2022 Full Session List 

Classroom management can be tricky, especially when it comes to STEM. So bring us all your classroom management-related questions: materials, storage, students, all the practical bits ... it's all on the table!

The topic is left intentionally broad, so we can take the conversation in a number of directions, and better address what everyone is most interested in discussing. You may submit this form as many times as you'd like.

Great artists—like scientists—need to be builders, dreamers and ask questions. Artists are often problem-solvers trying to find the right mediums or ways to express topics they are unfamiliar with. This panel will have artists exploring the rewards and challenges of sharing STEM through art. This panel will have you rethinking ways to infuse art and design in your projects or STEM classroom.

(PK-12th)

How do we offer students more choice & voice in our STEM classes? How do we ensure cultural relevance in our curriculum decisions? Why is this so important for our students? Bring us all your questions!

The topic is left intentionally broad, so we can take the conversation in a number of directions, and better address what everyone is most interested in discussing. You may submit this form as many times as you'd like.

Let's get fired up in our kickoff session! Dr. Yen Verhoeven discusses how to align to your "Why" while freeing up time (and headspace) by eliminating the nonessentials in your teaching practice. You'll leave the session feeling energized, confident, & empowered to walk your Why as you gather the tools in this conference to build your dream teaching career.

PreK - 12th

What’s missing in your STEM Lab or Makerspace? Books? Drones? Robotics? Cardboard scissors? Glue? Tape? String? Yarn? Play-Doh? LEGO Bricks? Keva Planks? Button Maker? 3d Printer? You know the list goes on and on. What if you could have everything you need for high quality STEM experiences? Let’s start taking steps to make that dream a reality. Tapping into the abundance of funding available on DonorsChoose should be a fairly painless process. During this session, Heather will guide you through the steps to strategically create projects that are sure to find their way to generous funders.

PK-12th

Get all your back-to-school questions answered to start your year off strong!

K-6th

Education reforms have changed curriculum, teachers and pedagogy, and evaluation and assessments over past few decades. But the results have not been nearly as positive and significant as had been expected. What has been missing is the most important factor in education: the learner. In this presentation, Professor Yong Zhao discusses the significance of learner diversity, learner intention, and learner engagement in educational changes, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic.

PK-12th

In this talk, three nationally-recognized, invention education thought leaders will show K-5 educators how to use children's literature as a launchpoint for invention and STEAMie education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math, Invention, & Entrepreneurship) in classrooms. As founders of InventionLIT — a professional development workshop series, funded by the Lemelson Foundation — all three speakers will share simple techniques and tools that will ignite K-5 students' capacity for inventing with empathy. Bring your notebooks! You won't want to miss this talk.

Learn how easy and fun it is to make STEAM engaging for students in Special Education. Discover why STEAM is so important for everyone and how to provide a meaningful experience that meets each student at their own skill level. The session uses KEVA Planks.

K-12th

Do you worry if your English Language Learners (ELLS) are understanding the concepts in your STEM classes? In this session, Liana will be sharing tried and tested strategies that hook in your ELLS and engage them throughout your STEM units. Walk away with easy-to-use strategies that you can implement the next day!

K-12th

Learn strategic (and time-saving) ways to get donations, grants, and support to fund your small activities and your dream STEAM programs. This workshop comes with tips, tricks, and templates so that you can fund your programs without paying another dime out of your pocket.

PK-12th

In this session, we will learn how to redesign our curriculum, lesson plans, pedagogical frameworks and instructional practices to engage ALL learners in equitable ways to help build their life-long learning competencies. Specifically, we will see how fostering inclusive STEM teaching can help engage ALL students to go beyond preparing 'just for tests' to 'preparing for life'!

K-12th

We can NEVER have too many read alouds to set the stage for an engaging STEM challenge! This session features a diverse collection of favorite read alouds for elementary students, paired with simple STEM challenges and extensions that are sure to "hook" your students and provide meaningful connections between literacy and STEM.

