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.

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

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)

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

Calling all yoga enthusiasts! Regardless of whether you’re a newbie or veteran, join yoga teacher, Azra Chughtai, RYT, for a warm-up with breathwork; hatha yoga (gentle stretching exercises to wake up the body); and, of course, meditation for relaxation and de-stressing. Beginner friendly!

TAKEAWAYS:
Recharge: Energizing and Stress Relief

SPEAKERS:
Azra Chughtai (NSTA: McLean, VA)

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 to discover how to enhance AP Biology with phenomena-based storylines that make curriculum topics relevant and fun! Gain skills to integrate student questions with science practices while implementing inquiry-driven lessons to increase student engagement and deepen understanding.

TAKEAWAYS:
After an introduction to Lab Hamster’s AP Biology Unit 1 storyline, participants will leave with the knowledge and skills needed to implement student inquiry activities, apply science practices, and use pedagogical strategies that boost student engagement and reduce teacher workload.

SPEAKERS:
Angela Tatum (Anne Arundel County Board of Education: ANNAPOLIS, MD), Joshua Anoff (Severn Run High School: No City, No State), Noel Pauller (Anne Arundel County Public Schools: Annapolis, MD)

Help students build empathy and connect science to their lives using a STEM picture book (Dr. Rosie Helps the Animals). Engage in science phenomena embedded in the story and learn how open-sourced interdisciplinary lessons can address literacy, science content, and inquiry skills.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will engage in student activities that show how NGSS content and inquiry skills can be addressed by investigating real-world phenomena introduced through a STEM picture book. Teachers will leave with the resources and background knowledge to facilitate these activities with students.

SPEAKERS:
Judith Newcomb (Amherst Elementary School: Amherst, MA), Jennifer Welborn (UMass Amherst: Amherst, MA)

This interactive workshop will help teachers develop assessment question clusters that align with NGSS and include all 3 dimensions of the framework, ensuring a holistic evaluation of student knowledge and skills.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will leave this session not only with strategies and a framework for designing 3-dimensional assessment question clusters, but also with an assessment they create during the session.

SPEAKERS:
Libbie Haller (Broome Tioga BOCES: Binghamton, NY)

In a learner stance, participants will explore productive talk based on observations and development of a model to explain a phenomenon. Switching to a teacher lens, participants will identify types of talk they used, how it shaped deep learning, and apply these ideas to existing tasks/lessons.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will take away ideas for increasing productive talk when students engage in collaborative science tasks. Considerations include different types of talk students use to share ideas and move toward deep content understanding. Time will include strategizing how to inform existing lessons.

SPEAKERS:
Takumi Sato, PhD (Knowles Teacher Initiative: Moorestown, NJ)

We will share a process for developing middle school science curricula using Two-Eyed Seeing and place-based learning to increase the engagement of Indigenous students. We will sample lessons developed with the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, walk through development process, and provide lesson links.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn about an approach to developing a culturally relevant STEM curriculum using Two-Eyed Seeing and place-based learning and sample lessons that respectfully include Indigenous knowledges.

SPEAKERS:
Angela Just (Oklahoma State University: Owasso, OK), KIRTIKA PANWAR (Oklahoma State University: Stillwater, OK), Sarah McDowell (Maryville College: Okemah, OK)

Help students see the forest for the trees -- and all its biodiversity -- in this interdisciplinary, hands-on session. Engage in a game inspired by The Lorax, a simulation of biodiversity in temperate and tropical rainforests and a resource management game of strategy.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn ways to introduce elementary students to concepts about natural resource use and management and the importance of preserving biodiverse ecosystems through games and 3D simulations that are interdisciplinary and inquiry-based.

SPEAKERS:
Bennett Steidinger (Population Education: Washington, DC), Pam Wasserman (Population Connection: Washington, DC)

Participants will experience Modeling Instruction in Chemistry by planning and conducting data collection and analyzing data to develop models. They will also develop representations (graphs, diagrams, and equations) for their model and present them in white boarding discourse.

