NCSTA 2024: Full Schedule

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.

9:30am EST

Play to Learn: Integrating Board Games in Science Education

Thursday November 7, 2024 9:30am - 10:20am EST

Salem 3A

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?

Lead Presenter

Ahura Webb

Reaching All Minds Academy

Thursday November 7, 2024 9:30am - 10:20am EST
Salem 3A

Meeting the needs of our diverse learners

Subject Area Integrated/General Science
Grade Level K-2, K-5, K-8, K-12, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12, 6-12, College, General

9:30am EST

One Stop Shop "Rockin' NC" Geology

Thursday November 7, 2024 9:30am - 10:20am EST

Salem 1B

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.

Lead Presenter

Marta Toran

Appalachian State University

Thursday November 7, 2024 9:30am - 10:20am EST
Salem 1B

Strategies for engaging learners to meet the new science standards

Subject Area Earth/Space Science
Grade Level K-8

2:30pm EST

Careers in STEM

Thursday November 7, 2024 2:30pm - 3:20pm EST

Salem 1A

Learn about the various career options associated with STEM related fields.

Presenters

Michelle Hafey

Program Associate, UNCW Center for Education in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

Thursday November 7, 2024 2:30pm - 3:20pm EST
Salem 1A

Other

Subject Area Integrated/General Science
Grade Level K-2, K-5, K-8

2:30pm EST

One Stop Shop "Deep Time & Fossils Toolbox"

Thursday November 7, 2024 2:30pm - 3:20pm EST

Winston 1A

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.

Lead Presenter

Marta Toran

Appalachian State University

Thursday November 7, 2024 2:30pm - 3:20pm EST
Winston 1A

Strategies for engaging learners to meet the new science standards

Subject Area Earth/Space Science
Grade Level K-8, 6-8

8:00am EST

Making Connections between Science, Math, and the SEPs

Friday November 8, 2024 8:00am - 8:50am EST

Winston 3A

The new NC science standards leverage science and engineering practices (SEPs). Modeling is the central practice of the SEPs and the process of incorporating them into courses can feel rather daunting. Where to start? What are the expectations for students? Join us to learn how to take one of your lessons and make it even more engaging using our shared strategies. Participants will leave with ready-to-go lessons they can implement into their classrooms.

Lead Presenter

Dr. Joey Lord

Appalachian State University

Presenters

Brad Rhew

STEM Coordinator, Guilford County Schools

Dr. Lane Wesson

Winthrop University

Friday November 8, 2024 8:00am - 8:50am EST
Winston 3A

Strategies for engaging learners to meet the new science standards

Subject Area All Sciences
Grade Level K-2, K-5, K-8, 3-5, 6-8

10:40am EST

Cultivating Knowledge: Integrating Ag In The Classroom

Friday November 8, 2024 10:40am - 11:30am EST

Salem 1A

In today's rapidly changing world, it's essential for young learners to not only grasp core content but also understand the significance of agriculture in our lives. Integrating agricultural literacy into classrooms not only fosters a deeper understanding of where our food comes from but also cultivates valuable skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and environmental awareness. This presentation will highlight SEP instructional strategies for utilizing the Farm Bureau's Ag In The Classroom resources as well as integrating them with curriculum content so that it may strengthen connections and relevance to the real world.

Lead Presenter

Lindsey Stalls

STEM Coordinator, Eastern Elementary, Pitt County Schools

As an elementary STEM coordinator, Lindsey Stalls engages students through interactive, hands-on experiences. With a background in education and a passion for integrating content, she assists teachers in creating engaging lessons to spark curiosity in students. Lindsey is a lifelong... Read More →

Presenters

Taylor Dougherty

Elementary Teacher, Eastern Elementary, Pitt County Schools

Friday November 8, 2024 10:40am - 11:30am EST
Salem 1A

Strategies for engaging learners to meet the new science standards

Subject Area Integrated/General Science
Grade Level K-2, K-5, K-8

11:40am EST

Break the Code of the New NC Science Standards - Escape Room

Friday November 8, 2024 11:40am - 12:30pm EST

Salem 3C

Join us for an interactive and engaging session designed to unravel the mysteries of the new North Carolina Science Standards. In this immersive Escape Room experience, participants will dive deep into the instructional shifts and key elements of the updated standards. Through hands-on activities and collaborative problem-solving, attendees will race against the clock to decode clues, solve puzzles, and ultimately escape to the "FUNomenal" side of science education.

Lead Presenter

Cynthia Goodman

Director-Curriculum and Content, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Hello! I am a Director of Curriculum and Content with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. At HMH, we are a company full of teachers! Prior to joining HMH, I was an elementary teacher for many years before serving as the Intervention Coordinator for my school district. The best part... Read More →

Presenters

Rachel Hester

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Michael Wagner

National Content Specialist, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Friday November 8, 2024 11:40am - 12:30pm EST
Salem 3C

Commercial

Subject Area Integrated/General Science
Grade Level K-8, General

1:40pm EST

Building STEM Leaders for the Future

Friday November 8, 2024 1:40pm - 2:30pm EST

Winston 3B

If you want to improve your leadership skills, this is the session for you! Learn how the NCSLA Science Leadership Fellows Program builds individuals' leadership skills in its two-year program. This session is appropriate for all STEM educators regardless of position, including informal educators. Graduates of this program are better leaders in their workplaces and in professional associations. The program is generously funded by the NC SMT Center and the BWF.

