Title: Seeing Through a STEAM Lens: How the Arts Change the Way We Think
Speaker: Sally Baker
Description: STEAM is a mindset that invites us to look at familiar content and problems in new ways. Grounded in research on how the arts shape the brain, this session shows how creative processes strengthen critical thinking, creativity, citizenship, collaboration, and communication. Participants will leave with practical, hands-on tools to introduce creativity to any classroom and examples from real schools that have embraced the STEAM process. Building from a process-thinking model, STEAM offers students and teachers a different lens to see instruction and the authentic impact of their learning.
These are discussion sessions that aim to bring together experts on a topic, which they will discuss during the session and will have a longer and more interactive discussion with the audience.
Workshops are subject focused sessions that provide participants the opportunity to gain knowledge and learn skills together. This can range from professional development topics, such as teaching strategies, to timely theoretical topics.
A formal, speaker-led session where an expert or group of experts present on a specific topic related to the maker mindset. This session is designed for attendees to gain new information, insights, or perspectives on a focused area, typically including slides, data, or case studies. Audience interaction is limited to Q&A at the end, allowing for in-depth exploration of the presented material.
Interactive sessions led by a facilitator where participants share ideas, experiences, and challenges around a focused topic. The facilitator guides the conversation, encourages diverse perspectives, and helps the group generate practical insights and takeaways
Session Title: Transforming Tiny Game Consoles into Robots: Project Magpie
Presenter: Eileen Malick
Session Format: Workshop
Description: Working with the creators of free Microsoft Makecode Arcade we created the BETA micro:bit robotics extension library so young students across the US could easily code retro video games utilizing 8 microbit sensors including temperature, sound decibels, etc. A potential new robot turned into the serendipity of creating a robotic revolution of devices with their dormant robotics potential unlocked.
Session Title: Blending Perspectives: What Really Works Across Learning Communities
Presenters: Katherine Starchville and Gabriella Colón-Cosme
Session Format: Traditional Presentation
Description: Different classrooms. Different students. Shared success. Explore how elementary and middle school educators cultivate student voice and problem-solving through real classroom examples, actionable strategies, and collaborative discussion that can be adapted for any learner, grade level, or educational setting.
Session Title: From Curiosity to Community Impact: Designing Meaningful Learning Through Environmental Stewardship, Innovation, and Creative Problem-Solving
Presenters: Lisa Lewis
Session Format: Workshop
Description: Design learning that matters. Through NOAA investigations, school garden projects, and Clixo-powered design thinking, discover how students can become problem-solvers, innovators, and community contributors while developing the critical thinking, creativity, and agency needed to make a lasting impact.
Session Title: PBL and Build the Moon Challenge
Presenter: Gina Healy
Session Format: Workshop
Description: Participants will get a chance to see how to use the Build Moon Challenge as a Project Based learning activity for an Earth Science classroom.
Session Title: The 3 R's of Innovation: Resilience, Resourcefulness, and Responsibility
Presenters: Dr. Tatiana Austin
Session Format: Traditional Presentation
Description: Discover how integrating the 3 Rs of innovation—resilience, resourcefulness, and responsibility—transforms STEM education. Learn how hands-on STEM challenges, process-focused rubrics, and ethical reflection empower students to learn from failure, maximize resources, and develop into future-ready global citizens.
Session Title: Seriously?! That's Science?
Presenters: Georgette Willis
Session Format: Workshop
Description: Who says science has to be complicated? Get ready to roll up your sleeves and experience fun, hands-on investigations using everyday materials! Discover how simple, low-prep activities aligned with Virginia Science SOLs can spark curiosity, encourage critical thinking, and create meaningful, memorable learning experiences that make an impact!
Session Title: Mathematics PBL Panel Discussion
Presenter: Lily Cleary & Diane Wagnon
Session Format: Panel
Description: Participants will collaborate to explore effective strategies for planning and integrating project-based learning (PBL) within the mathematics curriculum. The session will also address challenges specific to skill-focused classes and highlight how to apply the seven essential design elements and teacher practices that define Gold Standard PBL.
Session Title: Make it Clean: Soap Creation, Box Engineering, and Marketing
Presenters: Yvonne Richard and Casey Holbrook
Session Format: Workshop
Description: Have you ever wanted to make soap? Can you engineer a box for transporting soap? Can you design a logo for your very own soap company? During this session, participants will experience Glo-Germ and discuss integrating the health standards into the regular classroom. Participants will then use simple materials to make soap (that will be able to take home with them by the end of the day). Participants will also create a box for soap transportation and marketing. If time allows, participants will create a business logo for their new soap company. Find out how to tie these activities to Standards of Learning.
Session Title: Bits in Action: Making Elementary Computer Science Hands-On
Presenters: Yvonne Richard
Session Format: Workshop
Description: How can elementary students experience computer science as something they do, rather than simply learn about? This hands-on session will introduce educators to the Micro:bit through standards-aligned activities that develop computational thinking, problem-solving, algorithms, data, and inputs and outputs. Participants will explore authentic connections between computer science and elementary content areas, including mathematics, science, English, and social studies, while learning how Micro:bits can support existing instruction rather than add another subject to teach. Educators will leave with hands-on experience, classroom-ready ideas, and strategies for integrating Micro:bits and Virginia Computer Science Standards into meaningful elementary instruction.
Session Title: Building robust conceptional understanding
Presenters: J. Andrew Ewing
Session Format: Workshop
Description: Our current educational practice often creates a false dichotomy between academic education and vocational training, pitting the theoretical against the practical. We will explore practical ways to encourage interdisciplinary and cross curricular projects to restore a more humane and holistic approach to education and to engage every student.
Session Title: Digging In the Classroom: Hands-on to Virtual Archaeology Lessons for Virginia Classrooms
Presenters: Rachel Alwine
Session Format: Workshop
Description: Join an archaeologist for a workshop to connect archaeology with social studies and STEM with hands-on learning. We’ll discuss educator needs, the benefits of classroom visits and field trips, and how to teach these lessons through a digital platform when classroom visits aren't possible. During the workshop, we will wash artifacts from current excavations and observe 3D models.