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)

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)

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)

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)

The Art Institute of Chicago’s Art + Science videos and accompanying lesson plans explore science concepts and STEAM careers through the work of museum conservators and technicians. Each lesson plan details teacher prep and facilitation and is paired with a student resource to aid in learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will explore core science topics and STEM career opportunities featured in the four Art + Science videos and their accompanying lesson plans through engagement with the videos, curricular materials, and hands-on activities.

SPEAKERS:
Sarah Compton (Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Program: Chicago, IL), Corinne Rose (Associate Director for Learning Partnerships and Resources: Chicago, IL)

What makes a good story? How can simple storytelling connect us to learning science? This interdisciplinary project allows students to explore science picture books and environmental children's stories while learning about science communication in their community.

TAKEAWAYS:
Students can dive into diverse storytelling methods and explore the importance of storytelling in accessible science communication. Students will express environmental stories they care about to a community audience. AZ Standards Engaged: 1.E1U3.8, 8.W.2, 3, 4, 7

SPEAKERS:
Amanda Becker (Tucson Unified School District: Tucson, AZ)

Carbonated beverage containers, juice and fruit drinks, dairy products, and sports beverages all contain sugar. Students better understand quantities and volumes and gain an understanding of serving size. Reading labels is important!

TAKEAWAYS:
One major goal of this activity is to get students to better understand quantities and volumes. What is the difference between a gram and a teaspoon? How much fructose, glucose, and/or sucrose is in the beverage you are drinking? A second goal is to assist students in understanding serving size.

SPEAKERS:
Suzanne Cunningham (Purdue University: Lafayette, IN)

Explore teacher leadership in this session on a pioneering elementary science conference created by teachers for teachers.Discover how two educators built a collaborative space to meet the need for quality science PD while leading from the middle.Including testimonials from participants.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will explore the journey of how teachers successfully led a science conference from initial concept to execution, as well as the challenges faced in exercising teacher leadership. Takeaways include insights into the structure and impact of a teacher-led conference on professional growth.

SPEAKERS:
Abbey Gilligan (Washington Irving Intermediate School: Briarcliff Manor, NY), Dr. Leana Peltier (Sleepy Hollow High School: Congers, NY)

Student leaders of International Student-led Arctic Monitoring and Research, a 20-year old after school science program. They will showcase 7 research groups' data and summer trip experiences including highs and lows on their science teaching and learning journey.

TAKEAWAYS:
Gain a model for a science club doing authentic, novel research including concepts and lessons learned through 20 years of ISAMR. Adults will be on hand for questions, contacts and information sharing. Microbiome and permafrost depth feature heavily with some engineering and coding.

SPEAKERS:
Carla Guarraia (The Park School of Baltimore: Pikesville, MD)

How can you customize an OpenSciEd unit to dive into the issues that really matter to your students? This workshop aims to help teachers find and leverage community resources from outside the classroom to adapt an OpenSciEd unit (MS or HS) to include local phenomena around environmental justice.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will walk away with tips and tools to help them choose local phenomena, find community partners, and integrate them into an OpenSciEd unit, all while maintaining coherence from a student’s perspective and honoring the lived experiences and resources of environmental justice communities.

SPEAKERS:
Erin McCool (Cool Heron), Michelle Bolliger-Fyler (OpenSciEd Facilitator Team: Denver, CO)

Performance Learning Instruction shifts from traditional content based teaching to a hands-on approach, where students, like "aspiring MacGyvers," construct knowledge by solving problems and sense-making, rather than simply verifying and recalling information.

TAKEAWAYS:
In this workshop, you will engage in instructional design by viewing performance learning and phenomena from the perspective of students and then teachers. Learning by doing, participants will collaborate to learn how to design instructional units grounded in phenomena and promoting sense-making.

SPEAKERS:
Beth Penney (Amherst School District: Lyndeborough, NH), Heather Wheeler (Portsmouth High School; New Hampshire Learning Initiative: Exeter, NH), Sue Downer (NH Learning Initiative: Bedford, NH)

Transform early learning with "Teaching STEM Through Literacy". Blend STEM, books, and tech to nurture 21st-century skills in young minds. Join us for hands-on activities that create immersive learning spaces, igniting curiosity and problem-solving in our littlest innovators.

TAKEAWAYS:
Empower early childhood educators to seamlessly integrate STEM, literacy, and technology, creating engaging, multi-disciplinary learning experiences that foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and a lifelong love of learning in young children.

SPEAKERS:
Clint Coleman (Louisiana Board of Regents: New Orleans, LA)

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:
Kristin Diamantides (Learning Undefeated: Gaithersburg, MD)

Carbonated beverage containers, juice and fruit drinks, dairy products, and sports beverages all contain sugar. Using sugar packets to visualize amounts, students see the quantity and volume of sugar in various drinks and gain an understanding of serving size. Reading labels is important!

