9:00-9:50

Ethical Excellence : An insightful session focused on meeting the unique social and emotional needs of STEM gifted and talented (GT) learners. This workshop will explore the specific challenges GT students face and provide educators with key strategies to enhance their social-emotional education. Participants will also learn effective techniques to foster neuro-social skills within the STEM classroom, ensuring a supportive environment for GT learners to thrive academically and emotionally. This session is essential for educators looking to deepen their understanding and improve their practice in supporting GT students' holistic development. ~ Ron Bramhall, Region 10 ESC, Dallas rm

Math is the M in STEAM: Join me for a dynamic session designed to help educators seamlessly integrate STEM principles into their math classrooms without overwhelming their existing workload. Discover practical strategies to enhance your curriculum by emphasizing the "M" in STEM—Mathematics ~ Julie Frizzell, Region 10 ESC, Collin rm

What's in Store for 2024? Region 10 STEM Cohort and National Institute for STEM Education: Participating in a STEM cohort offers a valuable opportunity for academic and professional growth. To maximize this experience, it's essential to actively engage in group discussions, collaborate with peers on projects, and take advantage of networking opportunities with mentors and professionals in your field. Attend workshops, seminars, and lectures to broaden your knowledge base and stay updated on the latest developments in STEM. Set clear goals for yourself, seek out opportunities for research and internships, and take initiative in pursuing your interests. Reflect on your experiences, evaluate your progress, and consider giving back by mentoring others or volunteering for STEM outreach activities. By embracing these strategies, you can make the most of your time in the STEM cohort and lay the foundation for future success in your academic and professional endeavors. ~ Sam Bradbury, Heather Ross, & Jamie Long, Region 10 ESC & NISE, Ellis rm 

Students as Teachers and Leaders: Planning a School-wide STEAM Day: GT Students in 4th-6th grade led a full day of "STEAM Day." Throughout the process the GT students went through they are strengthening their leadership skills (NAGC standard 4.3), building confidence, learning the art of public speaking, oral, written, and artistic forms of communication (NAGC standard 4.5), and financial literacy. The GT students taught all day after creating a lesson that was full of higher-level thinking strategies supporting all things STEM and TEKS.  ~Carrie Seldge, Allen ISD, Houston rm

Creating Science Experiences: In this session, we will explore the critical role that STEM education and Gifted and Talented (GT) students play in advancing scientific investigations. Emphasizing innovative thinking and problem-solving skills, this discussion highlights how fostering skills in these areas can lead to higher-order thinking and scientific discourse. ~Jennifer Culver, Region 10 ESC, Lamar rm

“DemySTEMfying” Vocabulary & Academic Discourse: During this presentation, we will explore how to incorporate coding, 3D printing, and micro.bits into a GT program when the teacher isn't an expert in any of these topics. We will discuss how to keep things organized, control the chaos, and embrace learning (as a teacher too).   ~Chandra Shaw, Region 10 ESC, Austin rm

The Gifted Scientist...what do we do? : Have you ever wondered what it means to be a gifted science student? Or how to develop a good lesson that enriches and enhances their learning? This session will focus on how a gifted science student may present themselves, a curriculum model currently being used in a gifted science classroom, and offer a chance to ask questions and apply it to an upcoming lesson in science.  ~Justin Pata, Richardson ISD, Bowie rm

Elevating STEM-GT Instruction with Live Data and Experimentation: Learn how to elevate instruction within your STEM-GT classrooms with hands-on experimentation, live data analysis, and more. This session is perfect for all grade levels and promoting and creating global learners. We'll explore both life and physical science applications for STEM-GT instruction. ~ Matthew Schmidt, PASCO, Crockett rm

10:00-10:50

Creating Science Experiences: In this session, we will explore the critical role that STEM education and Gifted and Talented (GT) students play in advancing scientific investigations. Emphasizing innovative thinking and problem-solving skills, this discussion highlights how fostering skills in these areas can lead to higher-order thinking and scientific discourse. ~Jennifer Culver, Region 10 ESC, Dallas rm

Teaching Critical Thinking: This session delves beyond the surface of topics, propelling students on an insightful journey that transcends basic facts. By focusing on critical thinking, it encourages students to explore the underlying reasons and implications, transforming information into profound knowledge and wisdom. Learn to help your students develop the skills to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information, fostering a deeper understanding and enhanced decision-making capabilities. ~Jessica Gitzinger, Region 10 ESC, Collin rm

Wanna Blart my Woodle? Join us to uncover the MAGIC of Woodles and how it will impact your approach to instruction. Walk away from this session equipped to give a more experiential, hands-on approach to vocabulary instruction & learning than the traditional ways it's been done. You will DISCOVER ways to integrate Discovery Education resources to support all students in learning language, vocabulary, concepts, etc. You will continue to nurture curiosity with the way you blart a Woodle! ~Tammy Norman, Discovery Education, Ellis

