Michigan Science Teachers Association Conference 2019 (MSTA): Full Schedule

9:00am EST

Take Your Students Outside to Engineer!

How do you utilize your outside spaces for engineering challenges? The students want to move outside--and we must ensure that they will make connections with their outdoor environment. Check out these NGSS-aligned activities that will grab your students' attention as they problem-solve for some real-world outside challenges.

Presenters

Christine Kelly

MS Science Teacher, Allendale Middle School

Ask me how exciting it is to teach my students with real-world issues in outdoor and environmental science! Let's talk about the different opportunities in sustainability, science and education! After receiving my education from some of the best at MTU, CMU, WMU, and joining with... Read More →

Friday March 1, 2019 9:00am - 9:45am EST
Vandenberg B

10:00am EST

Exploring Kinetic Energy Transfers in Collisions

Explore how potential energy is related to kinetic energy by planning and carrying out a collision investigation. Engage as students to make sense of data to develop an understanding of energy transfers in the FOSS Next Generation Gravity and Kinetic Energy Course for middle school.

Presenters

Chris Blackstock

Consultant, Delta Education

After 23 years as a public school teacher, I am now working with Delta Education and FOSS as a consultant and trainer. I am also a trainer for the Center for Teacher Effectiveness specializing in strategies to increase student engagement and motivation.

Kathleen Schutter

School Specialty

Friday March 1, 2019 10:00am - 10:45am EST
Vandenberg A

Physics, MS

Session Type Vendor

10:00am EST

May the Force Be With You

You will be moved by engaging force and motion demonstrations of classroom-ready activities including the Stunt Car Lab, the famous Monkey-Hunter "problem," and the vertical-versus-horizontal acceleration demonstration, a simple way to prove "g" is always the same.

Presenters

Don Pata

Teacher, Grosse Pointe North High School

I have been teaching high school science for over 20 year. I like to talk about NGSS, advanced pedagogy, modeling instruction and healthy grading. I have 4 young children. In the summer I run modeling workshops across Michigan.

Friday March 1, 2019 10:00am - 11:45am EST
Ruby Room

Physics, MS, HS, Post Secondary | STEM Education, MS, HS, Post Secondary

Session Type Vendor

11:00am EST

Michigan's Electricity

How does electricity get to your kitchen? Where does it come from and how it is "made"? These are great questions that can be a leading question for a unit on energy and Law of Conservation of Energy. In home electricity and usage is the phenomenon that lead to all kinds of usable ideas within your classroom.

Presenters

Andrew J. Frisch

Science and Mathematics Teacher, Farwell Area Schools

STEM: Bringing it to the classroom. I am excited to get it into the students' hands. It may be hard to get it into your pedagogy, but it is a truly organic, natural way to teach and learn. I am confident we already do it, we just need to increase it and emphasis it,

Friday March 1, 2019 11:00am - 11:45am EST
Vandenberg A

11:00am EST

NGSS Chemical Reactions:Designing Better Chemical Batteries

Students investigate how chemical energy can be transformed via a chemical process into electrical energy. After building a prototype wet cell, students brainstorm improvements and build, test, and evaluate new prototypes to meet a set of predetermined criteria within specified contraints. Highly engaging activity from SEPUP/Lab-Aids 3rd Edition Energy Unit.

Presenters

Bill Cline

Science Curriculum Specialist, Lab-Aids

Lab-Aids proudly publishes the Science Education for Public Understanding Program (SEPUP) which began developing science intructional materials with funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) in 1987.

Lisa Kelp

Lab Aids/SEPUP

Friday March 1, 2019 11:00am - 11:45am EST
Heritage Room

Physics, MS | Integrated Science, MS | STEM Education, MS | Assessment, MS

Session Type Vendor

1:00pm EST

PASCO Solutions: The Most Comprehensive Laboratory Experience for the Student and Educator of Today

Learn about the new tiered levels of PASCO solutions complete with classroom management and technology rolled into one. See how you can easily implement PASCO curriculum solutions, kits, or equipment in your classroom, and conveniently store your equipment in accessible carts and trays.
You’ve spoken, and we’ve listened: see PASCO’s new SPARKvue 4.0 software. The solution that connects ALL sensors on ALL devices so that your students have the most pedagogically congruent, enriched classroom experience.

