Welcome to the 2024 NCSTA Professional Development Institute. The Benton food service bar will be available in the Main Lobby during the lunch break on Thursday and Friday. Grab a quick bite and visit the Exhibit Hall. StemScopes/Accelerated Learning offers a free lunch and learn session on Thursday. Get tickets at Booth 204. Savvas offers a free lunch and learn session on Friday. Get tickets at Booth 101. NCSTA will reimburse up to $15 for parking (total, not per day). Information and form from our website. CEU forms will be emailed to you after the conference. You may earn .6 CEU per day.
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In the United States, there are 7.7 million black children being educated in our school system. The news you hear about black males is normally negative regarding their education, especially at the middle school level. Using narrative inquiry, my research study gave middle school black boys a chance to share their stories regarding what has made them successful in their science and math classes, including the type of support they have had to help them be successful. The findings and implications from this study will enable presentation participants to develop culturally relevant pedagogy and protocols to support black boys in general.
I have been teaching high school science for over 28 years, spending over 20 of those years teaching high school chemistry. I am passionate about increasing educational opportunities for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and rural students of the US to create a wider... Read More →
Cross curricular project for higher level Physics and Earth/Environmental science classes that allow students to work together to design a theme park with an environmental focus. Students then present their theme parks in a sales pitch to members of the community.
Life-and-death dilemmas. New medical technologies. Controversial treatments. Inplaying god?, a new podcast produced by the Berman Institute of Bioethics, we hear from the patients whose lives were transformed—and sometimes saved—by medical innovations and the bioethicists who help guide complex decisions. Come engage, explore, learn, and plan ways to utilize these resources in your science classrooms!
Come and hear great stories and learn fun dance routines to learn about the scientific method, types of chemical reactions, cell division, and the pathway of blood through the heart. These fun tales and tactics will help your students to understand concepts in a dynamic and engaging manner!
I am an educator with NCDPS in the division of Juvenile Justice. It is vital that we at DJJ continue to find safe alternatives to hands on activities for our student population. Due to policies and safety standards, students are unable to participate in a number of activities that... Read More →
This presentation explores AI's influence on student learning in biology at Beddingfield High School, Wilson, NC. It examines AI's impact on vocabulary development and engagement during inquiry-based learning. The experimental group used ChatGPT alongside traditional learning supports, while the control group relied solely on conventional aids. Initial findings reveal no significant statistical differences in outcomes between groups. Yet, certain engagement metrics indicate promising trends that warrant further investigation with larger, more homogeneous samples.
Discover fun ways to help your students understand how structures and systems of the human body perform functions necessary for life. Explore major systems of the human body, examine anatomical models, experiment with genetic traits, and discover how you are uniquely YOU!
This session will present the journey of a Title 1 school in extending students’ exposure to science despite limited budget and resources. Connecting students with scientists from local industries, science organizations, and state agencies ignites curiosity and inspires the next generation of young scientists through engaging presentations and hands-on activities. Aligning presenter topics closely with the NC SCOS for science integrates content knowledge with real-world applications of scientific concepts and practices.
Test measurement specialists from the NC Department of Public Instruction's Office of Accountability and Testing will present on the new state formative and summative assessments for the 2023 science Standard Course of Study for grades 5 and 8 and biology.
Test Measurement Specialist, NCDPI Office of Testing and Accountability
I currently work for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction as the State's mathematics and science test measurement specialist. In this role, I coordinate the development of State-produced assessments for mathematics, grades 6 through 12, and science, grades 8 through... Read More →
From investigation labs to information that can be obtained, evaluated, communicated, and explained, the free online Switch Classroom curriculum clearly and effectively provides the tools and strategies for students and teachers to learn about electricity and the uses of electromagnets. Through an unbiased approach to energy literacy, Switch Classroom offers a variety of classroom resources such as video lessons, hands-on labs, and data analysis activities that will engage students in thinking critically about energy.
Do you have a STEM teacher or a technology teacher in your building and you’re looking for ways to collaborate and build deeper learning for your students? Let us show you how the new SEP (Science and Engineering Practices) really FIT with the ITSE standards and our state digital learning competencies.