Robo Geniuses: Exploring Robotics in the Elementary Classroom: Join us for a captivating exploration into the world of robotics in the elementary classroom! Discover innovative ways to integrate robotics into your curriculum, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills in young minds. From introductory concepts to hands-on activities, this session will empower educators to inspire a new generation of RoboGeniuses. ~Tommy Meek & Shawn Franke, Denton ISD, Houston rm

Delve into Design Thinking with Solve in Time!: Delve into design thinking and experience solving real world problems using the Solve in Time! protocol. In this interactive session, participants will engage in a protocol structure that challenges students to think critically and engage in meaningful discourse to solve relevant problems together. ~ Laura Kile, Region 10, Lamar rm

Rev up Learning: Engage, Educate, and Empower with Sphero Indi: Sphero indi is an entry level robot driven by color tiles. In this session, create a map and add color tiles to establish directions for indi to follow. Teach indi about a cycle found in nature using color tiles and creativity. Finally, share a favorite story with indi through a path of color tiles and a creative setting. You will walk away with a portfolio to showcase your work — and demonstrate what you’ve learned along the way. In the portfolio, you will collect projects, notes, reflections, and resources all in one place. ~Amanda Esquivel, Grand Prairie ISD, Austin rm

Fun with Data: By taking data to the next level to make it fun by making it interactive, the students will get a better understanding of what data is and how its used. I will include complexity and depth using the icons to have students answer various questions and dig deep into data to comprehend and interpret data and why it's important. The students will create their own data and share with others their understanding of their data set. They will ask questions to their peers to see if they agree or disagree and why. ~Layna Carranza, PTAA, Bowie rm

Revolutionizing Social Studies: Artificial Intelligence + Historical Thinking: In this thought-provoking presentation, we will delve into the fascinating realm of Artificial Intelligence tools like ChatGPT. Join us as we explore the exciting possibilities that arise from the convergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and the development of historical thinking skills. We will examine how AI technologies can enhance engagement with historical narratives, foster critical thinking, and promote Social Studies literacy skills among students and educators alike. Additional attention will be given to the concept of “future ready” skills and how integrating AI in social studies education can prepare students for the challenges of tomorrow. ~ Kelly Bellar & Crystal Klose, Regions 10 & 11, Crockett rm

rm

11:10-12:00

5 Ideas for Making 3-D Printing Academic in Elementary: 3D printing has truly gained popularity in recent years, but how can we integrate this new form of creation to quality content, especially within the elementary classroom? Come and "level up" your 3D printing game as you explore standards-based lessons straight from our own elementary classrooms! ~ James Tiggerman & Sylvia Huber, Irving ISD, Houston rm

STEMful Thinking: This session will especially focus on the growth of gifted learners with nonverbal strengths. Before students become experts in STEM, we have to build their thinking skills. In this session, I will teach participants strategies I use daily in my GT classroom. My students enjoy questioning and problem posing for prizes. The students regularly design their own investigations and present conclusions to classmates. I’ll even describe how I allow students to neatly store materials to upcycle for the purpose of building reflections. Using these strategies will allow students to play an active role in differentiating their content, processes, and products. ~ Brandi Jackson, Richardson ISD, Lamar rm

The STEAM Punks: Creating Equitable and Engaging STEAM Programs for Learners: Learn about tools and solutions you can use district-wide to show students what’s possible and help them see themselves in STEAM careers. Explore STEAM stations that incorporate hands-on learning to help students develop cognitive, social, and creative skills. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience hands-on STEAM activities with 3D design in tinkerCAD, computer programming with Google CS First, and STEAM career exposure with LEGO Education Solutions and SO much more. Attendees will be provided with strategies to immediately implement hands-on learning with materials in their classrooms. ~Rico Sneller, Daniel Buhrow, & Shana Prugh, McKinney ISD, Austin rm

Delve into Design Thinking with Solve in Time!: Delve into design thinking and experience solving real world problems using the Solve in Time! protocol. In this interactive session, participants will engage in a protocol structure that challenges students to think critically and engage in meaningful discourse to solve relevant problems together. ~ Laura Kile, Region 10, Crocket rm

