How does STEM in the classroom compare to STEM in the real-world? Let's talk about it with amazing STEM professionals:

Dr. Lisa D. White

Dr. Lisa D. White is Director of Education at the Museum of Paleontology at the University of California, Berkeley. Past positions held during a 22 year career at San Francisco State University include Professor of Geosciences, Geosciences Department Chair, Associate Dean of the Graduate Division, and Associate Dean of the College of Science and Engineering. Dr. White has extensive experience with science education programs for underrepresented students and she leads multiple efforts to increase diversity in the geosciences. A micropaleontologist by training and Fellow of the California Academy of Sciences and the Geological Society of America, Dr. White was the inaugural recipient of the GSA Bromery Award for Minorities, an honor bestowed upon a geoscientist who has been instrumental in opening the geoscience field to diverse communities. As Chair of the American Geophysical Union Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee, Dr. White works to create a culture that embraces diversity and inclusiveness in the Earth and space sciences. As the education director at the UC Museum of Paleontology, she develops and disseminates learning materials on evolution and the fossil record, virtual geological field trip experiences, and the nature and process of science. Dr. White holds degrees from San Francisco State University (B.A. in Geology) and the University of California at Santa Cruz (Ph.D. in Earth Sciences).

Dr. Jeffrey Bennett

Jeffrey Bennett holds a B.A. in Biophysics from the University of California at San Diego and an M.S. and Ph.D. in Astrophysics from the University of Colorado at Boulder. He specializes in mathematics and science education, writing for and speaking to audiences ranging from elementary school children to college faculty. His current projects include the Story Time From Space program, which features his six children’s books being read by astronauts from the International Space Station (see www.BigKidScience.com), the free Totality app that will help you and your students get ready for the upcoming solar eclipses in 2023 and 2024, and a free online textbook for middle school Earth & Space Science. Learn more about Jeffrey on his personal website.

Jen Collins

Jen is Manager of Ocean Education, leads education efforts in paleobiology and mineral sciences at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. She is responsible for the development and implementation of programs and resources that inspire, inform, and empower connection to the natural history and works on exhibit teams aimed at fostering human connections to nature.  Jennifer also oversees the Science Liaison program, which bridges the science and education communities at the museum, and is a member of the Smithsonian Conservation Commons team focused on Earth Optimism. Jennifer grew up in California where she spent countless hours running through forests and exploring the ocean. In fourth grade, a visit to see the Coelacanth at the California Academy of Sciences prompted a lifetime passion for scientific discovery. A decade later, an invitation to tutor at-risk youth fueled her passion for education. Jennifer has since spent her career in science education, both as a middle and high school science teacher and as an informal educator, contributing to the development of resources such as Understanding Evolution and Understanding Science, and working with amazing scientists and educators to inspire scientific understanding and appreciation for a wide range of audiences.

Toby Ratcliffe Bothel

Toby Ratcliffe Bothel, an early pioneer for women in engineering, retired after 35 years as a naval architect from the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division. She is an endorsed professional development provider for the Engineering is Elementary Curriculum (Museum of Science, Boston). Toby has conducted hundreds of workshops for teachers and students, judged US and International robotic competitions and introduced thousands of K-12 students to the wonders of STEM. She holds a BA Degree in Physics and a MS Degree in Marine and Ocean Engineering. Toby currently serves as the Director of Engineering, Design and Digital Fabrication for the Teaching Institute for Excellence in STEM (TIES).

Dr. Daniels is an Analytical Chemist who currently works in Science Policy within the US Federal Government. Working both as a science communicator and educator, she provides technical and fundamental information not only to agencies and organizations, but to students as well. Dr. Daniels mentors youth and teaches STEM + Art (STEAM) to students at the kindergarten level all the way up to the college level, through a combination of virtual mentoring, STEAM outreach and during her Organic Chemistry courses. She recently published a children’s book, Building My Self e-STEAM in Science which teaches youth about the importance of friendship and confidence through an education in STEAM. Learn more on her website.

Do STEM and Special Education mix? Absolutely! In this live panel, we'll discuss neurodiversity, modifications, adaptations, and address live & presubmitted questions from attendees.

Streamline your STEAM teaching by grounding your lessons in authentic learning experiences that nurture higher order thinking skills. Here's what you need to know in order to spark scientific inquiry and get your kids thinking like scientists, engineers, and mathematicians.

K - 6th

What makes a STEM challenge "good" or "better"? In this session, Meredith will provide a checklist for evaluating a STEM challenge, ways to modify "okay" STEM to "better" STEM, and convince you that it's worth it!

4th - 8th

In this session, attendees will take a closer look at how social and emotional learning can be accomplished through Makerspace.

K - 5th

Brittany will share a list of her favorite free online tools to use as building materials for basic STEM challenges, and demonstrate how they work in this fast-paced tutorial session.

All grades

STEM concepts can be difficult or even boring to young children. In this session, participants will learn to keep students engaged by incorporating STEM concepts through character-based stories that are relatable to children.

K - 4th

Students from in-school and out-of-school settings love hands-on activities, but it is often hard to find ways to bring STEM ideas to them in such a unique way. Together, let's learn to provide high-quality STEM learning experiences for students through distance learning and in person one on one opportunities.

K - 5th

Introducing your students' new favorite center! This session will feature simple literacy and math center ideas for K-5 that incorporate popular driving robots. Learn how to provide a truly interactive, cross-curricular center experience that your kids are sure to love!

K - 5th

Without being able to visit places due to COVID-19, AR helps our students to be closer to life outside school. These apps (Merge Cube, Quiver, etc.) give us the chance as teachers to improve the quality of the content and skills needed in science and social studies.

