Sponsoring Company: Kids Making Sense

Provide educators with the resources to teach students how to measure and monitor air quality, to interpret the data they collect, and to take action to reduce their exposure to air pollution.

TAKEAWAYS:
How: 1. to meaningfully engage students in hands-on science activities; 2. using sensors can enhance the quality and comparability of data, while increasing student engagement; and 3. incorporating citizen science activities can enhance outcomes for communities.

SPEAKERS:
Olivia Ryder (Sonoma Technology: Petaluma, CA)

Sponsoring Company: BIOZONE International Ltd.

BIOZONE’s two NGSS series have been designed to fully embrace the spirit of the NGSS. We will compare their features, guiding you to select the series best suited to your program. We will show how BIOZONE’s flexible print and digital solutions support you to teach face-to-face, remotely, or through hybrid programs.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Comparing features of the standard and integrated NGSS series; 2. guiding participants to select the series best suited to their program; and 3. print and digital solutions to support teachers who are teaching remotely or face-to-face.

SPEAKERS:
Lissa Bainbridge-Smith (BIOZONE Corp.: Parker, CO), James Leggett (BIOZONE Corp.: Parker, CO)

Sponsoring Company: STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning

In this workshop, we will utilize a simple yet effective talk process that encourages students to more fully own their thinking and effectively communicate their ideas to peers. Join us in this interactive session to learn various talk strategies that support the NGSS Science and Engineering Practices, Argument-Driven Inquiry (ADI), and best-practice instruction for all learners!

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Describe several ways to encourage student voice in the classroom; 2. how do you create an inclusive environment?; and 3. what are some examples of shared experiences?

SPEAKERS:
Kristan Buckman (STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning: Houston, TX), Pam O'Brien (STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning: Houston, TX)

Sponsoring Company: STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning

Join us to empower students' autonomous learning. We will explore a backward design strategy that helps you create a clear path of learning intentions through all your lessons, encouraging students to track their progress and decide how their time is spent preparing for the unit assessment.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Model a variety of formative assessments; 2. discuss how the results guide instruction; and 3. use student reflection to enhance student ownership.

SPEAKERS:
Kristan Buckman (STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning: Houston, TX)

Sponsoring Company: STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning

Engineering design challenges enable you to apply science and engineering practices in your classroom! Discover structures and strategies that will encourage critical thinking and problem solving through the Engineering Design Process. Learn how to implement, modify, and scaffold these strategies for distance learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. What is the Engineering Design Process (EDP) and what does it look like?; 2. how can we model the EDP experience with students, Including roles, navigation, and reflection?; and 3. how can we relate the EDP experiences to real life, 3-D learning, and 21st-century skills?

SPEAKERS:
Pam O'Brien (STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning: Houston, TX)

Sponsoring Company: Savvas Learning Co.

Science provides one of the best opportunities for teachers to offer equitable learning experiences for all students. By using science phenomena to anchor instruction, and by centering the anchoring phenomena around the students' locality and culture, all students have a voice and are represented. Join us to learn how to create a lesson plan centered around local phenomena that also engages students in STEM, modeling, inquiry, and much more!

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Recognize the importance of using local phenomena to engage all learners; 2. use local phenomena to create phenomenal STEM lesson plans, including modeling and inquiry; and 3. provide exemplar resources to use in teachers' classrooms to promote phenomena and STEM.

SPEAKERS:
Monica Wadler (Savvas Learning Co.: Paramus, NJ)

Sponsoring Company: DoD STEM

An introduction to STEM IT!, a pilot program aimed at increasing the number of underrepresented students with competitive applications to high school STEM internships.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will: 1. learn strategies for educating and coaching underrepresented students on how to find paid STEM internships, and to plan their application process and anticipation of interviews; 2. be introduced to a step-by-step approach to coaching and mentoring students through the actual application process, including helping them navigate complex technology, letters of reference requests, and responding to difficult interview questions; and 3. be provided with suggestions for guiding students through practice interviews and sharing basics of a workforce culture.

SPEAKERS:
Julie Stolzer (Teaching Institute for Excellence in STEM (TIES): Cleveland, OH), Toby Bothel (TAB Education Partners: Canton, OH), Marc Siciliano (Consultant: Chicago, IL)

Sponsoring Company: Savvas Learning Co.

How do you teach science online? Can students do labs online, can they engage in discussions, can they solve problems together? In this session, you'll learn about the Communities of Inquiry framework and how to use it to make your online lessons engaging.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn: 1. about the Communities of Inquiry framework and how to use it to make online lessons engaging; 2. how to do science inquiry with students either synchronously through remote learning, or asynchronously in fully online formats; and 3. strategies for engaging students with labs, problem solving, and discussions online.

SPEAKERS:
Christopher Moore (University of Nebraska Omaha: Omaha, NE)

Sponsoring Company: Pivot Interactives

Pivot Interactives does more than just labs; with bell ringers and assessment tools built into the platform, it is designed to be a one-stop shop for science.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Makes demos interactive by providing short activities great for introducing new concepts; 2. enables authentic assessment by bringing experimental problems directly to students, regardless of their location; and 3. allows instructors to craft their own activities, down to the videos included in the assessments. It’s perfect for synchronous in-person sessions as well.

SPEAKERS:
Eric Friberg (Pivot Interactives: Minneapolis, MN)

Sponsoring Company: Pivot Interactives

This 25-minute session provides an introduction to Pivot Interactives as a tool for teaching the physical sciences, including physics and chemistry.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. See a preview of student activities related to the physical sciences in a variety of forms, including interactive video, simulations, and sensors; 2. receive an initial view of the Pivot Interactives platform, including searching the libraries, setting up a class, and editing activities; and 3. consider some use cases in the classroom, including remote and in-person learning, lab supplements, and authentic assessments.