Media Specialist Tech Facilitator, Knotts Island Elementary School
Media and Technology Teacher Ma.Ed; Ma. Ed. Technology I am a Currituck native and live on Knotts Island. I received a BA from ECU in Literature and Philosophy. I received my American Montessori teaching credentials and worked in Montessori schools for three years. I then received... Read More →
Thursday November 7, 2024 8:30am - 9:20am EST
Salem 1B
Embark on a journey with STEM Success for Beginning Teachers, a professional development session designed to empower novice educators with the essential tools and strategies needed to support students in the 4 C's: critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity. This interactive and engaging session will provide you with the foundational knowledge and practical skills necessary to inspire and cultivate a passion for STEM in your students from the very start of your teaching career.
Looking to spark science curiosity in elementary classrooms? This interactive session explores incorporating high school mentors! We'll showcase engaging, hands-on investigations (rotating stations) you can implement. Hear from high school mentors & elementary teachers about their experiences, particularly engaging Multilingual Learners (ML) . Join us and discover how this innovative approach fosters a love for science in all young learners!
So you are already doing great science/ STEM teaching in your elementary school class, now what? How can we shift to incorporating more Science and Engineering Practices? Join us for a guided self-reflection time where we work on shifting lessons toward SEP implementation. Participants will experience a traditional lesson and then work through a guided reflection process that demonstrates how to identify areas that can be enhanced to become more student-centered and minds-on.
Assistant Director - Mountain Satellite Office, The Science House of NCSU
Jason Carter, Assistant Director of the Mountain Office for the Science House at NC State University, has over 20 years as an educator in science and math. Along with this experience, Jason is a Fulbright Teacher for Global Classrooms honoree and a Science Ambassador for the National... Read More →
Thursday November 7, 2024 8:30am - 9:20am EST
Winston 1C
Join experienced science educators to learn about structures, strategies, and supports used in effective science classrooms. This longer session is designed for beginning (or pre-service) teachers and will model topics including: classroom community, instructional strategies, differentiation for diverse learners, as well as effective labs and demos. Teachers will leave with a variety of protocols that they have tried in the session along with lots of ideas to try in their classrooms.
Join us in figuring out how to unlock the “escape box” to determine what is causing a waste treatment system to fail. You will solve puzzles, locate hints, analyze data, and use the combined clues to solve the challenge (with prizes). In the process, you will learn about the science of waste fermentation, and the role of phosphorus and nitrogen in food waste. Be prepared to engage in serious problem solving in a fun environment.
Dig into some snacks, cold beverages, and professional development as we explore differentiation with the new North Carolina science standards. This session will arm you with strategies to differentiate instruction so that all students can effectively engage with the new standards. Explore ways to tailor instruction so that diverse learners can apply science and engineering practices, foster deeper understanding, and develop skills across all ability levels. The session emphasizes practical tools and resources for accessing the SEPs and NC science standards by creating inclusive, hands-on learning environments.
Have you ever wondered what science lessons looked like in this part of the world before Western leaders took a hold of them? Did you ever imagine our Native lessons would have a place in your classroom? I present my research on how we can indigenize science education in a way that is respectful to the history and context of the land, and our relationships with it. We tend to think of indigenous studies as an anthropology or history field, but I intend to share why I believe it belongs in the science classroom. We will find that indigenous studies are interdisciplinary by nature, and learn about how the knowledge and practice of Native American pedagogy may benefit our students and ourselves as teachers of these lands.
Discover how to make science education more engaging and effective with "Play to Learn: Integrating Board/Card Games in Science Education." This session explores innovative ways to incorporate board games into your science curriculum, enhancing student participation and comprehension. Learn practical strategies and game-based activities that foster critical thinking, teamwork, and a deeper understanding of scientific concepts, transforming your classroom into a dynamic learning environment. Are you game?
