Educate to Innovate

Pathways to Learning- Tom Fraker, CEO

Through hands-on experiential modules learn how to bring your STEM teaching alive!!  Works as teams to have fun and learn through Solar Amusement Park, Follow your Breath, SEED BOMB etc.

Code.org- Linda Angeloff, Code.org Facilitator

In this session, participants will program a Micro-bit using a lesson from Code.org.

Stem Nation- Dr. Al Pajak

Why are math and English language arts promoted as the core subjects? The goal of education should be to provide authentic problem-solving experiences; yet, the perception is that education fails students if they do not meet the standards of the "core subjects." Discover how to use centuries of problem-solving found in history, art, and science and how reading, writing, and math become the tools to solve problems.

Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighters- Chuck Montgomery, Executive Director

Fire science, fire safety and firefighting are not always recognized as STEM/STEAM subjects. But at the Hall of Flame Museum, we recognize that human interaction with fire has a noble history involving science, technology, engineering, mathematics and even the arts. The director of the world's largest historical firefighting museum will explain in this presentation.

Flood Control District of Maricopa County- Ellen Spielman, Educational Outreach Strategist

Flooding in Maricopa County? Come learn about free resources to help your students learn about Climate, Weather, The Southwest Monsoon season, and what we at Flood Control do about it. You will participate in a sample lesson that is included in our free resources as well as see what is provided in a classroom kit for checkout.

Maricopa County Air Quality- Jenny Frank, Education Outreach Coordinator

Bring a breath of fresh air to your classroom with FREE Clean Air STEM Project kits, an air pollution education resource for grades K-12. During the workshop, participants will learn how to make a model lung, solve an air pollution mystery, and more. Each attendee will also receive a free classroom-ready kit that includes hands-on materials and a video lesson.

Arizona Department of Education (Math)- Marisa Tualla, K12 Math Specialist

How can we engage students in analyzing and making sense of data?  In this session, we will explore “Slow Reveal Graphs” which is an instructional routine that promotes sensemaking about data.  This highly engaging routine uses scaffolded visuals and discourse to help students (in K-12 and beyond) make sense of data.

Arizona Department of Education (Computer Science #1)- Alecia Henderson, Computer Science & Educational Technology Specialist

Are you a K-5 teacher interested in learning more about how you can effectively implement Arizona’s Computer Science Standards in your classroom? Join us for an interactive, hands-on session where we will explore unplugged and technology-based examples of how to integrate computer science into the elementary classroom. During this learning experience, participants will be given opportunities to experience computer science through the eyes of their students, collaborate with other educators, and reflect on their new learning.

Pathways to Learning- Tom Fraker, CEO

Through hands-on experiential modules learn how to bring your STEM teaching alive!!  Works as teams to have fun and learn through Solar Amusement Park, Follow your Breath, SEED BOMB etc.

Code.org- Linda Angeloff, Code.org Facilitator

In this session, participants will program a Micro-bit using a lesson from Code.org.

Arizona Sustainability Alliance (Environment)- William Donato, Programs Director

In this session you will participate in learning about the importance of urban forestry for the health of the environment and the people that experience it. Participants will explore Arizona Sustainability Alliance's Arizona Urban Forestry K-12 curriculum with hands-on activities. Participants will also learn about how AZSA works with teachers on using their campus as an outdoor laboratory and working with students to find ways to green up their campuses.

Grand Canyon University - Marni Landry, K12 STEM Outreach Director

Discover interdisciplinary activities that combine science, math and social studies skills, while building awareness on human-environmental interactions. Engage in several hands-on activities including collaborative problem-solving and lively, role-playing simulations that explore population ecology, carrying capacity in nature, and the sustainable use of natural resources. The presented activities and materials support Arizona’s Core Ideas of Knowing Science for Earth/Space and Life Sciences, especially focusing on the impact of human activities on the environment and how human consumption of limited resources impacts the biosphere (L2 and E1). 

AzTEA - Rae Mask, EdTech Coach

What is AI (Artificial Intelligence)? How do we wrestle with the ethical dilemmas that it brings? How can we teach students and staff to use it for the good? This session will help you to build your own mindset on how AI fits within your own context or situation.