SPEAKERS:
Eric Friberg (Pivot Interactives: Minneapolis, MN)

Sponsoring Company: Pivot Interactives

This 25-minute session provides an introduction to Pivot Interactives as a tool for teaching the life sciences, including biology and environmental science.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. See a preview of student activities related to the life sciences in a variety of forms, including interactive video, simulations, and sensors; 2. receive an initial view of the Pivot Interactives platform, including searching the libraries, setting up a class, and editing activities; and 3. consider some use cases in the classroom, including remote and in-person learning, lab supplements, and authentic assessments.

SPEAKERS:
Eric Friberg (Pivot Interactives: Minneapolis, MN)

Sponsoring Company: Amplify

How can we best support students in building evidence-based explanations of phenomena?

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees with learn how: 1. a multi-modal approach allows students to gather evidence from a variety of sources and grapple with phenomena and real-world problems like scientists do; 2. an evidence-based learning approach works to support the NGSS; and 3. evaluating evidence can help students work toward being college and career ready.

SPEAKERS:
Rebecca Abbott (The Lawrence Hall of Science: Berkeley, CA)

Sponsoring Company: Amplify

Geologists found a mysterious fossil in a rocky outcrop. How did it get there?

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how: 1. phenomenon-based science supports three-dimensional teaching and learning; 2. instructional sequences designed around engaging, authentic phenomena can motivate students by providing a powerful context; and 3. putting students in the role of a scientist or engineer can help them develop skills for college and careers.

SPEAKERS:
Rebecca Abbott (The Lawrence Hall of Science: Berkeley, CA)

Sponsoring Company: Amplify

Cultivate curiosity and value student voices while utilizing the structures and content from phenomena-based, NGSS-focused curricula.

TAKEAWAYS:
All attendees will learn: 1. strategies on how to cultivate curiosity and value student voices; 2. how an NGSS-focused curriculum can support deeper learning and understanding; and 3. how to elevate science implementation by establishing a culture of figuring out.

SPEAKERS:
Rebecca Abbott (The Lawrence Hall of Science: Berkeley, CA)

Please enjoy this video of the following Pecha Kucha presentations on the best practices in STEM education.

Don't forget to attend the Elementary STEM Showcase at 4:15 PM EDT on Monday, July 26, to interact with presenters about STEM investigations and resources during the live Q&A session.

Transdisciplinary Instruction Through STEAM
Presenters: Kristin Cook and Richard Cox

STEAMING Ahead! Architects and Engineers Create, Discover, and Explore
Presenter: Belle Akers

Elementary Energy Explorations
Presenter: Melanie Harper

Mars Rover Landing Inspires Connected Curriculum
Presenter: Katie Morrison

Coding Science Stories
Presenter: Ashley Townsend

Early Childhood Engineering Experiences to Engage In-Person and Virtual Students
Presenter: Jenn Brown-Whale

Green Architects: The Wall Is Alive
Presenter: Annette Venegas

City on the Delta: Teaching Natural Disasters with the Engineering Design Process
Presenter: Jennifer C. Williams

Did You Feel That? A PreK Class Uses Local Phenomenon to Begin Studying Geology
Presenter: Anne Lowry

Family STEAM Nights Unpacked
Presenter: Elizabeth Dethloff

Far Away Ocean Problems with Local Connections: Engaging Students with Literature and Place-Based Learning
Presenter: Patricia Newman

SPEAKERS:
Richard Cox, Jr. (Atrium Health), Elizabeth Dethloff (Robert R. Shaw Center for STEAM: Katy, TX), Melanie Harper (The NEED Project: Manassas, VA), Belle Akers (Convent & Stuart Hall's Schools of the Sacred Heart: San Francisco, CA), Jenn Brown-Whale (Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE): Baltimore, MD), Kristin Cook (Bellarmine University: Louisville, KY), Anne Lowry (Aleph Academy: Reno, NV), Katie Morrison (University Child Development School: Seattle, WA), Patricia Newman (Children's Book Author & Speaker: Carmichael, CA), Ashley Townsend (Oak Grove Primary School: Prairieville, LA), Annette Venegas (Kent School District: Kent, WA), Jennifer Williams (Isidore Newman School: New Orleans, LA)

Please enjoy this video of the following Pecha Kucha presentations on the best practices in STEM education.

Don't forget to attend the Elementary STEM Showcase at 4:15 PM EDT on Monday, July 26, to interact with presenters about STEM investigations and resources during the live Q&A session.

Remote Robots Roundup
Presenter: Tom Lauwers

STREAMing Engineering in the Elementary Classroom
Presenters: Lauren E. Burrow and Chrissy Cross

Build Like a Bird Engineer
Presenter: Julie Travaglini

Science Discoveries in PreK Town Planning?
Presenter: Anne Lowry

Adding STEAM to Your School Garden?
Presenters: Janet Mannheimer Zydney, Richard Schaen, and Jen Dobson

The Little Solar Pump That Could: An Elementary Gather, Reason, Communicate (GRC) Lesson
Presenter: Rebecca Garelli

Busy Birds Nest Builders
Presenter: Nancy Smith

STEMify Virtual Experiences
Presenter: Elizabeth Dethloff

Draw Like a Scientist
Presenter: Christine Preston

Family STEAM Nights Unpacked
Presenter: Elizabeth Dethloff

Transformative Curriculum Making: Science Accessible
Presenters: Sumer Seiki, Jolynn Asato, and Manisha Hariani