TAKEAWAYS:
In student mode participants will experience how the Science and Engineering Practices can be a regular part of student experience in the chemistry classroom as they develop and deploy models. In teacher mode they will reflect on what is required to create this learning environment.

SPEAKERS:
Jesse Braxton (Central High School in Philadelphia: Philadelphia, PA), Raymond Howanski (American Modeling Teachers Association: Gilbert, AZ)

We all want students to become critical thinkers, retain & transfer learning, and have a deep understanding of science ideas. Transform your instruction so students construct their own explanations of scientific phenomena that mirrors the process scientists use to make sense of the natural world.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will be able to define, identify, and apply characteristics of sensemaking into instruction. They will also become familiar with lesson models and resources that support sensemaking.

SPEAKERS:
Jessica Oakley (Katy ISD: Fulshear, TX), Tina Hovance (Katy ISD: Katy, TX)

Scientific misinformation, in all forms of media, can negatively impact citizens' health and safety. During this session, attendees will engage in activities to empower all learners to become media-literate consumers of scientific information capable of navigating the information age.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn to apply scientific practices and crosscutting concepts to disciplinary scientific content in the media.

SPEAKERS:
Jocelyn Miller (E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation: Chapel Hill, NC)

Join us for an immersive EarthX experience, where you will don your student hat to explore the interconnectedness of Earth and the traditional sciences. We don’t experience the world as discrete biology, chemistry, physics, and Earth science interactions, so why do we teach these subjects in silos?

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will leave the session having experienced first hand a student-centered, 3-dimensional lesson showcasing NGSS Earth Science DCIs integrated into traditional high school curricula, taught by one of the Baltimore City science teachers who helped develop the materials.

SPEAKERS:
Edmund Mitzel, Jr., Ph.D. (Baltimore City Public Schools: Hampstead, MD), Kevin Garner, Ed.D. (Baltimore City Public Schools: Severna Park, MD), Alan Berkowitz (Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies: Millbrook, NY), Kyle Gregory (Teacher/ Secondary Science: Baltimore, MD), Nina Groseclose (Teacher: Baltimore, MD), Cassidy Johnson (Baltimore Design School: Baltimore, MD), Angela Hood (Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies: Baltimore, MD)

Explore how AI tools like ChatGPT can streamline the creation of NGSS-aligned science lessons. Through live demonstrations and guided practice, participants will generate personalized lesson plans, learn to ask effective AI prompts and understand how human expertise makes AI an effective tool.

TAKEAWAYS:
Write effective AI prompts for NGSS-aligned lesson plans Create classroom-ready plans using AI tools Understand how AI can augment lesson planning and evaluate your own AI-generated lesson plans for accuracy and NGSS compliance. Learn to integrate AI with their expertise for more efficient planning.

SPEAKERS:
Ariela Ikezawa (Various: Bellevue, WA)

We will introduce our NSTA book containing a collection of units and resources to help teachers engage students in three-dimensional learning through model-based inquiry.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn about four chemistry model-based inquiry units for rigorous and equitable instruction. Developed with secondary science teachers, the session guides three-dimensional learning, anchoring phenomena, modeling, and scientific explanations.

SPEAKERS:
Audrey Baird (Flagstaff High School: Flagstaff, AZ), Ron Gray (Northern Arizona University: Flagstaff, AZ)

Students often see science as a static body of knowledge instead of a dynamic human endeavor. Join the author of Notable Notebooks, Exemplary Evidence, and the newly published Wild Wonderings to learn how these books (and the stories of the scientists in them) can illuminate the nature of science.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn about the lives and work of historical and contemporary scientists, why telling these stories is an important strategy for helping students understand the nature of science, and how they might use these books in their classrooms.

SPEAKERS:
Jessica Fries-Gaither (Columbus School for Girls: Hilliard, OH)

5th through 12th grade students are ready to learn about the problem with microplastics! Join a group of educators who sailed Lake Erie with scientists to study plastic pollution. Help your students become citizen scientists, collecting, organizing, and reporting data within their own community.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn the impacts of and solutions to tackling microplastics as well as strategies for involving their students in hands-on microplastics research along local bodies of water from educators who experienced this scientific research first-hand.

