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)

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)

Sponsoring Company: miniPCR bio

Link physical science concepts like circuits and charged particles to the essential biotech method gel electrophoresis. Build a reusable gel electrophoresis system with the Bandit STEM Electrophoresis Kit, and use it to separate colorful dyes. Also, add the A to STEAM with creative pipetting art!

SPEAKERS:
Rose Chaffee-Cohen (miniPCR: Cambridge, MA)

Sponsoring Company: Carolina Biological Supply Co.

Take a tour through the mammalian heart and trace the path of a blood cell on its journey to oxygenation. Participants take blood pressure readings. Then dissect a preserved sheep heart to model blood flow and connect BP to heart anatomy. Don’t skip a beat - it’s going to be hands-on fun!

SPEAKERS:
Patti Kopkau (Carolina Biological Supply Co.: Hale, MI)

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)

Sponsoring Company: Carolina Biological Supply Co.

Explore hands-on training in biotechnology! Teachers in this workshop will conduct two activities with BioBuilder’s proven classroom and laboratory curriculum designed for students gain industry microcredentials and to be college and career ready. Search "BioTechBuilder" online to learn more!

SPEAKERS:
Natalie Kuldell (Biobuilder Educational Foundation: Newton Center, MA)

Commonwealth Charter Academy is leading the way for workforce development through our innovative Works Programs. Our career readiness programs align with the PA STEELS standards. K-12 educators/administrators are welcome to learn how we are changing the landscape in TechWorks, AgWorks and MedWorks.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn about CCA's innovative workforce development programs

SPEAKERS:
Debbie Reynolds (Commonwealth Charter Academy: Bethel Park, PA)

Invention Education supercharges STEM for all K-12 students! Learn how invention meets the needs of all learners and become an inventor yourself! Through one of our invention activities you will transform ordinary items into extraordinary inventions, igniting creativity and problem-solving skills.

TAKEAWAYS:
Experience the power of creative problem solving through an innovation activity to help educators prepare students to become inventors. Learn how invention becomes a vehicle for connecting your students with their community. The session will connect educators with free resources too!

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

How might a single microbe curb the spread of mosquito-borne diseases and invasive species? Join us to discuss the implementation of student-driven research programs and contribution of meaningful data to the scientific community. Together, let’s unravel the biodiversity of this fascinating microbe!

TAKEAWAYS:
Course-based research experiences (CREs) develop workforce-ready skills, build confidence and expertise to pursue postsecondary STEM education, and, most importantly, allow students to envision themselves as scientists.

SPEAKERS:
Danielle Rosensteel (State College Area High School: State College, PA), Meghan Kanski (Unionville High School: King of Prussia, PA), Sarah Bordenstein (Penn State University: University Park, PA)

Sponsoring Company: Carolina Biological Supply Co.

Assume the role of a crime scene investigator to solve a realistic crime scenario. Students use fingerprint, hair analysis, tire track impressions, blood typing, forensic entomology, and a police log review to identify a primary suspect from a pool of 6 alleged perpetrators.

SPEAKERS:
Laurie Nixon (Watauga High School: Blowing Rock, NC)

Representatives from the GLOBE Program, MYNASA Data, and NASA GLOBE Mission Earth, will discuss and answer questions about available educational and scientific products, that focus on Acquiring -Analyzing- Applying satellite imagery, remote sensing, and computer visualizations for student research.

TAKEAWAYS:
Using the Space to Earth:Earth to Space (SEES) Model, students can actively engage in investigations using authentic NASA imagery, data, and visualizations using from Earth Observing Satellites, remote sensing, and ground observations and measurements using scientific protocols

SPEAKERS:
Jessica Taylor (NASA Langley Research Center: Hampton, VA), Michael Jabot (SUNY Fredonia: Fredonia, NY), John Moore (Institute for Earth Observations: Laurel Springs, NJ)

Hands-on activities aimed to help secondary and CTE students become acquainted with careers that exist in the energy industry and beyond, as well as to understand personality traits and soft skills that are essential to being a good worker and team player.

TAKEAWAYS:
Activities to conduct with secondary students to showcase career opportunities in energy-related fields and help students to identify skills and traits for career readiness, not just with a four-year degree but also certification and trade school career paths.