SPEAKERS:
Jolynn Asato (San Jose State University: San Jose, CA), Lauren Burrow (Stephen F. Austin State University: Nacogdoches, TX), Chrissy Cross (Stephen F. Austin State University: Nacogdoches, TX), Elizabeth Dethloff (Robert R. Shaw Center for STEAM: Katy, TX), Jen Dobson (Wyoming City Schools: Cincinnati, OH), Rebecca Garelli (Arizona Science Teachers Association), Manisha Hariani (The Lawrence Hall of Science: Berkeley, CA), Tom Lauwers (Birdbrain Technologies, LLC: Pittsburgh, PA), Anne Lowry (Aleph Academy: Reno, NV), Janet Mannheimer Zydney (University of Cincinnati: Cincinnati, OH), Christine Preston (The University of Sydney: Sydney, 0), Richard Schaen (Wyoming City Schools: Cincinnati, OH), Sumer Seiki (University of California Riverside Extension: Riverside, CA), Nancy Smith (Heatherstone Elementary School: Olathe, KS), Julie Travaglini (Allegheny Land Trust: Sewickley, PA), Ben Koo (The Lawrence Hall of Science: Berkeley, CA)

Please enjoy this video of the following Pecha Kucha presentations on the best practices in STEM education.

Don't forget to attend the Elementary STEM Showcase at 4:15 PM EDT on Monday, July 26, to interact with presenters about STEM investigations and resources during the live Q&A session.

Practicing the Practices in Elementary Engineering Design
Presenter: Ashley Townsend

Introductory STEM: Engaging Preschoolers with Dinosaurs
Presenter: Laura B. Schneider

Growing Plants and Minds: Using Digital Tools to Support Preschool STEM Learning
Presenter: Ashley Lewis Presser

Documenting Early Science Learning Through Children's Nature Journals
Presenter: Ron Grady

Bookmark STEM: Engaging Families in STEM and Literacy
Presenter: Sara Nelson

Marvelous Metals Matter! (A STEAM Lesson for Fifth Graders Incorporates the Engineering Design Process with Implications for Other Grade Levels)
Presenter: Kathleen J. Tate

Engineering with Paper: STEAM Projects with Just Paper, Tape, and Scissors
Presenter: Godwyn Morris

Pulmonology! Students Diagnose Diseases Like Lung Cancer Through Sound!
Presenter: Dieuwertje Kast

Science Tales
Presenter: Robert Wallace

Let's Celebrate the Poetry of Science
Presenters: Janet Wong and Sylvia Vardell

SPEAKERS:
Ron Grady (NOLA Nature School: New Orleans, LA), Dr. Dieuwertje Kast (USC Joint Educational Project: Los Angeles, CA), Ashley E. Lewis Presser (EDC Center for Children and Technology: New York, NY), Godwyn Morris (Dazzling Discoveries / Skill Mill NYC: New York, NY), Sara Nelson (Iowa State University: Ames, IA), Laura Schneider (Father Andrew White School: Leonardtown, MD), Kathleen Tate (American Public University System: Charles Town, WV), Ashley Townsend (Oak Grove Primary School: Prairieville, LA), Sylvia Vardell (Texas Woman's University: Denton, TX), Rob Wallace (: Kenner, LA), Janet Wong (Pomelo Books: Princeton, NJ)

As seen on the Today Show and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Dr. Kate Biberdorf is breaking stereotypes and blowing stuff up—all in a good pair of heels. Through her theatrical and hands-on approach to teaching, Dr. Biberdorf is breaking down the image of the stereotypical scientist, while reaching students that might otherwise be intimidated by science. Drawing forth emotional responses, rather than rote recitation of facts is key to Biberdorf ’s dynamic approach to her program, as well as to science in general. Her exciting and engaging program leaves audiences with a positive, memorable impression of science—all while diminishing the stigma around women in science.

Dr. Biberdorf is the author of Kate the Chemist: The Big Book of Experiments, a collection of 25 kid-friendly science experiments that come prepared with a messiness factor rating and a note from Kate about how each experiment works. Her newest book, Dragons vs. Unicorns, is a children's novel and was released in March 2020.

SPEAKERS:
Kate Biberdorf (The University of Texas at Austin: Austin, TX)

Using inquiry-based activities, we will investigate how our lives are connected to the ocean and how we impact it through climate change, pollution, and overfishing.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Learn how to introduce phenomena-based activities about climate science to students, including global warming, ocean acidification, coral bleaching, and plastic pollution; 2. Increase ocean awareness and inspire community involvement that leads to changes in the status quo; and 3. Suggest ideas for preparing students as future leaders to think globally about the ocean as it impacts food supplies, jobs, and populations on the move to escape sea level rise and crop failure.

SPEAKERS:
Patricia Newman (Children's Book Author & Speaker: Carmichael, CA)

Discover how to engage students in science using three-dimensional learning with engineering projects and computational thinking. Free access to grades 3–5 lessons.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Explore real-world phenomena to motivate students and guide learning; 2. Learn practical tips for reaching all three dimensions of the science standards; and 3. Understand how to guide students in conducting online research and analyzing authentic data.

SPEAKERS:
Brittany Pike (CYBER.ORG: Bossier City, LA), Laurie Salvail (CYBER.ORG: Bossier City, LA)

Co-teaching or have lots of mainstreamed SPED students? Pick up some useful strategies and clever tools to help bridge the anxiety gap here!

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Co-teaching best practices; 2. Mainstreaming with SPED students made more comprehensible and easier to do; and 3. Online teaching, grading for SPED students and more addressed.

SPEAKERS:
Julie A. Smith (Lennox Middle School: Lennox, CA)

Students and teachers can learn about STEM in an immersive and risk-friendly environment? A regional student competition was developed to accomplish this feat.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Students will take risks in learning when they are set up for success; 2. Teachers and students can learn together; and 3. Professional Development does not have to be lecture in format.

