Thursday, March 27 8:00–9:00 AM

Engage Their Minds on Day One

Seaport World Trade Center, Cityview II

Come learn how I start each semester with a hands-on activity that engages students physically and mentally.

Presenter(s): Ted Koehn (Lincoln East High School: Lincoln, NE)

FORMAT: Workshop
SUBJECT: Chemistry
GRADE LEVEL: High School-College

Thursday, March 27 8:00–10:30 AM

EDC Science/Technology Pathway Session: Fair Tests, Diagnosis, and Informed Design

Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, Room 252A

This hands-on workshop shows how planning experiments and doing diagnostic reasoning can highlight the science embedded in design tasks in middle school team-taught pre-engineering courses.

Presenter(s): David Crismond (City College of New York: New York, NY); Craig Adams (Jefferson Junior High School: Columbia, MO); Doug Steinhoff (Jefferson Junior High School: Columbia, MO)

FORMAT: Workshop
SUBJECT: Physics
GRADE LEVEL: Middle Level-High School

Thursday, March 27 8:00–9:00 AM

Science Enhancement for Science Advancement

Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, Room 209

What happens when you mix science lessons with real-life experience? SESA. We will overview the unique partnership that provides hands-on classroom lessons and kits.

Presenter(s): Perry Landin (SESA: Lima, OH); Sandi M. Feltz (SESA: Lima, OH)

FORMAT: Workshop
SUBJECT: General Science
GRADE LEVEL: Elementary-Middle Level

Thursday, March 27 8:00–10:00 AM

CC Pathway Session: Technology-enhanced Elementary and Middle School Science

Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, Room 254A

Use probes from five major vendors to implement exciting, tested, standards-based upper elementary and middle school activities that are free online.

Presenter(s): Joe Suchan (Horace Mann Laboatory School: Maryville, MO); Ed Hazzard (The Concord Consortium: Concord, MA)

FORMAT: Workshop
SUBJECT: General Science
GRADE LEVEL: Elementary-Middle Level

Thursday, March 27 8:00–9:00 AM

Is This Your First NSTA Conference?

Seaport Hotel, Lighthouse 1

This session will walk you through the program and show you how to get the most from your conference experience. This event is graciously sponsored by Carolina Biological Supply Company.

Presenter(s): Ken Rosenbaum (NSTA Chapter Relations Consultant: Harrods Creek, KY)

FORMAT: Workshop
SUBJECT: General Science
GRADE LEVEL: General

Thursday, March 27 8:00–9:00 AM

Engaging At-Risk Learners

Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel, Pacific F

Experience activities that encourage ALL students to participate fully. See how games, guided notes, cooperative brainstorming, and handheld remotes can engage struggling learners.

Presenter(s): Linda L. Forbringer (Southern Illinois University: Edwardsville, IL)

FORMAT: Workshop
SUBJECT: General Science
GRADE LEVEL: Middle Level-High School

Thursday, March 27 8:00–9:00 AM

The Outdoor Study Area: An Integrated Learning Experience

Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, Room 160A

Participants will learn how one square meter of their schoolyard can engage young naturalists in uncovering the mysteries of how nature works. Handouts provided.

Presenter(s): Brooke M. Davis (University of Hawaii: Honolulu, HI); Carol A. Brennan (University of Hawaii: Honolulu, HI)

FORMAT: Workshop
SUBJECT: General Science
GRADE LEVEL: Elementary

Thursday, March 27 8:00–9:00 AM

Asteroids and Earth Science—Explore the Wilderness of Rocks

The Westin Boston Waterfront, Commonwealth B

Use student and professional images, colors, and spectra to investigate asteroids and meteorites in an earth science context. Handouts include activity materials and CD.

Presenter(s): Steven Croft (National Optical Astronomy Observatory: Tucson, AZ); Robert T. Sparks (National Optical Astronomy Observatory: Tucson, AZ); Stephen M. Pompea (National Optical Astronomy Observatory: Tucson, AZ)

FORMAT: Workshop
SUBJECT: Earth Science
GRADE LEVEL: Middle Level-High School

Thursday, March 27 8:00–9:00 AM

Whale of a Share-a-Thon

Seaport World Trade Center, Harborview II

Come join the National Marine Educators for a Whale of a Share-a-Thon. Both formal and informal marine science educators will share activities and programs. Come for the activities, stay for the fun, and learn about our organization. The share-a-thon will be followed by a whole day of sessions focusing on marine science.