SPEAKERS:
Lara Roketenetz (The University of Akron: Akron, OH), Sabrina Deschamps (Huron-Clinton Metroparks: New Boston, MI), Kate Krischke (Waukegan High School, Washington Campus: Libertyville, IL), Brienne May (Franklin Regional Intermediate School: PITTSBURGH, PA)

This experience provides educators with strategies to shift from the IRE (Initiate-Response-Evaluate) talk pattern to productive classroom discussions. Learn how to foster deeper student engagement, encourage critical thinking, and create a more interactive, collaborative learning environment.

TAKEAWAYS:
This hands-on, immersive experience offers practical strategies to help teachers transition from the IRE (Initiate-Response-Evaluate) pattern to productive talk, promoting deeper student engagement and meaningful dialogue.

SPEAKERS:
Rebecca Garelli (Arizona Science Teachers Association: Gilbert, AZ)

Discover engaging activities that help students explain the significance of Gregor Mendel’s pea plant experiments. Attendees will use glitter to represent the dominant and recessive traits of two parent plants and their offspring and complete a pompom Punnett square.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will be able to explain that Gregor Mendel’s experiments on pea plants laid the foundation for the study of heredity, Punnett squares are a tool used to predict the traits of an offspring, and Mendelian genetics enables animal and plant breeders to produce new varieties with more accuracy.

SPEAKERS:
Lynn Wallin (National Center for Agricultural Literacy: Providence, UT)

Led by members of NSTA Early Childhood-Elementary Committee, this session addresses the relationship between science education & children’s literature by providing an interactive platform for educators to discover how literature can support & enhance science and engineering practices in classrooms.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will explore the integration of science and engineering practices and children’s literature through cross disciplinary connections and hands-on activities. Resources provided.

SPEAKERS:
Simone Nance (University of Southern Indiana: Newburgh, IN), Jennifer Williams (Isidore Newman School: Belle Chasse, LA), Melissa Parks (Stetson University: Deland, FL)

Problem solving? Creativity? Collaboration? Design Challenge? Learn about an instructional strategy that provides students opportunities to participate that focuses on local and state environmental issues. Join a mini design sprint and develop your own challenge before you leave.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn about the design sprint, an instructional strategy that provides students with a unique opportunity to participate in a challenge that focuses on local and state environmental issues. Participants will create the initial ideas for their own student design challenge.

SPEAKERS:
Liz Martinez (Indepedent: Escondido, CA), Peggy Steffen (Ready, Set, STEM: West Liberty, IA)

Learn how to incorporate sensemaking and engineering design into your K-12 STEM classroom using the Teach Engineering Digital Library! In this hands-on workshop, participants act as students and tackle a real-world design challenge while engaging in phenomena-based and three-dimensional learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn effective strategies to integrate sensemaking and engineering design into their STEM classrooms. They will experience firsthand how engineering involves designing solutions to problems that arise from phenomena while engaging in student sensemaking and 3D learning.

SPEAKERS:
Dua Chaker (Teach Engineering: No City, No State), Jennifer Kracha (Teach Engineering), Ellen Parrish (Teach Engineering: ERIE, CO)

Join us for an engaging session exploring several sense-making lessons, aligned with the NGSS. Discover amazing assessment tools used to inform your teaching and focus on increased student learning/excitement. Come investigate assessment strategies while engaging in sense-making lessons.

TAKEAWAYS:
The participants will take away a deeper understanding of innovative assessments (prior, formative and summative) that will inform them using sense-making lessons. We will specifically focus on what the results of the assessments mean and how that will change their teaching and student learning.

SPEAKERS:
Cynthia Dey (Belmont Abbey College: Charlotte, NC), Judith McDonald (University of Hawaii at Hilo: Hilo, HI)

Data collection probes and sensors provide the phenomenon and data to drive 3D student learning. This session will focus on how to utilize this technology to drive instruction. Teachers will experience a lesson using sensors to model photosynthesis, with a focus on sensemaking.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will experience parts of a model lesson. Additionally, teachers will explore other examples of using probes to drive instruction. Lastly, teachers will have time to work collaboratively with other teachers to modify one of their lesson plans to effectively utilize probes in sensemaking.