K-5th

Coding is not just for math and science lovers. Although it might seem intimidating, coding is really just one way to solve problems. Josh will discuss how he has similar approaches to the challenges of software engineering, writing books for children like How to Code a Sandcastle, and presenting to educators.

PK-6th

You don’t need a computer science degree to introduce coding and robotics to your students. Through personal stories and illustrative examples, attendees will learn how to develop cross-curricular projects using free coding apps, subscriptions, robots, and low-tech/ no-tech resources. Participants will leave with an understanding of how to use coding and robotics to promote engagement while integrating the 4C’s in cross-curricular projects and activities.

K-5th

Get families and the community involved in your school STEM activities by running a school wide event. This session will cover the event details including how to plan an event, logistics to consider, communication tips, types of activities to include, and ideas to help find funding.

K-12th

Do you want to create a STEM mini lab or Makerspace in your classroom but you're struggling to find the space or resources? Let Ashlyn share 10 genius ways to transform the space you have with creative, money-saving DIY décor, bulletin board ideas and organization tips!

K-5th

Join Brittany for a fast-paced session of her favorite technology themed books and toys for elementary students. These books and toys make integrating the content areas into STEM a fun experience for students and teachers! Attendees will take away a great list of recommended resources.

K-5th

There are many economic, social, and environmental challenges we face as a global community. The United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide an interdisciplinary structure to inspire learners to find creative ways to problem solve. During this session, Grace and Michelle will share how they use the SDGs to inspire “Design Thinking”. They'll also share their approach to integrate the disciplines to foster critical thinking and innovation.

1st-6th

Explore the Theory of Loose Parts and how to integrate this theory into what you are already doing in your STEAM and grade level classrooms. Practical examples and ideas will be shared as we develop a Loose Parts Mindset. Soon you will see the possibilities in just about everything as students build, construct, experiment, invent, explore, discover, evaluate, modify, study, think, consider, measure, draw, make, calculate, destruct, slide and fold!

PK-3rd

Looking for STEM strategies and activity ideas for pre-K through second grade?! This session features Brooke's top STEM management tips that are developmentally appropriate for our youngest learners. Learn how to minimize prep, prevent headaches, and maximize engagement with simple STEM lessons that you can implement right away with your little ones.

PK-2nd

Are you an art teacher beginner? This session is for you! We'll cover ideas for teaching each of the seven elements of art in an easy, fun, and engaging way!

K-5th

In this session, we'll walk through designing integrated STEM learning experiences that are engaging and standards based. Come grab ideas and a few resources that you can use to plan for your classroom.

K-5th

Learn an easy way to make stories and literature come alive. From almost any book, students can build structures, scenes or representations of the story. Stories come alive and imaginations grow! Design and structural engineering happen automatically as children build parts of the book with KEVA Planks. In this session, Amy will show you how easy and fun it can be.

K-6th

Join Anita as she takes you on her journey as a new K-6th STEM/Makerspace Teacher. In this session, we'll explore: What has worked well and not so well; organization tips and ideas; inexpensive and free must-have supplies (and where to get them); and where to find lessons and ideas to teach.

K-6th

Use literature to get students excited about STEAM by actively involving them in the design thinking process. Two experienced educators will share examples of literature inspired STEAM projects that allow students to make connections through real-world applications. Presenters will model lessons that start with a book, and provide attendees with resources to create engaging, cross-curricular STEAM lessons from start to finish. (Both engineering and coding and robotics cross-curricular projects will be highlighted.)

K-5th

Follow along, from start to finish, three beginner 3D design projects aimed at varying grade bands. Dr. Kaiser will demonstrate introductory projects for K-2nd, 3rd-5th, and 6th-8th while also pointing out some of the potential challenges beginners may face.

K-8th

Nature is full of loose parts, patterns, cycles, shapes, and numeric opportunities. Explore tools and concepts for students to thrive in math through loose parts in an outdoor context. Connect mathematical standards to the outdoors, nature, play and learning!

