Our innovative approach to science and STEM engages students through hands-on and minds-on physical computing. Through this approach you can enable students to leverage Computer Science to investigate, develop models and ultimately enact local and global change.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how to effectively bring Computer Science and programming into the middle school classroom, based on curriculum add on units developed by Schoolwide Labs at the University of Colorado Boulder. Our place-based focus is a powerful promoter of equity for all students.

SPEAKERS:
Kate Henson (University of Colorado Boulder: Boulder, CO), Greg Benedis-Grab (University of Colorado Boulder: Boulder, CO)

In this hands-on workshop, middle school teachers become the students, participating in a shelter design activity that connects their background knowledge and Indigenous ingenuity of America's first people.

TAKEAWAYS:
By the end of the workshop, teachers will be equipped to engage students in hands-on, culturally relevant engineering activities that align to NGSS and SEPs, while fostering critical thinking and an appreciation for Indigenous ingenuity.

SPEAKERS:
Jessica Felchle (Ben Steele Middle School: Laurel, MT), Jacie Jeffers (Indigenous Education Instructional Coach: Billings, MT), Kim Busch (Ben Steele Middle School: Billings, MT)

Are you looking to get your entire school excited about STEM? In this session, Mr. Mike French and his AMAZING PRESENTATION STUDENTS will share a high-energy and engaging video presentation of twelve practical STEM projects that can be incorporated into any classroom setting, K-12.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will be able to see real examples and step-by-step details of 12 STEM projects that will change your school and get students excited about learning. Attendees will also see how to modify these projects to fit any grade level and classroom setting K-12.

SPEAKERS:
Mike French (Northview Middle School: Newbern, TN)

Do you want a quick and easy activity to foster invention education in your classroom? SCAMPER is a great way to engage learners of all ages (K-12) and encourage creative thinking. Come join us for innovative ways to learn with every day objects.

TAKEAWAYS:
You will walk away with a fun, easy to use, relevant lesson you can teach the next day. This lesson is easily adaptable to any age group.

SPEAKERS:
Christine Lawlor-King (MIT, InventEd, Invention Convention, STEMisED: Manchester, CT), Denise Henggeler (Northeast Nodaway: Parnell, MO)

Take a journey through the history of electromagnetic discovery. Learn how your class can recreate the experiments of some of history’s greatest scientists in your classroom as they discover the force of electromagnetism. Free MagLab Souvenir for every teacher!

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how different scientists throughout history have contributed to our understanding of electromagnetism over the past 200 years and how the National Magnet Lab uses these breakthroughs to operate the world's strongest magnets.

SPEAKERS:
Carlos Villa (National High Magnetic Field Laboratory: Tallahassee, FL)

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: 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!

Louisiana's 9-12 CTE aligned STEM pathways for both college & non-college bound students. After 7 years innovations, data, student course choices, & programs are emerging. Computing , Pre-health & Pre-veterinary , Pre-Engineering, Digital Design & Emergent Media, & Enviro Protection/Sustainability.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will get research data on the success of 5 CTE/STEM pathways, take-aways on using state/federal funds, ideas for curriculum, and models for schools to implement vetted Louisiana curriculum. Participants will learn how to maximize their resources to offer a pathway.

SPEAKERS:
Jamie Mixon (Louisiana Dept. of Education: Amite, LA)

Sponsoring Company: TCI

Join us for an interactive session where engineering meets speed dating! Experience hands-on challenges inspired by TCI's science programs. Attendees will participate in engineering-focused "speed dates," uncovering valuable insights.

Sponsoring Company: BrainPOP

Dive into the engineering process and the role of brainstorming. Unleash creativity, problem-solving, and innovation through hands-on learning and digital technology to bring real-world experiences to the classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Kristen Rillieux

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)

This 60-minute workshop presents a new NSF-funded Middle School science storyline curriculum unit called Build it Green! (BIG!). BIG! addresses human impacts of energy systems through a green building engineering design process.

TAKEAWAYS:
Workshop participants will learn about our 14-lesson unit, the standards it addresses, and its unique use of digital tools, architectural design, and hands-on learning. Participants have a chance to engage with a new digital design tool that was made for BIG! using authentic architectural data.

SPEAKERS:
Caiden Webb (Graduate Student: Columbia, MO), Rebekah Snyder (University of Missouri: CLINTON, MO)

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)

Engage in hands-on learning! Explore wind energy's pros/cons and then design, and test windmills made with recycled materials. Take away a ready-to-use lesson adaptable for grades 4-12.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will leave equipped with a student-tested wind energy lesson, incorporating hands-on activities and collaborative learning, adaptable for grades 4-12, fostering a deeper understanding of renewable energy concepts aligned with NGSS standards.