SPEAKERS:
Justin Ingram (Johnston County Public Schools: Wilson, NC)

This workshop will describe methods used to engage a range of learners, including neurodivergent and English Language Learners, in grades 3-5, in place-based investigations of plants and weather. Lesson descriptions and student work will be used to initiate discussion with attendees.

TAKEAWAYS:
This workshop will describe methods used to engage a range of learners, including neurodivergent and English Language Learners, in grades 3-5, in place-based investigations of plants and weather. Lesson descriptions and student work will be used to initiate discussion with attendees.

SPEAKERS:
Sara Feit (Boston University: Boston, MA), Andreia Ferreira (Providence School Department: Providence, RI), Soraya Santana (F. D. Spaziano Elementary: Providence, RI), Peter Garik (Boston University: Boston, MA)

Engage with Conservation Nation’s unique resources featuring diverse role models in wildlife conservation. Explore topics ranging from mindful birding with leaders of Black Birders Week to innovative uses of DNA in conservation with scientists from the de-extinction company Colossal Biosciences.

TAKEAWAYS:
You can build student engagement and help more students see themselves represented in environmental spaces by bringing diverse conservation professionals and careers into your classroom via free lesson materials and resources from Conservation Nation.

SPEAKERS:
Diane Lill (Conservation Nation)

Join us for boppin’ lessons that address NGSS K-2 (force & motion, biomimicry, pollination). We integrate computational thinking, literacy, robots, science, and sense-making! We show how we adapted for students’ cultural, and linguistic (Apache, Navajo, Spanish) backgrounds.

TAKEAWAYS:
The attendees will learn to analyze and implement interdisciplinary K-2 STEM teaching and learning using 3D NGSS standards, sense-making, aligned assessment and also integrates the language, culture, and place of a community in ways that position young students as leaders for their communities.

SPEAKERS:
Sophie Forbes (Alcalde elementary: Abiquiu, NM), Deena Gould (University of New Mexico: Albuquerque, NM), Megan Smith (Mescalero Apache School: Ketchum, ID)

Empower students to create videos about environmental challenges addressed by the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Discover tools and activities to build skills in inquiry, research, project organization, communication and using video technology. View samples of students’ inspiring work.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees with learn how to facilitate a problem-based learning project that employs a variety of STEAM and literacy skills to deepen their understanding of a global environmental challenge.

SPEAKERS:
Barbara Huth (Population Education: Washington, DC)

This workshop will incorporate the phenomena of underwater sound into science activities and investigations. Resources such as an audio gallery of underwater sounds produced by animals and people and activities challenging students to produce spectrograms and explore the science of sound.

TAKEAWAYS:
Using the topic of underwater sound can be an engaging vehicle for students to explore physical science concepts and connect these fundamental principles with the undersea environment and science of sound.

SPEAKERS:
Liesl Hotaling (University of Rhode Island: Highlands, NJ)

In this interactive workshop, educators will dive deep into the world of STEM grant writing, equipping themselves with proven strategies to secure funding for their classrooms. Participants will engage in hands-on activities and learn from real-world examples to develop their grant-writing skills.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will develop a toolkit of practical strategies to transform their Science & STEM project ideas into fundable grant proposals. This workshop will provide valuable insights to help you unlock new funding opportunities for your classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Kevin Welch (Stewarts Creek Middle School: Smyrna, TN)

Build, test, and change ramps and consider ways to help early elementary students answer some BIG questions: How do different objects move? How can we change the way an object moves?

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will leave this workshop with the hands-on experience and curricular materials needed to support young elementary students as they explore and make sense of forces and interactions.

SPEAKERS:
Adrien Kaye (North Shore Schools: Locust Valley, NY)

NSTA provides high-quality digital resources and opportunities—all within a professional community—that supports your personalized professional learning. Just in time, just enough, and just for you! Learn about NSTA’s professional Learning tools. NSTA staff will answer questions.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will become knowledgeable about the plethora of digital resources available at NSTA’s, about the live events, and professional learning community that can help them enhance their knowledge and manage their personalized professional learning.

