In this workshop, we will explore threats to biodiversity (HIPPO) using HHMI Biointeractive resources, including Designing Solutions to Preserve Biodiversity and Wild Hope short films. We will also model solution-design strategies that consider personal values, as well as social, cultural, and environmental impacts.
Using NGSS three dimensional design, this workshop will focus on what students need to know, how they process that knowledge and how that knowledge guides their solutions. Participants will use the jigsaw approach, a cooperative learning strategy in which “expert groups” familiarize themselves with a specific concept, then recombine into “jigsaw groups” to share and synthesize knowledge.
Participants will Use HHMI Biointeractive resources to assist students in identifying the key threats to biodiversity loss: Habitat Loss, Invasive Species, Pollution, Population Growth and Overharvesting. Learn instructional methods for analyzing and devising potential solutions to these threats. Collaborate with fellow educators to discuss effective practices for teaching about biodiversity loss. Learn about additional HHMI Biointeractive tools and resources.
Fungi are eukaryotic organisms commonly found in soils and can act as pathogens, leading to diseases in plants, animals, and humans. Valley Fever, or coccidioidomycosis, is a fungal infection prevalent in arid and semi-arid areas. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) indicates that the distribution of this fungus may be shifting due to changing environmental conditions. During this workshop, participants will: Explore the ecological role of fungi and learn about Valley Fever's genetic links to specific populations. Engage in a role-playing exercise as researchers conducting a collaborative study to test soil samples for the Coccidioides fungus. Understand the procedures for extracting and amplifying fungal DNA samples. Perform agarose gel electrophoresis using MiniOne equipment to check for the presence of Coccidioides in soil samples. Analyze group data to identify areas with high rates of Valley Fever infections. Discuss how climate change affects the spread of fungi and the occurrence of Valley Fever. Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of potential solutions to minimize fungal infections. Discover teaching strategies to inspire students and incorporate an engaging biotechnology narrative
Elephant populations are facing threats from many sources, including illegal ivory poaching. This workshop introduces participants to the work of scientists who are tracking African elephant populations and identifying factors leading to their decline. The workshop session will integrate concepts of population ecology, biodiversity, ethics, and molecular ecology. The workshop will emphasize integration of NGSS science practices including: asking questions and defining problems, developing and using models, planning and carrying out investigations, analyzing and interpreting data, and constructing explanations and designing solutions. Participants will run gel electrophoresis to determine where illegal poaching is occuring, bringing an engaging story and biotechnology skills to their students. In this hands-on session participants will Examine the role of elephants as a keystone species and reasons for population decline. Take on the role of Wildlife Crime Scene Investigators to analyze DNA samples from confiscated ivory using gel electrophoresis. Identify the elephant population the tusks came from by comparing the genotype to an elephant DNA database compiled from dung samples representing various forest and savannah elephant populations. Compile data to determine the location of ivory poaching hotspots. Evaluate possible solutions to the elephant poaching crisis
Discover how DNA evidence plays a pivotal role in optimizing agricultural practices and selective breeding to benefit both farmers and consumers. Use agarose electrophoresis to determine genotypes for bulls and cows for a gene responsible for a key milk protein needed for quality cheese production. After genotyping, use Punnett Squares to see the possible outcomes after crossing, then make a recommendation to a dairy farmer which bulls and cows to invest in to increase the chances of having the ultimate Ca$h Cows!
Embark on a hands-on adventure and join marine biologists in their quest to uncover the mystery of Luna's father! Meet Luna, an adorable whale calf, and become part of a passionate team determined to solve this heartwarming puzzle using gel electrophoresis and DNA fingerprinting where you will pour, load, and run a gel, capture gel image, analyze the results, and deduce a probable conclusion for a whale of a forensic mystery.
Join us on this hands-on workshop where we will unlock the secrets of Sickle Cell Disease. We will explore the genetics of sickle cell disease and genetic testing. Extend the narrative by becoming medical geneticists conducting newborn screenings for SCD to determine disease inheritance and susceptibility. We can wrap up with modern therapies now available for SCD.