Florence Unified School District- Alec McDaniel & Dr. Michele Wilson, Education Technology Specialist & Retired Administrator

In this presentation, you will be introduced to the Goosechase app and experience. Goosechase allows teachers & students to create an educational scavenger hunt that blends the tried-and-true fun of scavenger hunts with mobile technology to create a STEM learning experience like no other. Make learning and reviewing material interactive for your students with hands-on missions.

Arizona Science Center- Jen Peterson, Professional Development Facilitator

Are you an educator in grades K-8 at a Title 1 school? Ready to begin your orientation and opportunity to receive free, general admission? You will explore ways to use our exhibits and galleries as extensions of your classroom and discover the keys to a successful field trip. Enrollment in and successful completion of a Focused Field Trip Orientation qualifies educators, their students, and chaperones to receive general admission to Arizona Science Center at no cost.

Arizona Department of Education (Computer Science #2)- Alecia Henderson, Computer Science & Educational Technology Specialist

How can the implementation of Arizona’s K-12 Educational Technology Standards help support student success across all grade levels and content areas? During this session, participants will experience how educational technology can be infused into any classroom to create an environment that encourages students to actively participate in their learning by using higher order thinking, problem solving, creativity, and collaboration.

Vail Unified School District- Rachel Tankersley, Coordinator of Vail Virtual K-8

In this session, I will share how our district has worked to make STEM and hands-on science a priority. Over the past two years, we have purchased and created a rollout plan, as well as a maintenance plan for all K-8 students to run through the identified Engineering is Elementary kits for each grade level in K-5 and the Engineering is Everywhere kits in grades 6-8. With this implementation plan, students will have more exposure to hands-on science and engineering experiences. These kits allow teachers to follow lessons as well as modify the daily lessons to fit their class schedule. They also make it easier for planning and have the materials kit provided as well as low-cost replenishment in an easy format.

Maricopa County- Kristin Homuth, Stormwater Outreach Coordinator

In this session, you will learn about stormwater, stormwater runoff, and why we have storm drains in our cities. You will become a stormwater inspector and be able to identify stormwater structures, discover common stormwater pollutants, and brainstorm ideas to prevent stormwater pollutants. Maricopa County Stormwater Program offers in-class visits, STEM nights, career days, lesson plans, and a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Poster Contest for students within Maricopa County in 3rd-6th grade. Find out more and come visit our session!

National Alliance of Mental Health- Kristina Fuentes, ETS Program Coordinator

A presentation geared towards middle and high school students to provide an overview of mental health. The purpose is to inform students what mental illness really is and is not, break the stigma, encourage them to reach out for support and utilize resources available to them.

Arizona Sustainability Alliance- Dr. Donna Jagielski, Education Programs Manager 

We will provide mini hands-on, active engagement lessons from our Sow-it-Forward vertical gardens program and our Food Tech for the Future program that features the MarsFarm “food computer” - a high-tech hydroponics smart device using a Raspberry Pi. Participants will explore key concepts of these two programs and how they can be integrated into various curriculums, including science and engineering. 

Grand Canyon University- Cori Araza, Senior Project Director-STEM Outreach

Empower your students by demonstrating how to use generative AI to deepen understanding of a topic and learn how AI can enhance student thinking. In this session, Chat GPT and other AI tools will be used for collaboration, problem-solving, ideation, and iteration.

Arizona Science Center- Vanessa Gutierrez, Science on Wheels Instructor

Work in small groups to learn proper dissection techniques and etiquette and to explore the anatomy of a squid. Learn how to replicate this dissection in your own classroom and learn all about the variety of dissections and other programs that Science on Wheels can bring to your school.

Arizona Department of Education (Division of Developmental Disabilities) - Kirk Cree, Community Engagement Supervisor

The Division of Developmental Disabilities empowers individuals with developmental disabilities to lead self-directed, healthy and meaningful lives. DDD provides support and services for eligible Arizonans. DDD provides support and services to individuals diagnosed with one of the following developmental disabilities: Autism; Cerebral palsy; Epilepsy; Cognitive / Intellectual Disability; Down Syndrome; or Are under the age of six and at risk of having a Developmental Disability

DDD serves more than 50,000 people with developmental disabilities and their families throughout Arizona each year.

