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.

8:30am EST

The Science House Presents: Shifting to Modeling and the SEPs in Elementary School

Thursday November 7, 2024 8:30am - 9:20am EST

Winston 1C

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.

Lead Presenter

Marsha Sirkin

The Science House

Presenters

Michelle Taylor (Benigno)

The Science House of NCSU

Jason Carter

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

Strategies for engaging learners to meet the new science standards

Subject Area Integrated/General Science
Grade Level K-5

9:30am EST

The Science House Presents: Shifting to Modeling and the SEPs in Middle School

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

Winston 1C

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.

Lead Presenter

Jason Carter

Assistant Director - Mountain Satellite Office, The Science House of NCSU

Presenters

Michelle Taylor (Benigno)

The Science House of NCSU

Marsha Sirkin

The Science House

Thursday November 7, 2024 9:30am - 10:20am EST
Winston 1C

Strategies for engaging learners to meet the new science standards

Subject Area Environmental Science
Grade Level 6-8

1:30pm EST

Igniting Curiosity: Uniting Science Practices for Today's Learners

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

Winston 1C

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.

Lead Presenter

Sarmistha Ghosh

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.

NCSLA 2024 Winston Salem Presentation pdf

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

Strategies for engaging learners to meet the new science standards

Subject Area Biology/Chemistry/Physics
Grade Level 9-12

2:30pm EST

Immunity Unlocked: An Inquiry into Vaccines

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

Winston 1C

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.

Lead Presenter

Maria Long

Presenters

Savannah Stremlow

Wake Forest University

Camille Widener

Wake Forest University

Debbie French

Wake Forest University

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

Strategies for engaging learners to meet the new science standards

Subject Area Biology/Life Science
Grade Level 9-12

3:30pm EST

SEPs, DCIs, and the New Biology Standards...Oh My!

Thursday November 7, 2024 3:30pm - 4:20pm EST

Winston 1C

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.

Lead Presenter

Kelly Pipes

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 →

Presenters

Lottie Peppers

Biology, Earth/Environmental Science teacher, (NCSTA Board member group)

Benita Tipton

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

Strategies for engaging learners to meet the new science standards

Subject Area Biology/Life Science
Grade Level 9-12

8:00am EST

Exploring STEM - Indoor and Outdoor Adventures for Middle School Minds

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

Winston 1C

How do you get our STEM kids motivated while desiring to pursue STEM careers? MMS is crafting a robust STEM program that merges with outdoor engagement. Discover innovative approaches to integrating outdoor classrooms, field trips, and adventure clubs, fostering a deeper connection with nature while nurturing mental well-being. Learn how these initiatives not only enhance STEM education, but also address the pressing mental health challenges facing today's youth. Be part of the movement reshaping STEM education for a brighter, healthier future.

Lead Presenter

Gareth Wilkinson

Macon Middle

Friday November 8, 2024 8:00am - 8:50am EST
Winston 1C

As the world turns: bringing the spheres together

Subject Area STEM
Grade Level 6-8

10:40am EST

Easy, Breezy, SEPeezy: A hands-on lesson plan for introducing the eight Science and Engineering Practices to your students

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

Winston 1C

Over lime sodas and snacks, dive into the Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs) and learn how to effectively introduce these to your students. You’ll leave with a ready-to-go classroom activity, a plan to revisit SEPs throughout the year, and a solid background on how SEPs fit into the new science standards.

Lead Presenter

Kat Gentry

Stile Education

Friday November 8, 2024 10:40am - 11:30am EST
Winston 1C

Commercial

Subject Area Science and Engineering Practices
Grade Level 6-12

11:40am EST

Adapt and Experiment: Teaching Biology Using the New Standards

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

Winston 1C

We will discuss pacing and unit planning to assist those adapting to the new biology standards. Our focus will be on inquiry-based lessons in experimental design and evolution, highlighting the use of models, questioning techniques, and data analysis. We'll offer engaging activities and opportunities to collaborate with fellow biology educators to share implementation strategies for the new standards.

Lead Presenter

Gabrielle Riesner

Science Teacher, Southeast Area Technical High School

I'm a science teacher. Biology and Environmental science. I love curriculum planning.

Presenters

Amy Taylor

Professor, UNC Wilmington

Friday November 8, 2024 11:40am - 12:30pm EST
Winston 1C

Strategies for engaging learners to meet the new science standards

Subject Area Biology/Life Science
Grade Level 9-12

1:40pm EST

PFAS in the Environment: Curriculum connections for the life science classroom

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

Winston 1C

This session will feature biomedical research taking place to understand environmental exposures to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and implications for human health. Attendees will participate in an activity that introduces how scientists use a systems biology approach to study environmental influences on living systems. This session will showcase strategies for incorporating real biological data and associated science practices into instruction to provide students with current, NC-relevant examples of curriculum concepts.

Lead Presenter

Dana Haine

UNC-Chapel Hill

Presenters

Lynn Chesnut

UNC Chapel Hill

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

Strategies for engaging learners to meet the new science standards

Subject Area Biology/Life Science
Grade Level 9-12, College

2:40pm EST

Using Algae Models & Assays to Illuminate the Interplay between Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration for Students!

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

Winston 1C

In this session, instructors will use 2D models of photosynthesis and cellular respiration to conduct tracking of carbon molecules and apply this information to a hands-on assay using freshwater algae to indirectly qualify carbon movement. They will then develop protocols that quantifies the qualitative changes witnessed (via carbon dioxide tracking) under a variety of environmental conditions. Collectively, participants will use the sum of their experiences to develop and explain an ecological model of carbon cycling.

Lead Presenter

Beverly Cea

Retired

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

Strategies for engaging learners to meet the new science standards

Subject Area Biology/Life Science
Grade Level 6-8, 9-12, 6-12, College, General