Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) immerses students and educators at all levels in the thrilling world of STEM. Through rewarding competitions, enriching summer camps, and comprehensive professional development, AEOP stands at the forefront of educational innovation, preparing participants to

TAKEAWAYS:
You’ll discover how AEOP spans a variety of educational stages, offering tailored programs that empower both students and teachers to thrive in STEM. We’ll cover how these initiatives equip participants with crucial skills and experiences, setting the stage for personal and professional success.

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

The NGSS requires students work with big datasets. Yet time constraints limit trials during the hands-on labs that excite our students. You needn’t sacrifice one for the other! Join me to generate a robust dataset from a collaborative lab and to craft prompts about it that foster data literacy.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn about the importance of having students interact with more robust datasets, how to efficiently pool student-collected data, and how to prompt students to practice skills needed by STEM professionals, such as questioning, describing variability, and identifying relationships.

SPEAKERS:
Jocelyn Foran (Tuva)

The workshop focuses on best practices in which virtual reality PD program teachers will share what they learn while acting as student participants. Teachers then used the best practices learned and discussed in the PD with their own students.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how to incorporate virtual reality and AI to make engaging STEM lessons.

SPEAKERS:
Nikita LaCour (Scotlandville Pre-Engineering Magnet Academy: Ventress, LA), Rochelle Darville (West St. John High School: gonzales, LA)

Physical computing allows students to design and create interactive objects that encourage inquiry investigations and emphasize computational thinking skills. Participants will engage in activities designed for middle school students.

TAKEAWAYS:
Microcontrollers are small computers that come with several integrated sensors making them useful for both investigations and engineering projects. Participants will learn about and experience hands-on various microcontrollers & their use in inquiry investigation tasks & student sensemaking.

SPEAKERS:
G. Michael Bowen (Mount Saint Vincent University: Halifax, NS)

Participants will explore the BioEd Online website’s free STEM+M (medicine) classroom learning resources created and/or curated by Baylor College of Medicine’s Center for Educational Outreach, engage in activities from a student lens, then complete a scavenger hunt to identify/organize resources.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will explore BioEd Online and leave with free STEM+M (medicine) learning resources ready to be implemented into their classroom instruction.

SPEAKERS:
Jimmie Thomas (Baylor College of Medicine: Houston, TX)

Sponsoring Company: BIOZONE Corporation

Discover BIOZONE’s new platform that combines digital replicas of our highly acclaimed print titles together with Presentation Slides , 3D models, and curated videos - thereby providing powerful options for delivering your high school science programs. Attendees each receive a FREE 1-year licence.

SPEAKERS:
Richard Allan (BIOZONE International Ltd.: Hamilton, New Zealand)

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: 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: 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: 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.

Three-dimensional learning is the vision of the NGSS. Engaging our students in three-dimensional learning by integrating problem-based learning, technology, and engineering while connecting them to STEM careers will prepare them for the future.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will learn how to provide students with the opportunity to learn the DCI, CCC, and SEP and make connections with technology and engineering. They will also learn how to integrate 3-D to make sense of phenomena or design solutions to real-world problems, which is a focus of STEM education.

SPEAKERS:
Denise Clarke-Mayers (East Orange STEM Academy: East Orange, NJ)

Explore the complexities of the electric grid by building series and parallel circuits! This hands-on workshop will provide educators with tools and strategies to help students grasp circuity and energy-related concepts.

TAKEAWAYS:
This hands-on, standards-aligned workshop will show the influence of engineering, technology, and science on society and the natural world. Participants will leave the workshop with concepts and strategies to implement a similar lesson with their students.

SPEAKERS:
Bahar Pahlevani (The Energy Coalition: Irvine, CA), Tess Hooper (Project Manager: Irvine, CA)

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: 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.

Dive into a hands-on ball drop activity integrating computational thinking and computer science with physics. This session explores research-driven methods showing how incorporating computer science boosts student engagement and creative problem-solving, aligned with CSTA and NGSS standards.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to effectively integrate computer science and physics in middle school curricula, using technology to enhance real-world problem-solving and interdisciplinary student engagement while aligning to CSTA and NGSS standards.

SPEAKERS:
Lynn Hanna (Conners Emerson School: Lamoine, ME), Ian Collins (Maine Math and Science Alliance: Lincolnville, ME)

We will be sharing activities for a 6-8 aligned unit on force and motion. The activities will include: a hands-on activity with technology to collect and analyze data that will aid in calculating speed and a hands-on activity using technology to graph motion in real time.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will experience physics fun for 6-8 Science as they apply to the new standards. We will use Hot Wheels to collect data to calculate speed and create motion graphs using hands-on technology.

