8:30 - 9:30

Dive into the world of phenomena-based learning in the elementary classroom. As we prepare to experience change within the science standards, it's never too early to engage your students through phenomenon. Join us as we explore ways to find and incorporate phenomenon into your daily science lessons.

Come and explore how you can use recyclable materials and a pet store fish to engage your students in real-world science inquiries and enhance their scientific process skills while exploring content knowledge. Zebrafish are freshwater fish that are extensively used in biomedical research and can be easily and inexpensively maintained. They reproduce abundantly, mature quickly, and develop as "see-through" embryos, making them an excellent resource for science educators. 

In this workshop, participants will discover the value of zebrafish in teaching multiple topics, including organism interactions with the environment, cell structure and processes, growth, development, reproduction of organisms, ecology, and genetics. Additionally, participants will explore the potential of zebrafish to ignite students' scientific curiosity by incorporating multiple learning modalities that cater to today's diverse student populations. 

We will discuss the scalability of zebrafish inquiries to meet the learning needs of students at various grade levels, including Pre-AP, AP Biology, Aquatic Science, and Environmental Science. We will also provide classroom-ready resources, including links to free teaching resources/interactives and alignments to TEKS across grade levels.

Atoms are too small for us to touch, leading to the creation of models we can hold in our hands. While every model has its limitations, each model has its strengths. In this workshop, we will build and discuss three different atom models for you to use in your classroom. We will explore a scale model atom for size and another scale model atom for mass and make a fun atom model best for explaining periodic trends. Limitations and strengths will be discussed, and each attendee will go home with an example set and instructions for a classroom set. Materials are inexpensive—most can be found at a dollar store!

🌿 ⚛️ 

Make and Take Atoms

Stphanie Taylor, University of Texas at Dallas

Dr. Mary Urquhart, University of Texas at Dallas

Room: M212

Atoms are too small for us to touch, leading to the creation of models we can hold in our hand. While every model has its limitations, each model has its strengths. In this workshop we will build and discuss three different atom models for you to use in your classroom. We will explore a scale model atom for size, another scale model atom for mass and make a fun atom model best for explaining periodic trends. Limitations and strengths will be discussed and each attendee will go home with an example set and instructions for a classroom set. Materials are inexpensive—most can be found at a dollar store!

 🧲 ⚛️

Make and Take Atoms

 Stephanie Taylor

 University of Texas at Dallas

Room: M212

The study of genetics is expanding in the newest Biology TEKS. This session will focus on providing hands-on investigations reviewing the structure of DNA and chromosomes, protein synthesis, and inheritance. It will then expand to show you how to teach the field of biotechnology and share with your students this growing science field. From PCR and gel electrophoresis to COVID testing and forensics, the study of biotechnology answers the age-old question of "Where will we ever use this?" and shows your students the real-world applications for what they are learning and inspires them to want to learn more.

This session will include everything from recycled materials to the amazing models from 3D Molecular Designs. It will get you excited to share what you have learned with your students.