Metroplex Mini-CAST 2014: Full Schedule

10:00am CST

Creative and Quirky Science Lessons for Elementary Students!

Are you itching to give creative lessons to your students, but don't quite know where to start? During this presentation we will explore how to create songs, comic strips, and fun trivia games for our elementary students! I'll even show you how I've incorporated food to help teach sedimentary rocks, moon phases, and the solar system to name a few. I promise that you'll leave this course feeling energized and ready to create your own materials to match your classoon curriculum and I will show you the tools that I've used to help launch these ideas in the first place! Get ready for an action packed hour of fun and creativity!

Speakers

Tracy Conoley

Technology Teacher, GPISD

Hi! My name is Tracy Conoley and I am the computer and science guru on campus! I currently teach technology to all grade levels and video production to our 5th graders. I started out in GPISD as a 4th grade science teacher, moved up to a 5th grade science teacher and was then offered... Read More →

Sponsors

Ochoa STEM Academy/ Milam Elementary

Saturday February 1, 2014 10:00am - 11:00am CST
806

Educator Presentation, General-Across disciplines | Elementary, General-Across disciplines

10:00am CST

Don't Flip Out: 5 Ways to Easily Integrate Technology in the Classroom

The Flipped Classroom is a very popular model for integrating technology in the classroom. However, this method can be very intimidating to those who aren't "tech-savvy." This session will provide 5 quick and easy ways to integrate technology into your classroom. All grade levels and technology expertise are invited to attend. Participants should bring their own technology device if possible. All techniques can be used simultaneously or integrated one at a time at your comfort level.

Speakers

Karin Busby

Physics Teacher, Lake Highlands High School

Sponsors

Lake Highlands High School

Saturday February 1, 2014 10:00am - 11:00am CST
615

Educator Presentation, General-Across disciplines | Elementary, General-Across disciplines | Middle School, General-Across disciplines | High School, General-Across disciplines

10:00am CST

Teachers as facilitators: Implementing the 5'Rs.

Do you sometimes feel like you are doing more work than the students? Would you like to see them excited about their learning? Do you enjoy energy filled interactive classrooms? Well, this is the session for you. Valuable information shared will help teachers become classroom facilitators. Teacher facilitators plan and organize lessons and the classroom setting based on learning objectives. However, students attain knowledge through inquiry, discovery and discussion. By implementing the 5 R's; Rigor, Richness, Reflection, Relationships and Recursion, your classroom can be transformed into an environment where students: work to reach their full potential; are innovative, creative, use technology and have fun learning; have meaningful dialogue; build collaboration and leadership skills; and, problem solve while making global science connections.

Speakers

Angela Rouse

Science Teacher, Garland ISD

Dr. Bonita Woods

Garland Independent School District

Sponsors

Austin Academy for Excellence

Saturday February 1, 2014 10:00am - 11:00am CST
805

Educator Presentation, General-Across disciplines | Elementary, General-Across disciplines | Middle School, General-Across disciplines | High School, General-Across disciplines

10:00am CST

Global Science Collaboration

The future of the US is moving more and more towards a global perspective. So why doesn’t education do the same thing? An understanding of various cultures from around the world results in students who have knowledge, consideration, and compassion. This creates action oriented students who strive to make a difference in problem solving and change the world to be a better place. This is especially important in science education. For most of the world’s population, the majority of the aspects of living are now influenced by advancements in science and technology. Since it is a common practice for scientists to openly collaborate at the global level, it is likewise imperative for science educators to globally collaborate. After all, it is these science educators who are teaching the future scientists and they must help them develop a world perspective. Come see what global science education is all about!

Speakers

Alisa Slavens

Sponsors

MacArthur High School

Saturday February 1, 2014 10:00am - 11:00am CST
613

Educator Presentation, General-Across disciplines | Elementary, General-Across disciplines | Middle School, General-Across disciplines | High School, General-Across disciplines | Administrators, General-Across disciplines

10:00am CST

Flipping the Classroom in Science

Teachers will develop a website and learn how to prepare presentations/video lectures and podcasts for students to use in a flipped science classroom. Make quizzes and tests online for your students in Edmodo. Make your own videos with Screencast-o-matic and animoto. Spend less time on lecture and more time on labs by teaching your students how to study at home! Teachers will need to bring a laptop or I-Pad with internet connectivity.