SPEAKERS:
Lynn Kistler (Switch Classroom: Pittsburgh, PA)

TeachEngineering will lead STEM educators through a hands-on activity that integrates engineering with science learning. Utilizing the seven steps of the engineering design process, participants see how they can combine engineering design to enhance their students' learning of scientific concepts.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will experience the seamless integration of design and design-thinking with science learning as they use the engineering design process to ask, research, imagine, plan, create, test, and improve their own wind-powered sail cars!

SPEAKERS:
Jennifer Kracha (Teach Engineering), Ellen Parrish (Teach Engineering: ERIE, CO)

This project incorporates into astronomy, physics, and engineering classes as students take on a current real-world career-based project: figuring out how to land on the Moon. Students utilize different STEM fields and communicate to solve a problem with hands-on exploratory learning methods.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will takeaway a plan to integrate current events and a real-world project into multiple disciplines. Whether attendees are looking for an idea to integrate into one class or many, they will see different learning methods and ideas to apply this project to their own classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Kelsey Jacobus (New Trier High School, Winnetka Campus: Winnetka, IL), Joe Morales (New Trier High School, Winnetka Campus: Winnetka, IL), Hanna Cohen (New Trier High School, Winnetka Campus: Winnetka, IL)

Sponsoring Company: TCI

Join us for an interactive session where engineering meets speed dating! Experience hands-on challenges inspired by TCI's science programs. Attendees will participate in engineering-focused "speed dates," uncovering valuable insights.

This session is the fourth of a series of four - join for one or more - focused on early childhood science and language arts integration. Engage with concrete examples of interdisciplinary connections focused on engineering. Part of the NSTA Early Childhood/Lower Elementary Science Pathway

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will be able to plan and implement instruction that integrates early childhood engineering and language arts learning targets with fidelity.

SPEAKERS:
Jenn Brown-Whale (Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE): Randallstown, MD)

Join award-winning science educator Griff Jones and members of the IIHS Vehicle Research Center to explore engaging demos, behind-the-scenes tours of crash tests, and video-supported, inquiry-based activities from the IIHS’s web-based “Crash Science in the Classroom” program.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will discover STEM design challenges (Crash Cushions, Egg-Carrying Paper Car Crashes, Project Pedestrian) and other classroom-tested lessons plans, teacher/student tips videos, lab sheets, and answer keys to teach crash-related science and engineering concepts.

SPEAKERS:
Pini Kalnite (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Highway Loss Data Institute: Arlington, VA), Griff Jones (University of Florida: Newberry, FL)

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)

What does it take to store CO2 underground? Discover how engineers determine where CO2 can be stored in subsurface geology by engaging in an engineering design challenge and learn how the energy industry is currently storing ‘captured’ carbon emissions.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how the engineering design challenge can be integrated into AP Environmental Science, ESS, or Environmental Science courses and learn how it aligns with NGSS and APES standards. A document version and an online version are provided to attendees.

SPEAKERS:
Sabrina Ewald (The University of Texas at Austin: Cedar Park, TX)

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)

Come engage with STEM resources to help you identify common features of quality STEM experiences. Learn how to enhance and expand quality STEM opportunities for students. Participants will receive tools and guidance to implement STEM programs in schools and systems, K-12.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will walk away with the tools to identify and evaluate quality STEM opportunities in various grade-level resources using the key features of quality STEM.

SPEAKERS:
Kaci Fontenot (Teacher: Columbia, LA), Lanie Gueho (STEAM Teacher: Prairieville, LA)

Explore the storyline of the newly released OpenSciEd Unit K.1 Why are some surfaces hot and how can we make them less hot? See how students use science ideas they have figured out to design, build, and test solutions.

TAKEAWAYS:
Engaging in engineering to solve a problem that is relevant to them (such as helping part of the schoolyard stay less hot when it’s sunny out) gives students a meaningful opportunity to use their science ideas.

SPEAKERS:
Gen Zoufal (Project Managaer: Chicago, IL), Amber Bismack (Oakland University: Rochester, MI), Gail Housman (Northwestern University: Brookfield, IL)

Designed to empower teachers with knowledge and tools to address issues facing coastal communities in the Mississippi Delta, this immersive experience combines place-based exploration and the engineering design process to strategize solutions to foster resiliency and sustainability in the Gulf.

TAKEAWAYS:
This immersive experience combines place-based exploration and the engineering design process to strategize solutions, foster resiliency and sustainability, and empower teachers.

