WSST Conference 2025: Full Schedule

arrow_back View All Dates

8:00am CDT

Workshop: Integrating Engineering, Electronics, and Coding into Your Science Labs

Friday April 4, 2025 8:00am - 9:50am CDT

You will build a soil moisture sensing system using the Arduino UNO. First you will design and code the project in Tinkercad using the Arduino simulator. Then you will build and code the project using an Arduino UNO and a soil moisture sensor. You will wire your projects and code in C++. You will learn the basics of the electronics behind Arduino connected sensors and the limitless possibilities for your science labs, fairs and national competitions. The workshop will demonstrate 3D learning and how to spark innovation and creativity using the Arduino platform.

Speakers

Isabel Mendiola

Director, Gearbox Labs, Inc.

Gearbox Labs provides project and problem-based curriculum, kits, and learning experiences that integrate engineering, design, computational thinking, and digital prototyping using C/C++ and physical computing in applied STEM/STEAM contexts for K-12 students.

Peter Haydock

Sponsors

Gearbox Labs

Friday April 4, 2025 8:00am - 9:50am CDT
BF Carter

Biology/Life Science Earth Science Engineering Environmental Physics Pedagogy/Teaching Strategies

10:00am CDT

Workshop: “Green” Careers Education and Science Class: A Mutually Beneficial Connection

Friday April 4, 2025 10:00am - 11:50am CDT

BF Carter

Project Learning Tree’s “Green Jobs: Exploring Forest Careers” guide includes background information and resources related to forest-focused STEM careers, as well as four learning activities designed to give students a taste of a wide range of jobs. In this session, we will work in small groups to do one indoor and one outdoor activity from the guide, practicing skills like data collection and analysis, tree measurement and identification, and scientific discourse. We will have a large group discussion to identify how these skills and activities connect to NGSS SEPs. Participants will then work with a partner to make connections between the activities and the biology, environmental science and/or earth science concepts they teach, then use some individual work time to plan how these activities and other careers education can fit into their existing curriculum. Participants will leave prepared to teach “green” careers education alongside their content. Participants will receive a free copy of the book.

Speakers

Nicole Filizetti

LEAF K-12 Forestry Education Program Outreach Educator, Wisconsin Center For Environmental Education

Nicole has a B.S. in Biology/Ecology, a secondary science teaching certificate, and an M.S. in Science Education from Northern Michigan University. She has been with the Wisconsin Center for Environmental Education since 2013, assisting with professional development for the LEAF... Read More →

Sponsors

LEAF K-12 Forestry Education Program / Wisconsin Center for Environmental Education

Friday April 4, 2025 10:00am - 11:50am CDT
BF Carter

Biology/Life Science Environmental

2:00pm CDT

Workshop: Science Education Tech Slam

Friday April 4, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT

BF Carter

Feedback Survey

Step into the future of science education! This collaborative workshop will provide a treasure trove of effective technologies designed to transform your high school science classroom. From simulations to simple data analysis tools, discover how to ignite your students' passion for science like never before. Join us for an interactive session where you'll gain hands-on experience with some educational technology, share current technologies you use, learn from peers, and walk away with practical strategies to implement immediately. Whether you're a tech novice or a digital guru, this workshop will equip you with the tools to make your science lessons more engaging and effective. So, bring your charged device and your list of go-to tech. Let's collaborate and share the technologies that revolutionize our teaching to inspire the next generation of scientists!

Speakers

Sarah Klingbile

Sponsors

Seymour Community High School

Friday April 4, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
BF Carter

General

3:00pm CDT

Workshop: Bright Lights, Bright Minds! Exploring Energy Phenomena in Elementary Classrooms

Friday April 4, 2025 3:00pm - 3:50pm CDT

BF Carter

This session will introduce participants to engaging activities from KEEP—Wisconsin’s K-12 Energy Education Program—that are included in the Elementary Energy Explorations kit and lesson series. These activities delve into the science and processes behind the phenomenon of flipping a light switch and the complex energy systems that make it possible. The presentation will address essential questions, including: How does electrical energy reach our homes? How do circuits function? How are energy fuel resources obtained? What are the environmental impacts of energy resource extraction? What alternatives are available?

Participants will actively engage in the following KEEP lessons: Evidence of Energy, Digging for Coal, and Renewable Energy Resources. Each lesson is designed to align with NGSS standards and utilizes the 5E model of experiential learning, fostering a hands-on, inquiry-driven approach to understanding energy concepts. Participants will also be introduced to the Elementary Energy Explorations kit, available for checkout from KEEP to any Wisconsin educator.

Speakers

Laureanna Raymond-Duvernell

Sponsors

KEEP - Wisconsin's K-12 Energy Education Program

Friday April 4, 2025 3:00pm - 3:50pm CDT
BF Carter

Elementary