Speakers

Karen Hiller

Sponsors

WHHS

Saturday February 1, 2014 10:00am - 11:00am CST
611

Educator Presentation, General-Across disciplines | High School, General-Across disciplines

10:00am CST

Podcasting in the Classroom

Presentation will be a hands-on activity of how to use Podcasting in the classroom. NASA's Podcasting DIY lessons will be used.

Participants will need to be able to join a Project Share class which will contain sample lessons, links, and handouts. All teachers in Texas have access to Project Share and presenters will provide assistance signing in. https://www.epsilen.com/Security/Login.aspx?

A laptop computer or internet access device is required.

Speakers

Lourdes Tamez Baker

Nichole Casburn

Bill Huckeba

Physics Teacher, Jack E. Singley Academy

Sponsors

Jack E. Singley Academy

Saturday February 1, 2014 10:00am - 11:00am CST
619

Educator Presentation, General-Across disciplines | High School, General-Across disciplines

10:00am CST

Terrific Games and Puzzles for High Schools

Teachers will learn to make their own fun and interactive games and puzzles based on the needs of their students, grade levels, types of learners, and TEKS Objectives. These great instructional tools can be used in different ways such as review, assessment, competition, warm -up, exit ticket, etc. Every game can be used individually, by group, or as a whole class activity. They promote deeper learning, better retention, and help to differentiate instruction.

Speakers

Rodelio Abuan

Sponsors

Houston ISD

Sam Houston MSTC

Saturday February 1, 2014 10:00am - 11:00am CST
800

Educator Presentation, General-Across disciplines | High School, General-Across disciplines | Specialists, General-Across disciplines

10:00am CST

Closing the Achievement Gap With Constructed Response

Constructed Response is a method of teaching where the students have to construct a response on both formative and summative assessments. It focuses on the student’s acquisition of the science skills and processes, and not on the other external factors. This method also brings in aspects of how to create, give and analyze constructed response assessments. With constructed response the students show us their learning through the application and synthases of the science content. Coming away from this session the audience will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to start the implementation of constructed response in their classroom.

Speakers

Michael Pflug

K-12 STEM Curriculum Designer, Prosper ISD

B.S. in Education Currently the K-12 STEM Curriculum Designer for Prosper ISD, but has taught 5-8th grade science. Obtained a bachelor degree from the University of Texas At Arlington in Middle level Education and is currently perusing a master’s degree from the University of... Read More →

Sponsors

Rogers Middle School

Saturday February 1, 2014 10:00am - 11:00am CST
807

Educator Presentation, General-Across disciplines | Middle School, General-Across disciplines

10:00am CST

Forensic Science: CSI for ELL

Join us at the scene of the crime and explore the tools, techniques, and vocabulary of the forensic scientist. Meet the needs of all learners with special focus on the English Language Learner during this hands-on workshop. Fingerprinting and blood spatter will be explored. Doorprizes from WARD’S!

Speakers

Raul Perez

Sponsors

Frisco ISD

Saturday February 1, 2014 10:00am - 11:00am CST
423

Educator Presentation, General-Across disciplines | Middle School, General-Across disciplines | High School, General-Across disciplines

10:00am CST

Teaching Digital Learners

A look into the digital classroom: how to meet students in their world of technology. See an effective way of using the language of today’s student that has been shown to effectively work in the classroom. We look at the various paradigms of education and show you how this hybrid methodology works to increase students participation, engagement and a better, overall understanding of the content. See how the use of a Learning Management System, combined with how students of the digital era process information, can provide maximum gains in classroom instruction.

Speakers

Dani Boepple

Jimmy Tustin

Sponsors

Dallas ISD

Saturday February 1, 2014 10:00am - 11:00am CST
809

Educator Presentation, General-Across disciplines | Middle School, General-Across disciplines | High School, General-Across disciplines

11:15am CST

Project Based Learning in an Elementary Science Classroom

Project Based Learning (PBL) allows students to steer their own learning, and gives them the opportunity to own their success. While this is an established model in secondary education, the methodology can be modified for elementary use, especially through Science. This workshop will provide a skeleton for planning a PBL unit in general, as well as the modifications for making that model successful on an elementary level. Examples of kindergarten, first grade, and fifth grade projects will be discussed. Each of these projects have been taught and have been successful on an elementary campus.

