Session #2

In this session, educators will engage in an activity in which they utilize a free color app on a smartphone to analyze the transmittance and absorbance of light through colored solutions. This hands-on activity is a simple and inexpensive way for chemistry students to explore absorption spectrometry concepts and can be implemented for virtual learning or used in any classroom with limited or no access to spectrophotometers. Suggested materials for this session include: 5 clear 9 oz. Plastic cups, 2 cup glass measuring cup, ¼ cup measuring cup, 2 cup mason jar, food coloring (red or blue) smartphone with the free app ‘Color Grab’ (Android) or ‘Color Name AR’ (iPhone) downloaded, piece of cardboard or similar flat and sturdy material that can be placed on computer keyboard.

This session will share some ideas for bringing online discussion board assignments into your classroom. We will share a few examples of assignments including components such as infographics, diversity and equity, and intermolecular forces, as well as give ideas for how to transition a traditional assignment into a discussion board assignment. Feel free to bring examples of discussion board assignments that have worked for you, and/or an assignment that you would like to transition into a discussion board assignment.

Learn how to build instruction and support the assessment of student learning by constructing explanations. Claim, Evidence, Reasoning is a powerful tool to meet the three-dimensional method of classroom assessment called for in the Next Generation Science Standards. Participants will leave with editable writing organizers, rubrics, and lesson strategies for effective use of Claim, Evidence, Reasoning.

Come see how FUN, relevant, hands-on STEM can happen successfully in your (virtual or in-person) classroom as we build a bioluminescent jellyfish model together. Using only a few basic supplies (see materials list & bring supplies to build your own), this activity will help you engage students while addressing a variety of STEM concepts; modeling, jellyfish anatomy & physiology, jellyfish life cycle, jellyfish adaptations, and/or chemical reactions of bioluminescence.

Mathematicians and scientists view their subjects within interesting and natural contexts. In this session, participants will engage in a STEM-integrated Three-Act Task; a story-telling pedagogical strategy that elicits student curiosity, collaboration, and questioning. Beginning with a rich problem, this instructional approach redefines real-world applications and clarifies the role that the student plays in the learning process. Participants will receive resources to access Three-Act tasks appropriate for middle and high school grade levels.