SPEAKERS:
Paula Miller (Abraham Lincoln High School: Philadelphia, PA)

In this interactive session, teachers will share how they designed and implemented BioSTEM: a curriculum that immerses all students in real-world science practices and connects them to jobs of the future. Hands-on demos and program data will show how the curriculum benefits teachers and students.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will leave with insights from and access to a free, teacher-developed biotechnology curriculum. With these tools, they will be equipped to incorporate more project-based learning and community involvement in their classes, including scaffolding content for struggling learners.

SPEAKERS:
Amber Comer-Jensen (Greeneville High School: Greeneville, TN), Ben Gold (AnLar, LLC: Nashville, TN)

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

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

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

Explore community science with eels! This workshop engages teachers in hands-on mapping activities, eel life cycles, and migration research. Learn about fisheries conservation, data literacy, fieldwork, and access online interdisciplinary K-12 unit plans. Free estuary resources provided!

TAKEAWAYS:
Studying eels allows teachers to address science standards using data collected by students and community scientists. Educators gain practical resources to enhance classroom and field experiences with this oddly engaging animal. Eel conservation makes learning science fun and impactful!

SPEAKERS:
Roy Arezzo (National Marine Sanctuary Foundation: Brooklyn, NY)

Sponsoring Company: MiniOne Systems

Hair, fingerprints, and DNA evidence are left behind at the scene of a murder. Can you use them to find Dr. Ward's killer? Your students will love being the crime scene investigators while learning how to use electrophoresis to perform DNA analysis in a single classroom period. Come learn how!

SPEAKERS:
Priya Mangano (BridgeWater Raynham Regional High School: Bridgewater, MA), Lindsay Hamilton (Bridgewater Raritan High School: Bridgewater, PA)

Sponsoring Company: Carolina Biological Supply Co.

Take a tour through the mammalian heart and trace the path of a blood cell on its journey to oxygenation. Participants take blood pressure readings. Then dissect a preserved sheep heart to model blood flow and connect BP to heart anatomy. Don’t skip a beat - it’s going to be hands-on fun!

SPEAKERS:
Patti Kopkau (Carolina Biological Supply Co.: Hale, MI)

Sponsoring Company: Carolina Biological Supply Co.

Revitalize your structure and function lesson while employing 3D instruction with a classroom autopsy! In Part 1, participants explore the external anatomy and begin the dissection of a Carolina’s Perfect Solution® pig using the protocols of a forensic pathologist. NOTE: This is a 2-block session.

SPEAKERS:
Patti Kopkau (Carolina Biological Supply Co.: Hale, MI)

With the goal of assisting science educators embed bioscience workplace competencies into curricula, inspiring students to pursue meaningful careers, and enthusing them to earn the national Biotechnology Aptitude and Competency Exam (BACE) credential, UF Biotility has launched a free badging system.

TAKEAWAYS:
Discover how these eight bite-sized accomplishments serve as motivators and indicators of capabilities to employers, plus provide valuable teacher feedback. Attendees will also learn about industry careers, and aligning standards included on the BACE.

SPEAKERS:
Tamara Mandell (Biotility: Gainesville, FL)

Sponsoring Company: Carolina Biological Supply Co.

Attendees from Part 1 continue the autopsy of their Carolina’s Perfect Solution® pig in the final portion of this workshop! Each “pathologist” will remove the organ block and examine individual organs, while learning tips about dissection and 3D instruction implementation. NOTE: Must attend Part 1.

SPEAKERS:
Patti Kopkau (Carolina Biological Supply Co.: Hale, MI)

How did humans turn a simple grass into a staple food crop? And, how are scientists working to ensure that corn can continue to feed billions of people as the world’s climate changes? In this new storyline on popcorn, students will think like scientists as they enjoy this yummy snack food.

TAKEAWAYS:
Explore a new storyline on popcorn that engages students in constructing explanations from evidence. Students investigate how teosinte evolved into one of the most important food crops on Earth-corn, as they learn about genetics and future evolution in order to meet the needs of a changing planet.

