EDC's Sessions at the 2008 NSTA Conference in Boston
March 26–30, 2008
— COME SEE US AT BOOTH 913 —
Please note that unless otherwise stated, the sessions are facilitated
by staff from EDC’s Center for Science Education.
PreK-Elementary Level Sessions
PreK–Elementary Level Sessions
Ticketed Event, Pre-registration required
Professional Development Institute: Discussion and Writing in the Inquiry-Based Elementary Science Classroom: Critical Partners in the Development of Scientific Reasoning and Conceptual Understanding
Wednesday 8:00 am–4:00 pm Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, Room 251
Presenters: Karen Worth, Sally Crissman, Jeff Winokur, Martha Heller-Winokur (Tufts University)
This institute focuses on the development and use of literacy skills in science to foster students’ scientific reasoning as they move from direct experience to conceptual understanding. The target audience is upper elementary students (grades 3–5); however, much of the content can be applied at younger grade levels.
Providing Professional Development for Connecting Science and Literacy in the Elementary Classroom
Thursday 12:30–2:30 pm Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, Room 251
Presenters: Martha Heller-Winokur (Tufts University); Karen Worth, Sally Crissman, Jeff Winokur
In this session a panel of teachers and professional developers share their experiences with facilitating NSF-supported modules developed to help teachers connect science and literacy in elementary classrooms.
Elementary Science Writing Using Firsthand Data
Thursday 3:30–4:30 pm Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, Room 251
Presenters: Karen Worth; Martha Heller-Winokur (Tufts University); Jeff Winokur, Sally Crissman
This session addresses instructional strategies to help students write at the culmination of a study, based on data recorded in science notebooks.
WGBH: Nurturing a New Generation of Scientists and Engineers—PreK Through Middle School
Thursday 3:30–4:30 pm Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, Room 157A
Presenters: Karen Worth; Marisa Wolsky (WGBH Educational Foundation, Boston); Carol Greenwald (WGBH Educational Foundation, Boston); Kate Taylor (WGBH Educational Foundation, Boston)
In this session, WGBH series producers, writers, and science advisors discuss how programs such as Curious George, Peep, FETCH!, and Design Squad are created to inspire active engagement—where kids want to turn off the TV and explore!
Ticketed Event
Short Course: The Role of Discourse and Writing in Grades 3–5 Inquiry-based Science
Friday 12:30–3:30 pm Westin Copley, St. George A/B
Presenters: Jeff Winokur, Karen Worth, and Sally Crissman; Martha Heller-Winokur (Tufts University)
This short course will focus on the role of discourse and writing in inquiry-based science, particularly the development of student scientific reasoning and conceptual understanding.
Exploring the Impact of Elementary Science Specialists
Friday 2:00–3:00 pm Seaport World Trade Center, North End I
Presenter: Marian M. Pasquale
This session, emanating from an Invitational DRK-12 Conference, will present the varying roles of elementary science specialists and examine their impact on school science programs and student learning.
Complementary or Supplementary—What is the Relationship Between After School Science Activities and School?
Friday 3:30–4:30 pm Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, Room 208
Presenter: Bernard Zubrowski
In this session practitioners and administrators will present their views on the goals and relationship to in-school learning of a growing number of after school programs that are offering STEM activities to students.
The Art of Talk and the Power of the Circle
Friday 3:30–5:30 pm Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, Room 251
Presenters: Karen Worth; Sally Crissman; Jeff Winokur; Martha Heller-Winokur (Tufts University)
In this session, a panel of grades 3–5 teachers will use classroom video examples to discuss strategies for developing students' skills for engaging in productive classroom science discussions.
Engaging Three- to Five-Year-Olds in Inquiry Science
Saturday 10:00–11:15 am Boston Marriot Copley Place, Salon C
Presenters: Karen Worth; Jeff Winokur
This discussion and hands-on session focuses on how to provide challenging science experiences that engage children in extended explorations of science concepts.