SPEAKERS:
Michelle Sanchez (Tulane University: New Orleans, LA), Erica Smith (Tulane University: Addis, LA)

In small groups, participants will design and brainstorm lesson and building ideas for a 4-person, human-powered, amphibious vehicles. Workshop facilitator brings the experience of 5 years of participating and 4 awards (engineering and art) at the Baltimore Kinetic Sculpture Race.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will grow in their confidence to approach large-scale engineering design projects regardless of their experience level.

SPEAKERS:
Mick Scott (CS and Engineering Teacher / Former K-12 STEM Director / Mind Mastery Coach: Reisterstown, MD)

A hands-on beam lab produces graphs critical to understanding properties for engineering.  With focus on making, interpreting, and teaching the graphs, real-world uses and applications of stress-strain curves in engineering will be shared and help to illustrate the importance of this type of graph.

TAKEAWAYS:
Real-world uses and applications of stress-strain curves in engineering will be shared and help to illustrate the importance of these graphs.

SPEAKERS:
Scott Spohler (Global Impact STEM Academy: Springfield, OH)

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)

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)

Explore how makerspaces can be seamlessly integrated into the classroom to facilitate transdisciplinary and project-based learning. Discover strategies for designing engaging, hands-on activities that cultivate critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration across subject areas.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn to leverage makerspaces as dynamic learning environments that empower students to tackle real-world challenges. Help students develop critical skills, improve collaboration and communication, boost technical fluency, improve perseverance and resilience, develop a maker mindset.

SPEAKERS:
Kelleigh Huey (PAST Foundation: Columbus, OH), Andrew Bruening (Chief Innovation Officer: Columbus, OH)

In this session, we review the importance of exit tickets as tools for guiding instruction. Assessments should inform teaching, not just evaluate students. Learn to adjust daily instruction by making learning visible.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to use formative assessments to adjust daily instruction, ensuring it meets the specific learning needs of students in grades 3-12 science, math, and engineering courses.

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

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)

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)

Student game design is presented as an approach to engineering design practices and hands-on learning within a Biology classroom, including the outcomes of a year-long science game design course. Participants will witness research outputs, and receive tools for their classroom implementation.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will gain scaffolding tools to implement game design in their classroom as a part of their science curriculum while addressing NGSS standards and science and engineering practices, designed to minimize instructional material cost while creating an authentic learning experience.

SPEAKERS:
Rebekah Snyder (University of Missouri: CLINTON, MO)

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)

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)

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)

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)

Learn how friendly competion gets students thinking, designing, and bulding levees. You can use the levees throughout the semester to teach succession, erosion, evaporation, and even about levees themselves.

TAKEAWAYS:
Hands on learning is easy and fun to do in the classroom. Learn how to tie in one lesson to many diffferent lessons.

SPEAKERS:
Rachel Melancon (Lafayette High School: Lafayette, LA)

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)

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)

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: 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!

Be a structural engineer for the day! Come design, build & test an earthquake proof structure while learning about Earthquakes. In this session we will review the MS ESS standards related to earthquakes & utilize the Engineering Standards to compete in a tallest earthquake proof tower challenge.

TAKEAWAYS:
This session will ignite a love for engineering while focusing on structural engineering as a career. We hope that teachers will be able to turn key this with their own students with these simple materials.

SPEAKERS:
Nicole Jessie (Haverstraw-Stony Point CSD: Garnerville, NY)

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)

This workshop will discuss the value of a HFE course to K-12 education and how to adapt HFE to technology education and vocational high school curriculum environments. Workshop activities will reinforce hands-on analysis, decision making and redesign methods, with a Q&A discussion to follow.

TAKEAWAYS:
Consider Human Factors Engineering as a means of adding valuable practical hands-on, project-based, user-centered design, and transferable skill experiences with authentic real-world application.

SPEAKERS:
Lisa Tenenbaum (Union County Vocational-Technical Schools: Scotch Plains, NJ)

Connect the human impact of trash pollution to engineering design. Get your students thinking critically and creatively as they collaborate in real-world problem solving.

TAKEAWAYS:
Experience a project that enhances STEM skills in students such as collaboration, curiosity, and creativity.

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

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)

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)

A science task force is a district initiative to enhance and prioritize science instruction in elementary classrooms. The task force is comprised of teachers at all levels to ensure best practices and vertical instruction.

TAKEAWAYS:
This session will provide a structure for other districts to bring science instruction to the forefront, allow for collaboration among colleagues, and discover vertical grade level curricular alignment.

