Explore a seabird study and the effects of climate change. We will share our integrated curriculum: authentic data analysis, field techniques, seabird biology, the Arctic ecosystem, and talking about climate change with students. Come try a fish foraging simulation, bird banding, and research tools!

TAKEAWAYS:
Explore an integrated curriculum for all ages centered on a 50-year Arctic seabird study and the impacts of climate change on the Arctic ecosystem. Hands-on: fish foraging simulation (very fun!), bird banding activity, research tools, and strategies for talking about climate change with students.

SPEAKERS:
Alyssa Barr (Science Teacher: Seattle, WA), Katie Morrison (University Child Development School: Seattle, WA)

Introduce basic energy concepts early on with hands-on lessons delivered through songs, stories, games, & chants to teach energy buzz words and science concepts. Teach and learn while having fun!

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to teach energy, efficiency, and conservation to young students through the guise of entertaining games and activities.

SPEAKERS:
Kimberly Swan (The NEED Project: Manassas, VA)

In this workshop participants experience modeling and literacy activities from integrated project based science 3-day unit that address life and earth science performance expectations for grade K-3. We explore strategies for supporting students in sharing experiences related to climate change.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will explore teaching experiences and pedagogy ideas through discussion, and be ready to teach an integrated project-based 3 day lessons about climate change that use ELA practices to promote three dimensional learning in early elementary science.

SPEAKERS:
Ayca Fackler (University of Missouri: Columbia, MO)

During this hands-on lesson exploring the significance of local watersheds, participants create a model of a watershed and explore its role in the water cycle. We will share insights with educators to help them integrate this lesson plan into their classrooms.

TAKEAWAYS:
This workshop highlights the value of hand-on experience and adapting investigations to integrate sustainability principles to support teaching the NGSS. Leave with insights and strategies to adapt this investigation in your classroom to support sustainability education.

SPEAKERS:
Emily Rogers (SubjectToClimate: Harahan, LA)

"Teek and Tom Explore Planet Earth", investigates the relationship between the ocean, weather and climate on global to local scales. This workshop introduces ten hands-on activities for upper ES and MS students to reinforce Earth science concepts related to oceanography, meteorology and climate.

TAKEAWAYS:
Educators will sample the range of activities that incorporate graphing, data analysis, visualizations and sense-making to introduce Earth/atmosphere/climate connections on local and global scales.

SPEAKERS:
Peggy Steffen (Ready, Set, STEM: West Liberty, IA)

Led by members of NSTA Early Childhood-Elementary Committee, the session addresses the relationship between the NSTA book series and natural phenomena providing an interactive platform for educators to discover how this series of books can support & enhance SEPs in the classroom.

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

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

The Shared Waters Curriculum is a watershed-focused, 10-lesson curriculum that explores watershed health and human impacts. It culminates with a student action project. The curriculum is classroom-ready for teachers, providing access to all lesson materials and a complete teacher's guide.

TAKEAWAYS:
Discover how the Shared Waters curriculum enriches elementary education, fostering student-driven environmental action through hands-on watershed health lessons.

SPEAKERS:
Bill McConnell (Virginia Wesleyan University: Norfolk, VA), Nanette Marcum-Dietrich (Millersville University: Kennett Square, PA)

This is a two part workshop in which we will delve into the power of plants, our connection to the natural world, and build a culture of curiosity, while we generate questions that lead to larger scientific connections. Participants will learn the processes of naturally dyeing fabric, experiment with the PH levels of our dye to observe how it affects color, and ultimately produce a freshly dyed bandana. We will also explore the relationship between tannins found in plants and iron oxide by making botanical prints on fabrics. This is a way to transform textiles and get curious about compounds and chemical reactions. Participants will gain experience practicing and witnessing natural phenomena as a means of sensemaking together. Get curious and creative with us!

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will leave with the tools to facilitate two activities that weave together art, science, and the natural world. We will be working with food, PH levels, and chemical reactions to create printed and dyed textiles to take back to our communities and classrooms.

SPEAKERS:
Mallory Schmackpfeffer (Shelburne Farms: Vergennes, VT), Hannah Corbin (Summer and Afterschool Program Coordinator: Shelburne, VT)

Participants will engage in science and engineering practices to develop their understanding of why flooding frequently happens in some areas of New Orleans but not others. Then, they will learn strategies for leading their own students through conducting schoolyard investigations.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will leave with suggestions to support elementary students in modeling a complex environmental science phenomenon that’s relevant to their everyday lives, getting outside of the classroom to collect data, and using this data to revise their understanding of the phenomenon.

SPEAKERS:
Karen Marshall (International School of Louisiana: New Orleans, LA), Claire Anderson (Ripple Effect)

Explore two museum-school partnership models that integrate best practices in outdoor and environmental education to connect urban K - 8 students to place-based learning through teacher professional development and direct student engagement both in the classroom and outdoors.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will dive deeper into the ways these programs allow schools to partner with cultural institutions, connecting them to resources and building teacher capacity through supported outdoor experiences, to connect K-8 students with the nature in their neighborhood and city.

SPEAKERS:
Melissa Siska (Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum: Chicago, IL)

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)

Do you want to develop a stronger sense of global citizenship in your students? Join us to explore practical place-based learning resources and activities you can immediately implement. Join like-minded teachers to explore nature journaling, literacy resources, observation skills, and more!

TAKEAWAYS:
Help your students develop a sense of community and plant the seeds of global citizenship. Attend the workshop and learn new ideas from the presenters and fellow attendees. Together we can create a community of teachers that will prepare our students for the challenges of our changing environment.

SPEAKERS:
Rachel Gisewhite (The University of Southern Mississippi: Long Beach, MS), Stacey Britton (University of West Georgia: Roopville, GA), Ann Catherine Cox (Carrollton Elementary School: Carrollton, VA)