Workshop attendees will leave understanding:
1-The overall PBL process
2-How to write a Guiding Question
3-Templates for student research
4-How to guide elementary student research
5-Technology information for students to use in research, collaboration, and products for presentations
6-Rubrics for fishbowls, research notes, team collaboration, and product presentations
7-How to include parent communication in the PBL process
8-How to connect learning outside the 4 walls of the classroom.
9-Resources to begin creating PBL units.
10-How to incorporate individual accountability within group projects.

Speakers

Danielle Scroggins

Sponsors

Decatur ISD

Saturday February 1, 2014 11:15am - 12:15pm CST
810

Educator Presentation, General-Across disciplines | Elementary, General-Across disciplines

11:15am CST

Writing Conclusions Based on Data

Are your students struggling to analyze and interpret information to construct reasonable explanations from evidence? (3.2 D, 4.2 D, 5.2 D, 6.2 E)

Help them to improve this skill by writing conclusions based on data as part of your inquiry units. During this session participants will practice analyzing data sets and writing scientific explanations that include a claim, evidence and reasoning.

Speakers

Jan Wilson

Science Facilitator, Mesquite ISD

Sponsors

Mesquite ISD

Saturday February 1, 2014 11:15am - 12:15pm CST
808

Educator Presentation, General-Across disciplines | Elementary, General-Across disciplines

11:15am CST

Building Academic Vocabulary

Engage students in activities that help make science vocabulary terms for "sticky". Learn games and activities that give students an opportunity to wrestle with the words in a different format, a different context.

Speakers

Laney Arndt

Sponsors

Richardson ISD

Saturday February 1, 2014 11:15am - 12:15pm CST
801

Educator Presentation, General-Across disciplines | Elementary, General-Across disciplines | Middle School, General-Across disciplines

11:15am CST

It all starts with a question?

Questioning is one of the most important dimensions of teaching and learning. It provides one of the fastest means to address increasing academic rigor. Come and learn to use specific strategies for more effective oral and written questioning. Learn how our school uses morning announcements for the question of the day. Any questions?

Speakers

Tommie Hylkema

Edna Sanchez

Sponsors

Austin Middle School

Saturday February 1, 2014 11:15am - 12:15pm CST
811

Educator Presentation, General-Across disciplines | Elementary, General-Across disciplines | Middle School, General-Across disciplines

11:15am CST

Where is My Water Going?

This lesson can be used in an elementary or middle school classroom. This hands on activity will show how water is used in a community and what happens if everyone doesn't do their part by watching their water usage. Door prizes and extras given out for those attending.

Speakers

Sherrie Cooper

Wendy Kennedy

6th Grade Science Teacher, Springtown Intermediate

I enjoy teaching science, especially 6th grade science where everything is introduced. I am a facilitator for Project E3 and the Texas Wild Programs. I was in the UNT Collaborative where I attended various conferences and presented at NSTA and CAST.

Sponsors

Springtown Intermediate

Saturday February 1, 2014 11:15am - 12:15pm CST
806

Educator Presentation, General-Across disciplines | Elementary, General-Across disciplines | Middle School, General-Across disciplines

11:15am CST

STAAR-aligned instructional practices

Is it a fair expectation for students to be successful on dual-coded, high-stakes assessment items if they were not provided with dual-coded instructional experiences through-out the year? In this session you will have an opportunity to explore the instructional shifts required by the STAAR assessment model and their implications for your classroom.

Speakers

Michael Brinkman

Science Facilitator, Grand Prairie ISD

HUGE Science Nerd! Have you seen the $350 million-dollar-flying-car-prototype? Have you heard about the re-programmed bacteria that are creating inorganic materials with complex nano-structures and amazing new properties? Have you seen the living fossils recently "re-discovered... Read More →

Sponsors

Grand Prairie ISD

Saturday February 1, 2014 11:15am - 12:15pm CST
807

Educator Presentation, General-Across disciplines | Elementary, General-Across disciplines | Middle School, General-Across disciplines | High School, General-Across disciplines

11:15am CST

Notebooking with a Purpose

Notebooking with a Purpose is a hands on class that will show you how to set up your notebook and use them for a purpose in your classroom and not just a place to put notes. We will help you make your notebooks more meaningful to your students. You will leave with a started notebook for your class, ideas of activities to use with your students, and neat foldables for students to take notes on to make their notebooks more interactive.