SPEAKERS:
Becky Walker (Hudson Middle School: Lufkin, TX), Amy Rush (Lufkin Middle School: Lufkin, TX)

Keep your pets safe from being left in hot cars by using automatic sensors to design an alarm that could save their lives.

TAKEAWAYS:
Solve a real-world problem with coding and engineering design; no prior experience needed.

SPEAKERS:
Stacy Thibodeaux (Southside High School: Scott, LA), Jessica Kohout (Educational Consultant: Ellicott City, MD)

We will go through a set of hands-on, physical and digital experiences to learn how objects vibrate and make sound, and how that sound can be turned into music. Participants will get access to free curriculum resources and digital tools created by music neuroscientist and sound artist, Victor Minces

TAKEAWAYS:
You will learn how to use everyday objects and free digital tools to explore the science of sound and music. You will create beats and sound compositions, and tune an orchestra made with beakers and water as an anchoring phenomenon to bring to your students.

SPEAKERS:
Alec Barron (UC San Diego)

This presentation dives into the dynamic world of podcasting as a powerful tool for science education. Discover how podcasts captivate students' interest, deliver diverse scientific perspectives, and foster active learning. Join us on an auditory adventure, where education meets innovation!

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn practical strategies for seamlessly integrating podcasts with the use of English Language Arts instructional strategies into your curriculum, and explore real-life success stories.

SPEAKERS:
Nichole Anders (Literacy Instructional Coach: Tuscaloosa, AL), Courtney Moore (Tuscaloosa City Schools: Tuscaloosa, AL)

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: Vernier Science Education

Help students explore why dairy can cause digestive discomfort! This 3D investigation looks at lactase enzyme function and sugar metabolism in yeast and builds an understanding of molecular structure, function & energy transfer while connecting to real-world health issues like lactose intolerance.

We will be sharing activities for a 6 & 8 Force, Motion, and Energy aligned unit using hands-on laboratory investigations, simulations and technology to compare the characteristics of amplitude, frequency, and wavelength in transverse and longitudinal waves, including the electromagnetic spectrum.

TAKEAWAYS:
The activities the participants will experience will include: a hands-on activity with technology to collect and analyze data by comparing the characteristics of amplitude, frequency, and wavelength in transverse and longitudinal waves, including the electromagnetic spectrum.

SPEAKERS:
Amy Rush (Lufkin Middle School: Lufkin, TX), Becky Walker (Hudson Middle School: Lufkin, TX)

Explore how Canva sparks creativity in high school science classes. Learn to captivate students with interactive lessons, foster teamwork through collaborative projects, and share resources effortlessly.

TAKEAWAYS:
Transform your science teaching with Canva's creative tools to enhance student engagement, collaboration, and resource sharing.

SPEAKERS:
Misty Lewis (Northside High School: Northport, AL)

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Science Education

Studying complex physics phenomena with photogates can be exciting for your students! Join us to explore strategies for engaging your students in learning about velocity vs. time graphs, acceleration, and kinematic equations. Build confidence in these tools and bring hands-on learning to your class!

Sponsoring Company: Science Bits

Learn why pre-assessment, summative assessment and formative assessments should form part of your lessons and how to make DQs, retrieval practice and formative assessment work for you and your students. This workshop includes roleplay and an internet enabled device is required.

SPEAKERS:
Paul Banti (Learning Bits Inc.: Miami, FL)

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.

Discover thrilling STEM education with a range of NSTA-administered K-12 opportunities that engage through innovative programming and recognize achievement with amazing awards. We’ll explore interactive, hands-on learning programs that are designed to bring classroom concepts to life and awards that

TAKEAWAYS:
Empower your teaching with dynamic STEM programs and awards administered by NSTA as you learn about innovative opportunities to boost engagement and enthusiasm for students and teachers.

SPEAKERS:
Kathryn Lasky (NSTA Competitions: Crofton, MD), Jose Rivas (Lennox Academy: Lennox, CA), Brian Kutsch (National Science Teaching Association, eCYBERMISSION: Maumelle, AR)

AI is rapidly transforming the landscape & will soon be a regular part of your students' everyday experiences. Join me to discover how to utilize AI tools to enrich your professional growth & instruction. We'll delve into the potential pitfalls of AI & how it might mislead you and your students.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will learn to explain the workings of AI tools like ChatGPT, leverage AI to enhance their professional expertise & incorporating it into your planning and lessons. They will also become aware of the limitations of AI tools in aspects such as safety and questioning techniques.