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

Learn how DoD scientists & engineers in Philadelphia work with educators and students to translate complex emerging technologies and concepts into classroom projects that make STEM relevant and enticing to all students. You will also learn how to access the vast portfolio of DoD STEM resources.

TAKEAWAYS:
The DoD serves as one of the world's largest incubators of STEM innovation. Learn how to access its vast portfolio of resources and tools, such as lesson plans, classroom projects, internships, scholarships, and fellowships for students and educators.

SPEAKERS:
Julie Stolzer (Teaching Institute for Excellence in STEM (TIES): Cleveland, OH), Tristan Wolfe (Naval Surface Warfare Center, Philadelphia Division: Philadelphia, PA)

Sponsoring Company: miniPCR bio

Explore how genetic testing can assess hereditary cancer risk. Students use gel electrophoresis and pedigree analysis to test family members for Lynch syndrome. Plus, engage with the medical and bioethical implications of genetic testing through a role-play activity!

SPEAKERS:
Rose Chaffee-Cohen (miniPCR: Cambridge, MA)

Sponsoring Company: Carolina Biological Supply Co.

Assume the role of a crime scene investigator to solve a realistic crime scenario. Students use fingerprint, hair analysis, tire track impressions, blood typing, forensic entomology, and a police log review to identify a primary suspect from a pool of 6 alleged perpetrators.

SPEAKERS:
Laurie Nixon (Watauga High School: Boone, NC)

We’ll explore how agriculture is used in Florida elementary education to teach STEM, critical thinking, and environmental stewardship. Participants will learn strategies, resources, and lesson plans to engage students, meeting NGSS while making science relevant and connected to their daily lives.

TAKEAWAYS:
Agriculture can be used as a teaching tool in elementary education.

SPEAKERS:
Mary Lynn Hess (Goldsboro Elementary Magnet School: Sanford, FL), Jennifer Morgenthal (University of Florida/ FAITC)

Case studies are a great learning tool for postsecondary general education students who may struggle to engage with and understand complex scientific topics. In this presentation, the use of specific case studies in a general education Biology class and the benefits of their use will be discussed.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will gain a greater understanding of the benefits of case studies in the science classroom. Case study resources and teaching methods, as well as specific examples of case studies related to classroom topics, will also be discussed.

SPEAKERS:
Rachel Pritchard (Central Ohio Technical College: Newark, OH)

Students use virtual reality to investigate tarantula anatomy & behaviors, collaborating with neuroscientists to develop strategies that promote empathy and address phobias. During a community STEM night, they team up with professionals to test & enhance their empathy-building designs. Come try VR.

TAKEAWAYS:
Discover how students harness virtual reality as a dynamic STEM tool, bringing education and community partnerships together to explore bioscience career pathways. Join us to experience the future of learning and collaboration unfold in exciting new ways!

SPEAKERS:
Bernadette Barragan (syGlass Inc: No City, No State)

There is a critical shortage of professionals in the healthcare industry. This has increased efforts to attract people to the field at many levels, the most significant of which is the middle school years. This presentation focuses on engaging middle-level students in biomedical research.

TAKEAWAYS:
This session provides attendees with in-depth content and engaging pedagogy related to inquiry-based biomedical science. This is conveyed through exemplar classroom-ready, hands-on lessons that align with actual biomedical research and the Next Generation Science standards.

SPEAKERS:
Adam Scribner (Indiana University Bloomington: Bloomington, IN), Gayle Buck (Indiana University Bloomington: Bloomington, IN)

Sponsoring Company: Carolina Biological Supply Co.

Join leading scientists from a one-of-a-kind research institute as they dive deep into a CRISPR gene editing experiment from their educational kit. CRISPR in a Box can be integrated into high school and college classes. Get ready to master skills used in a cancer research lab!

SPEAKERS:
Sarah LaTorre (Sarah LaTorre - Christiana Care's Gene Editing Institute: Newark, DE), Amanda Hewes (Gene Editing Institute; ChristianaCare Health System: Newark, DE)

Science Friday, your trusted source for news and entertaining stories about science, is more than a radio show. SciFri also creates exciting, free STEM activities developed by educators like you that make cutting-edge science accessible to everyone. Discover why every day is Science Friday!