TAKEAWAYS:
Students can easily compare sugar content in containers of the same volume. Similar drinks packaged in different sized containers, or different drinks packaged in different containers makes calculating sugar content a math problem. Students use math to calculate sugar concentrations and totals.

SPEAKERS:
Suzanne Cunningham (Purdue University: Lafayette, IN)

You will learn how the Dimensions of Success for Middle Grades Learning Engineering and Science (DoS-MiddLES) classroom observation system can help teachers reflect and discuss with peers about their strengths & areas for growth as they integrate resilience with science and engineering learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
Do you want to identify strategies to support your students' building resilience and thriving skills, such as perseverance, voice, reflection, or positive relationships, through engaging in authentic science and engineering experiences in grade 6 to 8 classrooms?

SPEAKERS:
Virginia Andrews (Institute for the Study of Resilience in Youth)

Ethograms are tools that scientists use to study and share data about animals in nature and in managed care. This NGSS standards-informed session provides an introduction to ethograms, practical tools, resources and strategies for engaging students in their own animal behavior studies.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will gain "start to finish" strategies, tools and resources to support student-centered animal behavior studies and inquiry using ethograms. Participants will also gain knowledge about how scientists use ethograms and behavior studies to monitor and support animal well-being.

SPEAKERS:
Patricia Steinmeyer (Brookfield Zoo Chicago: La Grange, IL)

How do we help youth navigate the complexities of climate change and its impacts in their own communities? Engage in hands-on activities from Smithsonian Science for Global Goals guides on climate action and resilience to facilitate discovery, understanding, and action for a sustainable future.

TAKEAWAYS:
Smithsonian Science for Global Goals guides are essential resources that combine climate science comprehension with a deep understanding of the ways communities relate to the changing climate and the collective and individual actions students can take to create a positive climate future.

SPEAKERS:
Khadijah Thibodeaux (Smithsonian Science Education Center: Washington, DC), Heidi Gibson (Smithsonian Science Education Center: Arlington, VA)

With a declining workforce population, NSF & others have PreK12 opportunities to promote STEM identity and potential future careers in a growing national STEM workforce. Tap into large-scale grants that bring authentic pK12 STEM experiences to a learning setting near you through NSF Broader Impacts.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants explore the "Ah Ha" insights that a "retired" 35-year STEM teacher learned in an encore career as a Broader Impacts professional at an R1 research institution. Get an inside scoop on taking PreK-12 students on paid authentic STEM journeys! The ultimate STEM opportunity playbook!

SPEAKERS:
Jeff Remington (Penn State University: State College, PA)

An active workshop for participants to make music using their bodies, tables and/or chairs to create sounds, individually and with others. They will hum tunes and create accompaniments. They will be encouraged to include music exploration daily in their classrooms. Music vocabulary included.

TAKEAWAYS:
The focus is young children’s explorations of music-making and connections to science and mathematics. In every culture, people tap/hit items and use their mouths to create specific sounds. Adult explanations of music terms will include pitch, rhythm, tempo, volume, melody, harmony, and timbre.

SPEAKERS:
Ellen Cogan (Hilltop Early Childhood Services: Hartsdale, NY)

Join staff from Lincoln Park Zoo and Chicago Public Schools as they discuss their innovative partnership, which has evolved from logistical support to collaborative teacher PL and a classroom-ready activity developed with zoo scientists. Participants will have the chance to try the activity.

TAKEAWAYS:
A creative partnership between Lincoln Park Zoo and Chicago Public Schools has led to multiple opportunities for innovative collaborations and engaging, NGSS-aligned student activities.

SPEAKERS:
Sarah Compton (Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Program: Chicago, IL), Rosie Arnold (Lincoln Park Zoo: Chicago, IL)

Science learning in an informal environment, such as a museum, park or aquarium serves a large audience- there is so much opportunity to spark joy and curiosity! Educators hold a critical role in providing responsive, inclusive programing to serve our audiences.

TAKEAWAYS:
When goals and outcomes of programs and activities are clear, creating accommodations and modifications are more easily identifiable in the moment in order to support all learners. We will explore and practice using a tool to help educators reflect on the means of reaching desired outcomes.

SPEAKERS:
Eileen McAleer (California Academy of Sciences: San Francisco, CA)

Explore how a Watershed organization partnered with a large suburban PA school district to adapt the OpenSciEd curriculum, creating engaging learning experiences that build environmental literacy through real-world, local issues. Hear from formal and non formal educators on leveraging the rich resources available.

