ASTA Conference 2025: Full Schedule

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8:00am CST

Localizing Phenomena for Science Engagement

Tuesday February 25, 2025 8:00am - 8:50am CST

Science instruction has often been centered on learning general knowledge rather than exploring and explaining specific phenomena. This session explores the significance and nuances of using phenomena in instruction aligned with the vision in the NRC Framework and Alabama standards.

Speakers

Dr. Michal Robinson

Tuesday February 25, 2025 8:00am - 8:50am CST
City Hall - Courtroom

General Audience, General Science

8:00am CST

Using AI to Enhance Teaching and Learning

Tuesday February 25, 2025 8:00am - 8:50am CST

Dogwood

This session will explore the potential of AI tools in education, equipping teachers with innovative strategies to enhance teaching and learning in dynamic ways. Participants will be introduced to a variety of AI platforms designed to personalize student learning experiences, and foster critical thinking skills. Through guided demonstrations and hands-on exploration, attendees will have the opportunity to engage with these tools, gaining practical insights into how they can be seamlessly integrated into their teaching practices. This session will encourage educators to leverage AI as a valuable tool in their classroom.

Speakers

Dr. Charles Holloway

Tuesday February 25, 2025 8:00am - 8:50am CST
Dogwood

General Audience, General Science

8:00am CST

BrainPOP Science: Igniting Phenomenal Learning for Alabama Grades 6-8 Students

Tuesday February 25, 2025 8:00am - 8:50am CST

Magnolia

Explore BrainPOP Science resources for phenomenon-based learning in grades 6-8 and empower students to think, act, and write like scientists while supporting Alabama's new science standards!

Speakers

Nashonda Johnson

BrainPOP Science

Kristen Rillieux

Tuesday February 25, 2025 8:00am - 8:50am CST
Magnolia

Middle School 4-8, General Science

8:00am CST

Unlocking Science Success: Navigating Middle School Learning Progressions (6-8)

Tuesday February 25, 2025 8:00am - 8:50am CST

City Hall - ECR

Take a deeper dive into understanding the importance of
learning progressions in 3-dimensional learning using STC Middle School.
Experience the importance of a coherent storyline in student understanding. In this
session we will explore a learning progression using density and participants will
walk away with classroom resources.

Speakers

Dr. Carolyn Pistorius

Taylor Quinlan

Tuesday February 25, 2025 8:00am - 8:50am CST
City Hall - ECR

Middle School 4-8, Physical Science

8:00am CST

Increase the Rigor Without the Stress

Tuesday February 25, 2025 8:00am - 8:50am CST

Shades

We will be discussing seven strategies that can be used to increase the level of rigor in the high school or middle school science classroom without increasing the overall stress on students or teachers. These strategies work together to create a “No Fear of Learning Zone”.

Speakers

Michaela Young

Tuesday February 25, 2025 8:00am - 8:50am CST
Shades

Secondary 9-12, General Science

9:00am CST

Tuesday Keynote - Dr. Jan Davis

Tuesday February 25, 2025 9:00am - 9:50am CST

Ballroom A

Speakers

Jan Davis

Tuesday February 25, 2025 9:00am - 9:50am CST
Ballroom A

General Audience, General Science

10:00am CST

The Integration of Literacy and Science

Tuesday February 25, 2025 10:00am - 10:50am CST

Magnolia

This presentation explores the synergistic integration of science education, literacy instruction, and language strategies to enhance learning outcomes for all students, with a particular focus on multilingual learners. By combining 3-Dimensional learning sequences with principles from the Science of Reading, we present a novel approach to science education that simultaneously bolsters literacy skills. Our research demonstrates how this integrated method creates a more inclusive and effective learning environment, particularly benefiting students navigating multiple languages. Through a case study, we illustrate the positive impact on science comprehension, reading proficiency, and language acquisition. The findings suggest that this multifaceted approach not only aligns with current best practices in education but also addresses the unique challenges faced by diverse student populations. This work contributes to the growing body of research on interdisciplinary education and provides practical strategies for educators seeking to create more equitable and effective science classrooms.