Middle School Level Sessions
Ticketed Event, Pre-registration required
Professional Development Institute: Inquiry-Based Mentoring
Wednesday 8:00 am–4:00 pm Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, 254B
Presenters: Marian M. Pasquale, Vivian Troen (Brandeis University)
This institute uses an inquiry-oriented approach detailed in Making Science Mentors (NSTA Press) to teach mentors to examine their experience, generate alternatives, and evaluate actions. Mentors develop problem-solving skills that help them make complex decisions influenced by context. Inquiry is used as the strategy for integrating science content knowledge, pedagogy, and mentoring skills.
Ticketed Event, Pre-registration required
Professional Development Institute: Integrating Science and Engineering Technology
Wednesday 8:00 am–4:00 pm Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, Room 252A
Presenters: Bernard Zubrowski
This institute provides one approach to addressing the challenge many school districts face when trying to address the technology theme of the national standards (NRC and AAAS).
Focusing Observations—Inquiry Criteria for Middle Grades Science Classroom Visits
Thursday 9:30–11:30 am Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, 254B
Presenters: Marian M. Pasquale, Bernard Zubrowski
This session introduces participants to a planning and observation tool from the EDC Science Mentoring Program that focuses on phases of inquiry in middle grades science classrooms, infrastructure, and assessment.
Facilitating the Work of Science Mentors
Friday 8:00–10:00 am Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, 254B
Presenter: Marian M. Pasquale
This session provides resources and support for science specialists to prepare middle grades mentors. Using case studies and videos from EDC’s Making Science Mentors (NSTA Press), participants practice mentoring strategies.
Using Pond Studies to Address Multiple Life Science Standards
Friday 9:30–11:30 am Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, Room 207
Presenter: Bernard Zubrowski
In this workshop discover ways of carrying out long-term investigations of live creatures, and see exciting videos of creatures using a special CD format allowing close study of behavior.
Ticketed Event
Science Assessment Research and Practical Approaches: Aligning Middle School Assessment to High-Stakes Tests (breakout sessions 12B and 12C) (advanced registration required)
Saturday 7:00 am–3:30 pm Boston Convention and Exhibit Center, Rooms 205 A–C
Presenters: Marian M. Pasquale; Marian Grogan
In this session different kinds of assessments found on national and state science tests will be discussed in terms of when and how each type can be incorporated in classroom science instruction. Additionally, a framework for, analyzing the alignment between the nature and cognitive demand of a task with opportunities to learn and practice in the classroom will be introduced.
The Need for Multimodal Literacies in Science Instruction
Saturday 11:00 am–noon Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, Room 208
Presenter: Bernard Zubrowski
In this session an instructional model will be presented that incorporates verbal, pictorial and gestural ways of representing and making sense of experience that encourages students’ science conceptual change.
Tools to Support Understanding: Instructional Technology to Help Deepen Comprehension for Struggling Students
Saturday 2:00–3:00 pm The Westin Boston Waterfront, Stone
Presenters: Karen M. Clay (EDC Center for Family, School & Community); Judith Zorfass (EDC Center for Family, School & Community)
In this session two different instructional technology tools will be presented in conjunction with SBR content reading and writing strategies that can help all students.
An Observation Tool for Mentoring and a Planning Tool for Designing Extended Inquiry
Sunday 9:30–10:30 am Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, Room 211
Presenters: Bernard Zubrowski; Marian M. Pasquale
In this session a useful practitioner-designed tool for doing classroom observations and for planning or adapting inquiry lessons to better align with the national standards will be introduced.
High School Level Sessions
Getting Kids Invested with Stories: The Car of the Future
Thursday 8:00–9:00 am Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, 206B
Presenters: Laura K. Baumgartner (Robinswood High School, Bellevue, WA); Charles Judson Hill
This session presents a hybrid car example for teaching energy transformations to demonstrate how being invested in a story facilitates the learning process.
Motivate Your Students: Integrating Science Content with Compelling Real-World Challenges
Thursday 3:30–5:00 pm Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, Room 258B
Presenter: Jacqueline S. Miller
This session presents a new NSF-supported high school curriculum that engages relevant investigations, interesting readings, and motivating discussions that lead to success for all students.