TAKEAWAYS:
We’ll share how we set the vision for our work, planned field experiences, trained volunteers, and piloted lessons to ensure learning goals were met. Participants will engage in discussion to identify how they can utilize this process to identify partners and field experiences that fit into OpenSciEd.

SPEAKERS:
Erin McCool (Cool Heron), Eryn Jackson (Wissahickon Trails: Collegeville, PA)

The presentation seeks to revolutionize science education by providing students with a dynamic platform to document, reflect on, and showcase their scientific learning experiences using diverse array of multimedia artifacts.

TAKEAWAYS:
This presentation will help the attendees with startegies to enhance student engagement, improve digital literacy, take ownership of their scientific journeys and prepare learners for future educational and career opportunities.

SPEAKERS:
Himani Nigam (Mendham Country Day School: East Brunswick, NJ)

The Saint Louis Zoo is committed to helping the next generation of students foster a deeper understanding of the world through the topic of One Health. Join us as we share how we partnered with local students to create lessons and how you can utilize One Health curriculum in your classroom!

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how One Health as a growing topic can fit into the attendees' future curriculum.

SPEAKERS:
Grace Warshaw (Saint Louis Zoo: St Charles, MO)

Sponsoring Company: Ward's Science

Take the guesswork out of science inquiry at the elementary level. We will explore activities that engage students' curiosity and ignite their passion for science through Science Olympiad. Discover some great activities for the classroom, after school programs, family events and STEM programs.

SPEAKERS:
Elizabeth Bogan (Ward's Science: Fairport, NY), Patty Muscatello (Wards Science: Niagara Falls, NY), Norman Marshall (Ward's Science: West Henrietta, NY)

Recent studies show even young students, especially girls, doubt their STEM skills or STEM futures because they know little about real STEM people. Bring scientists and engineers' exciting work alive, and inspire kids, with new, fun hands-on/gloves-on/feet-on STEM activities.

TAKEAWAYS:
Discover how and where scientists do what they do—from Antarctic penguin colonies to the International Space Station—and learn easy, inexpensive, innovative ways and tools for getting kids to imagine themselves in real and valuable STEM work.

SPEAKERS:
Deborah Rose (deborahleerose.com: Silver Spring, MD)

Tumble is a science podcast for kids that aims to enhance science literacy for children aged 3 to 13. We have developed several accessible resources for teachers, parents, and others that we are excited to share.

TAKEAWAYS:
There are lots of ways Tumble can help your students engage with (and create!) podcast content to enhance science learning at home and at school.

SPEAKERS:
Marshall Escamilla (Tumble Media Production: Greenfield, MA)

Discover interdisciplinary, role-playing activities, games and group collaboration from Population Education to explore human-environmental interactions, impacts on fragile ecosystems and paths to sustainability. Receive lessons ready to use at informal education settings.

TAKEAWAYS:
Share-a-thon visitors will discover ways to incorporate hands-on activities into their programming that explore relationships between people and the environment.

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

In our increasingly technological world, it is more important than ever for children to feel comfortable with STEM concepts, facts, and vocabulary. Reading picture book biographies about women in STEM immerses girls in the process of scientific thinking and boosts their interest STEM.

TAKEAWAYS:
Reading picture book biographies of women in STEM gives girls role models as well as providing a wealth of STEM information.

SPEAKERS:
Laurie Wallmark (Beaming Books: Ringoes, NJ)

Come learn about the resources that zoos, science centers, out of school time programs, government agencies, and other Informal Learning partners provide that can help you improve your students’ learning beyond just field trips or joining the program.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn about resources and opportunities that zoos, science centers, out of school time programs, government agencies and other Informal Learning partners, offer classroom teachers to expand their students’ knowledge, borrow classroom resources, or develop themselves.

SPEAKERS:
Lindsay Milner (Mad Science Group Inc.: Montreal, QC), Karen Hays (Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance: No City, No State), John Loehr (Science Olympiad: Oakbrook Terrace, IL)

Calling all informal science educators! Join members of NSTA’s Informal Science Committee to participate in their efforts to define a set of key skills and abilities designed to create an equitable foundation for practitioners and ensure quality experiences for students.

TAKEAWAYS:
The core competencies will help to define what it means to be an informal science educator within NSTA and provide clearer and more equitable opportunities for professional learning in the future.

SPEAKERS:
Hannah Eisla (Tellus Science Museum: Cartersville, GA), Rosie Arnold (Lincoln Park Zoo: Chicago, IL)

The same problems often crop up with group work. Learners that want to work individually, trouble with ideation, and kids who feel they don't belong in this activity or field. I will share a workshop with the goals of supercharging group work with empathetic design and fostering empowerment.