Although wildfires can be caused by natural events and provide many valuable ecological services, changes in the environment related to climate change are fueling the growth of large, destructive megafires. In this workshop, participants will explore how the HHMI Resources The Science of Climate Change film and the activity The Impacts of Wildfires can help students understand these changes. We will share how to use increases in megafires as a phenomenon to guide student inquiry into the causes and impacts of climate change. The workshop will emphasize integration of NGSS practices including: asking questions and defining problems, analyzing and interpreting data, constructing explanations, and designing solutions.
In this hands on workshop participants will Discover how to use the phenomena to engage students in the science of climate change Explore evidence to support human causes of climate change Evaluate various lines of evidence for which factors influence wildfire dynamics using a jigsaw strategy. Analyze and interpret scientific figures, such as graphs and maps. Utilize the Claim-Evidence-Reasoning (CER) approach to develop scientific claims supported by evidence and reasoning for why recent wildfires are burning more forest area. Evaluate strategies to reduce the area burned by wildfire and minimize the impacts.
Join us for a hands-on workshop and experience firsthand Engineering Tomorrow's innovative labs.
During this session, you'll: --Dive into a real-world engineering challenge through participation in a hands-on engineering activity led by experienced mentors. --Connect with industry professionals --Learn effective teaching strategies to integrate engineering design into your classroom curriculum.
This workshop will introduce educators to the Engineering Tomorrow program, a free resource designed to inspire the next generation of engineers. Through this experience, educators will gain practical knowledge and skills in STEM education and be introduced to the NGSS aligned labs of ET.
ET STEM labs are developed by engineers and modeled on the cutting-edge work of experts in the field. During each lab, ET brings professional engineers and students from the nation’s top colleges and universities to mentor middle and high school students as they solve real-world problems at no cost to students, schools, or teachers. Over 8,900 middle and high school students in Wisconsin and over 15,000 students in the Midwest have participated in ET labs!
During the workshop, participants will learn about ET, interact with Zoom lab hosts, participate in a lab, and get advice from a veteran teacher who uses these labs in the classroom.
#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 →
As a former educator, with over thirty years of classroom experience, I am excited to be bringing Engineering Tomorrow STEM labs to Wisconsin 6-12 classrooms.
As a Wisconsin certified STEM educator, with over 25 years of combined public education and private work experience, I am excited to bring the Engineering Tomorrow STEM labs to Wisconsin 6-12 classrooms. Engineering Tomorrow introduces students to the field of engineering through... Read More →
This session will explore our district’s journey of adopting a new high school science curricular resource and developing curriculum aligned with the NGSS standards. Attendees will gain insights into how we collaboratively established learning targets, designed cohesive units, and developed shared assessments used across three high schools. The presentation will also share challenges and successes from multiple perspectives—administrators, teachers, and students—providing a comprehensive view of the process.
Interactive components will include opportunities to analyze sample rubrics and discuss strategies for applying similar processes in attendees’ districts. By the end of the session, participants will be equipped with actionable ideas for fostering alignment and consistency in their own curriculum and assessments.
Learning Objectives:
1. Understand the steps for adopting and implementing NGSS-aligned curriculum and assessments. 2. Explore the importance of cross-school collaboration in creating consistent learning experiences. 3. Develop strategies to adapt the process for use in their own districts or schools.
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 →
Join the WSST Professional Development Committee for a round table discussion about professional development opportunities you want to see from the committee.
A concluding meeting to discuss the books "Planning to Stay", "Ambitious Science Teaching" and "Answers to Your Biggest Questions About Teaching Secondary Science." We will also reflect on our journeys so far.
I will present for 30 minutes on how I use transects to get kids outside collecting data along a stream corridor. I have found transects are engaging for students without the expectation that they are an expert on identifying plant or animal species. Transects are often the building blocks for our field observations within an outdoor freshwater ecology course I teach and useful to build skills required for the rest of the semester. I will share several different transects that I have found to be effective for mapping, analyzing and collecting field data all within a 45 minute class period (so quick turn around). I will talk about common barriers and future connections with transects as well. The last 15 minutes will be open discussion or time for any questions you may have for me.
HS LS2- 2 Use mathematical representations to support and revise explanations based on evidence about factors affecting biodiversity and populations in ecosystems of different scales.HS LS2-7 Design, evaluate, and refine a solution for reducing the impacts of human activities on the environment and biodiversity.