Science and Technology in the Ford PAS High School Curriculum
Friday 12:30–2:30 pm Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, Room 252A
Presenters: Kristen Bjork (EDC Center for Educational Resources Outreach); Rebecca Lewis (EDC Center for Education, Employment & Community)
This session will present the Ford Partnership for Advanced Studies (PAS) curriculum, which includes academically rigorous, standards-based engineering and physical science content that links learning with the real-world challenges students face.
What Do Science Teaching and Learning Look Like in Small Urban High Schools?
Friday 5:00–6:00 pm Seaport World Trade Center, North End I
Presenters: Marian H. Grogan; Abigail Jurist Levy; Rosann Tung (Center for Collaborative Education, Boston)
This session will include a moderated panel of science practitioners from small high schools in several large urban districts. Panelists will share the nature of the science program in their schools and how they are addressing some of the challenges and opportunities in designing and implementing rigorous, standards based programs in a small school environment.
Exploring Scientific Inquiry Skills and Performance-based Assessments
Saturday 8:00–9:00 am Seaport World Trade Center, Cityview II
Presenters: Katie Bowler (Massachusetts Dept. of Education); Amie Mansfield
This session provides a summary of findings on current large-scale assessments addressing scientific inquiry skills with a focus on performance-based assessments, including some of the challenges and benefits of implementing these tests.
It's Not Your Mother's Science Class Anymore: Introducing Cutting-Edge Science into the Classroom
Saturday 8:00–9:00 am Seaport Hotel, Plaza A
Presenter: Jacqueline S. Miller
This presentation addresses the challenges of bringing the latest research into the science classroom—where to find it and how to integrate it.
Have Einstein, Curie, and Newton Visit Your High School Classroom: Embedding the History of Science into Your Teaching
Saturday 11:00 am–noon Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel, Pacific H
Presenter: Christine V. Brown; Joseph Flynn
In this session strategies of embedding the history of science into lessons using free Web resources will be discussed in terms of addressing national standards, deepening students' scientific understanding, and engagement.
Cross Grade Level Sessions
Pre-conference Ticketed Event
Institute on Science Education for Students with Disabilities
Wednesday (pre-registration required) Constitution Room of the Seaport Hotel
Presenters: Laureen Summers, Angela Foreman, Alex Mueller. Patti Davidson. Heidi Slavkin, John Stiles, Gregory Stefanich, Babette Moeller, Lynn Lovewell, Samantha Langley-Turnbaurgh, Lyla Crawford, Sami Kahn (see affiliations below)
This institute will address various topics related to providing students with disabilities with a high quality science education. This session will be of interest for science educators, special education teachers, parents, and/or administrators at all levels. Interested persons, please contact pdavidson@usi.edu to register. Professional Development credits will be available.
Pre-Conference Session Details
Science Education/Careers: Then and Now
Presenters: Laureen Summers (AAAS Project on Science, Technology and Disabilities); Angela Foreman (Rochester Institute for the Deaf); Alex Mueller (Mathworks)
The panel will focus on careers in STEM, discussing how programs such as ENTRY POINT have opened a gateway for students with disabilities to enter the science career pipeline.Inclusion and Collaboration – A Team Approach
Presenters: Patti Davidson (University of Southern Indiana); Heidi Slavkin (Mt. Vernon Public Schools, Indiana)
This session will focus on the process of collaborative teaching. With a mandate of inclusion, general education and special education teachers are finding themselves working even closer together to meet the needs of their students. Through interactive participation, attendees will be asked to focus on the following: 1) What makes an effective team? 2) What prerequisites need to be in place for “teaming”? 3) Who is the “team”?Colorblindness: Addressing a Little Understood but Prevalent Deficiency
Presenter: John Stiles (Heartland Area Education Agency, Iowa)
This session have a nuts and bolts presentation of Dyschromacy (“Color Blindness”), and how it affects 8% of your students. Presented by a colorblind educator, this session takes a look at the genetics and evolution of dyschromacy in humans, discusses ways that students are affected, and gives practical suggestions to help teachers reduce barriers for students who struggle with color discrimination in the science classroom.Who Makes A Difference and Why?
