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6th NGSS STEM Conference Sessions


Keynote Session: Navigating A Three-Dimensional World

Presented by Julie Yu

Having two eyes provides humans perspective—the ability to frame what we see in three dimensions. Explore the science behind binocular vision and how it helps us make sense of the three dimensions of space—and gain a deeper perspective on the three dimensions of NGSS.


The Air Force (and Pressure) (grades 6–12)

Presented by Eric Muller

Are you feeling pushed around and under pressure? Well, you are, because we all live at the bottom of an ocean of gas called the atmosphere. Join us as we investigate and explore the phenomena of air pressure and its associated force. Surround yourself with NGSS-aligned activities that will help you learn about the gas that envelops you.


The Circle of Life in the Produce Aisle (grades 3–8)

Presented by Hilleary Osheroff

Birth, growth, reproduction, and death. These fundamental processes are represented in an everyday place: the grocery store. In this workshop, we’ll investigate structure and function in the life cycles of plants through explorations of the produce aisle.


Cycles and Scales of Earth, Sun, and Moon (grades 5–8)

Presented by Lori Lambertson

Come explore the cycles and the size and scale relationships of Earth, the sun, and the moon. All cultures have connections to these celestial bodies, and naked-eye astronomy is available and accessible to all students. Engaging phenomena and investigable questions lead us into NGSS-based explorations.


Dissolving Lifesavers (grades 3–8)

Presented by Lynn Rankin and Kelsey Lipsitz

Figure out what makes Lifesavers dissolve faster or more slowly and experience several key features of NGSS, such as carrying out investigations, developing models, and engaging in science talks. While this lesson is focused on a Grade 5 standard and can be adapted for the classroom, it is designed to be used in staff development to show how the three dimensions of NGSS can be used to understand phenomena.


If A Leaf Falls in the Forest (grades 6–12)

Presented by Tammy Cook-Endres

We know that the change in seasons can impact ecosystems, but can it also affect the atmosphere? Join as we use a series of hands-on experiments and big data to investigate what affects photosynthesis, how and why it shifts with the seasons, and how the biosphere and atmosphere interact to change the planet.


The Science of Food (grades 6–12)

Presented by Zeke Kossover

If cooks were the first chemists, then cookbooks make good science texts. Starting with recipes for things like fudge and Italian ice, we’ll look at how their directions reveal the hidden science of crystals and colligative properties. Bring the science behind cooking to the fore and arrange some molecules into a delicious lesson.

Exploratorium webpage: What's Special About Fudge?


Science On A Roll: Tinkering and the SEPs (grades 3–12)

Presented by Jessica Parker, Adam Singer, and Christine Mytko

Science and Engineering Practices are at the heart of making and tinkering. In this workshop, you’ll get direct experience with an established tinkering activity and make concrete connections with the ways it supports core NGSS ideas, concepts, and practices.


Your Cell Phone's Secret Tools (grades 6–12)

Presented by Desiré Whitmore

Did you know that most cell phones are equipped with tools you can use for scientific investigations? We'll explore some common features, such as your phone's accelerometer and slow-motion video, that will allow you to take your explorations to a new level.