Participants will access a suite of resources from “Teacher Learning for Effective School-Based Citizen Science” (TL4CS; https://horizon-research.com/tl4cs/) and engage in select lessons from this yearlong progression of support materials for a citizen science project. These materials align with 5th grade NC science standards, and have already been implemented by more than 50 teachers statewide. Participants will explore how collecting, analyzing, and interpreting authentic data can lead to deepened student content knowledge.
I'm a former elementary science teacher and recent PhD graduate in Elementary Science Education. I am currently an adjunct lecturer of science methods courses at NCSU.
Head, Citizen Science, NC Museum of Natural Sciences
I am an entomologist who works as the head of citizen science for a large natural history museum. I love environmental education, nature journaling, and teaching people how to become a part of science without any formal training.
Thursday November 7, 2024 9:30am - 10:20am EST
Salem 3C
Active games that can be played with minimal materials in a variety of settings. Twists on old favorites! New games to use and share! Every game connects natural sciences and Cherokee culture in authentic and engaging ways. All games can be adapted to multiple grade levels. No slide show! All action! Come ready to play! All game instructions ready to share with participants!
Are you looking for a way to make digital learning impactful and focused on creation? This workshop will highlight creative innovative digital projects. Attendees will create digital interactives that can be used for classroom or distance learning instruction and access federal resources for student engagement. Learning becomes interactive, memorable, and fun with this session. Bring your device and walk away with knowledge and resources.
I have over 17 years of teaching experience from preschool to high school and adult health education. I now teach life science courses. I have been Interact and Environmental Club sponsor.
Thursday November 7, 2024 9:30am - 10:20am EST
Salem 1C
Join us for a hands-on session that shares strategies and lessons which utilize Science and Engineering Practices to engage students in the key concepts of NC’s new standards. Learn how to incorporate models and phenomena to engage and support all students in deeper understanding. Leave with resources for supporting your students as they begin to think and work like scientists!
Resource Development Director, The Center for Inquiry-Based Learning
CIBL's mission is to support K-8 teachers with training and the most engaging, integrated, hands-on STEM curriculum materials that promote creativity, collaboration, and communication. I specialize in writing hands-on K-12 science curricula based on NGSS and individual state standards... Read More →
Integrating mathematics within the science curriculum fosters a deeper understanding of the content. The introduction of scientific concepts with a driving phenomenon strengthens students’ mathematics through modeling and analyzing data. Integration across these two disciplines builds collaboration, communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and content knowledge. In this session, we will share how to effectively integrate math and science focusing on student data collection, analysis, and developing models.
Socioscientific lessons explore real-world issues bridging social and scientific topics. Through socioscientific storylines, students engage in hands-on learning about culturally relevant topics in their community. We will focus on integrating science and social studies in a real-world context for students incorporating the new North Carolina science standards. This session focuses on asking questions and defining problems to encourage interaction with science and engineering practices and to foster student participation in productive argumentation from evidence.
This is the “New Standards Edition” of the Vulcan & App State Geology “Rockin’ NC" program, where participants will learn hands-on activities to bring North Carolina rocks and minerals into their classrooms. Returning participants can refresh their knowledge of the materials and explore how activities align with the new standards. Additionally, 20 Rockin’ NC classroom totes will be available on a first-come, first-served basis for those who do not already have one.
So you are already doing great science/ STEM teaching in your middle school classes, now what? How can we shift to incorporating more Science and Engineering Practices? Join us for a guided self-reflection time where we work on shifting lessons toward SEP implementation. Participants will experience a traditional lesson and then work through a guided reflection process that demonstrates how to identify areas that can be enhanced to become more student-centered and minds-on.
Assistant Director - Mountain Satellite Office, The Science House of NCSU
Jason Carter, Assistant Director of the Mountain Office for the Science House at NC State University, has over 20 years as an educator in science and math. Along with this experience, Jason is a Fulbright Teacher for Global Classrooms honoree and a Science Ambassador for the National... Read More →
Want to incorporate project based learning but unsure how to provide meaningful, timely feedback? Learn how to create high quality rubrics to grade projects to provide detailed feedback to students using your time efficiently. We will create a rubric template that can be applied to multiple projects.