4th - 6th

Have you wanted to incorporate art into your Makerspace? In this session, Chelsey will share simple ways to introduce art making and materials to your students. You will receive a list of Chelsey’s favorite beginner art supplies, learn about how to create cross-curricular lessons, and how to manage art projects in your space.

K - 2nd

This session will help you find fun & easy ways to keep your students thinking in creative ways in your elementary classroom. This session will connect STEM to great books and show you fun ways to add the design process into many different subject areas.

3rd - 5th

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Incorporating Earth Science into STEM can be challenging. This silly and engaging session, grounded in science, will spark your curiosity (and your students') and help you integrate some Earth Science into your lessons. We will explore human, dinosaur & animal burps and farts to understand what greenhouse gases are, where they come from, and how we can use them in our world. You will leave with some new fun facts to share and ideas for relevant Earth Science activities.

3rd - 5th

What you do after a STEM Challenge build phase has the power to transform a fun activity into deep, meaningful learning. In this session, we'll focus on creating a post-build routine to help students make connections and develop scientific reasoning and analysis. Suggestions for timing in self-contained and single-subject/elective schedules will be discussed.

2nd - 8th

In January, Steve, David, Kyle, and Kerry had the honor of being guest judges at Dr. Heather Kaiser's virtual science fair. The experience was a blast and held so many valuable lessons. We all knew we wanted to share our takeaways with teachers everywhere. Dr. Kaiser will share the ups and the downs of organizing a virtual science fair, and all panelists will weigh in on how to help your judges understand their role and the art of questioning. Of course, we'll leave plenty of time for Q/A , so come ready with your curiosity!

Help scientists answer questions they cannot answer alone by sharing observations from where you are, analyzing online images of the galaxies, and everything in between! This session will provide an introduction to citizen science, describe why educators are making this a key part of their curriculum, and provide step-by-step instructions on how to find and implement projects suitable for your learners using SciStarter.org.

6th - 12th

You probably know Melissa Sweet from her book, Balloons Over Broadway.

We're thrilled to have her join us for a discussion around her nonfiction works, including the upcoming work about Judith Scott.

(Snippet from Amazon listing)

Here's the snippet from Amazon listing:

"A moving and powerful introduction to the life and art of renowned artist, Judith Scott, as told by her twin sister, Joyce Scott and illustrated by Caldecott Honor artist, Melissa Sweet.

Judith Scott was born with Down syndrome. She was deaf, and never learned to speak. She was also a talented artist. Judith was institutionalized until her sister Joyce reunited with her and enrolled her in an art class. Judith went on to become an artist of renown with her work displayed in museums and galleries around the world.

Poignantly told by Joyce Scott with Brie Spangler and beautifully illustrated by Caldecott Honor artist, Melissa Sweet, Unbound is inspiring and warm, showing us that we can soar beyond our perceived limitations and accomplish something extraordinary."

K - 12

We hear a LOT about preparing students for STEM careers, and that brings up a LOT of questions!

We'll be joined by STEM professionals to answer attendees' live & presubmitted questions!

Learn more about our panelists here.

Learn how the makers of CORI applied the engineering design process in the development of our products. We will share the ideation & iterative process and show you how that applies from the real world into the classroom. We will also share the educator feedback process and how that process affects the outcome of product development. The real world lessons learned translate directly to PBL, STEAM, and design thinking projects in your curriculum.

K - 12th

Learn how to transform easily accessible supplies ( paper, tape, and scissors), into interactive hands-on explorations that can be used for remote or in person teaching. Together we will explore engineering with paper techniques that will complement your lessons and give you the confidence to lead students through creative, curriculum based STEAM projects. Building catapults and roller coasters will be our focus projects, but the methodology can be used for almost any topic. This workshop will get you cutting, folding, and building in a matter of minutes, and be ready to implement new activities immediately with your students.

4th - 8th
(All grade levels welcome; most useful for upper elementary and middle school)

The arts can be used as a tool to engage students in learning. Explore various strategies that engage students with a STEAM approach to learning that is meaningful and culturally relevant.

4th - 8th

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Tying literature into Makerspace can bring stories to life as well as allow students to utilize the engineering design process to think through problems and solutions. An added bonus to incorporating literature is the defense of Makerspace to administrators -- with standards as the evidence!

K - 2nd

STEAM using construction games has been proven to have great results. Now add ELA into the mix. You get the chance to develop the five skills (reading, listening, speaking, writing, and interaction) while the student develops critical thinking.

1st - 6th

This presentation focuses on how to integrate all the facets of STEM using the great classics of children's literature such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Alice in Wonderland, and Charlotte's Web. Family inclusion, either virtually or in person, is a key part of this program that we have used for many years.

3rd - 6th

How do you incorporate autonomy and opportunities for building the 4Cs into your lessons? Play BINGO! In this session, you'll get tips and tricks on how to gamify your lessons using Bingo cards that emphasize the 4Cs.

K - 6th

Participants in this session will gain all the information needed to host an in-person or grab-and-go STEM Night. This session will cover station ideas, budgeting, and how to host the event. We have hundreds of STEM nights' worth of experience to share to make sure your STEM night is a success!

K - 8th

In this session, participants will learn to integrate hands-on engineering within the science curriculum. We'll also discuss strengthening your ability to use the scientific method and problem-solving strategies in your science lessons.

K - 5th

This session will explore and examine the new learnings about STEM education during the COVID-19 Pandemic and discuss the manifestations of these new learnings in middle school mathematics and science classrooms.

5th - 12th

Anyone can build an app. Seriously. If you can find your way around a Google Sheet, you can build an app and you don't need any code to do it. Don't believe me? I'll prove it to you. In just 45 minutes, we will build an app together that you can use with your students. You might even realize that you could have your students building apps too.

5th - 12th