SPEAKERS:
Patrice Semicek (Montgomery County Intermediate Unit 23: Norristown, PA), Ben DeSantis (Montgomery County Intermediate Unit 23: Norristown, PA)

Across the globe, dogs snoop on poop to save endangered species. By studying the stories in scat, students learn mapping, literacy and data interpretation skills.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. The science of scat and the detection dog methodology offer engrossing strategies to engage students with STEM; 2. Scientific fields depend on scientists from diverse backgrounds with diverse skill sets; and 3. Strategies and visuals help students understand, collect, map, and interpret data responsibly.

SPEAKERS:
Heather Montgomery (Science Author: Ardmore, TN)

The Dallas Arboretum and Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD will share the process and results of their collaborative STEM hydroponics program.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will: 1. explore the development process of the hydroponics collaborative; 2. view sample before-and-after lesson plans as a result of the curriculum redesign; and 3. learn about lessons learned and opportunities for growth, including adjustments due to distance learning.

SPEAKERS:
Dustin Miller (Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden: Dallas, TX), Christy McClain (Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD: Carrollton, TX)

In this session, we will illustrate how educators created integrated STEM activities through real-world sustainability design challenges.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Sustainability issues engage students with real-world local and global problems; 2. Adapting a "Shark Tank-like" format into a "Rethink Tank" provides key questions and criteria to help students use entrepreneurial thinking to create innovative solutions to problems; and 3. Sustainability topics allow for not only STEM integration, but connections to English Language Arts, Social Studies, Career Education, and the Arts.

SPEAKERS:
Deborah Kozdras (University of South Florida: Tampa, FL), Christine Angel Danger (Hillsborough County Public Schools: Tampa, FL)

Learn how to use your existing science kit materials to support your students with NGSS, based on experiences from the Elementary Science Olympiad program.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn: 1. how to modify "instructional kits" available to them to allow for authentic student inquiry; 2. how to structure instruction to allow for cycles of failure and feedback; and 3. how hands-on science supports implementation of the NGSS.

SPEAKERS:
John Loehr (Science Olympiad: Oakbrook Terrace, IL), Shari Haug (: Elmhurst, IL)

Design thinking enhances student engagement and performance across the curriculum. Come try the DT process and explore resources to help you get started!

TAKEAWAYS:
1. The design thinking process (empathize, define, ideate, prototype, test) is used by schools and corporations around the world to solve problems and create products; 2. The design thinking process can be applied in any content area to promote critical thinking and student engagement; and 3. Many free strategies and resources are available to teachers, and implementation can be as simple as routinely having students ask certain questions.

SPEAKERS:
Ashley Townsend (Oak Grove Primary School: Prairieville, LA)

STEAM-integrated activities are for all learners, including those in an early childhood setting. Participate in a series of play-based STEAM activities that promote three-dimensional learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Early childhood students will engage in scientific investigation and inquiry through student-centered activities that promote curiosity, creativity, and innovation; 2. Kindergarten Readiness Math skills are developed through STEAM-integrated investigations highlighting number sense, measurement, and data; and 3. Activities will develop executive functioning skills through play and open exploration.

SPEAKERS:
Lindsey Herlehy (Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy: Aurora, IL), Cassandra Armstrong (Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy: Aurora, IL)

Follow a storyline through early childhood explorations, looking at the needs of living things—space, water, sunlight, soil. Then engineer a garden designed to integrate all areas, supported by great literature.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. STEM Explorations need to be authentic and progressive, focusing on big ideas; 2. STEM Exploration leads to agency and equity in all areas of a child's life; and 3. Communication among all of the guides in early childhood, formal, informal, mentors, and family is the key to success.

SPEAKERS:
Ruth Ruud (Cleveland State University: Cleveland, OH), Juliana Texley (Lesley University: Cambridge, MA)

Learn how to engage preK–2 students in light and shadow concepts as they engineer light sources, materials, and screens to produce a desired effect.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Identify meaningful contexts for exploring light and shadow phenomena that already exist in the young child's world; 2. Engage in strategies that enable young learners to explore how properties of materials interact with light, and then use their understanding of light and properties of materials to engineer effects on a screen to communicate with peers; and 3. Recognize multiple paths to conceptual understanding contingent on each child's unique backgrounds and experiences.

SPEAKERS:
Beth Dykstra VanMeeteren (University of Northern Iowa: Cedar Falls, IA)

Using quality children's literature and the 5E, ideas for integrated STEM lessons will be shared with corresponding hands-on activities. Handouts and resources provided.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Using quality children's literature can access students' thoughts and prior knowledge; 2. Children's literature used with engaging hands-on activities can help move students toward understanding of science concepts ; and 3. The 5E model of instruction can be used to instruct students in a three-dimensional way of thinking.

SPEAKERS:
Jim McDonald (Central Michigan University: Mount Pleasant, MI)

Join me as I model integrated STEM activities and explorations—where children explore and manipulate objects, materials, technology-rich manipulatives, and variables—to see the effects of their actions, and to help young children see the interconnectedness of the STEM disciplines. Handouts.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn: 1. about the myriad examples of STEM that comprise the everyday world of the young child and how to identify, create, and explore many amazing opportunities for observation, exploration, and thinking that surround young children every day; 2. and actively engage in discourse with the presenter about ways of nurturing the young child’s natural curiosity and inquisitive nature regarding STEM in the natural world and technology in their surroundings, and ways to set up hands-on exploration opportunities and ways to nurture the curiosity of young children for STEM studies; and 3. best practices for working with young children in science and STEM studies.

