Elementary Sessions

Computational Thinking Activities with PASCO’s //code.Node

PASCO Scientific
Targeted Grades: PK-8
Join PASCO to discover how to infuse engineering design, coding, and computational thinking into your classroom. Activities include how to replicate the functions of sensors that we utilize in our everyday lives using the //code.Node, Blockly coding, and introducing PASCO’s latest innovation that now brings both sense and control into lessons.

Creating Learning Experiences in Nature Stations and Outdoor Play

Dallas ISD, STEM Environmental Education Center
Targeted Grades: PK-2
Join Sara Ramirez to learn about Nature Play and its academic, health and social and emotional benefits. Many urban children may miss out on opportunities to explore nature, so why not bring nature to them. Learn ideas to incorporate natural items into academic content, centers, and playtime. Gain ideas on how to create a cheap and easy outdoor nature play area using natural and repurposed items. Help foster student curiosity and respect for nature through engaging play!

Cultivating & Growing STEM Through Garden-Based Learning

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, National Junior Master Gardener Program
Targeted Grades: 3-5
This spring you can GROW garden-based STEM learning in your classroom with popular & proven Junior Master Gardener thematic curriculum units! High-interest options include everything from creating a teacher-friendly/thriving vegetable garden, to merging plant science/literature connections, to having students cultivate wildlife habitats (& more)! In this session, you’ll explore some teacher favorites & see how your elementary students can earn certifications while strengthening STEM process skills.

Cultural Literacy in STEM

Grapevine-Colleyville ISD, Cannon Elementary
Targeted Grades: PK-2
Learn how to integrate cultural literacy across multiple content areas into design challenges for cross-curricular learning that will benefit all learners! We will provide perspectives from a monolingual teacher and a dual language teacher. We will also discuss how we tie in real-world connections to design challenges to make engineering relevant to even the youngest learners while promoting equity and diversity.

Designing a Lunar Lander: An Engineering Process

Clear Creek ISD; Robotics, Coding and Computational Thinking
Targeted Grades: 3-5
Are you interested in adding engineering to your science class? Come learn an engineering process that is easy to implement and can be used with any science content. In this session, we will share our process of leading students in designing Lunar Lander during our earth/space science unit. Students are expected to plan, build, test, retest, and evaluate their own engineering design. Real student work and examples will be shared.

Integrating Computational Thinking in the Elementary Classroom

Rice University, Office of STEM Engagement
Targeted Grades: 3-5
What is Computational Thinking? How do you teach it? This session will explore ways to bring Computational Thinking into the elementary classroom to lay the foundation with our early learners for a computer science pathway. Learn about practical ways to weave CT into your existing curriculum and introduce the 4 pillars of computational thinking: decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction, and algorithm design. Resources and practical hands-on activities will be shared with all attendees.

Scaffolding the Engineering Design Process

Lewisville ISD, Learning & Teaching Department
Targeted Grades: PK-5
Supporting elementary learners as they practice the Engineering Design Process can be a challenge. Because this process is an iterative cycle, the creating, testing, and improving stages are especially important and also frustrating for some. Join us in framing out the best practices for engineering teachers to carry back to their classrooms and bolster strategies for moving elementary students through each stage of this content area.

Virtually Wild! Texas: Bringing Nature and Wild Places to Students Virtually

USFWS- Houston Community Partnerships and Engagement Program
Targeted Grades: 3-5
Virtually Wild! Texas brings nature to students via Zoom Webinar. VWT TEKS-aligned programs feature natural resource professionals, wildlife, and different ecosystems in the greater Houston-Galveston region. Students also learn about careers. This free program is reaching thousands of students across Texas thanks to the partnership of Region 4 Education Service Center, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Texas A&M Forest Service, and Citizen’s Environmental Coalition.

Where do I start?

Grapevine- Colleyville ISD, Cannon Elementary
Targeted Grades: PK-2
Are you wanting to integrate STEM in your classroom but don’t know how? Join us as we share simple ways to get started from our experience. We will share different ideas, projects, and resources that we have used in our classrooms that you can utilize in your classroom tomorrow. We will share how we create STEM challenges, and how to integrate STEM celebrations throughout the school year.

Middle/High School Sessions

Better Adhesion to the Human Body Using Biomimicry

Texas A&M University, Biomedical Engineering
Targeted Grades: 9-12
This session starts with a motivating problem for the research. Following the steps to solve the problem, you will understand how the principles of material and biomedical engineering are applied to design and perform experiments and analyze the results. Throughout the session, you will run experiments by yourself, following the instructions from presenters, which will help you understand the problem and figure out how to address it.