AZ Game & Fish- Eric Proctor, Wildlife Education Coordinator

Why do some organisms choose to cooperate? What benefits do they get? In this session, we will explore the different types of symbiotic relationships through a variety of classroom-friendly activities that use examples from wildlife found in Arizona. These activities are geared toward elementary-aged students.

ASU Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute- Kim Reynolds, Program Manager

Learn about and practice the design thinking process. Come up with ideas how it can be integrated in your classroom and get feedback from your peers. Interactive lesson.

Arizona Science Center-Beth Nickel, Chief Academic Officer & AzSEF Director

The Arizona Science and Engineering Fair (AzSEF) is the state science fair for Arizona. Managed by Arizona Science Center, AzSEF brings together first-place winners from school, homeschool, district, county, and regional science fairs across Arizona to compete for thousands of dollars in prizes and scholarships. The Grand Award winners in the Senior Division from the state-level fair will be selected to compete at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (RISEF).

Phoenix Art Museum- Jessica Jacobson, Education Outreach Manager 

Join Phoenix Art Museum as we discover ways students can use critical thinking skills to make meaning of works of art with a similar approach scientists use to solve problems—close observation, open discussion and analysis, and drawing conclusions. Through this workshop, we will discuss how art materials and processes both rely upon, and are intertwined with, the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math. Educators will gain an increased understanding of how artists apply STEM concepts in the creation and composition of works of art through creative problem-solving and experimentation. We will highlight how to use scientific inquiry strategies to think critically about works of art, including making observations, generating questions, and discussing the “evidence” so students may form hypotheses, test them through inquiry-based conversation, and draw conclusions that interpret works of art. Engagement with the arts inspires new ways to see, feel, and understand our world, leading to new ways to express ideas and solve problems with the ultimate goal of connecting human experience to the sciences.

EdTech Minds- Laura Boone, EdTech Integration Specialist

The successful STEM  classroom requires students with strong self-regulation skills and easy-to-implement, student-driven classroom management practices. Join Laura to learn how she and other educators have used neuroplastic practices in their classrooms to structure educational environments designed for lower stress and greater success. You will discuss, learn, and practice quick, easy and effective ways to bring these practices to your(self and) students. Excited to get started before the session? Check out www.edtechminds.com for some getting-started strategies and ideas you can use tomorrow, into the rest of the school year and beyond. 

Vail Unified School District- Rachel Tankersley, Coordinator of Vail Virtual K-8

In this session, I will share how our district has worked to make STEM and hands-on science a priority. Over the past two years, we have purchased and created a rollout plan, as well as a maintenance plan for all K-8 students to run through the identified Engineering is Elementary kits for each grade level in K-5 and the Engineering is Everywhere kits in grades 6-8.  With this implementation plan, students will have more exposure to hands-on science and engineering experiences. These kits allow teachers to follow lessons as well as modify the daily lessons to fit their class schedule. They also make it easier for planning and have the materials kit provided as well as low-cost replenishment in an easy format. 

Microsoft Corporation- Reggie Carrillo, Microsoft Philanthropies AZ TEALS Regional Manager

This session will cover best practices focused on CTE in computer science pathways. This will include how to develop equitable pathways to support both teachers and students acquiring future-ready cs skills. Participants will have opportunities to hear about how Microsoft Philanthropies is providing no-cost support to schools to prepare the next generation of tech leaders.

AZ Game & Fish- Eric Proctor, Wildlife Education Coordinator

Why do some organisms choose to cooperate? What benefits do they get? In this session, we will explore the different types of symbiotic relationships through a variety of classroom-friendly activities that use examples from wildlife found in Arizona. These activities are geared toward elementary-aged students.

ASU Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute- Kim Reynolds, Program Manager

Learn about curated tools and resources for the STEM classroom that are all free.

Arizona Science Center- Noortje Nelissen, Professional Development Facilitator

During the STEM through Guided Play session, educators will learn to set up the classroom environment and use open-ended comments, questions and suggestions to guide children toward learning goals while still providing children with choices through play. Educators will have the opportunity to rotate through guided play stations to analyze how standards can be addressed through play, a list of materials for each station will be provided for replication.