SPEAKERS:
Donna Knoell (self: Shawnee Mission, KS)

Kids' technology designer and author Vicky Fang introduces tools, activities, and philosophies to inspire STEM curiosity and confidence in young kids.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Recommendations based on research and experience to spark STEM curiosity in a wider and more diverse range of kids; 2. Introductions to current tools to promote creativity in tech; and 3. Hands-on activities for promoting design thinking, computational thinking, and computer literacy in the classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Vicky Fang (Product Designer & Author-Illustrator: Los Altos, CA)

Sponsoring Company: STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning

Come learn how to use effective literacy strategies so that students can better understand science content. Help students successfully analyze, discuss, and summarize science text. Student understanding and critical-thinking skills will improve with these techniques. Join our constructivist approach that promotes literacy in the science classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will; 1. learn and practice vocabulary structures and strategies that are effective for all learners; 2. experience the effectiveness of student notebooking and graphic organizers to reinforce reading and writing skills and strengthen science understanding; and 3. gain an understanding of how to effectively integrate literacy, writing, and discourse into the science classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Amber Gunner (STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning: Houston, TX)

Join me for a hands-on, engaging, meaningful engineering project that can be immediately applied in any classroom, whether it be remote or in-person.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. This session will give attendees the confidence and desire to teach engineering in their classrooms; 2. Participants will understand that teaching engineering does not require purchasing expensive materials, and a quality project can even be done in a remote setting; and 3. Everyone will leave the session with a ready-to-go project that can be implemented immediately.

SPEAKERS:
Danielle King (Barstow Unified School District: Bartsow, CA)

An Out Teach instructional coach gives teachers the information, inspiration, and practical everyday tips they need to head outdoors to lead hands-on real-world cross-curricular experiences proven to build science skills and get students deeply engaged in science practice. Presenters will provide specific strategies for elementary teachers to engage students in science and engineering practices anchored in outdoor phenomena—whether students are remote or in-person.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. To put equitable outcomes at the center of all we do, students need opportunities to make decisions about their own learning and space to bring their own experiences and background to the classroom in ways that connect meaningfully to content. This highly sought after, student-centered approach can be kick-started through outdoor experiential learning in Science; 2. Many teachers struggle with 3-D science instruction, which requires that we not only teach students content but give them ample opportunities to think and work like scientists. The outdoor classroom is a powerful instructional tool for authentic scientific practice, developing a scientific mindset and a love of learning; and 3. Outdoor experiences are a great equalizer, improving student-directed learning, SEL, and 21st-century skills during remote, hybrid, and in-person instruction.

SPEAKERS:
Wendy Kelly (Out Teach: Dallas, TX), Allie Graybeal (Out Teach: Fort Worth, TX)

Can you think like a bird? That is what these NGSS-focused activities ask of students in an engineering challenge to create shelter for local birds.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Fun, authentic, NGSS-focused activities that promote students' application of science concepts in the engineering design process; 2. Simple strategies to engage students in place-based outdoor learning experiences that are adaptable for in-person instruction, virtual learning, or at-home projects; and 3. Ideas for modifying your existing life science activities to fit the time of year.

SPEAKERS:
Rebecca Krall (University of Kentucky: Lexington, KY), Sagan Goodpaster (University of Kentucky: Lexington, KY)

Let’s make a foldable solar system scroll. Come learn how to apply ratios to create a scale model of the planets based on your height.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. With a properly scaled solar system scroll, participants will identify inner and outer planets and readily SEE why they are named as such; 2. Understanding the concept of rations and fractions, part-to-whole, participants will leave being able to create a proportional solar system in their classroom, on a football field, or across their state; and 3. This activity can be used at any grade level.

SPEAKERS:
Barbie Buckner (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center: Greenbelt, MD)

If we treat content areas as silos, we will never find time for science! Discover how to create authentic, cross-curricular learning experiences that increase engagement and thinking.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Determine characteristics of authentic learning experiences; 2. Explore two projects, lesson by lesson, making connections to your science content; and 3. Discover a process for creating your own project-based learning units.

SPEAKERS:
Terra Tarango (Van Andel Education Institute: Grand Rapids, MI)

Learn about an innovative teacher PD model employing free youth summer camps to support elementary grade teachers’ authentic understanding of NGSS principles and pedagogy.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn: 1. about a new practicum-based professional development model that pairs NGSS PD with informal (summer) youth learning; 2. approaches to measure the effectiveness of NGSS teacher professional development; and 3. how district-level PD needs can be addressed through university-district partnerships.

SPEAKERS:
Michael Kennedy (Northwestern University: Evanston, IL), Emily Mathews (NSTA: McLean, VA), Jessica Mahon (Burroughs II Elementary School: Chicago, IL)

Need a simple and creative way to engage students? Create a green screen area in your classroom. This workshop will demonstrate a simple way to make creative videos with a green screen.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. How to use a chroma key with different apps and programs; 2. Simple video editing techniques; and 3. Using different objects for green screen props.

SPEAKERS:
Jennifer Crane (Randolph Academy: No City, No State)

This interactive session will guide you through a process of identifying community “grand challenges” and using multicultural children’s literature to create empowering STEM learning experiences.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. learn to guide students through the process of identifying and defining relevant, investigable issues in their communities; 2. recognize the power of children's literature for promoting equitable access to STEM learning opportunities for diverse students; and 3. leave with a framework for empowering students to use STEM skills and knowledge to enact meaningful change in their community.

SPEAKERS:
Sara Donaldson (Wheaton College: Norton, MA)

Explore the NASA Elementary GLOBE storybook the “Scoop on Soils.” Engage students with a dynamic experiment on soil permeability.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. NASA Elementary GLOBE has free storybooks with three or more STEM activities each integrating the Core Standards with the Science standards. The materials are translated into five languages; 2. All students will relate to the climate issues of the availability of fresh water and soil needed to grow food; and 3. Exploring the environment with backyard soils engages students in real-world problem solving.