Presenters

Julie Thomas

Regional Manager, PASCO scientific

PASCO has been an innovator in science education for over 55 years. Beginning as a science fair project and later developed into a high quality lab equipment, curriculum and technology provider in the US and around the globe.Contact email: jthomas@pasco.com

Friday March 1, 2019 1:00pm - 1:45pm EST
Plaza Boardroom A

Biology, MS, HS | Chemistry, MS, HS | Environmental Science, MS, HS | Physics, MS, HS | Integrated Science, MS, HS

Session Type Vendor

2:00pm EST

Building atomic model of matter and conservation of matter concept

As one of the crosscutting concepts in NGSS, matter and energy is a foundational idea built on in all disciplines. Are students really developing an understanding of this concept that they can apply throughout their science classes? I will share several activities I use to build the concept of atomic nature of matter and conservation of matter and view sample student work to see how these activities help students develop these foundational concepts.

Presenters

Kristin Mayer

East Kentwood High School

I currently teach high school physics and chemistry at East Kentwood High School. I previously taught in New York City and Seattle, Wa. I completed my PhD in Curriculum, Instruction, and Teacher Education at Michigan State University where I worked on a curriculum project with Joe... Read More →

Friday March 1, 2019 2:00pm - 2:45pm EST
Grandview A

2:00pm EST

Seeing is Believing: Physics Demonstrations to Energize Your Classroom

What are the best demos for your classroom? In this new workshop, we have selected the most effective combination of demonstrations to help you illustrate a wide variety of physics concepts, including Newton's laws of force and motion, light, sound, waves, and color science. Enhance your science lessons by bringing real-life examples immediately into the classroom.

Presenters

Don Pata

Teacher, Grosse Pointe North High School

Friday March 1, 2019 2:00pm - 3:45pm EST
Pantlind Ballroom

Physics, MS, HS, Post Secondary | STEM Education, MS, HS, Post Secondary

Session Type Vendor

3:00pm EST

Building a Model of Force as an interaction

Building a Model of Force as an Interaction

How do we help students develop and use models? Join us as we explore how to facilitate model development through building a robust force model. This session will help teachers build and develop their own force model while we explore how facilitate students in their model development. This is geared toward ANY teacher who teaches the Forces and Interactions topic bundle K-12!

Presenters

Laura Sloma

Physics Teacher, East Kentwood High School

Laura is has been a science educator for 29 years, teaching in Michigan and Ohio, at the high school and college level. She is a modeling instruction expert, workshop facilitator, and STEP UP physics ambassador.

Friday March 1, 2019 3:00pm - 4:45pm EST
Vandenberg A

General Session, K-2, 3-5, MS, HS, Post Secondary | Earth Science, K-2, 3-5, MS, HS, Post Secondary | Physics, K-2, 3-5, MS, HS, Post Secondary | Integrated Science, K-2, 3-5, MS, HS, Post Secondary | STEM Education, K-2, 3-5, MS, HS, Post Secondary | Cross Curricular Integration, K-2, 3-5, MS, HS, Post Secondary

Strand MiAAPT

8:00am EST

Power Your Classroom or School with Solar Energy - Student Driven Solar

Students at West Bloomfield High School were able to power their entire science department with solar energy! Students themselves did the energy audits, solar resource studies, determination of cost savings and pollution prevention, fundraising, grant writing, presenting to the school board and more, culminating in the student-assisted construction of a 20 kilowatt solar array, which now powers the entire WBHS Science Department! We want to show you how we did it, so you can too!

Presenters

Joshua Barclay

Physics Teacher, West Bloomfield High School

Talk to Joshua Barclay about powering your school with solar energy! Joshua Barclay, M.S., has taught both high school and university science for over 27 years, has served as an environmental advocate and youth leader for over 30 years, and was selected as the MSTA Michigan High School... Read More →

Saturday March 2, 2019 8:00am - 8:45am EST
Ottawa Room

Environmental Science, MS, HS | Physics, MS, HS | Integrated Science, MS, HS | STEM Education, MS, HS | Cross Curricular Integration, MS, HS

8:00am EST

High School Students Can Do Astrophysics Too!