Science Teacher, Apex Friendship High School, Wake County
Nancy Cattrell brings over 16 years of experience in science education to her role at Apex Friendship High School where she teaches all the forensic science courses using project-based learning. In forensic science, she works with the SBI, State Crime Lab, WCU’s Forensic Anthropology... Read More →
Carol O’Donnell is the director of the Smithsonian Science Education Center, which is dedicated to transforming K–12 Education through Science in collaboration with communities across the globe.O’Donnell is responsible for all operational activities and planning for the unit... Read More →
Learn more about how the new science standards, with a stronger emphasis on hands-on learning, have been rephrased to encourage the integration of Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs). The integration of Science and Engineering Practices can foster a deeper conceptual understanding and help develop scientifically literate students. Join us as the team at Accelerate Learning shares how to help students plan and carry out investigations through questioning, utilizing available resources and communicating results.
REALITY CHECK - Networking with Science Educators: a pizza party and informal session exclusively for undergraduate education majors, pre-service educators, and student teachers. Veteran teachers and NCSTA board members will address questions, share classroom strategies, and make recommendations on how to effectively engage in a wide range of teaching/learning activities. University advisors and cooperating teachers are asked to facilitate our emerging science educators’ PDI attendance and participation in Reality Check.
Thursday November 7, 2024 12:00pm - 1:20pm EST
Salem 1C
Susan Nazario, Ben Schosek and Ruthann McComb, Lisa McCurdy,Patricia Bricker, Suzanne Raxter, Jennifer Crawford, Adam Haas, Jessica Metz, Alyson VanAlphen, Jane Carlisle, Pepper Hill, Joey Lord, Carla Butts,Alisa Wickliff, Angela Adams
Engage your learners with societal challenges we can no longer ignore. Challenge your students to “figure out” rather than “learn about” scientific phenomena. Come learn how BSCS Biology: Understanding for Life new instructional model, Anchored Inquiry Learning changes the way students learn and use science throughout their lives.
Playful inquiry allows every child to learn at their own pace with open-ended activities and an integrative approach. Let the play begin! Come explore how you can inspire your 3-8 year old children with one of our imaginative stories and solve a problem like a scientist through the power of play.
Learning science is an active process that requires both “hands-on” and minds on experiences. Come explore how using simple stories can encourage literacy and provide opportunities for STEM in your science classroom. Activities from different grade levels will be shared.
Join us in an interactive session for physics/chemistry/PSCI teachers where we learn and practice Socraevic questioning fof our students to uncover hidden science misconceptions and correct them in a positive relationship-building method for the entire class. This dynamic method of teaching has been proven to improve student engagement and academic growth.
This talk will present an overview of CERN's fully funded programs for middle and high school teachers to travel to Geneva for two weeks to take part in an intensive workshop in particle physics and learn about the experiments running at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). Lessons plans and resources will be shared.
Join us for "Igniting Curiosity: Uniting Science Practices for Today's Learners," an engaging workshop designed to integrate Earth, Life, and Physical Sciences through interactive strategies. Dive into the eight Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs) with hands-on activities, group discussions, and digital tools. Discover innovative methods to engage diverse learners and meet new science standards. This dynamic session promises to equip educators with practical techniques to foster inquiry, collaboration, and excitement in the classroom.
Biology teacher(Vertical Alignment Liaison), Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools
I teach Biology at South Mecklenburg High School, Charlotte. I have a Masters degree in Biochemistry. I also act as a Vertical Alignment Liaison in the school, coordinating between the different Sciences. I belief that learning is a continuous process, and I am a ardent learner.
See how modeling and problem solving in the classroom are used in energy careers and energy resilience. Hands-on lessons will be available related to microgrids, renewable energy, Ohm’s Law, and calculating Watts of Power. From Hot Springs to Ocracoke, we’ll discuss the function of microgrids and their role in community resilience to power outages.
Discover CERTL’s instructional design approach to selecting inquiry-based learning cases embedded with hands-on activities. Learn how to deliver science content in a real-world context that develops students’ critical thinking skills and sparks student-led discussions. Participants will experience a hands-on student inquiry and receive takeaways.