SPEAKERS:
Susan Kohler (NASA Glenn Research Center: Cleveland, OH)

The Sensing Science project has developed and researched a curriculum to support learning about states of matter and its phase changes at the kindergarten level.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Free apps for use in your classroom; 2. Models that assist students in the understanding of why the three states of matter are different; and 3. Free interactive stories introducing phase changes to students.

SPEAKERS:
Carolyn Staudt (The Concord Consortium: Concord, MA), Nathan Kimball (Curriculum Developer: Newton, MA), Jamie Broadhead (Videatives, Inc.: Amherst, MA)

What do young learners know about how the brain works? Brain-based research and mindfulness can have a profound impact on young learners. Foster a growth mindset in your young students. Join me as I share research and curriculum guides to plan a similar unit in your classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. What do young learners know about how the brain works?; 2. How can brain-based research help us understand and teach growth mindset?; and 3. Learning about the brain in lower school supports lifelong achievement and development.

SPEAKERS:
Rebecca Kurson (Collegiate School: New York, NY)

This session presents interactive “Cricket Challenges” to engage students in nature-based activities designed to encourage curiosity and to make cross-curricular STEM connections to literature.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Innovative ways to engage readers to use fiction as a springboard to explore their natural world and make text-to-real-world connections; 2. Handouts including instructions for activities such as “An Outdoor Challenge for Every Season," ”Creating a Nature Wonder Hour,” “Nature Scavenger Hunts,” “Creating a Nature Journal from the Point of View of the Main Character in the Book You’re Studying,” and “Bloom Bingo”; and 3. Writing prompts educators can use to encourage students to analyze and explore their natural world.

SPEAKERS:
Jo Watson Hackl (Author: Asheville, NC)

Are you thinking about incorporating coding and robotics at the elementary level? Come try it yourself and learn about funding, resources, and preparing for success!

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Coding and robotics can improve students’ algorithmic and critical thinking, which helps with math and reading as well as creativity, communication, and collaboration; 2. When seeking funding for robotics, start with what is manageable and connect your project with math, science, and ELA standards; and 3. Focus on how students are thinking to get the most out of their experiences with coding and robotics.

SPEAKERS:
Ashley Townsend (Oak Grove Primary School: Prairieville, LA)

We discuss a number of considerations for virtual science instruction and highlight how the five practices take shape in an online STEM experience. We further suggest ways by which teachers can maximize an online learning platform for equitable participation.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. The Five Practices remind us that discourse and equitable participation in the science classroom require more than discipline-based knowledge or simply providing experiences with phenomena and materials; 2. As teachers prepare to engage students in virtual science experiences, utilizing strategies that promote effective discourse is essential. It is not the teacher alone who creates effective discourse; however, the teacher’s careful construction of explicit guidance for students through discourse strategies while investigating science phenomena is crucial; and 3. Virtual classroom instruction can be designed in ways that enhance motivation, support productive participation, and deliver interactive learning experiences in science.

SPEAKERS:
Cathrine Maiorca (California State University, Long Beach: Long Beach, CA), L. Octavia Tripp (Auburn University: Auburn University, AL), Sahar Alameh (University of Kentucky: Lexington, KY), Margaret Mohr-Schroeder (University of Kentucky: Lexington, KY), Kristin Cook (Bellarmine University: Louisville, KY)

Learn to teach observation investigations with young learners that integrate geology, art, and math. Participants will receive hands-on materials and lessons to use with students.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how to; 1. do three-dimensional investigations with young learners; 2. integrate teaching of art and math concepts with geology; and 3. teach young students to observe and collect geological data.

SPEAKERS:
Laura Schneider (Father Andrew White School: Leonardtown, MD)

Experience an engineering design challenge that engages all students in the design process,  building critical mindsets around collaboration, perseverance, and critical thinking. Take away facilitation resources for implementing NGSS-connected, real-world challenges in one session or over several months.

TAKEAWAYS:
By the end of this session, participants will come away with: 1. a clear understanding of the Engineering Design Process and strategies for integrating this process into their instruction; 2. confidence to engage all learners as they implement design challenges in their learning settings; and 3. knowledge of the connections between design challenges and NGSS K–12 engineering progression.

SPEAKERS:
Erica Barrueto (The Bowers Institute at The Tech: San Jose, CA), Amy Bucher (The Tech Interactive: San Jose, CA)

Sponsoring Company: PAEMST

Come learn about the highest recognition for STEM educators in the U.S. We will discuss eligibility criteria as well as the nomination, application, and review process for the awards. Awardees receive a certificate; a $10,000 award; a trip to Washington, DC, for a recognition event; and access to over 5,100 award-winning teachers.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. How you can win $10,000; 2. how you can apply for this prestigious award from the U.S. Government; and 3. the benefits of applying for this award.

SPEAKERS:
Robert Mayes (National Science Foundation: Alexandria, VA)

Sponsoring Company: Savvas Learning Co.

Take on the role of a consultant for NASA to design a system to model a rocket launcher while highlighting tools you can use to support gender equity, economically disadvantaged youth, English Learners, students with disabilities, and advanced and gifted learners. This really is rocket science, but ensuring equity doesn't have to be!