Through the use of a DIY $5 particle detector, students can observe subatomic particles in the classroom. With extension activities diving into biology, chemistry, earth and space science, students are given opportunties to explore the radiative world around us (and teachers can easily differentiate activities for their students). This presentation will provide hands-on opportunities to "put on the student hat" and work with these simple particle detectors and use their "teacher hat" to see how these nifty devices can be used in the classroom. You'll even walk away with an engaging 5E lesson and all associated materials to bring immediately back into the classroom!

Presenters

Katelyn McCarthy

Physics/Astronomy Teacher, Battle Creek Lakeview School District

I am passionate about physics and providing my students with opportunities to question, struggle with, experience, and master physical concepts that describe the world around us. I love to put learning in the hands of my students, and discovering new ways to bring hands-on experiences... Read More →

02 MAR 2019 MSTA: Particle Cloud Chamber gslides

Saturday March 2, 2019 8:00am - 8:45am EST
Haldane Room

General Session, MS, HS | Physics, MS, HS

8:00am EST

Energy Across the Content

What is Energy? In all of our science classes; Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth Science, etc. we all teach about energy. However, if we're honest with ourselves we don't really have a good, working definition of energy. More importantly we don't have a shared concept of energy. How are we supposed to help the students develop a coherent energy concept if we don't even have one among science teachers? Join us for a session where we will explore the ways in which energy is treated in the different disciplines and see if we can't get a start on a group understanding of energy.

Presenters

Don Pata

Teacher, Grosse Pointe North High School

Saturday March 2, 2019 8:00am - 10:45am EST
Vandenberg A

Strand MIAAPT

9:00am EST

Demonstrations that really grab attention!

20 awesome phenomena anyone can create on a tight budget. Get ideas to spunk up your delivery and engage your students. Science is never boring when you have the right hook. You will be able to create inexpensive demonstrations for the physical sciences. Most are 7-12 ideas.

Presenters

Mark Sheler

Sandusky Jr Sr High School

High School Physics, Biology, Anatomy, Chemistry and Earth Science, Baker College of Education

2019 Demos Grab Attention 7 12 Sheler pptx

Saturday March 2, 2019 9:00am - 9:45am EST
Riverview Room

10:00am EST

Designing Destructive Earthquakes

Using "shake tables" as simple as a board with handle and accelerometer attached, learners can investigate why horizontal accelerations, velocities, energy and resonant frequencies of earthquake vibrations are more important than magnitude in determining damage to buildings, dams, bridges and other structures. Also learn to quantify the “maximum considered earthquake” which engineers use for any onshore location (including your home or school) even in relatively low-risk Michigan. Both natural and human-induced earthquakes will be considered.

Presenters

Robert Chaney

Fred Thomas

CEO, Math Machines

I am a retired physics and astronomy professor, with decades of experience working to make science fit better with other areas of STEM, especially mathematics. Currently, I manage a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization, providing unique equipment, software, curriculum materials and... Read More →

Saturday March 2, 2019 10:00am - 10:45am EST
Riverview Room

Earth Science, MS, HS, Post Secondary | Physics, MS, HS, Post Secondary | STEM Education, MS, HS, Post Secondary

11:00am EST

Understanding Fields & Energy

The new standards refer often to fields. But what really is a gravitational, electric or magnetic field? In this session, you will have the opportunity deepen your own understanding of the concept of fields and how they relate to energy. We will use strategies and representational models that can easily be used in a secondary science classroom to reach all students.