PK-3rd

In this session, Grace & Michelle will share a deep dive of an annual local project they use to get students excited about relevant data. The Hudson River Estuary Study provides students with the opportunity to explore, ask questions. collaborate with local scientists, collect data and analyze the physical, chemical and biological attributes of the river. Once students collect the data, they analyze it, compare it, make inferences, ask more questions and dig deeper. “Talking data” with the community and presenting their work at events such as Hudson River Data Jam and Billion Oyster Project caps off the enriching experience for students.

1st-6th

Whether you teach STEM, STEAM, STREAM, or anything in between, We'll share ideas on how to cultivate creativity in your classroom or Makerspace! This session will give you easy to implement ideas for setting up a environment that inspires creativity.

K-5th

If you teach STEM or Science, you must know the difficulty of managing groups during STEM challenges or “group work.” In this session, you will learn about the tried and tested collaborative group system that has been working in K-6 STEM classrooms in a Southern California school district. Walk away with student job roles, templates, and the confidence of knowing that the next time your students build, they will thrive in their collaborative groups.

K-6th

You don't need fancy equipment to teach about simple machines, force and motion, and other physical science content. Using "Engineering with Paper" techniques, your students can make a wide variety of projects with just paper, tape and scissors. From roller coasters to catapults, this session will show you how to make amazing projects with the simplest supplies.

K-12th

Finding STEM challenges for kids isn't always easy! In this session, explore simple STEM activities for children you can facilitate as early as preschool. Come learn easy-to-implement strategies that can make STEM lessons come alive for elementary students and gather a list of ideas to start right away!

PK-2nd

Concerned with students forgetting everything they just learned about science and STEM once they leave the classroom? As a STEM educator, it's not uncommon to see this type of disconnect. Continuing the learning experience beyond the classroom, with home-based, hands-on assignments, allows students, teachers and parents alike to benefit from fun, relevant and practical “homework” compared to a traditional question and answer format or imagined concepts. Keep students tuned in with project-based learning that makes science and STEM more relatable and relevant.

K-6th

Every classroom needs a Makerspace! When children are given the opportunities to experiment with various materials and tools, students grow socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively. Yet, the barriers to creating a Makerspace often feel overwhelming. One such obstacle is HOW teachers struggle to integrate Makerspace into their already dictated schedules. In this session, Trina will share five sensational ideas for using Makerspace in the primary classroom. Come knock down the barrier of "How will I use Makerspace?"...and walk away feeling inspired, motivated, and capable of bringing joy back to teaching and learning!

K-2nd

Early Childhood teachers already know the importance of Block Play. This session takes blocks to a new level using KEVA Planks. Learn how to inspire confidence, imagination, collaboration, curiosity and engineering with young students.  With live building, you'll see how easy it is and be ready to lead these activities yourself. 

PK-3rd

In this session, we'll identify what outdoor ed is, a couple of helpful ways to begin for those that may be hesitant, available resources and STEAM concepts to connect with the outdoors.

K-5th

Not every school has a STEM Lab or Specialist. Wendy & Cheryl taught STEM in their classroom for years without a designated support teacher or funding and will share successful ideas they gathered for a great classroom-integrated STEM experience.

K-8th

Makerspace Moments in Literature encourages children to take a closer look at reading comprehension standards while also providing an opportunity to create, collaborate, and problem solve while working through the Engineering Design Process in a Makerspace extension. In this session, you will be introduced to even more children's literature (building on this session from 2020), making for engaging and meaningful Makerspace Moments in Literature. Makerspace Moments are a powerful way to dip your toe into the world of Makerspace. Come take a peek!

K-2nd

Walk away with a toolbox of questions, tips, and ideas to make transcurricular connections to your STEM challenges. You'll have a handbook of ideas AND a handy guide to dress up your challenge in ways to make them more accessible to all your students.

PK-5th

From fairy tales to fables and from historical fiction to realistic chapter books, your bookshelves are filled with potential STEM challenges. We will walk you through the analysis of storybooks and guide you on how to find a potential engineering challenge that is just right for your students.

