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)

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)

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)

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)

Piggybacking on the 5-E model for Teaching Inquiry Science (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, Evaluate), learn what Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to utilize at each step of the process. Discover the best AI resources to support this problem-solving framework.

TAKEAWAYS:
Vetted AI sources for brainstorming, thesis statement generating, note-taking, researching, and editing will be shared.

SPEAKERS:
Laura Yost (Instructional Designer: Mechanicsville, IA)

We will explore how AI revolutionizes early childhood education by personalizing learning experiences and reducing teacher burnout throughout automation, enhancing both teaching and learning outcomes.

TAKEAWAYS:
One main takeaway that attendees will discover is how AI can significantly enhance personalized learning for young children. AI can tailor educational experiences to individual needs and abilities, which optimizes their developmental growth.

SPEAKERS:
Robin Mangus (Managing Director of Operations: Erie, CO)

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)

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)

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)

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)

Explore the transformative potential of AI the educational setting in this dynamic session. We'll delve into how AI can be used to tailor and support student learning, streamline administrative processes for educators, and enhance data analysis.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn practical skills in crafting AI prompts, selecting optimal platforms, and leveraging AI to create custom educational resources. This session is designed to equip teachers and administrators with the tools to integrate AI effectively into their practices.

SPEAKERS:
Ericka Jones (Aldine ISD: New Caney, TX)

Whether you are a new educator looking to incorporate AI into your teaching practice or a veteran administrator seeking innovative solutions, this presentation will provide valuable insights and practical advice for integrating AI into a variety of educational settings.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn practical strategies for using AI to enhance curriculum and instruction, communication, and productivity within their classrooms and school communities, leading to improved performance and success.

SPEAKERS:
Kirsten Redmond (Lower School Administrator: Tulsa, OK), Kirsten Redmond (Lower School Administrator: Tulsa, OK), Jesse Wren (Riverfield Country Day School: Tulsa, OK)

Explore the implementation of a makerspace apprenticeship program that increased and diversified makerspace engagement through peer-learning, creativity, and relevant projects. This program helped launch a brand new makerspace to being an inclusive space for all.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to get a diverse range of students engaged in a makerspace.

SPEAKERS:
Lauren Mitchell Ludwig (Director of Makerspace: New York, NY)

Students who require social-emotion learning, and individualized learning require differentiation. Project-based learning, and technology has helped our students engage, access the curriculum, and meet their individual needs. We will share our projects and what we have used to help enhance learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
This presentation will focus on techniques to help with differentiating each lesson, enhance individual student's learning, and assessing students.

SPEAKERS:
Trisha Pytko (Sacred Heart University: Fairfield, CT)

This presentation revitalizes studies exploring student perceptions of scientists through AI-drive, text-to-image technology. Results show potential to reshape stereotypes and inspire diverse STEM participation.

TAKEAWAYS:
AI text-to-image breaks stereotypes, portraying scientists diversely. Enhancing inclusivity, it fosters broader STEM engagement and equitable representation especially in the "Design a Scientist" activity.

SPEAKERS:
Terri Hebert (Indiana University South Bend: Harbert, MI)

The current study provides a content analysis of science lesson plans created by ChatGPT to address misconceptions for elementary students. Results highlight content similarities and differences and demonstrate potential for chatbot use in guiding lesson plans when used with appropriate skepticism.

TAKEAWAYS:
This presentation emphasizes an empirical perspective toward evaluating content generated in lesson plans created using ChatGPT to address misconceptions in elementary science classrooms.

SPEAKERS:
Sally Blake (NIU: Dekalb, IL), Candice Burkett (Assistant Professor: Indianapolis, IN)

Increase your students generative AI literacy and language literacy with children's books. As you find ways to help your students make sense of AI, use literature as a way to spark conversation, pose questions, and think critically.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn about current children's books addressing generative AI and how to use these resources in the classroom to develop AI literacy with their students alongside their language literacy.

SPEAKERS:
Rachelle Haroldson (University of Wisconsin-River Falls: Edina, MN)

An innovative approach to ethology can be utilized through public webcams, which stream live footage of both wild and captive animals. By engaging in long-term observational data collection and analysis, students develop the skills needed to become proficient animal behaviorists.

TAKEAWAYS:
Comprehensive curriculum can be designed around observations made of live animal webcams, taking students through all the steps of the scientific method. Students walk away having completed individualized ethology research projects.