SPEAKERS:
Christine Anne Royce (Shippensburg University: Newburg, PA)

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.

Explore an innovative evidence-based argumentation to gauge student mastery, fostering real-world connections, and authentic applications in the science classroom. The use of AI/GPTs, technology, and student conferencing will highlight how to incorporate respectful dialogue into your class.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to equip students with evidence-based argumentation skills for real-world relevance, fostering confidence in dialogue and authentic application of concepts taught in class. An introduction to the use of AI/GPTs, technology, and a workshop/conference model will be shared.

SPEAKERS:
Jesi Hessong-Brown (Flint Hill School: Sterling, VA), Andrew Tran (Flint Hill School: Oakton, VA)

In this session, attendees will practice and create a lesson using one of 5 AI tech tools that empower educators to craft personalized science classrooms. Each tool will be presented along with classroom strategies tailored to maximize their potential for scientific literacy.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will be able to create personalized learning experiences, enhance student engagement, and improve academic outcomes by utilizing AI tools for tailored curricula.

SPEAKERS:
Stefany Palomba (Choices High School: canton, OH)

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

Have you ever struggled to help your students understand electromagnetic waves? During this poster session, you will learn about a learning activity that will make the abstract concept of radio waves more concrete for your students.

TAKEAWAYS:
You will learn about the free software and cell phone apps students will use to detect and analyze the radio waves around them.

SPEAKERS:
Valarie Bogan (High School Co-Op: Hagerstown, IN)

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)

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.

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)

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)

Discover AI's power in education with seven hands-on strategies that boost learning. See how top teachers use AI for deep thinking and engagement. Leave equipped to make learning with AI memorable, meaningful, and fun!

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will gain a feel for how AI can be used to promote deeper and more scientific thinking.

SPEAKERS:
Ben Talsma (Van Andel Education Institute: Grand Rapids, MI)

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: 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.

This workshop engages participants in using AI and data tools to monitor seabird behavior and restoration. Participants will explore datasets to find trends in population growth and use AI to identify birds and their calls.

TAKEAWAYS:
Data is the bedrock of scientific investigations, but is not yet fully incorporated into the classroom. This workshop provides tools and strategies for the seamless incorporation of data and AI into the study of seabird restoration.

SPEAKERS:
Caitlin Harrigan (Teacher/District Assessment Coordinator: Portland, ME), Jacob Sagrans (Senior Research Associate: Weston, MA)

NOAA's Science on a Sphere team will demo an AI chatbot using Large Language Models to enhance access. This chatbot recommends datasets based on teachers' needs, aligns them with goals, and suggests classroom applications. Discussion will address democratizing access vs. perpetuating disparities.

TAKEAWAYS:
Large Language Models are great tools to find correlations between large pools of content, thus its use as a virtual assistant could greatly improve access to large data and visualization content and while minimizing time and effort for this task.

SPEAKERS:
Eric Hackathorn (NOAA Earth System Research Laboratory: Boulder, CO), Juan Pablo Hurtado Padilla (NOAA Office of Education: Silver Spring, MD)

Leveraging 21st-century technology to foster STEM identities through experiential learning. Explore how innovative tech tools can create equity through engaging students in STEM experiences that promote creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration with a focus on digital fabrication and AI.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn about the transformative potential of leveraging 21st-century technology to cultivate equitable opportunities for all students to develop strong STEM identities. They will explore how centering on digital design & fabrication and AI can equip learners from diverse backgrounds.

SPEAKERS:
Lora Taylor (Teacher: Chattanooga, TN)

Sponsoring Company: Science Bits

Knowledge matters: this workshop looks at ways of promoting deeper learning and evidence-based strategies to bring critical thinking into your classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Amber Richards (Eton Elementary School: Chatsworth, GA)

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)

Engaging students in your classroom with citizen science experiments can be difficult. Come learn about how an entire grade level of science teachers developed, implemented, and evaluated a series of citizen science place-based (aina-based) lessons involving the watersheds and ocean of the area.

TAKEAWAYS:
Many teachers believe citizen science experiments can only be done outside of classrooms. This project supports the idea that citizen science and place-based learning experiences CAN be done in the classroom, and that these experiences are exceptionally motivating and engaging for students.

SPEAKERS:
Pascale Pinner (Hilo Intermediate School: Hilo, HI)

After a career as an ed-tech executive, the presenter returned to the science classroom. This session will share a behind the scenes look at how educational software is developed and how this process measures up against the realities of the classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
This presenter's experiences offer insights into the intersections between technology, pedagogy, and the realities of teaching today's students. Participants will gain practical strategies for leveraging ed-tech tools effectively while also nurturing authentic student engagement and learning.