Lead Presenter

Alisa Wickliff

UNC-Charlotte

Presenters

Pat Shane

Professor, cntr for Math/Science Educ, UNC Chapel Hill (retired)

Adam Haas

STEM Teacher, Rocky River Elementary School

Jennifer Redfearn

Senior STEM Specialist, North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching

Jennifer currently serves as the STEM Specialist for NCCAT. Her previous roles include STEM Coordinator for Guilford County Schools and high school science teacher.

Ahura Webb

Reaching All Minds Academy

Friday November 8, 2024 1:40pm - 2:30pm EST
Winston 3B

Other, General

Subject Area Leadership Skills Development
Grade Level K-2, K-5, K-8, K-12, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12, 6-12, College, General

1:40pm EST

Crush Critical Thinking with AI-Infused Lessons

Friday November 8, 2024 1:40pm - 2:30pm EST

Winston 3C

Crush critical thinking and creativity with personalized chatbots that you create for your students. In this hands-on session, you will explore and learn how to create custom bots aligned with the new science standards using SchoolAI and MagicSchool. Drawing from science-based playful approaches, this session connects the newest genAI tools to the new science standards and combines it with sound, age-appropriate pedagogy to empower your students with the skills they need to be successful humans.

Lead Presenter

Stacy Lovdahl

Western Region DTL Consultant, NCDPI Digital Teaching and Learning

Stacy Lovdahl has 24 years of experience as a state and district-level education technologist. She is an AI literacy trainer, the Western DTL Consultant for NCDPI, an Instructional Technology Facilitator and a middle school science teacher. Stacy has dedicated significant efforts... Read More →

Friday November 8, 2024 1:40pm - 2:30pm EST
Winston 3C

Strategies for engaging learners to meet the new science standards

Subject Area Integrated/General Science
Grade Level K-5, K-8, K-12, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12, 6-12, College, General

1:40pm EST

Utilizing a district-level PLC model to build capacity for teaching SEPs

Friday November 8, 2024 1:40pm - 2:30pm EST

Winston 3A

Suggestions and feedback from district leaders and teachers after implementing a year-long, district-wide professional development on teaching through the Science and Engineering Practices. Includes strategies for district leaders and teacher leaders to build a district-wide culture of community and collaboration among science teachers at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Includes a tailored menu of instructional strategies and resources for understanding and teaching each SEP.

Lead Presenter

Dillon Crockett

AIG/Science Coordinator, Lee County Schools

2024 Using a District Level PLC Model to Build Capacity pdf

Friday November 8, 2024 1:40pm - 2:30pm EST
Winston 3A

Strategies for engaging learners to meet the new science standards

Subject Area Integrated/General Science
Grade Level K-2, K-5, K-8, K-12, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12, 6-12, General

2:40pm EST

AI TImesavers: Unlocking Inquiry in the New Science Standards

Friday November 8, 2024 2:40pm - 3:30pm EST

Winston 3A

Conquering the new science standards might seem like moving mountains but it doesn't have to be. Discover how to use free AI tools to design inquiry-based lessons that engage learners and align with the new North Carolina standards, in less time than you ever thought possible. Join us to transform your teaching with cutting-edge AI tools like MagicSchool, AIs like ChatGPT and more.

Lead Presenter

Stacy Lovdahl

Western Region DTL Consultant, NCDPI Digital Teaching and Learning

Friday November 8, 2024 2:40pm - 3:30pm EST
Winston 3A

Strategies for engaging learners to meet the new science standards

Subject Area Integrated/General Science
Grade Level K-5, K-8, K-12, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12, 6-12

2:40pm EST

Matter on the Menu

Friday November 8, 2024 2:40pm - 3:30pm EST

Salem 1A

In this session, participants will have a solid understanding of how to effectively merge physical science standards with makerspace and technology tools, equipping them with practical ideas and resources to bring back to their classrooms. We will specifically focus on the physical science standards for 2nd grade and Makey Makey.

Lead Presenter

Aubrey DiOrio

PreK-5 STEM teacher, Turner Creek Elementary School

I have been teaching kindergarten and first grade for 15 years in both Durham and Wake counties. I'm now a STEM specialist at Turner Creek Elementary, a Year Round School in Wake County. You can follow me on Twitter and Instagram @AubreyDiOio.

Friday November 8, 2024 2:40pm - 3:30pm EST
Salem 1A

Strategies for engaging learners to meet the new science standards

Subject Area Chemistry/Physical Science
Grade Level K-2, K-5, K-8