K-8th

In this session, Selena and Elizabeth discuss how to include the R "religion" of STREAM in a STEM-certified school setting. They will share some cross-curricular and multiple grade level ideas that engage students using the engineer design process. They believe in moving children from doers of mindless worksheets into creative and resourceful builders with many tools in their toolbox!

PK-8th

Planning STEM units can often feel daunting. The question that pops up the most is: How will I integrate multiple disciplinary topics and standards to create a meaningful unit that truly encompasses STEM for my younger students? This session will take a big-picture approach to plan all-encompassing STEM units for the primary classroom. You will walk away with a better grasp of how and what to design for your future STEM units. An example scope and sequence are included for teachers to guide and help future planning sessions.

K-2nd

Let’s tackle the dilemma of trying to complete a STEM Challenge in 45 minutes. Tips and ideas are included in this session to share how this can be done. An easy-prep challenge is always a good idea and if you can complete it in one class session that’s a win-win!

3rd-5th

Have you been curious about using augmented reality in your classroom? In this session, Cristina will share three AR activities that can be applied in your class right away, including how to adapt to meet your classroom needs.

4th-7th

This session explores the Who, the What, Where, When, Why and How of STEM Careers. Learn about who: explore 3 resources that share modern day diverse role models that you can use in your lessons. 

what: hear about what STEM careers (10) are growing and ideas of how to share them in your classroom (e.g., bulletinboard, word walls). 

where: see pictures of where those in STEM are working – break the bias that they work in a lab setting with a white lab coat! 

when: Not a STEM teacher persay, find journal prompts and other tips to bring STEM careers into the art or english classrooms. 

why: Are you familiar with the Draw-A-Scientist Study? Learn about the research from posters, to books to what kids draw and how we as teachers can challenge the bias in STEM. 

how: Erin sums it all up to give you three concrete actions to take with your students to connect with STEM Careers. 

Introducing STEM careers can be a lot of fun through hands-on activities and connections art and english. Join this session to spark your confidence in teaching about STEM Careers. 

3rd-5th

In this session, we’ll identify the key components of a STEM project that not only reinforce science and engineering concepts but also create excitement and fun for students. We’ll discuss how to overcome challenges you might face as you create your own “Better than Spaghetti” experience. Learn some great strategies that will make an immediate impact on your STEM lessons, including how to incorporate the engineering design process.

4th-8th

What can you do with just 30 minutes? More than you might think! In this session, we'll cover five different ways to use 30 minutes to support your STEM goals effectively. You'll leave armed with practical ideas and helpful resources to get the most out of your short class period.

3rd-8th

Do your students focus on the product over the process? Learn practical exercises that focus on enhancing student brainstorming power. Help your students maximize their creativity with easy lessons that you can immediately implement in your classroom.

3rd-8th

Learn to implement terms like performance indexes, minimum viable products and overengineering in your STEAM classroom. See how these engineering terms and industry processes will impact your project outcomes and evaluation. Adding these elements to your projects will better prepare your students for the real world of STEAM.

3rd-12th

Third graders approach STEM uniquely! The needs of these mid-elementary grade students offer you the opportunity to teach basic skills, encourage teamwork, and enjoy watching them grow as engineers.

3rd

Quests can be a great resource in STEM/STEAM/STREAM. In this session, Cristina will share some of the quests that students use in her classes that join science, social studies, literacy, and art content together in a fun way! Building quests - from a simple concept to the most complicated - students will be the ones controlling their own learning. Discover the types of activities that help bring confidence and autonomy to your students.

4th-8th

The Renewable Energy Games. How many switches do you flip in a day? How many devices do you plug and unplug? All of our favorite electronics are powered by energy! Learn about how to introduce energy in your classroom. You will find hands-on activities for solar, wind and geothermal. You will find downloadables and videos to energize your classroom.

3rd-5th

Paper is both an easily accessible material and an incredibly versatile one. This session will show you how to guide your students through a variety of projects that involve designing, building and testing structures using just paper, tape and scissors. You will come away with lesson plans that teach students how to roll, fold and connect paper in a variety ways so they can create their own bridges, skyscrapers, Ferris wheels and other structures.

