.

TAKEAWAYS:
After this session you will be able to take away two engineering lessons, and a rejuvenated enthusiasm for real life problem solving with science and engineering.

SPEAKERS:
Christina Smith (Tri-Village Schools: New Madison, OH), Justin Stout (Teacher: Xenia, OH)

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 Competitions: Crofton, MD), Brian Kutsch (National Science Teaching Association, eCYBERMISSION: Maumelle, AR)

Join us at this Share-A-Thon to discover a treasure trove of educational materials and resources curated by the United States Patent and Trademark Office's Office of Education. Our poster session aims to showcase innovative teaching tools that empower educators to foster inventing and creativity.

TAKEAWAYS:
Engage with live demonstrations of free educational tools and platforms designed to enhance learning experiences across various subjects and grade levels. Learn about professional development opportunities for enhancing expertise in intellectual property education and invention.

SPEAKERS:
Kathy Hoppe (STEMisED, Inc: Rio Rico, AZ)

Connecting children's books and STEM is an easy way to increase student interest in STEM studies. In this session we will explore children's books and see how we can connect hands on STEM activities to broaden the learning. Ideas and activities that have been used in classrooms will be shared.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will receive a resource of over 30 books and their STEAM connection will be provided so teachers can use them in classrooms immediately. Additionally, lesson planning forms and Crowdsourcing tools will be shared to make planning for future lessons will be shared.

SPEAKERS:
Nancy Penchev (Scheck Hillel Community School: Hollywood, FL)

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)

Inspire students' ingenuity and encourage sensemaking. Leverage learners’ STEM and engineering skills to foster a sense of wonder and inquiry about the world around them. Elevate best practices while engaging students to design, build and find joy in nature. Place-based + engineering = best day ever.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will walk away with creative ideas to integrate design thinking and engineering skills in the classroom and natural world, instilling a sense of curiosity, awe and wonder for the great outdoors. This project encompasses several of the sensemaking pillars for best teaching practices.

SPEAKERS:
Lisa Morgan (Detroit Country Day School: Bloomfield hills, MI), Diana Matthews (Detroit Country Day School: Farmington Hills, MI)

Strong winds generated by hurricanes and tornadoes can lift the roof off a house. A model for the engineering design process that integrates the NGSS three dimensions will be used to design a better roof.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to address the NGSS student performance expectation: 3-EES3-1 Make a claim about the merit of a design solution that reduces the impacts of a weather-related hazard.

SPEAKERS:
Karen Ostlund (The University of Texas at Austin: Austin, TX)

Join us as a young scientist to investigate different sounds and how and why they occur. Using simple tools, engage your curiosity about the phenomena of sound as you delve into sensemaking to figure out what causes sound to occur, and how you can stop, start, and change sound.

TAKEAWAYS:
Engage in teacher play, investigate making sense of how sound is made, how to change sound, how to create your own song with rubber bands and a simple board, plus explain all of it with your own words/drawings. First 50 participants will leave with rubber bands, a simple board, and an investigation idea.

SPEAKERS:
Lisa Chizek (Iowa State University: Toledo, IA)

You will learn how to use MFLOW, a web-based programming platform that makes it extremely easy to play with sounds and create sound compositions while learning the basics of programming. You will gain access to an NGSS-aligned curriculum to support students with coding and sound engineering.

TAKEAWAYS:
You will learn how to use MFLOW to sound engineer and code your own sound or music composition. Also, you will learn how to engage your students with coding through engineering design challenges.

SPEAKERS:
Alec Barron (UC San Diego)

Discover how the fusion of circuitry and spatial concepts, in illuminating a piece of art, impacts student innovation in STEAM Education. This session will explore the intersection of art and science with practical strategies to promote student accessibility and understanding of STEAM concepts.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will create illuminated artwork using a simple circuit (copper tape, LEDs, coin battery). They will reflect and gain insights on how to make complex concepts accessible, blending STEAM and Maker Education that will foster inclusive learning for all students.