Break Out! Creating Virtual Escape Rooms

Region 4 Education Service Center
Targeted Grades: 6-12
A good escape room challenges players to think critically and creatively while working together to solve puzzles within a time limit. Experience a virtual escape room, and learn how to use free online tools to create simple virtual escape rooms that challenge students to apply what they have learned while supporting STEM fluency skills, including critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication. Access to a Google account is recommended for this session.

Citizen Science and the Future of Water Education

AgriLife Extension, Urban WISH (Water Innovation and Sustainability Hub)
Targeted Grades: 6-12
Citizen science (public participation in scientific research) is changing how we do science, especially with our students. In this presentation, Dr. Kelly Albus will share citizen science resources for teachers, including projects you can start using today, tips and tricks for classroom use, and benefits citizen science involvement can have on student achievement. She will also discuss using tools like GIS and remote sensing to engage students and prepare them for future environmental careers.

College Preparedness for Engineers

Texas A&M Engineering
Targeted Grades: 6-12
Join us on a journey through the knowledge and skills needed by a first-year college of engineering student. My transition from high school PreCal and PLTW engineering instructor to first-year college of engineering instructor afforded me insight as to the chasm that must be crossed by most students and has motivated an effort to bridge that expanse. In this session, we explore some new tools and discuss opportunities for the future. You will depart with both digital resources and engaging ideas.

Design Challenges Today Spark STEM Careers Tomorrow

Hand2Mind
Targeted Grades: 3-8
Successful hands-on design challenge experiences can spark interest in STEM careers. In this session, we will explore three quick projects that can be used in any grade. Students who complete these projects will not only gain new knowledge in STEM topics, they will also gain confidence in their ability to work in a STEM field. The presenter has 35 years of experience designing and implementing design challenges that have inspired thousands of students. Come and be a part of this session!

Design Ideation for 4D Printing

Texas A&M University, College of Engineering
Targeted Grades: 6-8
The session will cover the basics of 4D printing, i.e. shape change after an object is 3D printed. We will also discuss ways in which activities can be designed for learning 4D printing.

Disaster Resilient Food Energy Water Systems – an Imperative for STEM education

TEES Gas and Fuels Research Center
Targeted Grades: 6-12
This session will explore disaster resilience and sustainability education in the area of basic human needs of food energy and water. Emphasis is given to draw attention towards an NSF-funded research planning process to develop sustainable regional systems research network. The ideas presented here are intended to spark interest in K-12 educators and administrators towards STEM education for developing the next generation of learners in these advanced topics.

How buildings influence our environmental sustainability?

Texas A&M University, Construction Science
Targeted Grades: 6-12
Environmental sustainability is becoming increasingly critical to our survival looking at the rapidly changing climate evident by frequent and more severe occurrences of extreme weather events. Our built environment consisting of our homes and workplaces may help mitigate at least 40% of global carbon emissions. This session will focus on understanding how our everyday personal and professional decisions may help reduce this huge environmental impact footprint.

How space missions will change human cognition and school education?

Texas A&M University, Construction Science
Targeted Grades: 6-12
Are you new to STEM education? Wondering what STEM looks like in a middle school science classroom? Join this session to learn about STEM education resources from TEA and how you can incorporate STEM design challenges into existing science lessons. Participants will receive a 5E science lesson (TEKS 8.5A and 8.5B) and five different design challenge cards.

Incorporating STEM Design Challenges in Middle School Science

Region 4 Education Service Center
Targeted Grades: 6-8
Are you new to STEM education? Wondering what STEM looks like in a middle school science classroom? Join this session to learn about STEM education resources from TEA and how you can incorporate STEM design challenges into existing science lessons. Participants will receive a 5E science lesson (TEKS 8.5A and 8.5B) and five different design challenge cards.

Maximize the Benefits and Minimize the Challenges Associated with Embedding Engineering into the Science Curriculum using Argument-Driven Engineering

The University of Texas at Austin, Curriculum and Instruction
Targeted Grades: 6-12
This session is an introduction to a new approach to STEM instruction called Argument-Driven Engineering (ADE). ADE gives students an opportunity to learn how to use core concepts and processes from science, engineering, and mathematics to design a solution to a meaningful and authentic problem. Participants will have an opportunity to see an example design challenge that can be used in a science or engineering course during this session.

Teaching with Museum Objects: Using Inquiry-Based Learning with STEM

McAllen ISD, International Museum of Art & Science
Targeted Grades: 6-12
Looking to connect your classroom to museum resources? Attendees will discover how object-based learning can create stronger connections to STEM concepts by bringing museums into the classroom, both virtually and in person.