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn: 1. strategies to modify engineering challenges to meet the needs of diverse learners; 2. how to create lessons and assessment rubrics that provide equitable access to rigorous science standards; and 3. strategies to help create more time and opportunity to incorporate STEM and engineering challenges in the classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Erin Horner (Savvas Learning Co.: Paramus, NJ)

Learn about ways to reach elementary students and increase interest in computer science with engaging contexts and multiple entry points.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Recruiting elementary students to CS is a strategy for increasing the diversity of students in advanced CS classes in the future; 2. The context of CS activities is important for student interest and engagement; and 3. Confidence in implementing strategies that broaden the context for CS learning.

SPEAKERS:
Lorri Coates (Museum of Science, Boston: Boston, MA), Brianna Wilkinson (Museum of Science, Boston: Boston, MA)

Join us on your STEM journey and learn how to incorporate STEM and PBL into your K–5 curriculum. Receive ideas for program development, grants and funding, and inexpensive or free field trips. Teaching STEM digitally with coding and computer programming apps.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Incorporating STEM curriculum and PBL's into the K–5 curriculum requirements and incorporating Digital Coding and computer programs to use with virtual teaching; 2. Finding and scheduling in-house free and inexpensive field trips, guest speakers, and virtual experiences for all students at your school; and 3. Funding and grant writing information and sources to fund your STEM program.

SPEAKERS:
Johanna Disney (McKendree Elementary School: Lawrenceville, GA), Julie Wilkerson (McKendree Elementary School: Lawrenceville, GA)

See how early childhood educators at an urban charter school are revolutionizing their classrooms as makerspaces to promote developmentally appropriate practice.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how: 1. a makerspace for young children can be intentionally designed to allow for children to experience Seymour Papert's 8 Big Ideas of Contstructionism; 2. the young children can gain experience with the 8 Science and Engineering Practices in a makerspace-inspired Early Childhood Classroom; and 3. to facilitate child-directed learning in a developmentally appropriate manner in an intentionally designed makerspace.

SPEAKERS:
Sabrina Burroughs (Eagle Academy Public Charter School: Washington, DC), Karen Brooks-Bauer (Eagle Academy Public Charter School: Washington, DC)

Get ready for STEM and the NGSS by sequencing instruction to promote your students’ long-lasting understanding with a simple yet powerful approach: Explore-Before-Explain.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will: 1. participate in two explore-before-explain STEM activities; 2. identify the benefits of guiding students to construct explanations based on personal observations and data analysis; and 3. collaboratively brainstorm ways they can tweak one of their existing STEM activities following the explore-before-explain instructional strategy to meet the vision of the NGSS.

SPEAKERS:
Anne Fayen (Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden: Dallas, TX), Patrick Brown (Fort Zumwalt School District R-II: O'Fallon, MO)

A team of Outstanding Science Trade/ Best STEM Books authors introduces the STEM Tuesday blog, a free resource that celebrates STEM books and connects classrooms via STEM and literacy activities.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Find out what STEM Tuesday is and how to use it in middle level classrooms; 2. Leave with activities, book lists, resources, and suggestions from STEM Tuesday's FREE website to use in the classroom; and 3. Interact and provide feedback among authors and science teachers on STEM literacy and needed books.

SPEAKERS:
Jennifer Swanson (Jennifer Swanson Books: No City, No State), Heather Montgomery (Science Author: Ardmore, TN), Patricia Newman (Children's Book Author & Speaker: Carmichael, CA), Nancy Castaldo (Author: Boston, MA)

This interactive session provides experiences that model how anchoring phenomena and engaging scenarios help students develop an understanding of three-dimensional learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. understand the importance of anchoring phenomena tied to scenarios to drive student learning; 2. leave with example STEM units aligned to industries and careers that can be implemented in the classroom; and 3. share a model template for creating their own STEM units.

SPEAKERS:
Jo Anne Vasquez (NSTA President 96-97: , AZ), Michael Comer (Consultant: Paramus, NJ)

Historical issues create rich opportunities to utilize Science, Social Studies, and ELA disciplinary skills—through STEM—to increase student engagement and a deep understanding of complex problems.

TAKEAWAYS:
Session attendees will learn both pedagogical concepts and history as they work to understand and solve perplexing problems that faced Japanese-Americans interned at Topaz. Using the Topaz Japanese internment camp as the backdrop, session participants will: 1. learn how to pair both fiction and informational texts (including primary source documents); 2. discover ways to integrate NGSS standards, Social Studies, ELA, and STEM through lessons and problem-solving activities; and 3. focus on the 5Es and 3-D learning.

SPEAKERS:
Julie Siebach (Retired Teacher: Cedar Hills, UT), Deborah Draper (Cedar Ridge Elementary School: Tulsa, OK)

Come along as a kindergarten class explores the world of nature, experiences the seasons, and engages in STEM activities with Joe the Ginkgo Tree as its guide.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Promote inquiry-based learning through the lens of a schoolyard tree; 2. Learn how to design a yearlong, child-centered STEM project; and 3. Connect students with the natural world both inside the classroom and outdoors with hands-on STEM and art-based activities and experiments.

SPEAKERS:
Amie Petronis Plumley (Grace-St. Luke's Episcopal School: Memphis, TN)

The goal of this presentation is to share resources and best practices that will aid instructors in developing an innovative cross-curricular STEM instructional setting.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will leave with the following: 1. a list of resources that can be used to implement STEM objectives across all subject areas; 2. specific examples of how to develop a cross-curricular STEM unit based on a literary text; 3. a template to guide them in developing cross-curricular STEM activities; and 4. a cross-curricular unit they will design during the session.

SPEAKERS:
Lynn Dunn (NTID Regional STEM Center: Talladega, AL)

In this session we'll explore the ways that forest walks are catalysts for discussing emergent science concepts, connections, and curiosities in an outdoor preschool.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Unplanned experiences can provide a variety of opportunities to capitalize on children's interest and both assess and extend knowledge; 2. Using tools such as nature journals and floorbooks are powerful ways to chronicle experiences and document ongoing learning; and 3. With the right lens, urban forests and green spaces have all of the resources necessary for a robust experience of the natural world.