SPEAKERS:
Merinda Baker (Engagement Manager: Atlanta, GA)

Sponsoring Company: ExploreLearning

On National STEM Day, we celebrate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It’s a day to inspire students about STEM and its career paths. Join the ExploreLearning Gizmos team to explore our newest STEM Case and other activities and resources to celebrate National STEM Day.

SPEAKERS:
Emily Duganne (ExploreLearning: Midlothian, VA)

Sponsoring Company: Gardyn

Hydroponics is the future of food production! Come learn the basics of hydroponics and how Gardyn towers can enhance your classroom experience, while being on the cutting edge of technological trends. Most importantly, learn how to integrate hydroponic gardening into your curriculum.

SPEAKERS:
Alicia Kuntz (Niles Community Schools: Buchanan, MI), Renee Egan (Gardyn Workshop Presenter/ 7th Grade Science: ACWORTH, GA)

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: Carolina Biological Supply

Take a deeper dive into understanding the importance of learning progressions in 3-dimensional learning using STC Middle School. Experience the importance of a coherent storyline in student understanding. Explore a learning progression using density and walk away with classroom resources.

SPEAKERS:
Cory Ort (Carolina Biological Supply Co.: Burlington, NC)

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Science Education

Want to make data analysis engaging for young learners? Get hands on with real-world phenomena! Investigate questions like “how mittens keep hands warm?” or “which shoes have more friction?” You’ll learn how sensor-based experiments support 3D learning, build STEM literacy & drive critical thinking.

Sponsoring Company: LEGO Education

Learn how to inspire elementary and middle school students to see themselves in STEM careers. We’ll explore STEM professionals’ stories and share classroom resources co-created with experts in racing and ocean advocacy to bring hands-on, playful learning to life.

Dive into a science classroom's Maker Space, sparking creativity and fostering a sense of belonging. Our hands-on program encourages inquiry-based learning, collaborative projects, and inclusivity, igniting curiosity and a lifelong love for science.

TAKEAWAYS:
Experience the Maker Space firsthand in our session, engaging in interactive activities that deepen understanding and inspire collaboration. Gain practical skills to apply beyond the session, igniting creativity and empowerment in every participant.

SPEAKERS:
Michelle Bruch (Primary Science Teacher: Alexandria, VA)

By implementing STEM related mini grants, students will be positively impacted through multidisciplinary, hands-on, and inquiry-based learning. Students benefit from experiencing mini grants in the classroom which also allows teachers to more effectively teach their students.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn the specific benefits and reasons for implementing STEM mini grants throughout every grade level. Through learning the positive impacts on students, attendees will understand how to meet the specific needs of one's own classroom and their content area.

SPEAKERS:
Karen Hansen (Student: Bridgeport, CT), Adriana Piccolino (Student: Mount Kisco, NY), Jenna D'Angelo (Student: Bridgeport, CT)

Students in upper school engineering classes were challenged to solve the big, small, exciting, and mundane problems that teachers face. From a traffic study to nature miniature golf to a guinea pig habitat fit for royalty, creativity shone in this collaborative effort.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will experience the breadth and depth of some of the problems solved by upper-school engineering students. We will teach you what we learned about organizing problems, meeting with teachers and facilities, collaborative design, and manufacturing.

SPEAKERS:
Matilde Robbe (Savannah Country Day School: Pooler, GA), Carrie Vetrovsky (Savannah Country Day School: Savannah, GA)

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: Albuquerque, NM)

This session highlights cultural dimensions of meaningful science learning. It showcases a powerful instructional technique for formative assessment called “self-documentation”—where students collect information related to a particular theme or topic in their everyday lives.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers learn how to promote equity by focusing on learning and teaching as an inherently cultural process. They develop a shared understanding of how cultural formative assessment can reveal the interests, experiences, and identities of students.