The purpose of this interactive session is to provide an overview of the new support documents for the 2023 Science Standards. Participants will engage in conversations highlighting how the Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCI), Science & Engineering Practices (SEP), and Crosscutting Concepts (CCC) connect to unpacking the standards. We will also discuss how the proficiency statements and academic language support student learning. This session will focus on Biology and Earth/Environmental Science.
Secondary Science Consultant, North Carolina Department of Public Instruction
Gavin Fradel is a science consultant in the K-12 Standards, Curriculum and Instruction section in the Office of Academic Standards at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. Gavin obtained his Undergraduate teaching degree in Middle Grades Education with a concentration... Read More →
K-5 Science Consultant, North Carolina Department of Public Instruction
Debra works as an Elementary Science Consultant in the Division of Academic Standards at NCDPI. She has a Ph.D in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis on STEM Education. Prior to joining NCDPI, Debra worked as a classroom teacher and science specialist. During this time she... Read More →
Secondary Science Consultant, North Carolina Department of Public Instruction
Benita Tipton works as a Secondary Science Consultant with the NC Department of Public Instruction. Prior to coming to the Department in 2003, she taught high school science and college-entry biology at a community college. She earned a master’s degree in Education with a concentration... Read More →
Secondary Science Consultant, NC Department of Public Instruction
Alexis Wood joined the NCDPI Office of Academic Standards after teaching high school for 20 years in Lenoir and Wake Counties. Her primary job as a member of the Office of Academic Standards Science Team is to provide support to PSUs at the secondary science level that ensures the... Read More →
So you are already doing great science/ STEM teaching in your high school classes, now what? How can we shift to incorporating more Science and Engineering Practices? Join us for a guided self-reflection time where we work on shifting lessons toward SEP implementation. Participants will experience a traditional lesson and then work through a guided reflection process that demonstrates how to identify areas that can be enhanced to become more student-centered and minds-on.
Assistant Director - Mountain Satellite Office, The Science House of NCSU
Jason Carter, Assistant Director of the Mountain Office for the Science House at NC State University, has over 20 years as an educator in science and math. Along with this experience, Jason is a Fulbright Teacher for Global Classrooms honoree and a Science Ambassador for the National... Read More →
This interactive workshop ignites a love of science! Explore the NC Science Standards through hands-on activities that build science identity and inquiry skills. Learn to seamlessly integrate Scientific Engineering Practices (SEPs) like "Asking Questions" and "Analyzing Data" into your curriculum. Leave with resources and strategies to transform your classroom into a hub of scientific exploration!
District Science Coach, Chapel Hill - Carrboro City Schools
Valerie Sellars serves as the Secondary Science District Lead for Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools. In this role, she provided instructional science support to school administrators and assisted science teachers with building capacity in science teaching through Professional Development... Read More →
Teaching and Learning Specialist, 9-12 science, Johnston County Public Schools
Justin currently serves as the Teaching and Learning Specialist supporting high school science teachers in Johnston County, NC. Prior to this role, he spent 12 years teaching middle and high school science in a variety of settings including traditional public schools, charter schools... Read More →
Thursday November 7, 2024 2:30pm - 3:20pm EST
Winston 3A
All NC Science Teacher Educators are invited to share and establish a network of science teacher educators who are passionate about our support for current and future science teachers in North Carolina. Our common goal is to prepare teachers with research-based best practices for sharing science with ALL students. Importantly, we have launched conversations about how to impact policies and practices that enhance/prioritize science education in North Carolina schools. We look forward to your participation and input!
Join us for a hands-on workshop to learn how Clean Water for Carolina Kids curriculum materials support student learning about lead in water through mitigation strategies, data analysis of North Carolina water samples, and health implications for individuals exposed to lead. During this workshop, you will have the opportunity to experience a sample of curriculum activities and come away with resources that you can adapt for use in elementary, middle, and high school classrooms.