SPEAKERS:
Flavio Mendez (NSTA: Owings Mills, MD)

Use a lab and demo to talk about resources and the environment, using copper as an example. The labs can be used for many fields - geology, environmental science, chemistry; focus on the impact of resource acquisition; and provide resources to highlight the depth and complexity of these issues.

TAKEAWAYS:
Copper recovery from ore with two methods - these labs can be used for many fields: geology, environmental science, chemistry; they focus on the impact of resource acquisition; and they provide resources to highlight the depth and complexity of these issues.

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

Why can mammals survive the first few weeks or months of life by only ingesting milk? But, what happens when someone is lactose intolerant? Why can lactose-intolerant people tolerate some dairy products? Explore the answers to these questions in a new unit storyline on MILK.

TAKEAWAYS:
In this new storyline on milk students construct an explanation based on evidence for why dairy is an important source of food energy. Human babies double their weight during the first 6 months of life, yet some lose the ability to digest lactose. Fermentation is one way to solve this problem.

SPEAKERS:
Chris Embry Mohr (Olympia High School: Carlock, IL)

Join us for a dynamic workshop where educators will learn research-based breathing techniques aligned with CASEL. Experience chair yoga to reduce stress and enhance focus. Leave with practical activities that can be used immediately in the classroom, fostering resilience you and your students.

TAKEAWAYS:
The key takeaway from the description is that educators will acquire practical, research-based breathing techniques and chair yoga exercises that promote resilience and well-being, which can be immediately implemented in their classrooms.

SPEAKERS:
Bridget Burke (Central Kitsap Middle School: Silverdale, WA)

A showcase of dynamic spreadsheet chemistry lessons that provide instantaneous, differentiated feedback to students as they learn or practice new content independently or in small groups. This method amplifies confidence for students of all abilities and frees teachers to assist those most in need.

TAKEAWAYS:
Educators will learn the power of digital spreadsheet chemistry lessons and learn how to create or edit their own lessons. If they wish, they can sign up to receive already created chemistry lessons for free to trial with their students.

SPEAKERS:
Sean Regan (Framingham High School: Westborough, MA)

Geoheritage is a new construct in the US, but one well-established abroad. Integrating geoscience, history, economics, and aesthetic value of a place embeds students’ experiences in the landscape that surrounds them. This presentation will demonstrate how local geohertage narratives are generated.

TAKEAWAYS:
Science is embedded in the social and historical context in which it is generated and implemented. Geoheritage as a unifying construct enriches the relevance of a local site by illustrating how humans affect and are affected by that local landscape over time, promoting cross-curricular instruction.

SPEAKERS:
Eric Pyle (James Madison University: Harrisonburg, VA)

Teachers spend about 7-12 hours per week searching for & creating instructional materials. In this session we’ll hear from teachers about how using vetted, high quality materials as a starting point opened up new possibilities and helped them to be the teacher they always wanted to be.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how using high-quality instructional materials in your classroom can shift your role as teacher from "creator" to "innovator" and allow more time for supporting students and improving outcomes.

SPEAKERS:
Erika Palys (OpenSciEd: Palatine, IL)

Launch your STEM program into orbit with @DoDSTEM resources! Discover hands-on learning, paid internships, and scholarships for future innovators. Join us to create your "All Systems Are Go" plan leveraging DoD STEM resources and opportunities.

TAKEAWAYS:
Discover the wealth of STEM resources and opportunities offered by the Department of Defense. From hands-on learning activities to paid internships and college scholarships, learn how DoD STEM can help you power the next generation of innovators.

SPEAKERS:
Rebecca Stanley (DoD STEM/RTI International: Durham, NC), Jennifer Preston (DoD STEM/RTI International: Apex, NC)

NextGen TIME is a free suite of tools and processes that supports districts in preparing to evaluate instructional materials for quality and design for NGSS. This collaborative process helps you plan for next steps including customization to improve student outcomes and effective implementation.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how NextGen TIME supports the evaluation of current instructional materials to strengthen their design for NGSS and how NextGen TIME tools and processes can serve as critical components of curriculum-based professional learning. You’ll walk away with free access to NextGen TIME resources.

