WSST Conference 2025: Full Schedule

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8:00am CDT

Integrating Soil and Water Science using Cation Exchange Capacity

Saturday April 5, 2025 8:00am - 8:50am CDT

Soil and water are inextricably linked. Negative soil charges, known as cation exchange capacity (CEC), are essential for soil nutrient and contaminant retention, water filtration, and surface and groundwater quality. In this session, we will discuss the basics of how soils get their charge, the impact of CEC on soil and surface water chemistry, and the practical application of CEC to food production and waste management systems. Through easy and visual experiments using ionic dyes and water quality test strips, you will evaluate the CEC of diverse soils and explore the impacts of varying soil CECs on nutrient retention and loss. At the end of the session, you will be able to describe the source of charge in soils, the impact of diverse land management practices on soil CEC, as well as the connection between soil CEC and potential surface and groundwater quality.

Speakers

Tim Miland

Area Resource Soil Scientist, USDA-NRCS

I've been a soil scientist with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service for 32 years. I started my career mapping soils and collected soil data in northern and western Wisconsin. I now help soil survey users interpret soils and their properties. I also enjoy hydric soils... Read More →

Jamie Patton

Saturday April 5, 2025 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
Thistle

Chemistry Environmental

9:00am CDT

Connecting the Classroom to Diverse Careers in Natural Resource Conservation

Saturday April 5, 2025 9:00am - 9:50am CDT

Thistle

Many students aren’t aware of the breadth of jobs in natural resource conservation. From scientists to artists and GIS specialists to bloggers, conservation agencies and organizations are seeking passionate individuals with a wide variety of skills to help address growing soil, water, air, and wildlife challenges. In this session, we will introduce various educational resources, case study materials, and practical classroom demonstrations to integrate into your current curriculums to highlight potential natural resource career paths. At the end of the session, you will be able to identify diverse examples of natural resource conservation professionals and describe their general qualifications and job duties, as well as discuss how the knowledge and skills learned in your courses are applicable to a career in conservation.

Speakers

Jamie Patton

Ricardo Costa

Associate Director Ag Strategies, The Nature Conservancy

Saturday April 5, 2025 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
Thistle

Earth Science Environmental

10:00am CDT

Embracing AI: Practical Tools to Empower Teachers

Saturday April 5, 2025 10:00am - 10:50am CDT

Thistle

This session is designed for educators who are new to AI or hesitant about using it. Attendees will be introduced to a variety of AI platforms to help determine which tools might best suit their needs. Real-life examples will demonstrate how AI can be used for creating and modifying content, designing unique classroom experiences, and saving time in both professional and personal tasks.

The presentation will highlight intuitive, accessible tools directly applicable to teachers’ daily routines. Participants will have time to explore these tools and see firsthand how easy it is to integrate AI into their practice in manageable steps.

By the end of the session, attendees will feel more confident about incorporating AI into their work, knowing that these tools are meant to enhance—not replace—their teaching.

Learning Objectives:

Understand how AI can streamline and simplify everyday tasks for teachers.
Discover AI tools to amplify your lessons and engage students in new ways.
Gain confidence in using AI to enhance both your professional and personal life.

Speakers

Kirsten Wiesneski

High School Science Teacher, School District of Waukesha

This is my 12th year as a high school science teacher (Chemistry and Physics). I am an inveterate user of Blackboard and Google apps to facilitate instruction both virtually and face-to-face. I enjoy testing the capabilities and limits of what a program can offer me because my... Read More →

Saturday April 5, 2025 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Thistle

General Pedagogy/Teaching Strategies

11:00am CDT

Engineering Solutions for a Darker Sky: Exploring Light Pollution and Engineering Design

Saturday April 5, 2025 11:00am - 11:50am CDT

Thistle

Discover an engaging, NGSS-aligned activity that introduces students to the science of light pollution and empowers them to develop design solutions to real-world problems. In this presentation, participants will explore light pollution. We will look at the causes and effects of lighting up our night sky. They will then be challenged to use the Engineering Design Process to provide a solution to our current light pollution problem.

Attendees will:
1. Investigate the phenomenon of light pollution and why it matters.
2. Engage in a hands-on activity, constructing and testing mini streetlights in a homemade planetarium.
3. Explore the engineering design process, focusing on optimizing light shields to reduce light pollution while maintaining safety.
4. Learn how skills are used for assessment at Racine Unified School District

Through collaboration and interactive problem-solving, participants will experience the lesson from the student perspective while gaining practical resources to bring this learning to their own classrooms. This activity connects STEAM learning with Earth Science, engineering, and astronomy.

Speakers

Abigail Forst

Saturday April 5, 2025 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Thistle

Earth Science Engineering