The list below is a sampling of NMSLTA sessions from the 2013 NSTA Annual Conference in San Antonio. Be sure to join us in 2014 at the Annual Conference in Boston!
- NMLSTA Share-a-thon
Friday, April 12 9:30-11:00 Grand Hyatt San Antonio Texas Ballroom
Middle Level science teachers will share tried-and-true activities from their classrooms with fellow teachers. Pick up handouts that your can use with your students.Organizers(s): Todd F. Hoover (Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania: Bloomsburg, PA); Patty McGinnis (Methacton School District, Eagleville, PA); Rajeev Kumar Swami (Central State University: Wilberforce, OH)
Please contact Todd Hoover if you would like to present at this event!
- NSTA/NMLSTA Middle Level Luncheon
Speaker: Warren Phillips, Workshop Presenter and Science/Technology Teacher
“Using Brain Based Teaching Strategies to Improve Student Learning”
Come listen to Warren as he uses humor, movement, storytelling, manipulatives, and visualization to create an unforgettable experience.
Purchase tickets through NSTA website.
- Science for the At-Risk
Friday, April 12 2:00-3:00 p.m.
Grand Hyatt, San Antonio, Travis A
Giftedness is a risk factor for truancy and dropping out. In this session, we will show how to use science and STEM to address the motivational needs of low-income, ethnically diverse populations of at-risk youth. A focus on student ownership of valued roles turns potential dropouts into career and college-ready individuals.Presenter: Scott E. Diamond (The Learning Center at Linlee: Lexington, KY)
- Classroom Activities to Highlight the Eight Essential Practices of Science and Engineering
Friday, April 12 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Grand Hyatt San Antonio, Bonham E
The Framework for the Next Generation Science Standards considers eight practices as essential. Engage in activities and relate them to the practices and 21st-century skills.Presenter(s): Mary Lou Lipscomb (Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy: Aurora, IL); Liz Martinez (Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy: Aurora, IL)
- Finding Money for Special Projects: Grant Proposal Writing Basics
Friday, April 12 5:00–6:00 p.m.
Grand Hyatt San Antonio, Travis A
Learn the basics of writing a great proposal, finding funders, creating budgets, and evaluating projects. Beginners welcome!Presenter(s): Diana M. Hunn (University of Dayton: Dayton, OH)
- Win Big: Write a Grant and Your Students Win, Too
Saturday, April 13 8:00–9:00 AM
Grand Hyatt San Antonio, Mission B
Do you have a dream? What is stopping you? You can’t win if you don’t apply! Learn grant proposal writing tips from two successful grant writers.Presenter(s): Kitchka P. Petrova (Ponce de Leon Middle School: Coral Gables, FL); Patty McGinnis (Arcola Intermediate School: Eagleville, PA)
- Science and Special Education—How to Make It Work
Saturday, April 13 9:30–10:30 AM
Grand Hyatt San Antonio, Mission B
Strategies will be shared for science teachers to use with special education students and when dealing with special education teachers who do not know science.Presenter(s): Kathleen (Bihr) Brooks (Walter C. Polson Middle School: Madison, CT)
- Diverse Students—What Am I Supposed to Do?
Saturday, April 13 11:00 AM–12:00 p.m.
Grand Hyatt San Antonio, Mission B
Central State University is engaged in helping minority preservice students learn strategies for teaching middle grade science and other core subjects. Join us as we focus on success stories and strategies to address the needs of a diverse student population.Presenter(s): Rajeev Kumar Swami (Central State University: Wilberforce, OH)
- Enhancing Scientific Literacy: A Helping Hand by Using Humor
Saturday, April 13 12:30–1:30 p.m.
Grand Hyatt San Antonio, Mission B
Learn strategies for improving student interest and engagement by using humor in your science lessons and activities. We will share numerous examples and references.Presenter(s): Susan Clay (Science Consultant: Parma, OH); Diana M. Hunn (University of Dayton: Dayton, OH)
- Exploring Engineering Applications of Evaporation and Condensation in Middle School Science
Saturday, April 13 3:30–4:30 p.m.
Grand Hyatt San Antonio, Lone Star Ballroom F
Explore evaporation and condensation on the molecular level and design experiments to see how heating and cooling affect the rate of these processes. We’ll discuss engineering applications of evaporation and condensation to solve real-world problems.Presenter(s): James Kessler (American Chemical Society: Washington, DC
