This presentation will explore how the Growing Beyond Earth (GBE) citizen science project has been integrated into a middle school science classroom. GBE, a collaborative effort between NASA and Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, offers students a unique opportunity to engage in authentic scientific research by growing plants in controlled environments. By participating in this project, students are exposed to real-world science practices, including data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Through a series of hands-on activities, students learn about plant biology, environmental factors, and the challenges of growing plants in space. The project aligns with NGSS by addressing core ideas in life science, earth and space science, and engineering design.
This session will delve into the specific activities and lessons implemented to engage students in the GBE project, including: --Plant Growth Experiments --Data Collection and Analysis --Scientific Inquiry Student Learning Objectives --Understand the basic principles of plant growth and development. --Develop data collection and analysis skills. --Apply scientific inquiry to investigate real-world problems. --Appreciate the challenges of growing plants in space. --Develop a deeper understanding of the role of science in society.
Through this project, students have been able to contribute to real NASA research while developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
#ScientistMakerI am an award-winning educator with over 18 years of teaching experience and 30 years of curriculum design expertise. I am passionate about integrating real-world problems into the curriculum, fostering authentic learning experiences, and connecting students with professionals... Read More →
Friday April 4, 2025 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
Hutchinson
Preparing to meet the challenges ahead for people and the planet requires a solid foundation in understanding the trends that shape our world, how we interact with ecosystems and change the physical landscape. Knowing how to determine good sources of data, how to analyze and think critically about data, make reasonable correlations and use data for designing solutions are all skills emphasized in the Wisconsin Standards for Science.
In this hands-on session, the presenter will use interactive strategies (simulations, games and small-group discussion) to present and interpret data in different formats (statistics, photos/videos, narratives) on several key Disciplinary Core Ideas for grades 9-12, especially in Life Sciences and Earth and Space Sciences. Data-rich lessons will address climate change causes and effects, land and water use, biodiversity, and global demographic trends. The presenter will discuss how to implement these activities as part of broadening students’ understanding of “Earth and Human Activities.”. Participants will receive lesson plans and background materials in an electronic format. Presented activities are relevant to Biology, Earth Science, General Science, and AP Environmental Science.
Makerspaces can be found in almost every school, and you can have your own Makerspace in your classroom! Join us to see how easy it is to connect Makerspace activities to your science curriculum by utilizing the materials in your very own classroom makerspace. We will provide lesson ideas that use your trash/treasures to integrate NGSS, while also supporting the Wisconsin Standards for Math, and the Wisconsin Standards for English Language Arts. We will be using the Design Thinking Process to develop creativity through a hands-on approach involving tinkering.
After 20+ years in packaging design and production. I opened a youth-focused makerspace to help develop design thinking and a maker's mindset in our communities. See what the Maker Learning framework looks like and how it brings together makerspace initiatives with well-known learning... Read More →
Do you get bored thinking about boards? What if I told you that even a simple board has an interesting story to tell? A tree’s history of experiences is locked away in its wood, every stress and every time of plenty is documented in its rings. Looking at boards and tree cookies, learn how to decode the ecological story of trees from sapling to harvest. The humble board can provide a rich story to enhance cell biology to community ecology. Come get board with me!
Imagine a land where volcanoes rumble beneath glaciers, where steaming hot springs peak through icy landscapes. This is Iceland, a destination of an extraordinary adventure for two Wisconsin teachers. Join them as they recount their unique opportunity to present to graduate students at the University of Iceland, sharing the explorations, discoveries, and valuable connections they established with educators and students from around the world. Prepare to be inspired by the geological wonder of Iceland and the power of scientific exchange!
7th grade science teacher, Washington Middle School-Oconto Falls School District
I have been a 7th grade science (biology) teacher for 24 years and have been teaching for a total of 29 years. I received my Master's of Science in Natural Resources and Environmental Education from UWSP. One of my passions is traveling. I have been to all 50 states, Puerto Rico... Read More →
Friday April 4, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Hutchinson
Presentation will consist of going through a mini lesson run as a storyline where the audience are the students. Present or will then walk through how each step would be taught, how this connects to NGSS, where to find storylines, how to edit storylines to try for yout classroom. We will also discuss data on storylines, pluses and minuses and address any questions around storylining. Learning objective would be audience feeling like they are engaged and feel confident in learning how to storyline and feel confident with resources given trying it out in thier own classrooms.