Presenters

Don Pata

Teacher, Grosse Pointe North High School

Laura Ritter

Physics Teacher, Troy High School

I have been a science and math teacher for 15 years. My primary subject is physics and I specialize in discourse and student-centered instruction. I have co-led several summer Modeling Instruction workshops, but have pulled back in order to spend more time with my two young daughters... Read More →

Saturday March 2, 2019 11:00am - 11:45am EST
Vandenberg A

Chemistry, MS, HS | Physics, MS, HS | Integrated Science, MS, HS

12:00pm EST

Increasing Student Engagement by Modifying Tasks

Modifying existing science tasks and activities to increase cognitive demand can also increase student engagement. Student teachers at Oakland University will share examples of their work to modify existing science activities and present cases demonstrating how to incorporate NGSS science and engineering practices in these efforts.

Presenters

Mark Olson

Associate Professor of Science Education, Oakland University

MSTA'19 IncreasingStudentEngagement pdf

Saturday March 2, 2019 12:00pm - 12:45pm EST
Grandview B/C

Biology, MS, HS | Chemistry, MS, HS | Physics, MS, HS | Integrated Science, MS, HS | STEM Education, MS, HS

12:00pm EST

Defining Temperature

This session will attempt to challenge your conceptual understanding of what temperature is. We will look at some simple experiments involving temperature and analyze at the particulate level. We will also push for concepts such as heat, sensation and specific heat capacity where simple definitions of temperature can restrict learning.

Presenters

Scott Milam

Plymouth High School

I teach IB Chemistry HL and Chemistry at Plymouth High School. I use modeling pedagogy and curriculum along with standards based grading.

Saturday March 2, 2019 12:00pm - 12:45pm EST
Fine Arts Room

Chemistry, K-2, 3-5, MS, HS | Physics, K-2, 3-5, MS, HS

12:00pm EST

Five Phenomenon that Work in (almost) any Science Classroom.

From the first day of class to an entire unit design, phenomenon will drive the lesson plans. Five examples with explanation of how phenomenon work in a class setting. These have been used and work. Whether you are experienced or just getting started with NGSS and it's engineering practices and cross cutting concepts, there will be some original and USEABLE information provided on phenomenon.

Presenters

Andrew J. Frisch

Science and Mathematics Teacher, Farwell Area Schools

Saturday March 2, 2019 12:00pm - 12:45pm EST
Emerald B

12:00pm EST

STEM Opportunities Beyond the Classroom

How do you engage your students with engineering in your classroom? Science Olympiad, MDOT Design & Build a Bridge Challenge and VEX robotics, provide STEM projects you can integrate into your classroom. Information will be provided on how to access the materials and how to use the resources for student competition both inside and outside your classroom.

Presenters

Deborah Hasselschwert

teacher, Laker High School

Currently, I teach Chemistry, Physics, Forensics, STEM, and Lab Science in a rural area. In addition, I coach Science Olympiad, VEX-EDR and participate in the MDOT Bridge Challenge. Feel free to ask me questions about any of classes or extra curricular activities. Go SCIENCE!

Sarah Jordan

Caseville Public Schools

MSTA STEM Opportunities 2019 pptx

Saturday March 2, 2019 12:00pm - 12:45pm EST
Riverview Room

Physics, MS, HS | Integrated Science, MS, HS | STEM Education, MS, HS | Computer Science / Technology, MS, HS

12:00pm EST

Exploring Energy Across the Disciplines

Energy is a key crosscutting concept across all science disciplines, yet it still can be baffling. Come solo or bring a colleague from another discipline or grade level and let’s explore how we can send a more cohesive message to students about energy. We will work with representational models to explore energy as it relates to systems, storage and transfer across the disciplines. You will leave with strategies to use in your classroom.

Presenters

Kate Hojnacki

Physics Teacher, Fraser High School

Laura Ritter

Physics Teacher, Troy High School

Saturday March 2, 2019 12:00pm - 1:45pm EST
Vandenberg A

Biology, MS, HS | Chemistry, MS, HS | Physics, MS, HS | Integrated Science, MS, HS | Cross Curricular Integration, MS, HS

1:00pm EST

PASCO Solutions: The Most Comprehensive Laboratory Experience for the Student and Educator of Today

Presenters

Julie Thomas

Regional Manager, PASCO scientific

Saturday March 2, 2019 1:00pm - 1:45pm EST
Vandenberg B

Biology, MS, HS | Chemistry, MS, HS | Physics, MS, HS

Session Type Vendor

1:00pm EST

Cool demonstrations for young science students without breaking the bank.