TAKEAWAYS:
You will see pictures from programs, example setups, and sample student projects. I will share how to set up a budget-friendly drop-in makerspace, manage students' creativity reservoirs, and how this culminated in high-quality focused group work.

SPEAKERS:
Scott Sieke (STEM Education Designer: Loveland, CO)

This session will discuss the influence of role models on STEM identity development, which research shows is critical for students from underrepresented populations. Social networks and video conferencing platforms have removed barriers so that students can meet people in STEM careers.

TAKEAWAYS:
Social networks such as LinkedIn and video conferencing platforms such as Zoom can be leveraged to bring alumni from your school back into your classroom in future years as STEM professionals. These former students can connect in profound ways that even the best teachers cannot match.

SPEAKERS:
Derrick Wood (Conestoga High School: Berwyn, PA)

Are you tired of hearing, "I’m done"? Add side quests as an extension to your science curriculum. Side quests can add a gamification element to your science classes that will extend the learning and deepen the creativity of your students no matter what grade you teach.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will leave this session with ideas and templates to add side quests to any science curriculum. Participants will also receive ideas for creating a badge system as a currency to gamify their class.

SPEAKERS:
Michelle Simmons (Klahowya Secondary School: Bremerton, WA)

Brite is an online, interdisciplinary STEM program for girls ages 13-16, centered on collaborative learning and engagement with diverse women STEM role models. Participants will learn strategies and gain access to resources for fostering girls’ STEM identity and building community online.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn strategies for fostering girls’ STEM identity and building community online, including curricular resources for developing and facilitating collaborative and independent activities, and guidance on designing and implementing role model experiences.

SPEAKERS:
Abi Olukeye (Smart Girls HQ: Charlotte, NC), Kata Lucas (National Girls Collaborative Project: Hartland, WI)

PA built upon NGSS to include Environmental Literacy & Sustainability, fostering partnerships between cross-sector educators to implement the Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEE) framework. Discover how MWEEs connect environmental science to STEM, enhancing authentic science learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
Leave with resources that include activities to engage learners in local phenomena and promote future leaders of sustainable practices. Gain experience with this student-centered framework that includes investigation cards and the MWEE think cloud which reflect real-world science practices.

SPEAKERS:
Shannon Fredebaugh-Siller (Heritage Conservancy: Doylestown, PA), Tamara Peffer (PA Department of Education: Harrisburg, PA), Ellen Schultz (Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center: Oreland, PA), Michelle Niedermeier (Pennsylvania Sea Grant College Program: No City, No State), Diana Potts (Chester County Intermediate Unit: Downingtown, PA), Maryann Molishus (Bucks County Intermediate Unit: Churchville, PA)

Integrated Science Workshops bring science into activities kids already do and love. Science is Elemental has developed several of these involving the arts, music, and soccer. Come learn how we weave (Fabric Arts: Friction and Tension!) science concepts, like vector and power, into fun activities.

TAKEAWAYS:
Integrated Science Workshops can be adapted for the students’ grade-levels and for the time available, all while teaching key science concepts made accessible through activities kids love.

SPEAKERS:
Ann Miller (Science is Elemental, Inc.: Potomac, MD)

Learn from my journey of building partnerships to creating unique, capacity building field experience for educators. Attendees will learn how I leveraged these partnerships, and statewide networks to support out of the box learning experiences for K-12 educators and leaders.

TAKEAWAYS:
We will discuss how to create and leverage relationships with environmental educators to create unique field experiences for teachers. These place-based opportunities present informal and formal educators the chance to learn alongside each other and build capacity for environmental literacy.

SPEAKERS:
Diana Potts (Chester County Intermediate Unit: Downingtown, PA)

Findings highlight the role of hands-on projects, mentorship, and exposure to diverse role models, in enhancing girls' understanding of STEM and its gender equity implications.

TAKEAWAYS:
The research underscores the role of integrating PBL within informal learning to support UUREM girls' STEM education.

SPEAKERS:
Marc Sager (Southern Methodist University: Dallas, TX)

Through the Women In Natural Sciences Program, students participant in summer opportunities like that provided by the eClose Institute. Solymar Harney learned value lab and research skills working with fruit flies to understand how diet impacts the development of certain forms of cancer.

TAKEAWAYS:
OST Programs like WINS, along with hands-on career experiences, are provide critical skills and knowledge along with a network of mentors that help students make informed decisions about college majors and career pathways.

SPEAKERS:
Kimberly Godfrey (The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University: Philadelphia, PA)

Join us at NSTA Philadelphia and explore a sampling of the Exploratorium’s free and content-rich online hands-on science activities.

TAKEAWAYS:
The Exploratorium, located in San Francisco, CA, is a hands-on science museum. We have hundreds of activities online known as Science Snacks, as well as thousands of other educator and professional development resources. Visit our table and find out what resources we have online for you.