Presenter: Greg Stefanich (University of Northern Iowa)
Dr. Stefanich will address curricular and instructional adaptations related to the teaching of students with disabilities. Three questions in adapting curriculum for students with diverse learning needs will be addressed: 1) What teaching practices create an effective inclusive science classroom? 2) What types of adaptations do teachers need to implement to meet the needs of diverse learners in the general education setting? 3) What are strategies teachers frequently employ in an effective inclusive science classroom? This will be an interactive hands-on session focusing on strategies and materials to increase science learning for all students, including those with disabilities.Extracurricular Activities to Support the Participation of Students with Disabilities in Science
Presenters: Babette Moeller (EDC Center for Children and Technology, New York); Lynn Lovewell & Samantha Langley-Turnbaugh (Eastern Alliance for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, University of Southern Maine); Lyla Crawford (DO-IT Project, University of Washington)
In this session participants will learn about extracurricular activities that facilitate the participation and achievement of students with disabilities in science.The Role of Advocacy in Supporting High Quality Science Education for All Students
Presenter: Sami Kahn (Collegiate School, New York NY and Attorney specializing in Special Education laws)
During this session, participants will learn about the legal, educational, and interpersonal tools, which can be utilized to advocate for and by students with disabilities in order to support their success in science.
Bridging Informal and Formal Education to Engage Youth in STEM Learning: The ITEST Experience
Friday 11:00 am–noon Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, Ballroom West (Group 4)
Presenters: Siobhan Bredin (EDC Center for Education, Employment & Community); Sarita Pillai (EDC Center for Education, Employment & Community)
This session presents examples of ITEST projects collaborations between formal and informal organizations working to engage students in intensive, student-centered, hands-on science and technology experiences.
Want to Start a Mentoring Program?
Friday 11:00 am–noon Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, Room 254B
Presenters: Barbara Berns; Nancy Hurley (Learning Innovations at WestEd)
In this session findings about the “negotiables and nonnegotiables” for establishing a mentoring program using the EDC Science Mentoring model will be discussed.
High-quality Science Instruction and Teacher Qualifications: A Comparative Case Study of Their Relationship in One Urban School District
Friday 2:00–3:00 pm Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel, Pacific H
Presenters: Phitsamay S. Uy; Abigail Jurist Levy; Erica Jablonski; Erica Fields; Amie Mansfield
This session will reveal findings from an NSF-funded study of high-quality science instruction in one urban school district.
Informal Science Education Share-a-Thon
Friday 6:00–8:00 pm Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, Ballroom West
Presenters: Academy of Natural Sciences; Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum; Astronomical Society of the Pacific; Cambridge Public Schools; Consortium for Ocean Leadership; Earthwatch Institute; Education Development Center, Inc; Elsa Bailey Consulting; Fallingwater; Fuller Middle School; Gemini Observatory Northern; Georgian Court University; Great Lakes Children's Museum; Harvard Museum of Natural History; Jackson Public School District; Jet Propulsion Laboratory; John G. Shedd Aquarium; KQED, Inc.; Lesley University; Museum of Science and Industry; National Institute of General Medical Sciences; National Optical Astronomy Observatory; NOAA National Marine Sanctuaries; Raritan Valley Community College; SouthEast Educational, Inc; Stellwagen Bank Natl Marine Sanctuary; TERC; The City University of New York; The Field Museum; Timothy Smith Network; Twin Cities Public Television; University Corporation for Atmospheric Research; University of Washington; U.S. Space and Rocket Center; WGBH Educational Foundation; Wheelock College; York Middle School
In this informal science share-a-thon, informal science educators will showcase their programs and resources, and share ideas with the science education community.
Ticketed Event
Gravity, Next-Generation Astronomical Telescopes, and Glacier Motion--Doing Experimental Physics with a Vision Disability (an EDC sponsored event)
Saturday 7:00–9:00 am The Westin Boston Waterfront, Revere Room
Presenter: James D. Phillips (Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics)
In this session, James Phillips will describe his work as well as accommodations and ways he has learned to continue his career in experimental physics after developing macular degeneration in 2002. His current work involves the design of space-based astronomical instruments and tests of general relativity.
General information on the conference: http://www.nsta.org