Speakers

Alestra Menendez

Amplify

Alestra Flores Menéndez is a biliteracy specialist who brings over twenty years of experience as an educator across diverse contexts; she has served as a Spanish dual immersion teacher, literacy coach, college English instructor and curriculum developer. Alestra has a long history... Read More →

Tuesday February 25, 2025 10:00am - 10:50am CST
Magnolia

Elementary 1-6, General Science

10:00am CST

A Deeper Dive into the 3-Dimensions found in the 2023 Alabama Course of Study: Science

Tuesday February 25, 2025 10:00am - 10:50am CST

Dogwood

Join to take a deeper dive into the 3 Dimensions outlined in the 2023 Alabama Course of Study: Science. In this session, we will and explore how the Disciplinary Core Ideas, Scientific and Engineering Practices, and Crosscutting Concepts are an integral part of science instruction in all courses K-12.

Speakers

Shane Haws

6-8 Science Specialist, AMSTI-ALSDE

Tuesday February 25, 2025 10:00am - 10:50am CST
Dogwood

General Audience, General Science

10:00am CST

Presidential Awards for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching Awards

Tuesday February 25, 2025 10:00am - 10:50am CST

Ballroom B

Do you want to win $10,000, get recognized at the national level for your teaching, make professional contacts around the nation and get a free trip to Washington, D.C.? Come to our session and find out how to get a mentor and apply for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching (PAEMST) Award.

Speakers

Dr. Megan McCall

Dr. Kay Warfield

Tuesday February 25, 2025 10:00am - 10:50am CST
Ballroom B

General Audience, General Science

10:00am CST

Engaging Students with Authentic Writing

Tuesday February 25, 2025 10:00am - 10:50am CST

Shades

What if my students were journalists, researching, writing and publishing stories, as opposed to studying for a test? This year, I put my students in the role of investigative journalist, writing for a science magazine. Using our class activities, students create magazine content, reporting and presenting their findings.

Speakers

Karen Beech

Tuesday February 25, 2025 10:00am - 10:50am CST
Shades

Middle School 4-8, General Science

10:00am CST

Teaching STEAM Through Hands On Crafts

Tuesday February 25, 2025 10:00am - 10:50am CST

City Hall - ECR

Discover the science and creativity behind one of history's greatest inventions—soap! Join our workshop to experience activities that bring chemistry alive in your classroom through a STEAM challenge, led by the authors of "Teaching STEAM Through Hands-On Crafts. Real-World Maker Lessons for Grades 3-8". Turn everyday products into powerful learning tools that deepen students' understanding of chemistry and design!

Speakers

Amanda Haynes

STEM Teacher, Discovery Middle School

I truly love what I do in my classroom as a STEM Teacher. I am very lucky to have as much freedom and support as I do to pursue goals that I have for myself, and take risks, and challenge myself every year. I pride myself in continuing to create new STEM challenges, and I give my... Read More →

Dr. Christine Schnittka

Tuesday February 25, 2025 10:00am - 10:50am CST
City Hall - ECR

Middle School 4-8, General Science

10:00am CST

A Lab for All Levels: Osmosis

Tuesday February 25, 2025 10:00am - 10:50am CST

City Hall - Courtroom

All students can do science! Learn strategies to make scientific argumentation engaging and accessible for all students. Participants will use an argument-based investigation on osmosis (life science and biology standards) to explore strategies for adapting laboratory activities to accommodate diverse learning styles and abilities.

Speakers

Kristin Bundren

Advanced Biology Teacher, Spain Park High School

Lincoln Clark

Teacher, Spain Park High School

Emily Dunn

Life Science, Berry Middle Shool

Joselyn Manthey

Science Teacher, Spain Park High School

Tuesday February 25, 2025 10:00am - 10:50am CST
City Hall - Courtroom

Secondary 9-12, Life Science

10:00am CST

Exploring OpenSciEd High School from Carolina (9-12)

Tuesday February 25, 2025 10:00am - 10:50am CST

Ballroom A

Workshop Description: Come experience a hands-on model lesson from OpenSciEd for High School and discover how the new Carolina Certified Edition enhanced these high-quality instructional materials, making them more accessible, user-friendly, and safer for classroom use. Participate in the featured Serengeti board game from the Biology 1 unit and walk away with valuable resources that you can take back to your classroom.

Speakers

Dr. Carolyn Pistorius

Tuesday February 25, 2025 10:00am - 10:50am CST
Ballroom A

Secondary 9-12, Life Science

10:00am CST

ASTA Bookstore

Tuesday February 25, 2025 10:00am - 4:00pm CST

Cahaba

Speakers

ASTA Staff

Tuesday February 25, 2025 10:00am - 4:00pm CST
Cahaba

General Audience, General Science

11:00am CST

Content Literacy: Practical Strategies to Support All Students

Tuesday February 25, 2025 11:00am - 11:50am CST

Dogwood

In today's fast-evolving educational setting, content literacy has emerged as an essential skill that enables students to access and comprehend subject-specific materials effectively. This session will explore innovative strategies for integrating content literacy into various disciplines, equipping educators with the tools necessary to facilitate deeper understanding and engagement among their students.