SPEAKERS:
Philip Bell (University of Washington: Seattle, WA), Tiffany Neill (OpenSciEd: New York, NY), Ximena Gallegos Gutierrez (PhD student, Learning Science and Human Development: Seattle, WA)

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)

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: Nanaimo, BC)

Force and motion, simple machines & energy transfer are just a few of the science topics that students learn as the build their own interactive roller coaster projects.  Using just paper, tape and scissors, we will show you how to easily include this fun educational hands-on activity in your class.

TAKEAWAYS:
Hands-on, engaging projects can be done with easily accessible inexpensive supplies. It does not have to cost money to do intereactive experiments

SPEAKERS:
Elaine Sevin (Isidore Newman School: New Orleans, LA), Godwyn Morris (Dazzling Discoveries / Skill Mill NYC: New York, NY)

Sponsoring Company: Anatomage, Inc.

The Science Table provides a library of over 60 biology, chemistry, and physics experiments with realistic-quality visuals on an interactive 7 foot-long touch-screen table. The workshop will focus on incorporating the Science Table into middle school, high school, and college level classrooms.

SPEAKERS:
Zach Bryant (Anatomage, Inc.: No City, No State)

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

Sponsoring Company: Carolina Biological Supply Company

Get students of all ages doing hands-on plant science: learning life cycles, genetics, evolution, and ecology. Wisconsin Fast Plants® make teaching life sciences interactive and practical. Learn planting, pollination, and more with these versatile organisms.

SPEAKERS:
Laurie Nixon (Watauga High School: Blowing Rock, NC)

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Science Education

Drive student engagement with force and motion phenomena! Join us to explore how fan thrust affects acceleration, momentum, and kinetic energy of carts on a track. We’ll explore 3D lessons that investigate Newton's second law and accelerated motion by adding the new easy-to-use, modular Cart Fan.

Sponsoring Company: LEGO Education

Experience the power of hands-on, inquiry-based learning with lessons that engage students and inspire STEAM careers. Explore how Science integrates with Computer Science and STEAM skills through real-world challenges, making it easy to bring science and engineering to life in the classroom!

Presentation of a college course using convergence research to tackle the complex issue of wasted food, while emphasizing the integration of diverse perspectives to enhance student learning and problem-solving skills.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will understand how convergence research was used in the context of wasted food to support students’ learning and address complex problems through creative, multifaceted, and equitable solutions. They will also be empowered to leverage convergence research when addressing complex problems.

SPEAKERS:
Pete Locher (Graduate Research Student: Charleston, SC)

Explore how to turn local businesses into engaging educational field trip destinations. Learn strategies to involve businesses as stakeholders in education, creating mutually beneficial partnerships with schools and the community.

TAKEAWAYS:
Discover how to transform local businesses into engaging field trip destinations for students, fostering experiences that connect classroom learning to real-world applications. Learn strategies to involve businesses as education stakeholders, enriching student learning and community engagement.

SPEAKERS:
Ronetta Wards, Ph.D (Science Consultant: Jacksonville, FL), Erica Willie (Founder: jacksonville, FL)

Make the literacy connection to science with fairy tales. Join us as we explore activities that integrate multiple content areas with an emphasis on writing across the curriculum. You will even have a chance to engineer a house for a pig.

TAKEAWAYS:
This workshop has been designed to show educators: -how to become advocates of literacy for elementary science and engineering -to provide connections between science and literacy and -to learn strategies for actively engaging all learners.

SPEAKERS:
John Hutchens (Ruth Patrick Science Education Center: Aiken, SC)

Seaworthy STEM in a Box revolutionizes PreK-12 STEM education with Department of Navy and NGSS aligned activities, fostering science inquiry and engineering skills. Designed for versatility, these kits and curriculum accommodate various grades and settings. Session lead by DON staff/ STEM educators.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will discover how to seamlessly integrate Navy-aligned STEM activities into diverse educational environments. With expert-led workshops and comprehensive resources, educators can cultivate problem-solving skills in students, empowering them for future success in science and engineering.

SPEAKERS:
Melissa Thompson (Department of Defense: Stevensville, MD), Nathan Diehl (Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division: Boyds, MD)

Discover NSTA’s K-5 STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) instructional materials! These materials allow students to explain phenomena or design solutions to problems while developing and applying the knowledge and practices of multiple STEM disciplines.