Speakers

Caren Lawrence

Gifted and Talented Science Teacher 6-8, Irving ISD

I am in my 9th year of teaching and have taught 5th-8th grade science. I enjoy teaching and learning new things.

Brian Russell

Sponsors

Austin Middle School

Saturday February 1, 2014 11:15am - 12:15pm CST
414

Educator Presentation, General-Across disciplines | Middle School, General-Across disciplines

11:15am CST

Is it Math or Science? Math Skills in the Science Classroom

Science discoveries rely on basic mathematical principles. Unfortunately, these mathematical skills are difficult for most students. This presentation will demonstrate different techniques on how a science teacher can help his or her students overcome these challenges successfully. Participants will walk-away with hands-on strategies that are easy to implement in a science classroom. There will be particular emphasis on significant figures, balancing equations, and manipulating formulas.

Speakers

Karin Busby

Physics Teacher, Lake Highlands High School

Sponsors

Lake Highlands High School

Saturday February 1, 2014 11:15am - 12:15pm CST
804

Educator Presentation, General-Across disciplines | Middle School, General-Across disciplines | High School, General-Across disciplines

11:15am CST

Science, Data, and You!

Data collection is a centerpiece of the science classroom, but data analysis if often ignored or, worse, done poorly! Come learn techniques and get hands on experience with analysis of laboratory data to enrich your middle or high school science classroom and help your students--and you--navigate the world of data and error analysis. This session will include tools for any level of technology equipped classroom, from pencil and paper to Excel to iPads! Topics include equation fitting and error analysis, with extension materials provided to include hypothesis testing. Information from this session is also helpful in creating more robust science fair projects! This workshop is best as a continuation of Christine Rittenhouse and Karin Busby's workshop though it is also fine as a standalone experience.

Speakers

Georgia Stuart

Mathematics Graduate Student, The University of Texas at Dallas

georgia.stuart@utdallas.edu

Sponsors

UT Dallas

Saturday February 1, 2014 11:15am - 12:15pm CST
802

Educator Presentation, General-Across disciplines | Middle School, General-Across disciplines | High School, General-Across disciplines

11:15am CST

New free resources for high school science

The Science Teacher Access to Resources at Southwestern (STARS) Program is the outreach office of UT Southwestern Medical Center. We offer activities and resources at no charge for teachers and students, which will be described and demonstrated in this session. They include new summer workshops in Biology, Chemistry and Physics (focusing on laboratory exercises) as well as a monthly Basic Science Symposium series, small teacher in-services, summer research opportunities for middle- and high-school teachers and HS rising seniors, tours, a Career Exploring Post, and much more. We have Science Suitcases for the biology classroom and tons of on-line resources. Come hear what we can offer you, all at no charge!

Speakers

Kristie Conner

STARS Program Education Coordinator, UT Southwestern Medical Center

Joel Goodman

Professor of Pharmacology, Director of STARS, UT Southwestern Medical Center

I direct a research program at UT Southwestern in cell biology. My research interest is organelles, and I'm currently studying the formation of lipid droplets, the organelles that store fat. I teach pharmacology in medical school, specifically antibiotics and chemotherapy. I also... Read More →

Sponsors

UT Southwestern Medical School

Saturday February 1, 2014 11:15am - 12:15pm CST
809

Educator Presentation, General-Across disciplines | Middle School, General-Across disciplines | High School, General-Across disciplines | Administrators, General-Across disciplines

11:15am CST

Using Mindset to Curb Apathy and Expand Potential

Anyone that's been in the classroom for the past decade can attest to the drastically increasing proportion of apathetic, under-motivated students. Rather than blame it on the generation and accept its inevidability, this presentation discusses the effect of two distinct "mindsets" on everyday decision making, how it leads to this level of apathy, and how the problem (fixed) mindset can be corrected! This discussion also highlights a historically forgotten student population, the high-achieving perfectionist, and how the proper mindset could help our brightest students break away from the shackles of perception and reach limitless potential! This honest, direct, and often comical discussion will help to highlight the need for all parties to accept their role in this transformation, and may even open your eyes to how mindset affects your lives outside of the classroom.