Presenter(s): John A. Frederick (Maryland Sea Grant Extension Program: Baltimore, MD); Julie K. Hahn (Washington Sea Grant: Seattle, WA); Lynn Whitley (Wrigley Institute of Environmental Studies: Los Angeles, CA); Lisa Ayers Lawrence (Virginia Institute of Marine Science: Gloucester Point, VA); Ann Coopersmith (Maui Community College: Kahului, HI); Becky J. Cox (The University of Tennessee at Martin: Martin, TN); Justine Glynn (Gulf of Maine Research Institute: Portland, ME); Sylvia Spalding (Western Pacific Fishery MGT Council/Oceania: Honolulu, HI); Jenny Cook (Dauphin Island Sea Laboratory: Dauphin Island, AL); Diana Payne (Connecticut Sea Grant: Groton, CT); Rita Bell (Monterey Bay Aquarium: Monterey, CA); Brad Tanner (Mote Marine Laboratory: Sarasota, FL); Courtney Thompson (Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies: Gatlinburg, TN); Colette Dryden (Richland School District One: Columbia, SC); Sharon H. Walker (University of Southern Mississippi: Ocean Springs, MS); Johnette Bosarge (National Marine Educators Association: Ocean Springs, MS); Joy L. Wolf (SeaWorld San Diego: San Diego, CA); Ann Quinn (SeaWorld San Antonio: San Antonio, TX); Beth Jewell (West Springfield High School: Springfield, VA); Nicole Scola (New England Aquarium: Boston, MA); Jessica Soule (New England Aquarium: Boston, MA); Jayshree Oberoi (New England Aquarium: Boston, MA); Jim Wharton (Mote Marine Laboratory: Sarasota, FL); Pam Stryker (Barton Creek Elementary School: Austin, TX)

FORMAT: Workshop
SUBJECT: General Science
GRADE LEVEL: General

Thursday, March 27 8:00–9:00 AM

Microscopy as a Tool for Nanotechnology: Powers of 10 with Applications Toward Material Science and Forensics

Seaport World Trade Center, Cityview I

Use microscopy data and image processing software from different sources to demonstrate the physical properties of materials with applications toward nanotechnology, material science, and forensics.

Presenter(s): Somi Akella (Sheridan Magnet School: New Haven, CT); Lisa Alter (Wilbur Cross High School: New Haven, CT); Christine C. Broadbridge (Southern Connecticut State University: New Haven, CT)

FORMAT: Workshop
SUBJECT: Chemistry
GRADE LEVEL: Middle Level-High School

Thursday, March 27 8:00–9:00 AM

Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative Overview

Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, Room 211

This initiative is one way Alabama is trying to increase student knowledge in science and math. Come find out what we are doing to increase student achievement. We will walk you through four activities we use with our elementary teachers and students.

Presenter(s): Maria Young (The University of Alabama in Huntsville: Huntsville, AL); Carolyn Pistorius (The University of Alabama in Huntsville: Huntsville, AL); Reba Turk (The University of Alabama in Huntsville: Huntsville, AL); Ellen Thompson (The University of Alabama in Huntsville: Huntsville, AL); Steve Jacobs (The University of Alabama in Huntsville: Huntsville, AL); Carol Mueller (The University of Alabama in Huntsville: Huntsville, AL)

FORMAT: Workshop
SUBJECT: General Science
GRADE LEVEL: Elementary-Middle Level

Thursday, March 27 8:00–9:00 AM

Journey into the Jungle: Are You Ready to Join an Expedition into the Amazing World of the Steaming-Hot Rain Forest?

Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, Room 157C

Journey through the rain forest by discovering the animals and their prey. Come build a vocabulary Kapok tree and begin an adventure through the parts of speech, all while creating ant hills and transforming into a virtual anteater.

Presenter(s): Tracy A. Potthast (Explorations Preparatory School: Flower Mound, TX)

FORMAT: Workshop
SUBJECT: Biology
GRADE LEVEL: Elementary

Thursday, March 27 8:00–9:00 AM

How to Host a Data Mystery

Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel, Pacific D

Teachers and students will use science and imagination to role-play characters that must generate, use, analyze, and debunk data to solve a crime scene mystery.

Presenter(s): Corey P. Gallegos (Aurora Hills Middle School: Aurora, CO)

FORMAT: Workshop
SUBJECT: Physics
GRADE LEVEL: Middle Level-High School

Thursday, March 27 8:00–9:00 AM

Magnetism Activities, Space Weather, and Geomagnetism

The Westin Boston Waterfront, Grand Ballroom D

This workshop will share tested hands-on activities about magnetism and related background information about space weather and geomagnetism (Earth's magnetic field). Handouts provided.

Presenter(s): Jennifer Bergman (Curiosity Consulting: Atlanta, GA); Roberta M. Johnson (University Corporation for Atmospheric Research: Boulder, CO); Randy Russell (University Corporation for Atmospheric Research: Boulder, CO); David F. Mastie (Retired Educator: Chelsea, MI); Lisa Gardiner (University Corporation for Atmospheric Research: Boulder, CO)

FORMAT: Workshop
SUBJECT: Earth Science
GRADE LEVEL: Informal Education

Thursday, March 27 8:00–9:00 AM

Using Graphs and Diagrams with Life Science Activities

Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, Room 160C

Using graphs and diagrams during labs and simulations can enhance student understanding. We'll lead you through hands-on activities suitable for grades 4–8.

Presenter(s): Alan Ticotsky (Carlisle Public Schools: Carlisle, MA); Rob Quaden (Carlisle Public Schools: Carlisle, MA)

FORMAT: Workshop
SUBJECT: Biology
GRADE LEVEL: Middle Level

Thursday, March 27 8:00–9:00 AM

Exploring Sources of Energy

Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel, Pacific G

Learn about the advantages and disadvantages of our nation's 10 sources of energy using grade-appropriate activities that engage all learning types.