4th-12th

Projects that make use of math skills are a great way to practice concepts in real-life settings. From basic calculating to complex graphing, the addition of math makes the project come to life. Tips are included in this session for activities and easy ways to add the ‘M’ in STEM!

3rd-5th

Looking for ways to integrate STEM into your classroom content? Then check out this workshop! Lisa will share ways to connect STEM to history, economics, and literacy to help create a bigger impact!

3rd-5th

Are you struggling to truly understand how to introduce and teach CERs to your students? Wondering how to incorporate effective scientific writing skills? Amanda certainly was… so she made it her focus of growth this year as an educator. Join Amanda as she shares her discoveries and tested student resources to make CERs fun and effective in your science classroom!

6th-8th

Create your very own digital stop motion animation! In this tutorial, you will learn how to animate digitally, tips and tricks for success, and add post-creation enhancements. Meredith will encourage everyone attending this session to create their own animation while viewing it since that is the best way to learn!

3rd-12th

In this session, you will be learning what robotics is, the benefits of using it in your classroom, different types of robots, organization, what robots are better for lower and upper elementary, and some examples on how to integrate robots into your lessons.

3rd-12th

Let your students take the lead in your STEM classroom! By making decisions and asking questions, students will become more motivated and improve critical thinking, problem solving, and overall learning!

4th-12th

With the high level of engagement, experimentation, and design involved in STEM, it can sometimes be challenging to avoid a spirit of competition amongst students in the STEM classroom. While this can sometimes be motivating for students, it is much more effective in the long term to encourage cooperative learning and a safe space for all students to share their ideas. This session will cover some strategies that can be used to help promote more collaboration and cooperation amongst students during STEM.

3rd-7th

Do you find projects in the classroom daunting or difficult to manage? Do you want to incorporate more innovation in your classroom? If you answered yes to one or both of these questions, then this session is for you! Amanda will help guide you with project management strategies that give students more agency and you fewer headaches!

6th-8th

Join Marijo for some tips and advice for adding tech into your STEM class -- even when you don't feel confident in your tech abilities!

K-12th

Through Project Based Learning (PBL), students design, develop, construct and problem-solve...hands-on! PBL can make learning more memorable & meaningful in any subject area. In this session, learn ways that you can incorporate curiosity, creativity, & critical thinking into your classroom through PBL ideas, where to find resources, how to plan activities, and where to fit them in.

3rd-5th

Join Sam Taylor M. Ed, author of "The Coding Workbook", as she discusses her approach to making computer science education accessible to all students, whether or not they have access to a computer. In this session, you will learn how you can teach your students to build and style a simple website using just a pencil, no computer required!

5th-8th

In this session, Brittany talks you through one of her favorite lessons she does with her middle school students. Where they learn real facts about what they are putting into their bodies and how long people have been “tricking” consumers.  Then they’ll use this new knowledge and put their design skills to the test using the UN GOALS and items found in their classrooms and homes.  Brittany’s goal is to share an interesting lesson with you as well as inspire you to leap into the unknown by creating lessons with not-so-common topics. 

7th-8th

You have an amazing opportunity to save the world, why? Because you interact with the future generations ON THE DAILY and can inspire them to be game-changes for a better future. So let’s equip you with everything you need to start integrating engaging and impactful activities for social impact in your classroom TODAY.

6th-8th

Found a great STEM activity but it's not for your desired age group? Marijo will share some ways you can adjust activities to make them appropriate for the skill level of your students.

K-12th

Green screen in the elementary classroom doesn’t have to be hard. In this session, learn how to set up a mini green screen area in your classroom from start to finish. We'll also discuss ideas for supplies and storage, and classroom management tips.

2nd-5th

Engage students in STEAM with career-ready projects that develop identity, confidence, and 21st century skills. In this session, we share ways to bring real-world contexts to your lessons while giving students much-needed practice in the soft skills that will make them career ready for their futures.

PK-12th