Come experience a hands-on model lesson from OpenSciEd for Middle School and discover how the Carolina Certified Edition enhanced these high-quality instructional materials, making them more accessible, user-friendly, and safer for classroom use. Participate in the featured light box model activity from the 6.1: Light & Matter unit and walk away with valuable resources that you can take back to your classroom. The Carolina Certified Version of OpenSciEd for Middle School received an All-Green rating from EdReports.org.
Explore how Houghton Mifflin Harcourt's Science Dimensions series can support your implementation of the new Science Standards! We'll explore HMH resources for both middle and high school Science! Check out both our print and digital resources!
Our learners are more diverse than ever and yet for many of us, our curricular materials have remained unchanged and uninspired. How can we reshape our curricula to be more culturally and historically responsive for today’s learners? Join this session to learn about and explore the five (5) pursuits for culturally and historically responsive teaching: identity, skills, intellect, criticality, and joy. In this workshop participants are invited to bring a lesson plan or instructional activity to critique and improve for an increasingly diverse student audience. Together we’ll examine the five (5) pursuits, discuss what they look like in practice, and leverage the strengths of our session community to develop more culturally relevant student learning experiences that spark joy for our learners. Participants will walk away with a better understanding of CHRT and a draft of a culturally relevant learning activity to use in their classrooms.
Teacher Development Specialist, North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics
I am an educator and professional development specialist interested in empowering my peers to incorporate more student voice, choice, and agency in their instruction. I have an extensive background in online, virtual, and hybrid course design and delivery and I'm an anthropologist... Read More →
Ambitious Science Teaching (AST) framework shapes instruction for joyful, rigorous and equitable science learning. This session addresses the new NC Science standards through an AST lens focusing on four core practices grounded in STEM equity. Explore how to plan for student engagement, elicit ideas, support conceptual change, and scaffold reasoning and articulation of evidence through facilitation of meaningful science talk that amplifies all student voices.
Whether students are learning about renewable or nonrenewable energy resources, the Switch Classroom curriculum clearly and effectively identifies the trade-offs of using each energy resource. Through an unbiased approach to energy literacy, Switch classroom teaches about energy resources, consumption, conservation, and energy use around the world. Switch Classroom offers a wide variety of classroom resources from video lessons, hands-on labs, and data analysis activities that will engage students in thinking critically about energy.
Participants will engage in an inquiry-based learning sequence on how vaccines work, the types of vaccines, and the global social justice issues around vaccine information and access. These lessons are aligned with the 2023 NC science standards and will showcase science and engineering practices such as analyzing and interpreting data, using mathematics and computational thinking, and constructing explanations.
This is a condensed version of the Deep Time Toolbox workshop developed by AppState’s Geology Department which will include alignment to the new standards. Participants will try hands-on activities around geologic time, extinction event clues and fossils (including ID and fossilization methods). Materials are geared towards Gr. 6-8 but 4th grade teachers would also find them useful with some modification. Classroom kits and fossil samples given out on a first come first served basis.
The purpose of this interactive session is to provide an overview of the new support documents for the 2023 Science Standards. Participants will engage in conversations highlighting how the Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCI), Science & Engineering Practices (SEP), and Crosscutting Concepts (CCC) connect to unpacking the standards. We will also discuss how the proficiency statements and academic language support student learning. This session will focus on Chemistry, Physical Science, and Physics.