SPEAKERS:
Jim Coulon (St. Rita's)

Level up your OpenSciEd materials (or any engineering design challenge) to include digital notebooks, smartphone sensors as data collectors, and computer aided design (CAD) applications to develop tech skills with students while solving engineering problems for our future!

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will walk away with resources and experiences using technologies that provide an on-ramp or will strengthen their journey of integrating powerful tech tools into their classroom as well as an increased capacity to integrate engineering design challenges within their curriculum.

SPEAKERS:
Cari Williams (OpenSciEd: Yorba Linda, CA)

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.

Planning effective science lessons means knowing who your students are and how they learn. Certainly "artificial intelligence" has no place in this process. But, because we know our learners, we can thoughtfully engineer prompts for generative AI and save ourselves time designing 5E/NGSS lessons.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will observe how to and then practice engineering prompts for generative AI tools that can save time creating lessons, assessments, rubrics, and more for the learners in their classrooms.

SPEAKERS:
KIMBERLY LOOMIS (Kennesaw State University: Kennesaw, GA)

Imagine you’re in 7th grade standing before a panel of college professors. You’ve created a project for a real client and you’ve just ended your pitch. Now the questions begin. This is how our design students experience the design thinking process. Learn how to adapt our process for your class!

TAKEAWAYS:
Hear from actual students on how they met with clients to assess their needs and wants. Hear how they shepherded their idea through the prototyping and testing phases to put a final product in their clients hands.

SPEAKERS:
ROBBY STANLEY (MAKERSPACE COORDINATOR: METAIRIE, LA)

Explore an innovative evidence-based argumentation to gauge student mastery, fostering real-world connections, and authentic applications in the science classroom. The use of AI/GPTs, technology, and student conferencing will highlight how to incorporate respectful dialogue into your class.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to equip students with evidence-based argumentation skills for real-world relevance, fostering confidence in dialogue and authentic application of concepts taught in class. An introduction to the use of AI/GPTs, technology, and a workshop/conference model will be shared.

SPEAKERS:
Jesi Hessong-Brown (Flint Hill School: Sterling, VA), Andrew Tran (Flint Hill School: Oakton, VA)

Feedback is crucial for student growth, but only if students engage with it in a meaningful way. We will show an innovative three-dimensional assessment report and describe principles for helping all students partner in assessment for learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will leave with strategies they can apply to their own formative assessment feedback, such as providing students guiding questions and space to reflect on progress and next steps.

SPEAKERS:
Linda Malkin (University of Wisconsin-Madison: Middleton, WI), Laura Wright (Researcher: Falls Church, VA), Katrina Pommerening (Outreach Specialist: Madison, WI)

Immerse students in exploration before explanation with an interactive AI chat space. Learn tips to anchor lessons in relevant events and utilize AI tools and collaborative strategies to cement students’ sensemaking. Access sample lessons, student artifacts, and one-pagers to support implementation.

TAKEAWAYS:
Explore student-facing interactive AI tools that promote authentic sensemaking with tips and strategies to leverage exploration before explanation in note-making. Gain access to digital sample lessons, templates, and implementation tips for maximum impact and effectiveness.

SPEAKERS:
Laurie Jack (Humble ISD: Humble, TX), Elissa Griffin (Humble ISD: Kingwood, TX)

BYOD to explore CODAP, a free web-based data exploration tool designed for engaging students in inquiry with data. Import data from anywhere, create multiple linked visualizations through an intuitive drag-and-drop interface, and move your students beyond spreadsheets into the realm of data inquiry.

TAKEAWAYS:
CODAP moves data exploration from cumbersome graph wizards to inquiry-based discovery. As students make data moves—using an intuitive drag-and-drop interface to create graphs, maps, and more—they are able to find patterns and make sense of data in unique ways not possible with other tools.

SPEAKERS:
Jacob Sagrans (Senior Research Associate: Weston, MA), Zac Opps (Data Science Education Project Manager: Concord, MA), Daniel Damelin (The Concord Consortium: Bolton, MA)

Video shorts (Reels, TikTok, etc.) are one of the best ways to reach today's youth. In this workshop we will share how we have used this technology to create mini-lessons and how your students can use it as a UDL multiple measures assessment. These methods can be used for middle school and up.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will walk away with the knowledge and confidence to create video shorts for use in instruction and assessment.

SPEAKERS:
Julia Lewis (STEM Communications Specialist: Sylva, NC), Matthew Cass (Physics and Astronomy Instructor: Sylva, NC)