SPEAKERS:
Eric Muller (Exploratorium: San Rafael, CA)

The Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) immerses students and educators at all levels for free in STEM programming. Through competitions, summer camps, and comprehensive professional development, AEOP stands at the forefront of educational innovation, preparing participants to excel in life.

TAKEAWAYS:
You’ll discover how AEOP spans a variety of educational stages, offering tailored programs that empower both students and teachers to thrive in STEM. We’ll cover how these initiatives equip participants with crucial skills and experiences, setting the stage for personal and professional success.

SPEAKERS:
Brian Kutsch (National Science Teaching Association, eCYBERMISSION: Maumelle, AR)

The Dallas Arboretum has been engaging students of all ages with educational programming for nearly two decades, making standards-based, hands-on learning fun for everyone. Stop by to try out a garden-themed STEM activity and learn about all of the programs we have to offer!

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn about educational programs at the Dallas Arboretum.

SPEAKERS:
Jessica Liken (Dallas Arboretum: Dallas, TX)

Discover how the Detroit Zoos’ Adopt-a-School program brings wildlife conservation into the classroom! Explore virtual opportunities that connect students with zoo experts, offer engaging activities, and inspire environmental stewardship. Learn how to integrate these resources into your curriculum.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to integrate the Detroit Zoos' virtual connections to engage students in wildlife conservation and integrate real-world environmental topics into their curriculum.

SPEAKERS:
Sandy Ling (Detroit Zoological Society: Royal Oak, MI), Thomas Benson (The Detroit Zoo: Lathrup Village, MI)

The CLEAN collection is the only website needed for vetted instructional resources about climate, climate change, and energy. This session will introduce participants to the collection and the resources it has to support climate change education in informal settings.

TAKEAWAYS:
When quality teaching materials to teach about climate and energy are needed for a variety of teaching scenarios, having one place to search is a game-changer, especially knowing that the resources have been reviewed by scientists and educators, and they are connected to the NGSS standards.

SPEAKERS:
Margaret Holzer (none: Somerset, NJ)

Air Camp is a hands-on educational adventure in aviation and aeronautics for students in grades 4-12 and K-12 STEM educators. Aiming to connect, inspire, and provide STEM learning opportunities while offering teachers professional development, valuable resources, classroom materials, and much more.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will have access to teacher resources and professional development opportunities designed to integrate aviation-focused STEM lessons and real-world applications into the classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Jennifer Stormer (3-6 STEM Teacher/ Elementary and Teacher Curriculum Specialist, Air Camp USA: Union, OH), Christina Davis (Air Camp USA, Inc.: Dayton, OH)

Connected Science Learning (CSL) is one of five journals produced by NSTA and is the perfect place for informal science educators to publish their work or serve as a peer reviewer. Attendees will learn about the journal's author guidelines and peer review process from the journal's editors.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn about NSTA's journal Connected Science Learning and how it is a great resource for the informal science educators – especially those that collaborate with schools and teachers. Information about writing and peer reviewing for CSL will be provided.

SPEAKERS:
Beth Murphy (Science from Scientists: Barnes, WI)

Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo offers both in-person and online resources for K-12 teachers that support the learning of NGSS content and skills through connections to real-world science and conservation.

TAKEAWAYS:
Lincoln Park Zoo offers both in-person and online resources for K-12 teachers that support the learning of NGSS content and skills.

SPEAKERS:
Rosie Arnold (Lincoln Park Zoo: Chicago, IL)

Are you looking for resources to engage learners about solar storms and auroras? NASA Heliophysics Education Activation Team (NASA HEAT) has built a framework with three big ideas and 9 topics, mapping existing and future resources to the framework. See demonstrations and share your favorite ones.

TAKEAWAYS:
Heliophysics is a study of the Sun and its impact on Earth, the solar system, and humanity. Find sample activities to share Sun-Earth Connection with youths and the public.

SPEAKERS:
Carolyn Ng (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center/ADNET Systems, Inc.: Greenbelt, MD)

From interpretive programs to teacher workshops, state park educators can assist classrooms, private groups, and you in science education. Stop by our table to try some hands-on activities from our state park specific curricula and learn about the opportunities available to you!

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn about the different programs and curricula that PA DCNR offers and how park educators can assist teachers to integrate MWEEs, PA STEELS and NGSS standards into their classrooms.

SPEAKERS:
Sarah Sato (Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of State Parks: No City, No State)

Project Learning Tree (PLT) is committed to advancing environmental education, forest literacy, and green career pathways, using trees and forests as windows on the world. PLT is sponsored in Pennsylvania by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR).