Speakers

Dr. Jennifer Troncale

Dr. Kyoko Johns

Jacksonville State University

Dr. Michael Alvidrez

Tuesday February 25, 2025 11:00am - 11:50am CST
Dogwood

Elementary 1-6, General Science

11:00am CST

Blasting off on your journey with the NBCT

Tuesday February 25, 2025 11:00am - 11:50am CST

City Hall - ECR

This session will provide an overview of the NBCT process, what each component requires and how they are scored. There will be time for in depth questions on how to start, work through, or complete the mission of becoming a NBCT.

Speakers

Amber Emerson

Teacher, Tuscaloosa City Schools- central high

Tuesday February 25, 2025 11:00am - 11:50am CST
City Hall - ECR

General Audience, General Science

11:00am CST

Breathing New Life into Asthma Treatment: The Power of Pharmacogenetics with Southern Research

Tuesday February 25, 2025 11:00am - 11:50am CST

Magnolia

Discover how pharmacogenetics is revolutionizing asthma care. Learn how genetic insights can personalize treatment, enhance medication effectiveness, and minimize side effects—empowering you to breathe new life into asthma management with cutting-edge, individualized approaches.

Speakers

Shon Essex

STEM Education Associate, Southern Research

Shon Essex joined Southern Research's STEM Education Outreach team in fall of 2022 as a STEM Education Associate. He is responsible for developing creative ways to assist and engage school districts throughout Alabama to enhance the state's STEM activities, as well as develop and... Read More →

Molly Langston

STEM Education Associate, Southern Research

Molly Langston joined Southern Research’s STEM Education Outreach Team as the STEM Education Associate in summer of 2021. She is responsible for assisting with the implementation and development of educational programs that aim to excite Alabama students about science, technology... Read More →

Tuesday February 25, 2025 11:00am - 11:50am CST
Magnolia

Middle School 4-8, General Science

11:00am CST

Self-Grading - It Checks So Many Boxes

Tuesday February 25, 2025 11:00am - 11:50am CST

Shades

Self-Grading Google Sheets is a way to engage students, give instant feedback, and save time on grading practice problems. Students will ask for this type of practice because they love the instantaneous feedback.

Speakers

Kristy Homburger

Tuesday February 25, 2025 11:00am - 11:50am CST
Shades

Secondary 9-12, Chemistry

11:00am CST

The Underwater Soundscape: sounds, sources and sensors

Tuesday February 25, 2025 11:00am - 11:50am CST

City Hall - Courtroom

The ocean is a noisy place! It has many natural sounds, but increasingly, human activities are adding to the soundscape. Join us to investigate the physics of sound in the ocean, learn how we measure and analyze ocean sounds, and explore the environmental impacts of human sound sources.

Speakers

Dr. Tina Miller-Way

Taylor Kilgore

Marine Educator, Dauphin Island Sea Lab

Tuesday February 25, 2025 11:00am - 11:50am CST
City Hall - Courtroom

Secondary 9-12, Physical Science

12:00pm CST

ASTA Science Expo & Lunch

Tuesday February 25, 2025 12:00pm - 12:50pm CST

Ballroom A & B

Ryan Reardon

Science Teacher, Jefferson County International Baccalaureate

Authentic Inquiry in the Science ClassroomActive Learning StrategiesFinding ways to collect data quickly, and embed data visualization and data analysis into the classroom.

Dr. Karen Dane

Tuesday February 25, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm CST
City Hall - Courtroom

Secondary 9-12, General Science

1:00pm CST

Making the Hard Things Make Sense Through Modeling

Tuesday February 25, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm CST

Ballroom B

Are there things that, year after year, your students just aren't "getting?" Come see a veritable smorgasbord of modeling ideas that I have learned or created in my 20+ years in the biology classroom that may help students "see" the science.

Speakers

Mary Busbee

Vestavia Hills High School

Tuesday February 25, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm CST
Ballroom B

Secondary 9-12, Life Science

1:00pm CST

We Need To Talk About SC23.Bio.12b

Tuesday February 25, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm CST

Magnolia

We need to talk about Biology Standard 12b. Standard 12 and the associated substandards address the formation of reproductive cells, sources of genetic variation and impacts of environmental exposures. However, some of the examples do not reflect current scientific understandings. Let’s talk about how to ensure your classroom explanations both meet the standard and are accurate.

