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)

Educators at South Hampton K-8 School are empowering their 7th and 8th grade students to host "Bulldog Talk: On the Edge," a student-led podcast that explores relevant topics and issues. This session will provide tips and strategies for starting a similar student-driven podcast program.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to establish a student-run podcast program that engages learners, develops essential communication skills, and provides a platform for student voice and agency.

SPEAKERS:
Tambra Clark (Birmingham City Board of Education: Adamsville, AL)

The oil industry has many practical applications for teachers to use in the classroom. One of the less-explored topics is how oil is found. In this session, you will see a multidisciplinary lab where students explore for and extract oil, and deal with the economic and environmental costs as well.

TAKEAWAYS:
Oil drilling can be accurately modelled in a classroom setting to allow students to apply Earth Science concepts to understand how oil is made, explored for, and extracted out of the ground.

SPEAKERS:
Loren Klein (Academically Gifted Teacher: Lafayette, LA)

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)

Experience the “real” feel of working in a lab from the physical layout to the various “tasks” performed. Take on the role of a scientist/engineer and conduct scientific studies with a prototype. Catch a glimpse of an Army lab in action and learn how equipment used by our troops is developed.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will have an opportunity to use virtual reality goggles and applications to explore a technological alternative to hands-on scientific inquiry and engineering design processes. 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)

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)

Explore how transdisciplinary projects ignite students' passion for STEM. Gain insights into providing authentic experiences that nurture the development of robust STEM identities. The poster will showcase examples of projects and community partnerships, providing practical tools and ideas.

TAKEAWAYS:
The primary takeaway underscores the critical role of transdisciplinary experiential learning in shaping students' STEM identities. This approach not only fosters a deep understanding of STEM concepts, but it also empowers students to see themselves as capable problem-solvers and innovators.

SPEAKERS:
Lora Taylor (Teacher: Chattanooga, TN)

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)