TAKEAWAYS:
Sample PLT guides will be available as well as information on finding PLT educator workshops and professional development in PA. Sample Activity: Examine tree cookies (cross-sections of trees) to determine the age of trees and to infer the environmental conditions the trees might have experienced.

SPEAKERS:
Colleen Campion (Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Forestry: Honesdale, PA)

The American Museum of Natural History presents Urban Skies, an immersive program where students can explore the cosmos using our digital atlas, OpenSpace. Through hands-on navigation, students engage with space science, develop public speaking skills, and are inspired by careers in astronomy.

TAKEAWAYS:
Discover how immersive technology like OpenSpace can transform education, ignite curiosity, and foster collaboration in classrooms and learning spaces as you virtually orbit Saturn, explore the volcanoes of Mars, or land on the surface of our moon.

SPEAKERS:
Guiomar Camano (The American Museum of Natural History: Bronx, NY), Abigail Dean (American Museum of Natural History: New York, NY)

PART OF NMEA SHARE-A-THON. Stop by and chat with a marine education specialist from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science to learn more about their K-12 lesson plans, digital resources, career materials, and more!

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn about our FREE marine science resources for K-12 educators!

SPEAKERS:
Celia Cackowski (VIMS Marine Advisory Services: Gloucester Point, VA)

Come and connect! Engage with informal science educators from museums, zoos, afterschool, media, non-profits and more. Discover resources, programs, organizations, and opportunities for science educators - formal and informal alike!

TAKEAWAYS:
You'll network with informal educational organizations from across the country, discuss best practices, and discover free, hands-on activities for your organization or classroom.

Who doesn't love a baby tiger cub? Learn how the Philadelphia Zoo and the author of the nonfiction picture book “A Family for Zoya” inspire children through field trips, engaging educational materials, contests, and more to enhance your science curriculum and spark students’ interest in nature.

TAKEAWAYS:
Using the upcoming release "A Family for Zoya: The True Story of an Endangered Cub" as an example, participants will learn how zoos can provide teachers with practical tools for their science teaching.

SPEAKERS:
Debra Goldstein (One Little Earth: Philadelphia, PA)

This session is for informal educators and K-12 educators interested in connecting with the informal community. We will explore how informal educators can "talk the talk" with K-12 teachers and align their work with the NGSS.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn strategies for aligning PL activities with the NGSS.

SPEAKERS:
Rebecca Garelli (Arizona Science Teachers Association: Gilbert, AZ), Karen Hays (Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance: No City, No State), Leah Litz (Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium: Omaha, NE), Carissa Longo (DCNR- Bureau of PA State Parks: Harrisburg, PA), Rebecca Abbott (The Lawrence Hall of Science: Berkeley, CA), Jesse Wilcox (University of Northern Iowa: Cedar Falls, IA)

Want to integrate hands-on STEM projects with any academic content? Join us to explore how students can show off their learning, creativity, and problem-solving skills as they design cardboard arcade games with integrated tech (such as Micro:bits & LittleBits) for self-scoring.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will walk away with practical steps to help them integrate STEM learning into any classroom. They’ll receive a ready-to-use project-based learning module, tools for effective cardboard design, guidance on Micro:bits and Little Bits, and examples to scale projects to fit their needs.

SPEAKERS:
Lindsay Head (Herschel Jones Middle School: Dallas, GA), Veronica Serna-Pulido (Vista Middle School/LAUSD: Panorama City, CA), Dru Humphrey (National Air and Space Museum: Reston, VA)

Billion Oyster Project provides place-based, inquiry-driven curricula, which involves collaboration with teachers as part of a “pilot program” that pays them to use our resources and provide feedback. We will describe the pilot process and how it significantly improves our classroom resources.

TAKEAWAYS:
Billion Oyster Project utilizes a unique pilot program in their curriculum development where teachers are paid to test resources in the classroom and provide feedback for improvement. Their suggestions are incorporated into the published curriculum which is publicly available and free.

SPEAKERS:
Elisa Caref (Billion Oyster Project: Brooklyn, NY), Ann Fraioli (Billion Oyster Project: New York City, NY), Kristin Schreiber (Billion Oyster Project: Plymouth, MA)

This session will share tools and strategies that district-level staff can use to support rolling out science initiatives in schools.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will become aware of tools and strategies for district-level staff to use to support rolling out science initiatives in schools.

SPEAKERS:
Jesse Mechanick (CUNY Graduate Center: Bronx, NY)

What is a science pub? How did you start one? Why should you start one? Think that you are too rural or to urban to start a grassroots activity like a science pub?  Please listen to my pitch about how anyone can do it and how it will increase your networking and your stem community.