TAKEAWAYS:
Phenomenon or problem-driven instructional materials allow students to use the knowledge and practices of multiple disciplines to construct explanations and design solutions.

SPEAKERS:
Emily Mathews (NSTA: Skokie, IL), Patrice Scinta (NSTA: Brooklyn, NY)

Using the United Nations' Global Goals for Sustainability Initiative, students will be able to create a design for a sustainable energy source.

TAKEAWAYS:
Students will be using creative thinking, problem-solving and cooperative learning in a STEM lesson to address climate change.

SPEAKERS:
Kimberly McSorley (Franklin Elementary: North Arlington, NJ)

ESTITCH is a integrated curriculum for teachers of grades 3-6. Teachers will practice integrating science, social studies, math, and literacy through storybooks. This session will facilitate teachers in engaging project based learning in their elementary classroom with maker technologies.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will practice integrating science, social studies, math, and literacy through storybooks and explore project based learning in their elementary classroom with maker technologies.

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

Preservice elementary teachers are mentored to plan and implement virtual STEM learning experiences for emergent multilingual children. They build relationships with learners, experience the brilliance of children, hone communication approaches, and deepen their STEM instructional practices.

TAKEAWAYS:
Carefully designed and mentored virtual STEM learning experiences can benefit both elementary preservice teachers and emergent multilingual children. A key factor is focusing on the brilliance of children and families from historically marginalized communities.

SPEAKERS:
Jamie Dobson (4th Grade Science Teacher: Pittsburgh, PA), Jessica Downey (Brentwood Borough School District: PITTSBURGH, PA), Stephanie DeLuca (Curriculum, Instruction, Professional Development Coordinator: Pittsburgh, PA), Carla Zembal-Saul (Penn State: State College, PA)

Explore STEM units and their personalized major unit projects that allow students to choose projects aligned with their academic interests and personal passions. Promote interdisciplinary learning by encouraging students to explore connections between different STEM fields.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to provide students with choices for major unit projects that showcase their learning and allow collaboration and community involvement to be at the forefront. Include student feedback in grading for themselves and their peers.

SPEAKERS:
Natalie Schifsky (Academy of Exploration: Nixa, MO), Alexandra Robbins (Teacher: Springfield, MO)

Sponsoring Company: LEGO Education

Experience the power of hands-on, inquiry-based learning with lessons that engage students and inspire STEAM careers. Explore how Science integrates with Computer Science and STEAM skills through real-world challenges, making it easy to bring science and engineering to life in the classroom!

Explore how student self-assessment can transform STEM learning by empowering learners to reflect on and take charge of their educational journey. Gain practical strategies and tools to implement this effective approach in your classroom, enhancing engagement and understanding.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn to implement student self-assessment techniques that boost independence, deepen understanding, and increase engagement in STEM subjects.

SPEAKERS:
Matthew Mawn (Roxbury High School: Succasunna, NJ)

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)

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)

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: Brooklyn, NY)

In this session, participants will learn how to develop a problem-based learning cross-curricular curriculum to provide students with inquiry-based learning opportunities with real-world applications.

TAKEAWAYS:
Real-world lessons show students how the lessons in the classroom relate to their everyday lives.

SPEAKERS:
Scarlett Kibler (Redbud Run Elementary School: Winchester, VA)

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)

Spark creativity in science and STEM education by discovering how teachers can create transdisciplinary STEAM activities to provide early childhood learners authentic, relevant, and sensemaking opportunities. Learn how to stage a hands-on STEAM Fair that promotes equity and inclusivity.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to: facilitate sensemaking, incorporating the four attributes described by NSTA; design inquiry-based and multi-modal activities to support science and engineering practices; and promote meaningful dialogue and student talk to encourage students to share, discuss, and amend their ideas.