UT Southwestern Free Programs and Resources for Science Teachers and Students

University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, STARS Program
Targeted Grades: 6-12
Teachers will learn about cost-free education resources provided by the UT Southwestern STARS program in Dallas. In 2022 most activities will offer a hybrid format which means teachers do not have to be present in Dallas to participate. Resources include free teacher professional development, classroom tours of UT Southwestern, summer camps for students and teachers, and paid research on campus. Students can also learn about careers in biomedicine in our Exploring program. Come join us!

Vaccine Biology and Vaccine Hesitancy with other middle and high school resources

Texas A&M University, PEER VIBS CVMBS
Targeted Grades: 6-12
Middle and High school resources including information on Vaccine Biology and Vaccine Hesitancy will be presented and all can ask questions of scientists via chat. Similar questions on vaccines and immunology are answered at https://vetmed.tamu.edu/peer/vaccine-hesitancy. Learning resources include lessons, activities, and videos can be found at https://vetmed.tamu.edu/peer/teacher-resources.

Zoom a WISE Woman!

Texas A&M University; Teaching, Learning, and Culture; Women in Science and Engineering (TAMU)
Targeted Grades: 6-12
The Outreach Committee of the Texas A&M Women in Science & Engineering (WISE) organization invites you to join a mock Zoom a WISE Woman session with female scientists and engineers! This virtual outreach program offers K-12 classrooms a glimpse into the everyday life of a scientist/engineer. Engage with panelists about their work as students would and talk with the Outreach Committee about how to implement a Zoom a WISE Woman session in your classroom!

All Grade Level Sessions

Creating Programs to Engage, Inspire, and Enhance STEM Education

TEES Nuclear Engineering & Science Center and Nuclear Power Institute
Targeted Grades: PK-12
The Associate Director, Outreach & Education, TEES Nuclear Engineering & Science Center and Associate Director, TEES Nuclear Power Institute will provide an overview of the NPI’s Network of Engagement – the integration of stakeholders, resources, and education for students and educators. With the enormous need for STEM-focused students and a well-prepared Texas workforce, the NPI has been engaging, inspiring, and enhancing STEM primary, secondary, and higher education for the past 14 years.

Launching a Weather Balloon to the Edge of Space

Vivify LLC
Targeted Grades: PK-12
Take a journey to the edge of space with the ultimate STEM project! Embark on an epic journey with your students as we guide you through conducting a high-altitude balloon launch. Learn what supplies are needed, what science lessons and experiences your students will gain, and how you can bring this exciting project to your school!

Makerspace Madness: Planning and Executing a Family Mega Makerspace Night for Your Campus

Clear Creek ISD, Brookside IS/Science
Targeted Grades: PK-12
In this session, attendees will be able to learn from two southeast Texas MakerSpace experts and how they organize one of their district’s largest MakerSpace community events. Come learn how to plan, promote, and run your very own MakerSpace night. Attendees will participate in some of the MakerSpace activities utilized in our nights and walk away with an action plan for making their own MakerSpace event whether it be in person or virtual.

Summer Opportunities for Educators: And Fun Facts about Sharks!

Texas A&M University Galveston Educational Outreach
Targeted Grades: PK-12
Calling all educators! Are you looking for professional development this summer? We have educator internships that can give you 7-30 hours of CPE hours! At Sea Camp at Texas A&M Galveston, we run summer camp programs allowing students to get hands-on and feet in experiences in the ocean! We invite educators to be our counselors and learn alongside our campers as we educate on a variety of subjects including Marine Biology, Coastal Ecology, Marine Engineering, Photography, and MORE! FOR FREE!

Texas Education Agency Update: STEM Education Defined in Texas

Texas Education Agency
Targeted Grades: 3-12
TEA staff will share how the Texas STEM Framework and STEM Toolkit guide districts in developing local STEM programming. Learn how to get involved in the Texas EcosySTEM and plugged into local STEM opportunities provided by the state and the Education Service Centers. Collaborative efforts unite various stakeholders as Texas works toward the common goal of increasing access for young people to engage in STEM-rich learning environments and master the necessary skills for success in STEM.

Wiggling Worms (Vermicomposting and Decomposition Exploration)

DISD Environmental Education Center, Environmental Education Center
Targeted Grades: 3-12
Get students excited about decomposition with live worms! Learn how to create a cheap and easy classroom vermicompost or backyard compost bin. Educators will virtually conduct lab investigations to learn about worms, soil properties, decomposition, and the important role of decomposers. Cross-curricular lesson ideas and lesson modifications for virtual teaching and at-home learning extensions will also be addressed.