TAKEAWAYS:
In addition to learning from my experiences, attendees will have conversations with people from different backgrounds and learn about the challenges that they for see around creating a science pub in their area.

SPEAKERS:
Benjamin Benson (Sanford Research: Sioux Falls, SD)

This session will explore integrated STEM opportunities using real-world contexts within aerospace. Attendees will learn practical strategies and discover how programs like STEM Flights can connect students with authentic STEM experiences and career pathways in their local communities.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to effectively implement integrated STEM education in secondary classrooms by using real-world contexts, enhancing student engagement, and exploring practical strategies, including partnerships like STEM Flights, to connect students with authentic STEM experiences and careers.

SPEAKERS:
Carley Walker (STEM Flights: Stephenson, VA), Britt Miller (George Mason University: Winchester, VA)

This session explores strategies for creating and sustaining partnerships with industry professionals, local organizations, and higher education institutions to enhance authentic learning opportunities for K-12 students, fostering deeper engagement and relevance in environmental science education.

TAKEAWAYS:
Gain actionable tips and tricks for identifying local partners and developing mutually beneficial relationships that yield authentic and engaging learning experiences for your students. This session will also address best practices for bridging the gap between formal and informal science educators.

SPEAKERS:
Carrie Lankford (Red Lion Area School District: Red Lion, PA), Abbey Hathaway (Lincoln Intermediate Unit 12: York, PA)

This roundtable highlights the innovative STEM classroom experiences that emerged when teachers partnered with two innovation district STEM programs: The Pearl’s STEM Lab (Charlotte) and University City Science Center’s FirstHand (Philadelphia), both focused on equitable, skills-based learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will discuss how collaborating with a STEM program in Charlotte or Philadelphia fosters real-world, equitable STEM education and career exposure that boosts students engagement and career readiness.

SPEAKERS:
Shauna Taylor (WALTER G BEYERS: No City, No State), Paris Harrell (Charlotte Macklenburg School: Charlotte, NC), Jalavender Clowney (Saluda Trail Middle School: Rock Hill, SC), Damien Kingsberry (Northridge Middle School: Charlotte, NC), Jessica Enlow (Cabarrus County Schools: Concord, NC), Maggie Pollard (University City Science Center: Philadelphia, PA), Kayla Caldwell (Tilden Middle School: Bala Cynwyd, PA), Kaitlyn Igo (Walter G Byers/ Pearl Ambassador: Mooresville, NC), Maya Heiland (University City Science Center: Philadelphia, PA), Richard Cox, Jr. (Atrium Health: Rock Hill, SC)

Create systemic and sustained networks for Environmental Literacy that connect the classroom and the community. Come and learn from our recent work adapting the concepts of collective impact, which helps develop thought partnerships between nonprofits, community members and school systems.

TAKEAWAYS:
We will share and discuss tools and templates that have been helpful in building community partnerships such as network mapping, the environmental literacy model, and opportunity budgeting. In addition, we will share the source documents and structure of our Network Leadership Course.

SPEAKERS:
Karen Mullin (Chesapeake Bay Foundation: Annapolis, MD)

Billion Oyster Project seeks to expand outdoor education in an effort to promote climate action. Learn how we collaboratively design field trip experiences between teachers and partner organizations, to encourage all educators to teach outdoors, and deepen long-lasting student impacts.

TAKEAWAYS:
Billion Oyster Project believes all educators can teach outdoors. Co-designing and co-leading field trip experiences with partner organizations can support educators in growing in their practice, build greater classroom connections, and empower students to make a lasting impact in their communities.

SPEAKERS:
Shinara Sunderlal (Billion Oyster Project: New York, NY), Mallory Easton (Billion Oyster Project: Brooklyn, NY), Alicia Halpin Ortiz (Billion Oyster Project: New York, NY)

Mobile instructional spaces bring STEM to schools' doorsteps and provide unique learning experiences for students and teachers alike. In this presentation, learn about NYC-based mobile lab BioBus, its impact, and how its unique learning environment can inform (and transform) classroom practices.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will be presented with findings from a published research paper about the best practices of operating a successful mobile lab program and how its learning methodologies can be tailored for the classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Luz Angelica Velasco Vela (BioBus: new york, NY), Jared Fox (Fox EduConsulting: Chevy Chase, MD)

Discover how to transform your school into a thriving, resilient learning community by integrating Social Emotional Learning (SEL) into STEAM. Learn actionable strategies to reduce teacher burnout, enhance student success, and foster wellbeing—all while navigating leadership challenges.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will gain practical, research-backed strategies to integrate SEL into STEAM programs, transforming their schools into positive learning environments, supporting teacher wellbeing, and fostering student success—even in the face of limited resources or resistance.