SPEAKERS:
Ann Fradkin-Hayslip (Associate Professor: Oneonta, NY)

Since 2018, we have been a certified STEM school in Indiana, K-8. Now, we extend a warm invitation to all teachers and administrators to join us as we delve into the intricate journey of our state STEM accreditation process. We explore the rigorous standards and criteria as well as best practices.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will have an opportunity for reflection and continuous improvement as we strive to elevate our STEM program. Through open and constructive discourse, we will share insights, exchange best practices, and chart a course for success.

SPEAKERS:
Selena Scott (Our Lady of Grace Catholic School: Noblesville, IN), Michelle Boyd (Our Lady of Grace Catholic School: Noblesville, IN), Rachel Plunkett (Our Lady of Grace Catholic School: Noblesville, IN), Elizabeth Ahlgrim (Our Lady of Grace Catholic School: Noblesville, IN)

Explore how Argument-Driven Inquiry (ADI) can be effectively implemented in the early grades. This session will demonstrate how to introduce and scaffold ADI for young learners, emphasizing critical thinking and scientific reasoning.

TAKEAWAYS:
ADI is a powerful instructional model that fosters scientific thinking and argumentation skills. While traditionally used in upper grades, ADI can also be adapted for younger students. This session will provide practical strategies and resources for implementing ADI in the K-2 classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Victor Sampson (The University of Texas at Austin: Austin, TX)

Using inspiration from Caine's Arcade, students will use STEM principles to create an engineering project (cardboard arcade).

TAKEAWAYS:
Students will be able to use recyclable materials in order to create a functioning machine.

SPEAKERS:
Kimberly McSorley (Franklin Elementary: North Arlington, NJ)

Learn how we grew a comprehensive STEM education program. From our state of the art STEM lab, tailored lessons, and STEM teacher support cultivate 24 engineering experiences for students. See how our STEM vision grew roots and flourished!

TAKEAWAYS:
Explore steps to develop a comprehensive STEM program from scratch—our journey from inception to fruition.

SPEAKERS:
Rod'ree Carlile (Kings Manor Elementary School: Kingwood, TX), Heather Tyler LaBrot (Kings Manor Elementary School: Kingwood, TX)

This session will present field-tested approaches for the implementation of an elementary school STEM club run by high school science students. A STEM club is an excellent way to supplement experiential STEM learning and can be adapted to a variety of settings with or without student volunteers.

TAKEAWAYS:
An elementary school STEM Club facilitated by high school volunteers is easy to implement and can encourage students of all ages to see themselves as scientists and engineers, innovators and leaders, while enhancing opportunities for rigorous STEM exploration at the elementary level.

SPEAKERS:
Hannah Sullivan (Mounds Park Academy: St. Paul, MN)

Join us to see examples of STEM picture books that can be used to accurately teach science concepts, as well as, accomplishments of scientists and engineers from diverse backgrounds. We will share books from the NSTA’s Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students webpage.

TAKEAWAYS:
Our goal is to provide attendees with a list of engaging, high-quality picture books to use in the classroom with their students when teaching STEM concepts.

SPEAKERS:
Perihan Fidan (Tennessee Tech: Cookeville, TN), Stephanie Wendt (Tennessee Tech: Baxter, TN)

This session will guide educators into introducing writing into their science curriculum starting at 3rd to 5th grade and how to make it fun, interactive, and informational!

TAKEAWAYS:
After this session attendees will be able to effectively introduce writing into their science curriculum to strengthen students' knowledge of the science curriculum and deepen critical thinking skills.

SPEAKERS:
Krystal Rising (Science Teacher: Cedar Hill, TX)

Join Louisiana teachers and state leaders in an immersive science experience that will unlock strategies for nurturing the brilliance and strengths of K-2 students and cultivate a strong science foundation.

TAKEAWAYS:
In this session, teachers will experience an anchor phenomenon as a student and will consider practical strategies for how phenomenon-based, three-dimensional instruction can support K-2 students sensemaking in science. Participants will receive tips on how to advocate for more time on science in K-2.