SPEAKERS:
Sarah Kelsey (Oneida City School District: Oneida, NY), Shannon Terrier-Weaver (Oneida City School District: Oneida, NY), Eric Coriale (Oneida City School District: Oneida, NY), Carly Hein (Oneida City School District: Wampsville, NY), Matthew Arthur (Oneida City School District: Rome, NY)

Attendees learn about a project based learning activity revolving around earthquake proof structures. Students design a miniature earthquake proof skyscraper using real engineering techniques to be tested on a shake table. Two real shake tables and real student examples will be shown.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees learn about implementing a project-based learning activity in HS Earth Science. Students investigate how natural disasters impact human populations, and apply engineering principles to develop earthquake resistance skyscrapers. Learn how we built a shake table to test these structures.

SPEAKERS:
Aaron Dose (North Polk Community School District: Alleman, IA)

Explore how JSEP inspires high school students with hands-on Mars mission simulations and industry business development, fostering STEM skills and career aspirations.

TAKEAWAYS:
Discover how JSEP impacts student STEM self-efficacy and learn actionable steps to implement this innovative program in your school, inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders.

SPEAKERS:
Alex Grab (Space Foundation: Manitou Springs, CO)

The entertainment industry has impacted students' experience in the classroom. Here we present an educational experiment at Lehigh University (Engineering) exploring the theory of filmmaking and the universe of superheroes to engage students an improve learning experience.

TAKEAWAYS:
Reinventing the class structure with a dynamics mirroring film plot diagrams, we identify key elements in Superheroes movies which can be used as science and math educational tools. We will provide resources for implementing this model at the Middle and High-School with experiential learning.

SPEAKERS:
Ricardo Castro (Professor and Chair: Bethlehem, PA)

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 NSTA’s 6-8 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:
Patrice Scinta (NSTA: Brooklyn, NY)

This session connects archaeology, anthropology, and history with STEM to bring TPBL activities and culturally relevant information to the classroom. The goal of these activities is to encourage diverse students to see themselves in STEM as a way to promote positive affect and a sense of belonging.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will leave with materials, biographies, and TPBL activities that can be utilized to boost engagement among diverse students and help them see themselves in STEM majors and careers, while complying with NGSS goals and state standards.

SPEAKERS:
Lane Fargher Navarro (The PAST Foundation: Columbus, OH)

Discover NSTA’s 9-12 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:
Patrice Scinta (NSTA: Brooklyn, NY)

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)

Many High School STEM Teachers enter the profession after second careers or academic study outside the education college. Examples will be shown how this industry and academic experience enriches students, and how institutional challenges can be met and overcome.

TAKEAWAYS:
STEM teachers from industry lead students to careers, and not the next academic step.

SPEAKERS:
Tom Kratochvil (Teacher: New Orleans, LA)

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)

Explore integrating makerspace & tech at the high school level across all disciplines, from English to Science to Foreign Languages. Discover innovative projects and strategies for interdisciplinary collaboration, enhancing learning and creativity in every classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
Innovative ways to integrate technology and STEM everywhere in high school.

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

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)

Problems related to climate change are complex and will require the knowledge and practices of multiple STEM disciplines to design solutions. This session will introduce participants to NSTA’s secondary STEM climate science instructional materials designed using our Sensemaking approach.

TAKEAWAYS:
Climate change phenomena and problem-driven instructional materials allow students to actively figure out how the world works or design solutions to urgent problems using the knowledge and practices of multiple STEM disciplines.

SPEAKERS:
Holly Hereau (NSTA: Lake Angelus, MI), Patrice Scinta (NSTA: Brooklyn, NY)

Learn fun and rewarding labs that can be completed in 50 minutes or less. These labs can be adapted to many different learning levels including; SPED, ESL, and gifted.

TAKEAWAYS:
You will get a list of Environmental Science labs that can be completed in less than 50 minutes. Plus complete a hands on lab that brings a bit of competition into the classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Rachel Melancon (Lafayette High School: Lafayette, LA)

Test some heat-treated metal samples; practice your math skills and artistry with a STEAM activity; work in groups for an engineering challenge! There’s a little something for everyone and we won’t judge you for wanting to be hot and cheap in the classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will leave with at least 3 useful lab activities giving opportunities for measurement, math, engineering, collaborative work, and an understanding of the materials around us. All of the activities use easy to find and household materials that are available at low cost.