SPEAKERS:
Jenine Cotton-Proby (BSCS Science Learning: Waldorf, MD)

This presentation shows how the UConn-URI Navy STEM Coalition employs modular K-12 outreach to engage students from 2nd grade to high school along a few like-activities. Participants take part in our most successful activity, build-a-boat, in both the middle and high school configurations.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn strategies for engaging students across grade levels to cultivate STEM curiosity while conserving resources through building scalable, modular lesson plans which serve a wide swath of ages with minimal design changes.

SPEAKERS:
Kevin Logue (University of Connecticut: South Glastonbury, CT)

Come learn how we integrate science and language arts mini units, using food chains to guide participants through the process. Also, learn how we instruct our teacher candidates in higher education to do the same and then implement the lessons in local schools with immediate feedback from us.

TAKEAWAYS:
How to integrate science with language arts in classrooms, as teachers or instructors of higher education.

SPEAKERS:
Sandra Lampley (The University of Alabama in Huntsville: Huntsville, AL), Frances Hamilton (The University of Alabama in Huntsville: Taft, TN)

Make student thinking come to life with notebooks! Increase the rigor of student work—learn new strategies for organizing content and how to use templates for any science class. Take home many current NGSS classroom examples to get yourself started.

TAKEAWAYS:
Notebooking in science should focus on sensemaking and creating ownership of the work. Moving away from worksheets and discovering-1.) The how and why of science notebooks; 2.) How to engage ALL students in science; and 3.) Templates scaffold student learning for success.

SPEAKERS:
Jennifer Weibert (Fresno County Office of Education: Fresno, CA)

How can science teachers leverage their expertise as master practitioners to drive positive systemic change in the classroom and beyond? Explore how we can serve as catalysts for 21st-century STEM education reforms by fostering meaningful partnerships with the community and industry.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will discover practical ways to tap into their inner leadership potential and become leaders, advocates, and ambassadors for STEM education at the local, state, and national levels.

SPEAKERS:
Patty Mannion (Garden City High School: Stewart Manor, NY), Dianna Gobler (Westhampton Beach High School: Westhampton Beach, NY), Yishan Lee (PS/MS 219: Bayside, NY)

Join award-winning science educator Griff Jones and members of the IIHS Vehicle Research Center to explore a sample of engaging demos and video-supported, inquiry-based activities from the IIHS’s free, online “Crash Science in the Classroom” program.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will see a selection of discrepant events and learn how to access 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), Joe Young (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Highway Loss Data Institute: Arlington, VA), Griff Jones (University of Florida: Newberry, FL)

Engage with STEM Design Challenges by designing solutions in the aftermath of a fictional hurricane or stranding on a deserted island. Collaborate to evacuate citizens, build shelters, and develop alternative energy systems while redesigning the city’s infrastructure for future disaster prevention.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to integrate hands-on, real-world engineering design into your classroom, equipping students with critical thinking and collaboration skills to address complex challenges like disaster preparedness, sustainability, and engineering solutions.

SPEAKERS:
Sandra Ryack-Bell (Wade Institute for Science Education: Dartmouth, MA), Regan McKinnon (Wade Institute for Science Education: Jamaica Plain, MA), Kathryn Atkins (Wade Institute for Science Education: Shelburne Falls, MA)

This session is designed to support participants in the practice of development and use of models. The goal of this workshop is for educators to learn ways to engage students in the use of models to predict and explain phenomena.

TAKEAWAYS:
Educators will leave with a clear understanding of what models are and how they can be used throughout the lesson and unit, the awareness that one size does not fit all when it comes to models and enhanced formative assessment capabilities by using models to reveal student misconceptions and connections.