TAKEAWAYS:
Stop by the Science Friday table to explore demo activities and grab free resources. While you’re here, sign up to receive free materials for our “Hack Your Brain” escape room and register for our Down to Earth program with the ISS. Plus, learn to make engaging audiograms to share with learners.

SPEAKERS:
Sandra Roberts (Science Friday: Blairstown, NJ)

Sponsoring Company: Savvas Learning Company

Join Savvas PathMaker for a workshop exploring how dual enrollment and career technical education can ignite student interest in STEM fields, and put them on a career path. Discover innovative college and career readiness strategies and solutions that empower students to thrive in STEM careers.

SPEAKERS:
Collin Dennis (Savvas Learning Co.: Paramus, NJ)

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 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)

This student investigation explores the fate of agrochemicals in the environment. We’ll characterize soil, review the nitrogen cycle, and begin a project to track fertilizer ammonia volatilization, all tied to the socio-scientific question, “What is Man’s Impact on Earth?”

TAKEAWAYS:
Nitrogen fertilizers are ubiquitous, and their use is increasing; they’re meant to be plant food but may end up in the air instead. How does it volatilize? Where does it go? Why is this a problem? Placed-based environmentally conscious relevant science adaptable for all ages and skill levels.

SPEAKERS:
Lacey Fitts (Mississippi State University: Hernando, MS)

Sponsoring Company: RAYN Growing Systems

EdRack is the latest in horticultural ed systems designed to bridge all STEM categories through interactive labs. This hydroponic growing system brings industry standard cultivation methods to the classroom. We built in NGSS alignment to ensure compatibility with your educational requirements.

The Education Research & Outreach Lab at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center aims to connect learners at all levels with the vital role of plant science in improving the human condition through innovative STEAM+Ag® education, inclusive community partnerships, and cutting-edge research.

TAKEAWAYS:
Authentic Research Experiences and Education Technology programs provided by the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center facilitate student experiences to enhance learning, foster interest, and prepare a diverse STEAM+Ag® next-generation workforce equipped to meet the challenges of the future.

SPEAKERS:
Ashley Kass (Donald Danforth Plant Science Center)

This roundtable will discuss career pathways and resources for educators to combine student’s interest in STEM fields like biology, chemistry, and engineering to high-paying, innovative, and #trending careers in advanced manufacturing.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn about career pathways in the advanced manufacturing for STEM students in biology, chemistry, engineering, and physics. Attendees will receive a poster for their classrooms with example career pathways of real people working in advanced manufacturing with a STEM career.

SPEAKERS:
Amy Keesler (IACMI-The Composites Institute: MORRISTOWN, TN), Brad Conrad (NIST: Gaithersburg, MD), Christy Johnson (ARMI Advance Regenerative Manufacturing Institute), John Zappa (ARM Institute: Pittsburgh, PA)

This session showcases how K12 educators can access Department of Defense (DoD) STEM assets and opportunities that foster authentic learning opportunities and connections to STEM career pathways.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn about a suite of STEM resources and opportunities - as well as efficient ways to incorporate these in the classroom - that support students toward future careers in STEM.

SPEAKERS:
Erika Levrault (Mascoutah District 19: Mascoutah, IL), Tiffany Jones (Global Impact STEM Magnet High School: Atlanta, GA), Stacey Reed (Green Street Academy: Baltimore, MD), Eric Moore (TGR Foundation: Irvine, CA)

Sponsoring Company: RAYN Growing Systems

EdRack is the latest in horticultural ed systems designed to bridge all STEM categories through interactive labs. This hydroponic growing system brings industry standard cultivation methods to the classroom. We built in NGSS alignment to ensure compatibility with your educational requirements.

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)

Biotechnology, Career and Technical Education (CTE), and Student Research programs are increasingly implemented into high school and postsecondary education. Let’s explore resources for funding and programming, share challenges and success stories, and discuss opportunities for collaboration.

TAKEAWAYS:
You are not alone! Join a community of dedicated educators and administrators to uplift the STEM workforce through hands-on, inquiry-based research opportunities and skills-based classroom experiences.

SPEAKERS:
Christine Girtain (Toms River High School South: Toms River, NJ), Sarah Bordenstein (Penn State University: University Park, PA)