The 2025 NSELA Annual Conference, themed "Inspired by History, Driven by Innovation," is a one-day, immersive experience for district and state leaders, instructional coaches, and advocates to engage in a collaborative, high-impact setting.

What approach can science educators use to create assessment tasks that support instructional practice and students’ three-dimensional learning? Participants will experience an approach for designing 3-D assessment tasks that will help their students build toward the NGSS performance expectations.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how to construct 3-dimensional assessment tasks that they can use in their classroom to promote student learning of the NGSS performance expectations.

SPEAKERS:
Christopher Harris (WestEd: Menlo Park, CA), Joseph Krajcik (CREATE for STEM Institute, Michigan State University: East Lansing, MI)

Join us to experience how students make decisions and engage in class discussion as part of their sensemaking. Learn how the OpenSciEd Elementary’s instructional approach supports all students in figuring out complex science issues in their world through a coherent storyline.

TAKEAWAYS:
OpenSciEd Elementary units are designed to support students in collaborative sensemaking through use of Science and Engineering Practices and engagement in equitable discussions.

SPEAKERS:
Janna Mahfoud (BSCS Science Learning: Laveen, AZ), Yanira Vazquez (OpenSciEd: Los Alamos, NM), Susan Gomez Zwiep (BSCS Science Learning: Long Beach, CA)

At OpenSciEd, our teams of experts work tirelessly to design materials for the latest research AND we know you can make them even better. In this session we will map your customization “why” to a customization “what” and “how” to support you to make the materials your own.

TAKEAWAYS:
Thoughtful, collaborative customization of high quality materials can result in better materials while simultaneously deepening understanding of how to get the most from both customized and the original high quality materials.

SPEAKERS:
Erika Palys (OpenSciEd: Palatine, IL), Renee Affolter (OpenSciEd: Montpelier, VT), Matt Krehbiel (OpenSciEd: Derwood, MD), Austin Moore (Boston College: Watertown, MA)

Join NSTA and middle school educators from across the country to delve into using OpenSciEd instructional materials to hand over to your students the joyful responsibility of thinking, talking and acting like scientists to deeply learn science. You’ll experience science learning in an OpenSciEd unit from both student and teacher perspectives with emphasis on specific teacher moves and strategies that will support your continuing shift toward student-driven science learning.

In addition, the NSTA professional learning team will help you tailor a professional learning path forward for additional support in implementing OpenSciEd curriculum and helping all of your students build confidence as the knowers in your classroom. 

This session is for those newer to OpenSciEd and investigating the middle school curriculum for classroom, school, or district implementation.

Experience student-driven, rigorous science learning fueled by students’ curiosity and concern for coastal communities through immersions in the OSE high school chemistry Unit C.1 Thermodynamics in Earth’s Systems (How can we slow the flow of energy on Earth to protect vulnerable coastal communities?). See how students’ sensemaking develops across this unit through careful analyses of classroom videos, real student work, and student and teacher interviews.

Whether you teach high school chemistry, biology, physics, or Earth and space sciences, you will walk away from this experience with an understanding of the instructional routines that comprise storyline units across the OSE high school curriculums and the supports you need to confidently implement an OSE high school unit in your classroom. In addition, you’ll become adept with navigating the resources embedded in the OSE unit materials so you can maximize your impact on student engagement and learning.

All conference attendees are invited to continue their professional learning virtually in the OSE High School Chemistry Unit C.1 Curriculum Launch Workshop (24 total hours) and Facilitator Training (32 total hours).

• 6 hours onsite at the Philadelphia Conference PLI
• 18 hours virtual to complete 4-day curriculum launch*
• 8 additional hours virtual to complete facilitator training* (optional)

Virtual workshop sessions will be held over the month of April 2025.

*Registration for virtual sessions incurs additional cost

The Breakout Box: Manufacturing Challenge takes participants on a 20-minute immersive adventure where they apply critical thinking, collaboration, problem-solving, and manufacturing skills to successfully run an eyewear manufacturing facility.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will be able to understand the manufacturing process, the importance of teamwork and its relevance in the real world.

SPEAKERS:
Ali Main (Learning Undefeated: Gaithersburg, MD)

Don’t miss this exciting event showcasing STEM and science-based programs, organizations, mobile labs, and local Philly attractions! Explore a variety of displays, connect with showcase presenters, enjoy tasty bites from the food cart, and take advantage of ample networking opportunities.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn about STEM and science-based programs, organizations, mobile labs, and local Philly attractions

SPEAKERS:
Jessica Eaton (NSTA: Berry, KY)

The Breakout Box: Manufacturing Challenge takes participants on a 20-minute immersive adventure where they apply critical thinking, collaboration, problem-solving, and manufacturing skills to successfully run an eyewear manufacturing facility.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will be able to understand the manufacturing process, the importance of teamwork and its relevance in the real world.

Stop in and take a peek at our mobile manufacturing lab! Learning Undefeated staff will show you around, answer questions, and share how you can bring this unique experience to your classroom.

Join this dynamic workshop to explore three hands-on classroom activities that highlight the math and science skills needed in the manufacturing industry. Explore how geometry, measurement, and critical thinking skills all come together to create new products.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn 3 hands on activities that demonstrate how science and math skills translate to real world jobs in manufacturing.

SPEAKERS:
Ali Main (Learning Undefeated: Gaithersburg, MD)

The Breakout Box: Manufacturing Challenge takes participants on a 20-minute immersive adventure where they apply critical thinking, collaboration, problem-solving, and manufacturing skills to successfully run an eyewear manufacturing facility.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will be able to understand the manufacturing process, the importance of teamwork and its relevance in the real world.

Navigate your first National NSTA Conference with ease! Join our session for an orientation to the conference, tips on selecting sessions, and an opportunity to meet other first-time attendees. We will share a few insider tips from experienced conference attendees and give an overview of the conference app. This session is structured so you can learn why you belong at NSTA.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to get the most out of your conference experience in addition to becoming an engaged learner.

SPEAKERS:
Julie Luft (University of Georgia: Athens, GA)

Join us at the Pennsylvania Convention Center for an opening reception to mark the start of NSTA Philly25! We’ll keep it casual—enjoy beverages and small bites while networking with old and new friends. The event is complimentary and open to all registered conference attendees. Don't forget to bring your free drink ticket included with your badge.

TAKEAWAYS:
NA

This keynote offers an inspiring roadmap for improving student outcomes and leaving a lasting impact on their lives. Through relatable analogies, and research-based advice, Daryl Williams Jr. shares his personal journey—from being an ineffective teacher to earning two Teacher of the Year awards. He will guide you on a transformative path of self-discovery, helping you uncover your own “1% Amazing” and unlock your full potential.

SPEAKERS:
Daryl Williams