Secondary Science Consultant, North Carolina Department of Public Instruction
Gavin Fradel is a science consultant in the K-12 Standards, Curriculum and Instruction section in the Office of Academic Standards at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. Gavin obtained his Undergraduate teaching degree in Middle Grades Education with a concentration... Read More →
K-5 Science Consultant, North Carolina Department of Public Instruction
Debra works as an Elementary Science Consultant in the Division of Academic Standards at NCDPI. She has a Ph.D in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis on STEM Education. Prior to joining NCDPI, Debra worked as a classroom teacher and science specialist. During this time she... Read More →
Secondary Science Consultant, North Carolina Department of Public Instruction
Benita Tipton works as a Secondary Science Consultant with the NC Department of Public Instruction. Prior to coming to the Department in 2003, she taught high school science and college-entry biology at a community college. She earned a master’s degree in Education with a concentration... Read More →
Secondary Science Consultant, NC Department of Public Instruction
Alexis Wood joined the NCDPI Office of Academic Standards after teaching high school for 20 years in Lenoir and Wake Counties. Her primary job as a member of the Office of Academic Standards Science Team is to provide support to PSUs at the secondary science level that ensures the... Read More →
Dive into the world of authentic scientific inquiry. This hands-on session leverages public health data from NC State's Center for Human Health and the Environment to empower educators with practical strategies for teaching with real research data. Discover how to guide students through investigating complex datasets, formulating their own questions, and drawing compelling conclusions through the lens of PFAS water contamination data. Whether you're looking to enhance data literacy or inspire a new generation of critical thinkers and data scientists, this workshop provides valuable tools and insights for integrating real-world data into your curriculum. Join us to transform data into a dynamic teaching tool that builds student agency and sparks curiosity in your students!
K-12 Data Science Program Coordinator, The Science House, NCSU
I work in education outreach for the Data Science and AI Academy and The Science House at NC State University. My goal is to promote the integration of data science and the development of data skills and literacy in K-12 classrooms throughout North Carolina. We are always interested... Read More →
Learn how school gardens can help students gain better understanding and appreciation of the natural world, using the hands-on practices to support the new science standards, while also supporting their social and emotional needs. Knowledge shared about accessing resources to implement and support gardens, and lesson ideas.
Adrienne Evans, Ben Schosek and Ruthann McComb, Ashton Allgood-Batten, Alison Baker - Plasma Games, Dorothy Holley, Sam Wheeler, Mark Case, Sarmistha Ghosh, Kimberly Adams, Eliza Russell, Peter Panico, Carrie Jones
NC communities are increasingly encountering wildfire smoke and reduced air quality from forest fires burning near and far. In this session, we’ll explore curriculum connections and discuss strategies and tools for engaging students in learning about NC’s growing wildland urban interface and increased susceptibility to climate-driven wildfires. We will also explore the range of solutions that can be implemented to prevent wildfires and protect public health from exposure to wildfire smoke.
BIOZONE’s interactive worktexts provides flexible, engaging, student-centred resources for Biology, Environmental Science, Physical Sciences, Earth and Space, Chemistry, Physics, and Anatomy and Physiology. Our digital platform integrates the worktexts with presentation slides, interactive 3D models, videos and more, providing powerful and flexible options for delivering your high school science programs.
Inspiring better outcomes for our planet through science education.BIOZONE has more than 30 years experience in the development of engaging and effective resources for science teaching and learning. Our resources are unlike any you’ve seen before, and a departure from the traditional... Read More →
Thursday November 7, 2024 3:30pm - 4:20pm EST
Salem 1B
What's so phenomenal about phenomena? Join the Savvas science team for an engaging, hands-on workshop as we explore the purpose of phenomena, the power of using it to drive your instruction, and the way it will support your students as they bring their own life experiences into your classroom. Attendees will leave with purposeful strategies they can replicate in their classrooms immediately.
Join our interactive science workshop where literacy meets exploration! Immerse yourself in a world of discovery as we blend scientific concepts with the power of language. Through engaging activities, such as designing a hand pollinator, students will not only see how to unravel the wonders of science but also enhance their literacy skills. Leave with classroom resources. Smithsonian Science for the Classroom (K-2) received an All-Green rating from EdReports.org.
Feeling overwhelmed by the ever-evolving world of science? Dive into the exciting potential of AI tools to transform your K-12 science curriculum! This collaborative session will explore how AI can enhance student engagement, personalize learning, and support the mastery of key science standards. Join us as we explore real-world examples, brainstorm implementation strategies, and share resources to ignite the scientific curiosity of your students!