Speakers

Ramy Mahmoud

2013 PISD Teacher of the Year/ UTD Lecturer, Plano ISD/ UT-Dallas

I am committed to finding ways to keep learning engaging and intriguing for my students. I have developed this presentation based off of both psychological research and tested strategies in my classrooms. I'm confident that after attending this session you'll be invigorated, inspired... Read More →

Sponsors

Williams High School/ Plano ISD

Saturday February 1, 2014 11:15am - 12:15pm CST
404

Educator Presentation, General-Across disciplines | Middle School, General-Across disciplines | High School, General-Across disciplines | Administrators, General-Across disciplines

11:15am CST

Terrific Games and Puzzles for Middle Schools

Speakers

Rodelio Abuan

Sponsors

Houston ISD

Sam Houston MSTC

Saturday February 1, 2014 11:15am - 12:15pm CST
800

Educator Presentation, General-Across disciplines | Middle School, General-Across disciplines | Specialists, General-Across disciplines

1:30pm CST

Evoke Learning Through 'E-Voc'ing Activites (Electronic Vocabulary)

This session will present research-based principles of vocabulary instruction using free-digital tools and internet resources that increase student’s vocabulary comprehension. These tools are designed to support the teaching of words and word learning strategies, promote students' strategic use of on-demand web-based vocabulary tools, and encourage vocabulary instruction to no longer be a “front load” or engage part of the lesson cycle. Rather promote teachers and students to represent their learning and comprehension of academic vocabulary through the explanation, elaboration and/or evaluation phase of the 5 E learning cycle.

Speakers

Shelly Osten

Sponsors

Rayburn Elementary School/ Grand Prairie ISD

Saturday February 1, 2014 1:30pm - 2:30pm CST
611

Educator Presentation, General-Across disciplines | Elementary, General-Across disciplines

1:30pm CST

Igniting Inquiry in Science

The secret to student success is igniting inquiry and excitement in science. During this session participants will explore strategies for inquiry-based learning. Quality questioning, investigations, creating models, reflection strategies and much more will be demonstrated. Examples will be used from a fifth grade science classroom but can be adapted in all grade levels. Expect a fast paced session full of ideas that can be applied in the classroom. Participants will take a closer look on how to improve student collaboration, problem solving and engage students in active and authentic learning. Join us as we uncover exciting activities to have your students think like a scientist!

Speakers

Nancy Gardner

Holly Grance

Sponsors

Elliott Elementary

Saturday February 1, 2014 1:30pm - 2:30pm CST
808

Educator Presentation, General-Across disciplines | Elementary, General-Across disciplines

1:30pm CST

Learning from High Performance Athletes

What High Performance Athletes do in their regular training and how we can use it in our classroom and lesson plans.
A review of the work done by different coaches, instructors and monitors from different sports and from different parts of the world. Their methods and procedures can also be applied to our schools and classrooms to achieve such performance. Combining experiences and knowledge from more than 25 years as a former world class figure skater, 15 as a coach for several high performance athletes and 5 as a classroom teacher, can help us achieve the results we all want for our students.

Speakers

Mr. John Ramirez

Bilingual Teacher, Anderson Elementary AISD

Bilingual Science and Math teacher. Previous Conferences: What High performance Athletes do and how we can use it in our classrooms. Comparative Efficiency in Lesson Planning: how is the rest of the world teaching their children. Computer-Games and Education: Statistical Analysis... Read More →

Sponsors

Anderson Elementary

Saturday February 1, 2014 1:30pm - 2:30pm CST
802

Educator Presentation, General-Across disciplines | Elementary, General-Across disciplines | Middle School, General-Across disciplines | High School, General-Across disciplines

1:30pm CST

Augmented Reality - using this new “wow” tool in classrooms and trainings

Transform your classroom or training to make learning come alive using a highly engaging piece of FREE web-based technology! AUGMENTED REALITY turns static documents and images into short engaging videos or 3D objects using your smartphone or tablet device. Using the free AURASMA app for both iOS and Android, you will see examples of how to “wow” your students or teachers with this technology-led and learner-led brain-friendly tool. Teachers, empower your students to use this tool for enhanced projects, presentations, gallery-walks, word-walls, etc. Administrators, turn stale meetings/trainings into highly effective learning opportunities. Come learn what this powerful tool is all about and how you can begin creating your own dynamic products. Then take it back to your campus to empower your students/teachers to deepen their learning with this free user-friendly tool. Preview at TEKSvideo.com.