SPEAKERS:
Brian Suter (Neshaminy High School: Jamison, PA), Kerry Hammon (Neshaminy High School: Langhorne, PA), Peter McLaren (Next Gen Education, LLC: North Kingstown, RI)

Many high-quality curricula use transfer tasks, phenomenon-based assessments where students demonstrate their three dimensional understanding while exploring a novel scenario. In this session, educators will work through an example of a transfer task and an activity structure that helps students learn.

TAKEAWAYS:
Leave with an understanding of what transfer tasks are and an activity structure to use with students learning how to engage in this assessment practice.

SPEAKERS:
Kate Henson (University of Colorado Boulder: Boulder, CO), William Penuel (University of Colorado Boulder: Boulder, CO), Melissa Campanella (University of Colorado Boulder: Baltimore, MD)

The session focuses on designing, building, and using 3-dimensional performance science assessment tasks. Analogous phenomena are used to develop novel K-12 tasks requiring the application of DCIs and CCCs to make sense of phenomena. A pool of items aligned to NGSS and STEELS standards is shared.

TAKEAWAYS:
The session will provide participants the strategies and insights into how analogous phenomena are used to develop summative assessment tasks for writing performance tasks for each of the NGSS standards.

SPEAKERS:
Juan-Carlos Aguilar (Georgia Dept. of Education: Atlanta, GA), Brett Moulding (Partnership for Effective Science Teaching and Learning: Ogden, UT)

Racism is prevalent in our society. Participants will examine resources for engaging students in respectful and productive activity that contrast the social construct of race with scientific understandings of genetics. Examples of how science education can be a form of social justice will be shared.

TAKEAWAYS:
Anti-racism work in science education is difficult. Resources to support teachers in engaging in controversial topics will be examined and used by participants to rehearse effective pedagogical moves in engaging in classroom discussions of racism and science. Curricular resources will be shared.

SPEAKERS:
Deb Morrison (University of Washington: Salt Spring Island, BC), Kelsie Fowler (University of Washington: Seattle, WA)

This session will explore how a Texas school district implements dual-language instruction in science for PK-8 students. With a focus on fostering biliteracy and bilingualism, we'll be sharing practical strategies to integrate language bridging into science lessons in both English and Spanish.

TAKEAWAYS:
This presentation offers educators a framework for integrating dual-language instruction into science, based on research and practical strategies from a proven dual-language model. Attendees will gain actionable insights and tools to foster bilingualism and content mastery in their own classrooms.

SPEAKERS:
Merium Valdez (Mark Twain Dual Language Academy (SAISD): San Antonio, TX), Magda Esparza (Teacher: San Antonio, TX), Gisella Calejo (Mark Twain Dual Language Academy (SAISD): San Antonio, TX)

In this session, participants will explore digital notebooks and journals - a means for transferring student learning, practice, and reflection into a multi-media digital environment that allows for differentiation and student choice.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how to enhance classroom engagement using multimedia resources organized into digital notebooks or journals. Strategies and examples will show how students can and have participated using mini-notebooks, unit notebooks and journals.

SPEAKERS:
Mridula Bajaj (Mount Laurel Schools: Robbinsville, NJ), Shefali Mehta (Princeton High School: Princeton, NJ)

Use current environmental issues as an engaging teaching tool! View clips from Chasing the Tide, a docuseries that shows the 370-mile journey of a couple as they walk the length of Texas’s coast. Access FREE NGSS-aligned resources that guide students to explore pressing issues in coastal ecosystems.

TAKEAWAYS:
Gain three-dimensional teaching resources and strategies that guide your students to explore current environmental issues and identify actions they can take, no matter where they live or what resources they have access to, to support the health of our coastal and marine ecosystems.

SPEAKERS:
Anne Marie Fayen (Fayen Consulting LLC: Denver, CO)

Transdisciplinary learning that positions students in the context of real-life scenarios to problem solve authentic issues can increase conceptual understanding of content area knowledge, inspire community connections, and increase student engagement, while also building transformative SEL skills.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will discover how transdisciplinary education and transformative social and emotional learning can be facilitated in their classrooms and educational communities.