Cool Demonstrations for young science classes. Several demos that are sure to inspire and engage young minds. No need to buy expensive equipment. These phenomena are tried and true, easy to do and won't cost much. Looking for phenomena but don't want to where to start? I'll bring easy to do, easy to extract meaningful demos for you to use.

Presenters

Mark Sheler

Sandusky Jr Sr High School

High School Physics, Biology, Anatomy, Chemistry and Earth Science, Baker College of Education

2019 Demos Elementary Sheler pptx

Saturday March 2, 2019 1:00pm - 1:45pm EST
Pearl Room

1:00pm EST

Stop Creating Lesson Plans: Start Creating Learning Experiences

Engage your students to think and act like scientists. Be the teacher that transforms everyday lesson plans into authentic, memorable learning experiences with inquiry-focused instruction. Come with a willingness to inspire learning; leave with strategies and tools to make it happen.

Presenters

Dawn McCotter

Teacher Programs Manager, Van Andel Education Institute

Dawn devoted over 12 years to teaching science at Grand Haven High School with multiple classes including Earth Science, Physics, Astronomy, and Project Science. During her tenure, Dawn had the opportunity to work with diverse learners, from various academic and personal backgrounds... Read More →

Saturday March 2, 2019 1:00pm - 2:45pm EST
Emerald B

1:00pm EST

Never mind Strawberry Fields... Energy and Fields Forever

Conservation of energy is a foundational concept and one of the crosscutting concepts applied in all disciplines in three-dimensional learning. The terms used with energy and the way we think about energy have also changed with the Framework and NGSS. This workshop will share activities we use in our classes to build the concepts of energy, fields, and conservation of energy combining ideas from Modeling Instruction, Interactions Curriculum, and NGSS.

Presenters

Kristin Mayer

East Kentwood High School

Laura Sloma

Physics Teacher, East Kentwood High School

Saturday March 2, 2019 1:00pm - 2:45pm EST
Governor's Room

1:00pm EST

Helping Students with D=RxT

Do your students have difficulty keeping straight the relationship between distance, velocity, and time? The TI-Rover, a calculator-controlled robot can be used to help students experience that relationship and apply it to a task while learning programming. Beginners welcome.

Presenters

Marian Prince

Math Department, Andrews University

I have been a math and science educator in Michigan for more than 30 years at the middle school, high school, and university levels. I am passionate about STEM and enthusiastic about using the new TI-Innovator Rover and Hub in teaching math, science and coding.

Saturday March 2, 2019 1:00pm - 2:45pm EST
Ruby Room

Physics, MS, HS | STEM Education, MS, HS | Computer Science / Technology, MS, HS

1:00pm EST

Implementing the Shifts in the Next Generation Science Standards: Enacting The Sound Unit Through The Learning While Teaching Project Puts All The Pieces Together!

Enacting the sound and fog units through Northwestern University Learning While Teaching Project cemented three-dimensional understanding in our 3+ year journey to Next Generation Science Standards implementation. The sound unit has earned the NGSS Design Badge, an example of high quality instructional materials. The fog unit is currently being field tested by several teachers across the United States. Come engage with science and engineering practices to figure out the anchoring and investigative phenomena and experience routines that bring these units to life.

Presenters

DeVette Brown

Science Teacher, Detroit Public Schools Community District

Wanda Bryant

Science teacher, Detroit Public Schools Community District

I began teaching for Detroit Public Schools Community District in 2000. Since moving to middle school at Henderson Academy in 2012, I have had many opportunities to learn effective pedagogy through vertical teams and Science Saturdays professional development. Navigating NGSS implementation... Read More →

MS+Sound v2.1 Unit+Front Matter+v2.1+(4) pdf

Guide Face to Face Tools pdf

MSTA Meeting ResourcesDevelopAnd UseModels docx

Wanda DevetteQR code for presentation resources030219 docx

Saturday March 2, 2019 1:00pm - 2:45pm EST
Atrium Room

Physics, MS | Integrated Science, MS | Computer Science / Technology, MS