Digital Teaching & Learning Regional Consultant, Piedmont-Triad, NC Department of Public Instruction
Brian Whitson is a Digital Teaching & Learning Consultant with the Office of Digital Teaching & Learning at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI). He proudly covers the Piedmont-Triad Region where he supports public schools units with the implementation and integration... Read More →
Each year the North Carolina Zoo welcomes students from a wide range of backgrounds with many different needs. To better reach all audiences and to enhance school fieldtrips we built an app with self-guided experiences (e.g., virtual guides, audio description, and standard aligned content) that allows anyone to experience the Zoo in the way they choose. Join us to explore the app and see how to use it on your free fieldtrip to the Zoo.
Join us as we share tips, tricks, and best practices for making your next free field trip to the Zoo the best one ever. We offer a variety of free and paid experiences including both guided and self-guided options.
Participants will be introduced to three high school science lessons that integrate the highly relevant and cutting-edge science of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). PFAS are a class of thousands of persistent chemicals used in the production of waterproof, stainproof, and nonstick items. These lessons, co-created by teachers and scientists, use real-world data collected from water and aquatic organisms in NC. Lessons are aligned with the new NC science standards in Biology and Earth Environmental (as well as AP Biology and APES).
Attendees will experience and explore how Discovery Education incorporates the Science and Engineering Practices that are part of the new North Carolina Science Standards with a specific focus on developing and using models for students to demonstrate their understanding of concepts. This will be an interactive session for attendees with lots of groups projects and hands-on experiences.
Brad is a passionate educator with over 20 years of educational experience. He began his career teaching in a 3-5 multi-age classroom in rural North Carolina where he utilized some of the earliest educational internet based web resources. He launched one of the first technology based... Read More →
Thursday November 7, 2024 3:30pm - 4:20pm EST
Salem 3C
In many areas across the country school campuses are the best opportunity to optimize natural systems where green space is needed most. The Catawba College Center for the Environment would like to share an educational model that focuses on the greening of school campuses to foster environmental literacy, native biodiversity, climate resilience, and healthier communities. Participants will experience Project Understory investigations that are interdisciplinary, with a focus on the new science standards.
Join us for Seamless STEM: Vertical Supports for Success in K-5, an informative professional development session designed to equip elementary educators with the tools and strategies needed to create a cohesive and comprehensive STEM education experience from kindergarten through fifth grade. This session focuses on building a strong, vertically aligned STEM curriculum that supports continuous student growth and achievement.
Nervous about the new Biology standards? Overwhelmed by the supporting documents? Unsure what assessment will look like? Session presenters served on the teams that wrote the new standards, drafted the supporting documents, and made recommendations for EOC assessment specs. Now, we want to help teachers develop meaningful instruction, resolve concerns, and feel confident utilizing the new standards with their students. Time will be reserved for small-group collaboration.
Biology & CTE teacher, Wilkes Early College High School
I am a Teacher Ambassador for the National Center for Science Education, where I help empower teachers to teach controversial topics like climate science and evolution. I am known among colleagues as the teacher with bees. My school has an on-campus honey bee apiary, and I collaborate... Read More →
Secondary Science Consultant, North Carolina Department of Public Instruction
Benita Tipton works as a Secondary Science Consultant with the NC Department of Public Instruction. Prior to coming to the Department in 2003, she taught high school science and college-entry biology at a community college. She earned a master’s degree in Education with a concentration... Read More →
Thursday November 7, 2024 3:30pm - 4:20pm EST
Winston 1C
Come and discover how Science and Engineering Practices are integrated with the process of student research! Resources and activities will be shared with teachers that can be used in their classrooms. Topics discussed include steps of all stages of conducting student research, guiding students to decide on topics, building time management skills, advancing student understanding and critical thinking, reviewing and grading student presentations, and providing information for opportunities for students to share their research.
Having students able to analyze data is important. Using authentic data and computational thinking are important skills for students of all grade levels. This session will focus on creating data sets and using them in meaningful ways.
I have been an educator since 1995. Currently I teach 7th grade Science at Weddington MIddle School in the Union County Public Schools system. My passion is to inspire students to get excited about learning and to cultivate their natural curiosity about the world around them... Read More →
Thursday November 7, 2024 3:30pm - 4:20pm EST
Winston 3C