SPEAKERS:
Garelyn Adam-Dinet (Teacher: Marrero, LA), Molly Talbot (Louisiana Dept. of Education: New Roads, LA)

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: Huntington Woods, MI), Jocelyn Miller (E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation: Chapel Hill, NC)

Discover the seamless integration of science and literacy by fostering a love for nature and enhancing student learning. Gain practical strategies for engaging young learners and promoting environmental awareness in the classroom while incorporating nature studies and sustainability themes.

TAKEAWAYS:
Educators will leave the session equipped with a toolkit of practical ideas, lessons, and resources to seamlessly integrate environmental science and literacy instruction, fostering a deeper understanding of the natural world and nurturing a lifelong passion for conservation.

SPEAKERS:
Alexis Tharpe (ODU Research Foundation TCEP: Norfolk, VA 23508, VA), Venicia Ferrell (Research Assistant Professor: Norfolk, VA)

Participants will explore hands-on stations as they use inquiry analysis tools to dive into phenomena, primary sources, and discovery boxes about the coast. Participants will share, engage, and connect with multiple strategies and PreK-2 resources to use to analyze coastal phenomena.

TAKEAWAYS:
Inquiry-based teaching focuses on moving students beyond general curiosity into the realms of critical thinking and understanding. We must encourage our students to ask questions and support them through the investigation process, understanding when to begin and how to structure an inquiry activity.

SPEAKERS:
Noelle Carter (Chief Curriculum Officer: Orem, UT), Betsy Glisson (Studies Weekly: Dublin, GA)

Computational thinking (CT) and engineering offer students problem-solving skills and foster innovation. This session will provide educators with the knowledge and resources needed to integrate CT and engineering into their STEM curriculum.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of CT and engineering strategies for integrating these concepts into their STEM classrooms. They will feel empowered to equip their students with the problem-solving skills necessary for success in an increasingly technology-driven world.

SPEAKERS:
Katherine Mathias (John Kerr Elementary School: Winchester, VA), Ch'Loris Clemons (John Kerr Elementary School: Winchester, VA)

Discover how nature positively impacts student well-being while fostering curiosity, critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Learn to integrate environmental education into your curriculum with research, cross-curricular lessons, and strategies for both urban and rural settings.

TAKEAWAYS:
The key takeaway from this session is a comprehensive understanding of the positive impact of nature on students' well-being and practical strategies for integrating environmental education into your curriculum.

SPEAKERS:
Kim Harding (Van Andel Institute)

Are students struggling to master academic language in Science? Get students listening, speaking, reading, and writing using academic language. Participants will engage in a science-focused Talk Read Talk Write using vocabulary/visuals within the 5E model to support Emergent Bilingual/all students.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how to incorporate Nancy Motley’s Talk Read Talk Write approach within the 5E Model, how to incorporate vocabulary-focused structured conversations based on visuals, and how to differentiate for students to improve Science Literacy.

SPEAKERS:
Julie Gibson (Seidlitz Education: Plano, TX)

Sponsoring Company: Shell Programs - NSTA

Do you impact your school and community with STEM? If you teach K–12, come start your winning application, for either of the three programs sponsored by Shell USA, Inc. We'll walk through the application step by step and you'll be able to begin your application or nomination form live.

SPEAKERS:
Amanda Upton (NSTA: Fresno, TX)

Sponsoring Company: LEGO Education

Learn how to inspire elementary and middle school students to see themselves in STEM careers. We’ll explore STEM professionals’ stories and share classroom resources co-created with experts in racing and ocean advocacy to bring hands-on, playful learning to life.

Explore how student self-assessment can transform STEM learning by empowering learners to reflect on and take charge of their educational journey. Gain practical strategies and tools to implement this effective approach in your classroom, enhancing engagement and understanding.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn to implement student self-assessment techniques that boost independence, deepen understanding, and increase engagement in STEM subjects.

SPEAKERS:
Matthew Mawn (Roxbury High School: Succasunna, NJ)

Through this workshop, participants will learn what is necessary to establish, organize, and facilitate an interactive, hands-on environment for elementary students, whether in the STEM lab setting or the general education classroom while participating in engaging standards-based activities.