SPEAKERS:
Michael Savaria (Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall: Waltham, MA)

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)

This session examines results from a long-term research study that compares the pedagogical strategies of physical and digital model construction on the conceptual understanding of the DNA molecule’s form and function by high school biology students as measured by different assessment strategies.

TAKEAWAYS:
Physical model construction provides greater long-term conceptual understanding than digital model construction at the initial learning experience. Conceptual understanding is a complex construct that demonstrates a greater degree of learning than memorization and requires varied assessment tools.

SPEAKERS:
Salvatore Garofalo (Queens College, City University of New York: Mineola, NY)

Data Science, AI, and You (DSAIY) in Health Care aims to broaden participation in STEM through an innovative and culturally responsive learning ecosystem for teaching rapidly evolving cross-disciplinary STEM fields to high school students, using data science and AI.

TAKEAWAYS:
After completing the curriculum and datathon, we interviewed teachers and students. One teacher commented, “The kids walked away getting a much better appreciation for AI, how it's impacting certain aspects of the healthcare field, how it can impact society.

SPEAKERS:
Kathryn Eller (STEM Program Director: barrington, RI)

Turbocharging ELL Learning with Quizizz, Nearpod, Edpuzzle & More! Unleash Quizizz AI's magic in these tools for personalized support & tracking. Plus, discover top strategies for empowering ELL students' success. Get ready to revolutionize your classroom!

TAKEAWAYS:
You will learn dynamic teaching strategies that accommodates ELL students' learning.

SPEAKERS:
Luis Jaua (Mater Academy Charter Middle/High School: Hialeah, FL), Valdwin Etienne (Mater Academy Charter Middle/High School: Hialeah, FL), Diana Ocampo (Mater Academy Charter Middle/High School: Cutler Bay, FL)

Learn how upper elementary students created video research projects to interview a diverse field of professionals in a multitude of careers. Students learned how the experts “do science” in their jobs and explored research projects to expand how they view science and scientists.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to organize students for group research projects related to careers to provide learners with a library of engaging collaborative videos. Attendees will learn how to help connect students with experts to help broaden their career understanding, goals, and aspirations.

SPEAKERS:
Jennifer O'Sullivan (A. D. Henderson University School: Boca Raton, FL)

Using a scanning electron microscope engages high school students in STEM and empowers them to explore the microscopic world around them.

TAKEAWAYS:
It is possible (and exciting) to have a scanning electron microscope at your school! Using a SEM in high school fosters hands-on learning, develops STEM skills, encourages real-world applications, involves the challenge of independent research, provides career readiness and engages the community.

SPEAKERS:
Krista Wilks (W. F. West High School: Chehalis, WA)

Project STEMinAR is a free, augmented reality app for teaching physical science. Bring your mobile device to join us as we demo the simulations, share curricular materials, and discuss preliminary data from this NSF-funded project. Topics include gravity, Newton’s Laws, thermodynamic, and optics.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn why and how to use a free augmented reality app and accompanying curricular materials to support physics instruction.

SPEAKERS:
David Rosengrant (University of South Florida St. Petersburg: St. Petersburg, FL), Karina Hensberry (University of South Florida: St Petersburg, FL)

The workshop explores the benefits of using drone operation across the STEM disciplines. Motivational and cognitive benefits will be discussed along with examples of drone use.

TAKEAWAYS:
Drones can be used in the science classroom as a student-centered hands-on activity that explores real-world phenomenon to enhance problem solving and spatial reasoning abilities.

SPEAKERS:
Stephen Farenga (Queens College, CUNY: Williston Park, NY), Salvatore Garofalo (Queens College, City University of New York: Mineola, NY)

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)

Come learn about research into how students conceptualize data structure, how hierarchical/grouped structures can help support learning and analysis, and explore potential pedagogical moves and technical scaffolds to aid in student sensemaking with data.

TAKEAWAYS:
Many datasets inherently have a hierarchical structure or can be grouped in a way that creates hierarchy. Spreadsheets are poorly suited for the exploration of such datasets. However, new tools with flexible ways to organize and visualize hierarchically grouped data can support student sensemaking.

SPEAKERS:
Daniel Damelin (The Concord Consortium: Bolton, MA)

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)

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)