SPEAKERS:
Stefanie Holloway (Greater Oregon STEM Hub: La Grande, OR)

Nonfiction films featuring diverse scientists telling their own stories can do more than promote conceptual understanding. We will screen two short films, Decoding Ancestral Knowledge and CRISPR Apostle, and show preliminary results of their impact on science identity and nature of science learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
You will learn about the films from the study, how to access them, and the results that suggest they not only support student learning; they can also broaden perspectives on who does science and how science is done.

SPEAKERS:
Shannon Behrman (Science Communication Lab: Berkeley, CA)

Many curriculum materials minimize elevating students’ brilliance with teacher directed, pre-designed activities. COESEE envisions classrooms where students’ ideas are foregrounded and learning is centered in students’ lived experiences.

TAKEAWAYS:
Working collaboratively, educators will investigate ways to understand and elevate students' brilliance by centering science in their everyday experiences.

SPEAKERS:
Molly Ewing (The Charles A. Dana Center: Austin, TX), Mary Starr (Michigan Mathematics and Science Leadership Network: Plymouth, MI), Carla Zembal-Saul (Penn State: State College, PA)

Science is a social endeavor! Gain strategies to transform your classroom into a community of learners in which students and teachers actively try to make sense of the natural and built worlds.

TAKEAWAYS:
Leave with strategies for developing classroom norms in collaboration with your students.

SPEAKERS:
Kate Soriano (NSTA: Jersey City, NJ)

By 2025, it’s estimated that 463 exabytes of data will be created daily; that’s like 212,765,957 DVDs/day! How can our students know if the information they receive is credible? Generation Skeptics teaches the necessary skills with lessons and guest speakers. (www.generationskeptics.org)

TAKEAWAYS:
Generation Skeptics arms educators with free resources to instill skepticism in students. Recognizing the proliferation of misinformation, GenSkeps seeks to equip the next generation with the enduring principles of the scientific method and the importance of substantiating claims with evidence.

SPEAKERS:
Bertha Vazquez (G. W. Carver Middle School: Coral Gables, FL)

Learn how to support your students in connecting phenomena based on genetics and epigenetics to their own lives and communities through engineering practices using a free, EQuIP-reviewed unit designed for HS NGSS.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to use engineering practices to teach genetics and epigenetics while facilitating a classroom environment that privileges connecting phenomena to their own lives and communities through engaging in a design-based challenge to recommend modifications to their school.

SPEAKERS:
Devin Foschi (New Visions for Public Schools: New York, NY), Elizabeth Chatham (Lead Curriculum Development and Professional Learning Manager: New York, NY), Dora Kastel (New Visions for Public Schools: New York, NY)

Build a deep understanding of what STEM means by creating opportunities to fully engage students in science learning. Participants will engage in hands-on STEM and learn how to incorporate it in the everyday science classroom. Learn how STEM integration increases students’ desire to learn science!

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will gain practical strategies for engaging all students in science learning using STEM integration. Walk away with a deeper understanding of what “doing STEM” means and how STEM integration offers an engaging, effective way for students to learn science.

SPEAKERS:
Laura Drager (Montgomery County Educational Service Center: Dayton, OH), Courtney Heikkila (Mallard Creek STEM Academy: Kannapolis, NC), Amy Monahan (Volusia County Schools: DeLand, FL)

Sponsoring Company: Activate Learning

The DQB is an essential tool used throughout OSE units to generate, keep track of, and revisit student questions around the anchoring and related phenomenon. Join the collaborative fun finding ideas for developing, maintaining, and revisiting this exciting representation of students’ learning.

SPEAKERS:
Michelle Tindall (Activate Learning: Troy, MI), Jen Gutierrez (Activate Learning: Chandler, AZ)

Sponsoring Company: BIOZONE Corporation

BIOZONE's innovative worktexts deliver student-centred resources: AP, NGSS & electives. Identical print and digital titles integrate to provide a rich teaching program. Use our teacher resources to plan, deliver, & assess. Attendees receive a FREE print title & 30 day preview of our digital platform

SPEAKERS:
Mark Temons (BIOZONE International Ltd.: Hamilton, New Zealand)