Speakers

Paul Eyler

District Science Facilitator, Tyler ISD

check out TEKSvideo.com

Sponsors

Tyler ISD

Saturday February 1, 2014 1:30pm - 2:30pm CST
805

1:30pm CST

Plum Pudding and Helix Hijinks

Both biology and chemistry TEKS delve into the history of science. If you’re tired of the usual lecture to introduce these topics, then come check out inquiry based lesson ideas to engage your students with the exciting story of science. Many textbooks either ignore or fictionalize this important narrative. This session will include demonstrations of historical experiments and the use of excerpts of original scientific writings.

Speakers

Jason Brogden

Joshua Sisk

Sponsors

Founders Classical Academy

Saturday February 1, 2014 1:30pm - 2:30pm CST
414

Educator Presentation, General-Across disciplines | High School, General-Across disciplines

1:30pm CST

Conclusion Based on Data:How to Create and Use as Assessment

Using CBD (Conclusion Based on Data) or CER (Claim Evidence Reasoning) is one way to help students explain what happens after conducting a LAB investigation. Writing a CBD is a skill that students need to learn because it involves critical thinking and helps them organize their thoughts. For the teacher, CBDs can be one way to identify some misconceptions of students regarding a particular concept or scientific phenomenon. A CBD may be used as a formative or summative assessment and should be evaluated based on a rubric.

Speakers

Mary Batalla

Julia Glowacki

Secondary Science Teacher, Irving Independent School District

Currently, a chemistry, physics, and integrated physics & chemistry teacher at Irving High School. Previously, GT biology and 6th-7th GT science teacher at Travis Middle School. A strong advocate of a constructivism-based teaching through collaborative exploration, discovery... Read More →

Sponsors

Irving ISD

Saturday February 1, 2014 1:30pm - 2:30pm CST
809

Educator Presentation, General-Across disciplines | Middle School, General-Across disciplines

1:30pm CST

Making M.U.S.I.C.

Having trouble getting that TEKS into your students' minds? Try Making M.U.S.I.C.: Making Memories Using Song In Content. Music stimulates the mind to improve retention and retrieval of information! Integrating popular/familiar music with science-based lyrics is a fantastic way to help struggling students remember complex content.

Speakers

Rebecca Cavitt

"Just when I think I'm out, they pullllllllll me back in." I live in Arlington, TX, and have 2 kids: Casey (boy, 8 years) and Katie (5 years).

Sponsors

YWLA-- GPISD

Saturday February 1, 2014 1:30pm - 2:30pm CST
807

Educator Presentation, General-Across disciplines | Middle School, General-Across disciplines

1:30pm CST

The Science of Google: Using Google Drive in the Classroom

Whether your district is a Google district or not, Google Drive has many free tools that teachers and students can use to create an engaging, collaborative classroom that can extend outside of the school. This session will give you an opportunity to learn how to use just a few of the many Google tools. Bring your technology!

Speakers

Elaine Plybon

Director of Personalized Learning Opportunities, Keller ISD

Sponsors

Keller ISD

Saturday February 1, 2014 1:30pm - 2:30pm CST
617

Educator Presentation, General-Across disciplines | Middle School, General-Across disciplines | High School, General-Across disciplines

1:30pm CST

Integrating Science and Math in STEM

This is an integrated, hands-on session for grades 3-5, with the focus on the Science and Math in SteM! Participants will design a passive solar house given constraints and review test results to determine if the prototype meets specified criteria. Participants will apply real-life math skills, including whole number multiplication, area determination and fractions calculations, that are needed to solve the design challenge. In addition, the science concepts of properties of matter, heat/thermal energy transfer and conductors/insulators of heat will be explored. Through this collaborative and engaging lesson participants will develop critical problem-solving skills while learning the engineering process by focusing on real-world connections.

