Session IV

From Talk to Throughlines: Designing Discourse for Coherent Student Sensemaking

Students don’t just need to "turn and talk", they need to build ideas that go somewhere! Learn how to design discourse that builds throughlines of student thinking over time. Explore routines and strategies that help students connect, refine, and deepen ideas so classroom talk becomes a purposeful driver of sensemaking.

Launching Near-Space Missions With HabSat

Take your students to the edge of space! See how the HabSat, an educational near-space flight system, enables real high-altitude balloon missions with live images and telemetry from the stratosphere. We'll cover mission planning, launch and recovery, examine data and imagery from recent flights, and demonstrate a HabSat and ground station live.

Sky Above, Soil Below: Integrating Nature Journals

Explore how students use nature journals to collect real-world data, including air and soil temperature, cloud observations, and seasonal changes, fostering authentic scientific inquiry. Participants will experience hands-on strategies for guiding monthly observation activities that build student curiosity, data analysis skills, and a deeper connection to the natural world.

Building Scientific Thinkers: Mastering CER Writing in the Science Classroom

Help students think, write, and argue like scientists using the Claim-Evidence-Reasoning (CER) framework. In this presentation, former teacher Theresa Clark will share strategies for incorporating CER writing and provide attendees with practical ways to design their own CER activities, tips for differentiating instruction, and applicable evaluation tools that can be used in any science classroom. 

Empowering Gifted and 2e Minds: A STREAM-Based Approach to Science Integration

Ditch the traditional playbook for gifted and 2e learners! Explore Vanguard Gifted Academy’s STREAM model through real-world examples of project-based science that sparks curiosity. This isn't just a lecture—come ready to collaborate. In our interactive "share" segment, you’ll roll up your sleeves to build your own cross-curricular connections and leave with strategies you can use tomorrow.

Hiding in Plain Sight? Exploring Animal Coloration & Camouflage

Engage your students in learning about the many amazing ways that animals use color to defend themselves! In this standards-informed session, participants will explore animal coloration and camouflage as they gain strategies to deepen student understanding of how animals use color for protection. Classroom-ready activities for building academic vocabulary and engaging students in observation and inquiry in the classroom and during Zoo visits will be modeled and shared. 

A link to accompanying resources and activities will be provided at the session.

Advanced Air Mobility: Preparing K‑12 Educators for the Future of Flight

What if your students could help design the future of flight? Explore the emerging world of Advanced Air Mobility and its impact on STEM education. This session equips K–12 educators with accessible AAM concepts and classroom strategies to engage students in the future of flight.