SPEAKERS:
Ron Grady (NOLA Nature School: New Orleans, LA)

Sponsoring Company: STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning

Come engage in strategies that can help your English Learners (ELs) make sense of science concepts and apply their science knowledge to real-world applications. In this session, we will explore a variety of strategies for differentiating instruction so that ELs within the classroom can build their ability to communicate science concepts effectively.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Navigate the 5-E Model of Instruction through the lens of a ESL teacher; 2. show strategies that support English Learners as they learn content and acquire English; and 3. identify supports for ELs embedded in STEMscopes.

SPEAKERS:
Veronica Burnett (STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning: Houston, TX)

Sponsoring Company: Amplify

How can we create a learning environment that taps into students’ natural curiosity about engineering design and supports them in doing the authentic design work of an engineer?

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn: 1. how design thinking and technological solutions will continue to increase in importance as we work to address the challenges that confront our modern world in areas such as agriculture, human health, and the environment; 2. why providing students a foundation in engineering design allows them to better engage in and aspire to solve the major societal and environmental challenges they will face in the decades ahead; and 3. how to create a learning environment that taps into students’ natural curiosity about engineering design and supports them in doing the authentic design work of an engineer.

SPEAKERS:
Rebecca Abbott (The Lawrence Hall of Science: Berkeley, CA)

Tim and Rob are back for tea and lively conversation as we look toward next year, once again reflecting on our use of technology in the classroom. We'll look at one of the big questions on all our minds: Now that we know what we know, how can we use that to support students in both their learning and their emotional well-being as we move back into the "new normal" classroom?

SPEAKERS:
Tim Blesse (Denver Museum of Nature & Science: Denver, CO), Robert Payo (Denver Urban Gardens: Denver, CO)

Investigate the amazing and powerful forces shaping our planet through a live tour of MiSci’s newest permanent exhibit gallery. Transform desert landscapes, create avalanches, explore Jupiter's otherworldly atmosphere, and watch as we construct a swirling fire tornado in this immersive experience!

Join us for the Elementary STEM Showcase and leave with a headful of ideas for the best practices in STEM education. The Elementary STEM Showcase is an exciting and quick-fire format event that uses the popular Pecha Kucha presentation method. This "social show-and-tell event" brings together leaders in STEM education as presenters who offer 15 slides for 20 seconds each. Each five-minute presentation will offer teaching strategies and resources in the best practices in STEM education for our youngest learners. Featured presenters are celebrated classroom educators, informal education centers, NSTA leaders, and strategies from the NSTA preK–5 journal, Science & Children.
 
NGSS connections to student experiences will be highlighted during each Pecha Kucha presentation. Participants will interact with presenters about STEM investigations and resources through this live Q&A session. Presentations will be passionate, funny, informative, and inspirational. Join us for this new format and learn from this fast-paced, energy-filled experience and leave with ideas to use with your students and colleagues.

Don't forget to watch the three Elementary STEM Showcase Prerecorded Videos before attending this Q&A session.

SPEAKERS:
Sylvia Vardell (Texas Woman's University: Denton, TX), Janet Wong (Pomelo Books: Princeton, NJ), Ashley E. Lewis Presser (EDC Center for Children and Technology: New York, NY), Belle Akers (Convent & Stuart Hall's Schools of the Sacred Heart: San Francisco, CA), Jolynn Asato (San Jose State University: San Jose, CA), Jenn Brown-Whale (Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE): Baltimore, MD), Lauren Burrow (Stephen F. Austin State University: Nacogdoches, TX), Kristin Cook (Bellarmine University: Louisville, KY), Richard Cox, Jr. (Atrium Health), Chrissy Cross (Stephen F. Austin State University: Nacogdoches, TX), Elizabeth Dethloff (Robert R. Shaw Center for STEAM: Katy, TX), Jen Dobson (Wyoming City Schools: Cincinnati, OH), Rebecca Garelli (Arizona Science Teachers Association), Ron Grady (NOLA Nature School: New Orleans, LA), Melanie Harper (The NEED Project: Manassas, VA), Dr. Dieuwertje Kast (USC Joint Educational Project: Los Angeles, CA), Tom Lauwers (Birdbrain Technologies, LLC: Pittsburgh, PA), Anne Lowry (Aleph Academy: Reno, NV), Janet Mannheimer Zydney (University of Cincinnati: Cincinnati, OH), Godwyn Morris (Dazzling Discoveries / Skill Mill NYC: New York, NY), Katie Morrison (University Child Development School: Seattle, WA), Sara Nelson (Iowa State University: Ames, IA), Patricia Newman (Children's Book Author & Speaker: Carmichael, CA), Christine Preston (The University of Sydney: Sydney, 0), Richard Schaen (Wyoming City Schools: Cincinnati, OH), Laura Schneider (Father Andrew White School: Leonardtown, MD), Nancy Smith (Heatherstone Elementary School: Olathe, KS), Kathleen Tate (American Public University System: Charles Town, WV), Ashley Townsend (Oak Grove Primary School: Prairieville, LA), Julie Travaglini (Allegheny Land Trust: Sewickley, PA), Annette Venegas (Kent School District: Kent, WA), Rob Wallace (: Kenner, LA), Jennifer Williams (Isidore Newman School: New Orleans, LA), Manisha Hariani (The Lawrence Hall of Science: Berkeley, CA), Ben Koo (The Lawrence Hall of Science: Berkeley, CA), Sumer Seiki (University of California Riverside Extension: Riverside, CA)