Presenter(s): Mary Spruill (The NEED Project: Manassas, VA)

FORMAT: Workshop
SUBJECT: Physics
GRADE LEVEL: Elementary-High School

Thursday, March 27 8:00–9:00 AM

The Language of Science: Connecting "Hands On" to "Minds On"

Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, Room 159

Explore ways to connect inquiry-based classroom experiences to national standards. Learn techniques to help students better understand and use specialized science vocabulary. Packet provided!

Presenter(s): Christopher R. Horne (Frederick County Public Schools: Frederick, MD); Dawn Getzandanner (Valley Elementary School: Jefferson, MD)

FORMAT: Workshop
SUBJECT: General Science
GRADE LEVEL: Elementary

Thursday, March 27 8:00–9:30 AM

McREL Pathway Session: Designing Effective Science Lessons: Pruning the Overgrown Curriculum

Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, Room 206A

Trying to cover too much science content is the largest barrier to developing students' conceptual understanding. Researchers at McREL have determined that it could take as much as 22 years of schooling to adequately cover all of the content area standards. Find out how to make decisions about what to prune and why it will pay off in student achievement gains. Participants will practice pruning curriculum during the session.

Presenter(s): Anne L. Tweed (Mid-continent Research for Education and Learning: Denver, CO)

FORMAT: Workshop
SUBJECT: General Science
GRADE LEVEL: General

Thursday, March 27 8:00–9:00 AM

BSCS Pathway Session: Fuels for the Future? Inquiry-based Activities That Promote Critical Thinking About the Alternative Biofuel Ethanol

Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, Room 252B

Participate in activities designed to help students both learn about ethanol generation from plants and think critically about ethanol as a fuel.

Presenter(s): Paul Beardsley (BSCS: Colorado Springs, CO)

FORMAT: Workshop
SUBJECT: Biology
GRADE LEVEL: High School

Thursday, March 27 8:00–9:00 AM

Slippery Slope: A Physics Ski Lab on the Slopes or in the Classroom

Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel, Pacific H

Come learn how students collect and analyze data from a ski trip. Similar topics can also be studied at school by doing a school slopes lab.

Presenter(s): Charles K. Payne (Northern High School: Durham, NC)

FORMAT: Workshop
SUBJECT: Physics
GRADE LEVEL: High School

Thursday, March 27 8:00–9:00 AM

SC Pathway Session: The SC MSU Mathematics and Science Coaching Initiative

Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, Room 204A

Coaching is dynamic adult learning embedded within the school day. The South Carolina Department of Education's Mathematics and Science Unit will share basics of our model to facilitate lasting instructional improvement in science through coaching.

Presenter(s): Gregory MacDougall (University of South Carolina: Aiken, SC); Linda Payne (South Carolina State University: Orangeburg, SC); Nan Dempsey (SC Mathematics & Science Unit: Duncan, SC)

FORMAT: Workshop
SUBJECT: General Science
GRADE LEVEL: General

Thursday, March 27 8:00–9:00 AM

LHS Pathway Session: Getting Kids Invested with Stories: The Car of the Future

Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, Room 206B

Using an example about hybrid cars to teach energy transformations, participants will see how being invested in a story facilitates the learning process.

Presenter(s): Laura Baumgartner (Robinswood High School: Bellevue, WA); Charles J. Hill (Education Development Center, Inc.: Newton, MA)

FORMAT: Workshop
SUBJECT: Physics
GRADE LEVEL: Middle Level-High School

Thursday, March 27 8:00–9:00 AM

EDC NSTA Pathway Session: Linking Science and Literacy Through Nature Journals

Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, Room 251

Learn several easy-to-teach exercises that will sharpen your nature observation and journal-keeping skills in order to propel scientific inquiry and the writing process.

Presenter(s): Mark Baldwin (Roger Tory Peterson Institute: Jamestown, NY)

FORMAT: Workshop
SUBJECT: General Science
GRADE LEVEL: General

Thursday, March 27 8:00–9:00 AM

Make Your Life Easier: Practical and Relevant Suggestions for Encouraging Parents to Teach Science at Home

Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, Room 213

Join us for this discussion and pick up inquiry activities and handouts to pass on to parents so they can excite themselves and their children about science that can be done at home.

Presenter(s): Diane D. Walker (New Mexico State University: Las Cruces, NM); Christina N. Dragon (Smith College: Northampton, MA)

FORMAT: Workshop
SUBJECT: General Science
GRADE LEVEL: General

Thursday, March 27 8:00–9:00 AM

Evolution of the K–12 Science Notebook

Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, Room 156B

In this session participants will work in groups on a series of inquiry activities that will give them firsthand experience in using notebooks.

Presenter(s): Gregory J. Borman (The City College of New York: New York, NY); Sandra C. Jenoure (New York City Dept. of Education: New York, NY)

FORMAT: Workshop
SUBJECT: General Science
GRADE LEVEL: Elementary-High School