Speakers

Julie Brenegan

STEM LEARNING LIAISON, Grapevine-Colleyville ISD

Denise Skinner

Sponsors

Grapevine Colleyville ISD

Saturday February 1, 2014 1:30pm - 2:30pm CST
810

Educator Presentation, General-Across disciplines | Upper Elementary, General-Across disciplines

2:45pm CST

Terrific Games and Puzzles for Elementary Schools

Speakers

Rodelio Abuan

Sponsors

Houston ISD

Sam Houston MSTC

Saturday February 1, 2014 2:45pm - 3:45pm CST
808

Educator Presentation, General-Across disciplines | Elementary, General-Across disciplines

2:45pm CST

Setting Learning Goals by Deconstructing Standards

Driving questions can be a useful tool in project-based learning for focusing students in on the idea or purpose of a project. However, it is easy to get caught up in the idea of a project, rather than providing learning experiences that lead to the understanding of the content that will be assessed. When constructing learning opportunities such as PBL it is important to begin by setting learning-appropriate goals. This presentation will highlight the importance of deconstructing standards as a way to identify these goals. Once we understand what the standards actually want the student to be able to do with their knowledge, we can more easily come up with a driving question or identify authentic teaching approaches that will lead to the desired project outcomes.

Speakers

Dillon Chevalier

Professional Development Associate, Center for STEM Education and Research at UT-Dallas

Sponsors

Center for STEM Education and Research

UT-Dallas

Saturday February 1, 2014 2:45pm - 3:45pm CST
804

Educator Presentation, General-Across disciplines | Elementary, General-Across disciplines | Middle School, General-Across disciplines | High School, General-Across disciplines

2:45pm CST

Wordpress and the Classroom: Creating and Managing Your Personal, Academic Website in a Web 2.0 World

Is your district’s website ugly? Hard to navigate? Difficult for making your class materials available for student and parents? Tired of reloading your content year after year? Want a website that extends your classroom into cyberspace? Learn to host and manage your own customizable website. This workshop will show you what to do, and how to personalize your pages while optimizing communication features on your website. No coding experience needed. Free web hosting will be discussed as well as premium options. Static webpages will be contrasted with dynamic (blog) style web design. We will also investigate integrating social networking options, like twitter, into your site and in your classroom.

Speakers

John Boehringer

Student

Sponsors

Prosper High School

Saturday February 1, 2014 2:45pm - 3:45pm CST
615

Educator Presentation, General-Across disciplines | High School, General-Across disciplines

2:45pm CST

Leading Learners to Learning

Using the principles of Learning Theory and constructivist teaching, we will demonstrate how to put more accountability on your learners for their own learning. We will walk through how we did this using a project based learning event on the human body systems. Participants will be given handouts that were utilized on this unit, and a graphic organizer for planning future lessons using Learning Theory and constructivist learning principles.

Speakers

Rochelle Cowan

Dianalyn Perkins

Digital Learning Coach, Coppell ISD

I taught middle school science for 9 years, working with both gifted learners and those who give their best every day but struggle for reasons beyond their control. Each day I strove to create opportunities for learners to interact with the content in a way that is engaging and meaningful... Read More →

Sponsors

Coppell Middle School East

Saturday February 1, 2014 2:45pm - 3:45pm CST
811

Educator Presentation, General-Across disciplines | Middle School, General-Across disciplines

2:45pm CST

Productive Group Work

For teachers new to the profession or teachers struggling with how to construct productive group work. Learn effective ways to group students, how to keep all members on-task and productive ways to assess learning within a collaborative environment.

Speakers

Megan Jones

Sponsors

Byrd Middle School

Saturday February 1, 2014 2:45pm - 3:45pm CST
809

Educator Presentation, General-Across disciplines | Middle School, General-Across disciplines

2:45pm CST

Using the lab practicum for content mastery

According to the middle school science TEKS, educators should be spending at least 40% of instructional time doing lab activities to help enrich the content. This emphasis has been evident on the new STAAR as the process skills have been integrated into multi-stage questions. The problem at hand is how to truly assess that the students are able to manipulate these process skills with the content. Is it fair to give a paper and pencil test for kinesthetic activities? Does the 3-D, kinesthetic relationship get lost on a traditional assessment? This session will show how to use a lab practical to assess mastery of process skills with core content while using the kinesthetic skills from a set of lab activities. We hope to show that the correlation of a kinesthetic activity may be translated into a 2-D mental model, like the STAAR, while ensuring students are benefiting from lab experiences.

Speakers