Abstract: Unearthing Fossil Discoveries: Engaging Students with Interactive Science Notebooking and a Fossil Museum Project Dive into an interactive journey of paleontological discovery as I share how a generous donation of fossils from the Pit 11 Mazon Creek Formation transformed my classroom into a hub of hands-on scientific exploration. This session will detail how I integrated an original 1970s fossil hunter’s journal—complete with detailed sketches and field notes—into lessons that introduced students to scientific sketching, fossil identification, and museum curation. Participants will learn how students: Reflected on a non-scientist’s authentic field journal to connect with the documentation process. Created detailed scientific sketches of fossils, then engaged in peer-matching activities to hone observational skills. Identified, sorted, and selected fossils to design and curate a school library fossil museum, including 3D-printed models and student-created exhibits. Explored the process of uncovering unopened concretions using the freeze-thaw-bake method, resulting in exciting discoveries like additional Tully Monsters. Attendees will engage in hands-on activities adapted from these lessons, including scientific sketching and fossil identification, and discuss connections to the NGSS, including: MS-LS4-1: Analyze and interpret data for patterns in the fossil record. MS-ETS1-4: Develop a model to generate data for iterative testing and refinement. This session emphasizes presenter-audience interaction, sharing adaptable strategies for classroom implementation, and fostering inquiry-based learning that inspires students to think like scientists.
A purrfect introduction to genetics! Track inheritance in cats using Punnett squares, then use gel electrophoresis to examine the gene that controls that trait. Connect Mendelian genetics with our modern understanding of genes! No stains or extra visualization equipment needed. At this hands-on session, you’ll complete a colorful micropipetting art activity to create micropipette art masterpieces. You’ll also learn technique of gel electrophresis using our super affordable Bandit™ STEM Electrophoresis Kit. We will also cover the accompanying high quality curriculum, allowing teachers to perform molecular biology labs on a budget that cover topics such as Mendalian genetics.
Help a fictional family obtain a molecular diagnosis for sickle cell disease. Students use gel electrophoresis in a rich activity that can be easily tailored to classrooms ranging from middle school science to AP Biology. Using a case study format, students will understand the physiology and molecular genetics of sickle cell, draw biomedical connections, and review patterns of Mendelian inheritance.
Introduce students to an essential biotech technique while solving the mystery of who is the father to Molly the Labradoodle’s puppies. Using gel electrophoresis and Punnett squares to track the inheritance of the furnishings trait, your students will decide if it was Zeus the Poodle or Otto the Labradoodle. Upon completion of this presentation, participants will: 1) Learn about gel electrophoresis and understand the science behind how this technique works 2) Learn how to teach Mendelian genetics with an adorable labradoodle puppy case study 3) Have the knowledge and resources they need to bring biotech into their classrooms
In this workshop, attendees will build replicas of human anatomy using clay and a specially designed skeletal model in a classroom setting. Educators will learn how to implement a unique curriculum system which helps students create a kinesthetic map of the human anatomy. They will acquire the knowledge to engage science students with immediate, hands-on learning using a proven method that is nationally recognized to increase student retention and test scores.