SPEAKERS:
Briana Richardson (Washington High School: Columbus, OH)

This session will engage participants in an engineering task using a project management approach called Scrum. Embedded throughout the experience, we will demonstrate how we explicitly teach students SEL. We will share our classroom experiences and strategies to promote SEL and engineering design.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how they can embed an agile project management approach called Scrum and SEL into Engineering Design. We will show strategies we have used to teach SEL and Scrum that have resulted in much more productive group work.

SPEAKERS:
Kathryn Borton (Science Teacher and Ed.D Student: Nevada, IA), Jesse Wilcox (University of Northern Iowa: Cedar Falls, IA)

Embark on a journey that will engage elementary students in understanding interactions in nature to create inventions and solve problems. A lesson that seamlessly integrates science, math, ELA, and intellectual property concepts, fostering holistic learning experiences for elementary students.

TAKEAWAYS:
Through hands-on activities, participants will gain practical experience applying the principles of nature-inspired invention to their elementary classrooms. They will also discover innovative ways to encourage their students to explore their own creativity and problem-solving abilities.

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

Explore how students can change a metal’s properties through alloying, heat-treating, and/or cold-working. Classroom activities that will enhance chemistry understanding of atomic structure and real world engineering relevance. Deepen understanding of binary phase diagrams.

TAKEAWAYS:
How do architects and manufacturers manipulate common metal properties to get the metals to behave in the desired way for a specific use? Participants will make a simple low-melt tin-based alloy and explore a binary phase diagram. Heat-treating of steel and cold-working of copper is also explored.

SPEAKERS:
Scott Spohler (Global Impact STEM Academy: Springfield, OH)

Overview of the MagLab Research Experience for Teacher program. Discuss a few lessons created by past RETs with the input of MagLab researchers to provide cutting edge and relevant topics to engage students and encourage participation at an individual and group level. Get a free MagLab Souvenir.

TAKEAWAYS:
2023 RETs will share the impact participating in the MagLab RET had on classroom practices and professional development and how they developed new classroom activities that promote the development of scientific practices and MagLab related research.

SPEAKERS:
Ann Marie Dubick (Cobb County School District: Smyrna, GA), Valerie Hucey (High School Science Teacher: Weston, FL), Carlos Villa (National High Magnetic Field Laboratory: Tallahassee, FL)

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)

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)

Discover how to fuse Chemistry with STEM through our dynamic poster session! Explore integrating 3D printing, AI, engineering, laser cutting, & movie practical effects into your curriculum. Enhance teaching & captivate students by merging traditional chemistry concepts with cutting-edge technology.

TAKEAWAYS:
Uncover fresh, innovative strategies for infusing cutting-edge technology into your chemistry classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Nadim Sarhan (Faculty Member: Town and Country, MO), Melanie Shedd (The Principia: St Louis, MO)

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)

Find out how to leverage opportunities in your-day-to-day science teaching to get students excitedly picturing themselves in STEM careers! We’ll show you how to use high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) to intentionally support students’ development of Career Readiness Competencies.

TAKEAWAYS:
Become familiar with Career Readiness Competencies and how to use HQIM to create opportunities for students to develop these competencies.

SPEAKERS:
Michelle Phillips (NSTA: Arlington, VA), Rob Wallace (: Houma, LA)

Inspire students to lead energy action and design a campus microgrid system. This hands-on workshop equips educators with practical knowledge to engage students in energy-related concepts, including microgrids and energy analysis, fostering energy literacy and sustainability awareness.

TAKEAWAYS:
This hands-on session will cover the United States’ energy system, energy resilience, transitions toward a decentralized energy generation, and how to solve problems like energy managers. Participants will leave the workshop with concepts and strategies to implement this lesson with their students.

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

Wanna go fast? Really fast? Maglev trains have superior acceleration, lower maintenance, and provide a smooth ride but there are also some challenges. Designing a model allows students to learn about magnetic fields, superconductors which provides a means to connect to the exciting world of quantum.

TAKEAWAYS:
Real world applications for quantum information science and engineering STEM project appropriate for the classroom Content on maglev, magnetic fields, superconductors, levitation

SPEAKERS:
Karen Matsler (University of Texas Arlington: Arlington, TX)

Learn the ‘why’ and ‘how’ behind a project-based learning Science and CTE course, designed to integrate career exploration with sustainability. Gain development insights and resources to empower students with skills for the growing clean energy sector and beyond. Find the OER curriculum on Sprocket.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will gain tools to implement this curriculum in their own contexts, as well as an understanding of the development process, enabling them to expand the work into other topics and promote an educational movement that integrates sustainability and career readiness with academic content.

SPEAKERS:
Hanna Jaramillo (Educurious Partners: Kirkland, WA)