TAKEAWAYS:
STEM instruction is vital to the elementary experience, and students at this level should be engaged in hands-on, standards-based activities to be prepared for their future.

SPEAKERS:
Troy Russell (E. R. Dickson Elementary School: Irvington, AL), Maegan Gayle (Mobile County Public School System: Mobile, AL)

Sponsoring Company: LEGO Education

Experience hands-on STEAM learning with LEGO® Education! In this session, you'll explore cause-and-effect, model real-world phenomena, and analyze data to solve problems. Discover how our solutions help students understand force, motion, and energy while bringing learning to life through play.

The Water Replenishment District (WRD) manages and protects the local groundwater resources for a little over four million residents. WRD's free Education Programs allow residents and educators to learn and familiarize themselves about the importance of water in our region.

TAKEAWAYS:
Educators will be able to learn how to contact their local water agency for free resources and/or field trips that educate students about the importance of water.

SPEAKERS:
Monica Sijder (Water Replenishment District: Huntington Park, CA)

TeachEngineering is a free, online digital library of K-12 STEM resources. Our goal is to make applied science, technology, and math come alive by integrating engineering design and design thinking into STEM classrooms. Stop by for free hands-on activities and to create your own prototype!

TAKEAWAYS:
TeachEngineering is a free, online digital library of K-12 STEM resources that integrate engineering and engineering design into science learning. This growing collection is composed of 1,750+ curricular materials, which are educator-created, classroom-tested, peer-reviewed and standards-aligned.

SPEAKERS:
Jennifer Kracha (Teach Engineering)

The start of an urban STEAM Garden, in a mostly Latino elementary school, led to an increase in community engagement by nurturing a sense of belonging, empowerment and opportunities for families to learn science along with their children.

TAKEAWAYS:
Establishing an urban STEAM garden with the active participation of various segments of our school community allowed for our project to meet the needs of the whole child while building social capital.

SPEAKERS:
Marcia Manzueta (Thomas A. Edison School: Port Chester, NY)

Ever wonder how a wind-up toy works? Or what causes a spinning top to light up? Stop by this poster to see what’s inside some of your favorite toys and learn how tinkering activities can promote student sensemaking in physics.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will learn how to identify the ways tinkering can support student sensemaking in physics; have the option to participate in a simple tinkering exercise; and receive practical tools to facilitate reverse-engineering activities in their classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Michelle Forsythe (Texas State University: San Marcos, TX)

With the abundance of technology tools available now the question becomes how can they be used. Come see how 3-D printers, green screens, drones, and other tools can be integrated into the NGSS.

TAKEAWAYS:
Technology tools and resources can be used to enrich and extend Science standards in the classroom. They help provide hands on visual experiences that can lead to deeper understanding

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

Discover NASA's Astro Camp Program: free STEM resources and lessons on space exploration. See how one school created a week-long, community-building STEM Challenge for Pre-K to 5th grade, reinforcing the S.E.P.s and sparking interest in NASA careers.

TAKEAWAYS:
NASA’s ASTRO CAMP Community Partners Program provides collaboration opportunities for youth service organizations, museums, libraries, and schools interested in presenting NASA’s ASTRO CAMP activities in their community with training and resources provided by NASA ACCP specialists. Free resources.

SPEAKERS:
Elaine Sevin (Isidore Newman School: New Orleans, LA), Jennifer Williams (Isidore Newman School: Belle Chasse, LA)

Forrest Bird is the inventor of the first convenient and reliable, low cost, mass-produced medical respirator. Join us in this workshop as we model hands on activities to get your students excited to learn more about respiratory system basics as well as invention education.

TAKEAWAYS:
Students are less likely to be what they cannot see. Everyone can be an inventor and diverse inventor stories and activities with a transdisciplinary approach can aid elementary educators in creating high-quality, equitable learning experiences even with constraints to "Science time."

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