SPEAKERS:
Nuria Gabitova (Director: Great Falls, VA)

This presentation will explore case studies, best practices, and practical strategies for implementing PBE in diverse educational settings. It will demonstrate how place-based education fosters interdisciplinary learning, critical thinking, and citizen science.

TAKEAWAYS:
The PBE teaching strategy provides an opportunity for teachers to bring real-world situations into the science classroom, thereby creating a stronger link between science learning, the student, and their place. Eventually, this will increase students' engagement and scientific literacy.

SPEAKERS:
Peter Oyewole (Kent State University: Canton, OH)

This workshop will provide a foundation for developing positive impressions about nature while building lifelong social and cognitive skills using an interdisciplinary approach correlated to the National Association of the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) standards and Head Start Domains.

TAKEAWAYS:
Educators will learn about various topics, activities, and experiences inside and outside the classroom that will engage children's sense of wonder about the natural world and invite them to explore and investigate the world around them.

SPEAKERS:
Kim Russell (Nashoba Brooks School: Acton, MA), Kathleen Mahoney (University of Massachusetts Amherst: Amherst, MA)

This session will share ways to bring the National Parks to the urban classroom anywhere and anytime. Resources and teacher development opportunities will be shared including lesson plans and ways to collaborate with (or become) a Teacher-Ranger-Teacher.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will walk away with knowledge of how to easily utilize all that our National Parks offer to improve science education for students in urban areas far away from physical park sites.

SPEAKERS:
Robert Snyder (Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania: GROVE CITY, PA)

This presentation draws on outreach experiences with pre-service teachers working with emergent multilingual students in multiple settings. We will document our journey adapting research recommendations on equity and culturally sustaining approaches to plan and improve an integrated STEM unit.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will explore culturally sustaining approaches and scaffolds for emergent multilingual students in STEM. Practical advice and tips will be provided with specific examples from practice.

SPEAKERS:
Maria Rebecca Duiker (Young Scholars of Central Pennsylvania Charter School: State College, PA), Carmen Vanderhoof (Penn State: University Park, PA)

Written text and images on a cereal box reflect many STEM concepts (e.g., shapes, numbers). By teaching with cereal boxes that children bring to school, teachers can build on children’s funds of knowledge and make informal science learning accessible to ALL children while addressing NGSS.

TAKEAWAYS:
You will explore STEM concepts in cereal boxes and learn from classroom examples of engaging children in exploring STEM concepts. You will brainstorm ideas for using cereal boxes in your own classrooms.

SPEAKERS:
Shelley Xu (California State University Long Beach)

Anato-Bee co-founders will describe programming that is improving the matriculation rates of high school students into STEMM-related degree programs. Plans to expand programming to the first two-years of undergraduate coursework minimizing attrition from gate-keeper courses will also be discussed.

TAKEAWAYS:
A description of the benefits of participation in Anato-Bee programming, a scholastic competition for high school students, especially those underrepresented in STEMM. Open access resources for the anatomical sciences developed and curated by Anato-Bee cofounders will be shared with attendees.

SPEAKERS:
Danal Peterson (Drexel University College of Medicine: Reading, PA)

We invite educators from both formal and informal science learning environments to come and engage with the Informal Science committee. Learn how the committee can support you, and connect with professionals from museums, zoos, aquaria, out-of-school-time programs, and more!

TAKEAWAYS:
Meet the Informal Science Committee and find out how to connect with them in their work to support informal educators, expand the role of informal learning institutions, and strengthen the bonds between formal and informal science learning.

SPEAKERS:
Hannah Eisla (Tellus Science Museum: Cartersville, GA), Rosie Arnold (Lincoln Park Zoo: Chicago, IL), Lindsay Milner (Mad Science Group Inc.: Montreal, QC), Karen Hays (Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance: No City, No State)

Interested in innovative ways to bring STEM to life in your classroom? Explore our STEM project-based learning framework by designing recipes for making coffee, marketing, and financial planning. NGSS crosscutting concepts, such as patterns and cause and effect, are incorporated throughout.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will brainstorm ways to integrate the three main topics of marketing, financial planning, and recipe development into their classroom within a café-themed experience. Our participants will explore engaging and hands-on STEM activities that can be adapted across other school programs.

SPEAKERS:
Andrew Kipp (Texas A&M: McAllen, TX), Nipah Onkananuwonk (Texas A&M University: College Station, TX)

Create a solar powered diorama using solar panels and capacitors as power storage in this hands-on beginner workshop. Keep what you make. This workshop is perfect for 9th-12th grade and high school educators in Art and STEM, as well as informal and home school educators.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to use solar panels in a classroom setting

SPEAKERS:
Asia Ward (KidWind Project: Ellwood City, PA)