Thinking Like a Historian: Inquiry and the Fourth Question Method: How do you get students to “do” history rather than just “studying” history? In this session we will discuss ways to take your history classes from rote memorization of facts to true critical thinking of history by applying research-based practices. We will learn how to create and develop students that are critical thinkers. Included will also be an introduction to a newly developed methodology for planning and teaching history called the 4 Question Method. After years of intense dialogue about the best methods for teaching social studies, seasoned educators Johnathan Bassett and Gary Shiffman developed a schema that prioritizes the historical narrative and marries it to historical thinking by having students answer four questions. What happened? What were they thinking? Why then and there? What do we think about that? ~ Kelly Bellar & Crystal Klose, Regions 10 & 11, Bowie rm

Session 4

1:25-2:15

It's a Small World: The Early Years of STEM: Our classroom will feature immersive learning centers designed to stimulate our young learners' curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity. By integrating STEM concepts into thematic play environments, we aim to nurture each child's unique talents and interests while fostering a love for inquiry-based learning. By implementing these classroom learning centers focusing on STEM-GT differentiation, we aim to create a dynamic and inclusive learning environment where all early childhood students can thrive intellectually, socially, and emotionally. Through hands-on exploration and guided inquiry, we empower our young learners to become confident problem solvers and lifelong learners in an ever-changing world. ~Tamekia Booker-Wallace, St. Phillips School & Community Center, Houston rm

Exploring Innovation with Toshiba Exploravision: Exploravision is a science competition that focuses on encouraging students to envision and communicate future technologies. They place a strong emphasis on collaborative learning and critical thinking skills development. There are four phases: registration, project submission, judging, and celebration.There is opportunity for scholarships and prizes- but the overall winning factor is students engaging with real-world science and technology challenges. Come learn how you can implement this in your classroom! ~Mechelle Galyon, Celina ISD, Lamar rm

Primary Robotics and Coding: Coding and robotics can be intimidating for primary grades, but I began my journey with coding and robotics in my kindergarten classroom. In this session we will be discussing different tools, tricks, and tips that I learned from teaching coding and robotics in the primary space. We will focus on screen-free coding with physical coding games, coding apps that are appropriate for primary grade levels Kodable and Scratch Jr., and age appropriate robotics like code and go mice, beebots, and sphero indies. ~ Julianna Sheeran, Terrell ISD, Austin rm

Speed Geeking: STEAM: Join us for an energizing session where you will walk away with loads of instructional strategies and tech tools! The MISD GT team will facilitate presenters rotating every 5 minutes to share with you the best technology tips and differentiated resources that you can take back with you and start using right away with your Gifted & Talented students! ~ Daniel Buhrow, Shana Prugh, & Rico Sneller, McKinney ISD, Bowie rm

Making and Taking STEMwalks: The walkSTEM portfolio of open-access resources will be described clearly. Attendees will learn about the opportunities to, first, go on virtual STEM walks across North Texas using the talkSTEM video library consisting of short, inquiry-based, TEKs-aligned videos. Second, they will learn of ways of extending the learning from videos through facilitation of generative small-group and whole-group discussions. Third, they will learn of ways to implement creative walkSTEM methods whereby students create their own STEM walks. These creative methods range from short and quick tasks in the classroom that are grounded in the videos they view to longer project-based learning episodes with assessment rubrics. ~ Koshi Dhingra, talkSTEM, Crockett rm

Session 5

2:25-3:15

Engineering Instruction: Explore the dynamic intersection of Gifted and Talented (GT) education with STEM instruction in this session. Discover effective strategies to engage GT learners through hands-on, inquiry-based activities that integrate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics principles. Learn how engineering our instruction can foster creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills essential for GT students in today's ever-evolving world. ~Sam Bradbury, Region 10 ESC, Houston rm

Harnessing the Power of AI in the Classroom: What is AI in Education? What are some benefits of AI in Education? What are some issues? Let's delve into the use of AI for personalized learning, efficient grading, data- driven insights and more. ~Mechelle Galyon, Celina ISD, Lamar rm

Creating Rigor in STEM: Many STEM activities out there lack the rigor and depth the properly challenge students. They are fun building activities or design challenges that do not directly tie to content or have true depth to them. How can we take what is already out there or create our own STEM lessons and materials that have the necessary rigor to truly challenge our students?  ~Julianna Sheeran, Terrell ISD, Austin rm

Building GT Success in CTE Courses: This session will discuss ways to serve GT students through their involvement in Career and Technical Education. Participants will explore opportunities to build partnerships between departments to help meet the state requirements for GT engaged learning. ~Spenser Adams, Region 10, Bowie rm

WIN- What I Need time: Join this W.I.N. (What I Need) Time work session to process today's learning and create the next steps in your learning journey! Be part of this informal session for the opportunity to reflect on what you have learned, implement new ideas, and create a plan for the future. Choose to work on your own or collaborate with others in this participant-driven space where YOU take charge of your own learning! ~ Laura Kile, Region 10, Crocket rm