Speakers

Malcolm Parker

Educator Professional Learning Specialist, HudsonAlpha

Madelene Loftin

HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology

Tuesday February 25, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm CST
Magnolia

Secondary 9-12, Life Science

2:00pm CST

Invention Convention Alabama

Tuesday February 25, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm CST

Shades

The iSTEM Alabama Collaborative has a goal for ALL youth to have the opportunity to invent creative solutions to real-world problems and recognize their full potential as innovators of now and the future. Join us to learn about the new Invention Convention Alabama program and how to get your students involved.

Speakers

Mary Lou Ewald

SCORE Director, Auburn University, SCORE

Dr. Kathryn Lanier

Dr. Tina Miller-Way

Tuesday February 25, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm CST
Shades

General Audience, General Science

2:00pm CST

Science Education Research at the University of Alabama

Tuesday February 25, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm CST

City Hall-ECR

Come meet the science education faculty at the University of Alabama! Four faculty members will share about our research projects. We’ll also talk about opportunities to get involved, teaching resources related to our work, and collaborative partnerships.

Speakers

Dr. Daniel Pimentel, Dr. Shannon Davidson

Dr. Jon Shemwell, Dr. Jee Suh

Tuesday February 25, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm CST
City Hall-ECR

General Audience, General Science

2:00pm CST

Local Science, Global Impact: Bringing University Research to the Middle School Classroom

Tuesday February 25, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm CST

Ballroom A

Explore how regional STEM research can be leveraged into place-based science learning for middle school students. Discover how partnerships with scientists and community members enhance student engagement and understanding of real-world science, fostering meaningful connections between classroom content and students’ personal, cultural, and community experiences.

Speakers

Dr. Joni Lakin

Kay Love

Northside High School

Hope Whiteside

Myra Harris

Felesia Rhodes

Tuesday February 25, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm CST
Ballroom A

Middle School 4-8, General Science

2:00pm CST

Summer Research Experiences of Teachers in Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Alabama

Tuesday February 25, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm CST

Magnolia

The University of Alabama hosted a 7-week summer program to immerse middle school teachers in engineering research this past summer. Participating teachers will present their specific research, their experiences with engineering, and how they are translating both into their classrooms.

Speakers

Dr. Todd Freeborn

Chris Crawford

Helen Duncan

Asiah Ward

Victoria Moore

Nathan Mcdonald

Breanna Garrett

Tuesday February 25, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm CST
Magnolia

Middle School 4-8, General Science

2:00pm CST

How to Have an Effective PLC

Tuesday February 25, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm CST

City Hall - Courtroom

Join us for a discussion on how to have a truly effective PLC that focuses on improving student achievement. Our focus is on how to make incremental changes, divide the work, and work collaboratively to make decisions based on what is best for students.

Speakers

Daniel Hines

Jessica DiPiazza

Teacher, Oak Mountain High School

William Dunham

Teacher

Tuesday February 25, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm CST
City Hall - Courtroom

Secondary 9-12, General Science

2:00pm CST

Learning Unity and Diversity in Alabama: A cultural and Religious Sensitivity Resource and Curriculum Materials for Teaching Evolution in General High School Biology Classrooms

Tuesday February 25, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm CST

Ballroom B

Learn to use a cultural and religious sensitivity resource and three curriculum units focused on teaching evolution using human and non-human case studies in general high school biology classrooms (field tested in Alabama).

Speakers

Chenein Compton

Dr. Lee Meadows

Lee Meadows, Ph.D., has been a member of ASTA since before some of your were born! His history with ASTA began soon after he started working as a science educator in the UAB School of Education in 1993. A teacher at heart, he has taught high school chemistry, physics, and physical... Read More →

Tuesday February 25, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm CST
Ballroom B

Secondary 9-12, Life Science

2:00pm CST

Lights, Duckweed, Action!

Tuesday February 25, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm CST

Dogwood

Your students can collect authentic data on population dynamics, develop their science and engineering practices, and reinforce their quantitative skills for less than five bucks/class. Placing duckweed in 8 oz. deli containers, manipulating light levels with porch screen, and adding a little fertilizer allows students to monitor the impacts of light availabilty and nutrient availablity on population growth. Data are collected weekly, transcribed into today data in Google Sheets, and then visualized in Data Classroom. Particpants will leave with all the instructions needed to pull this off in their own classrooms.

Speakers

Ryan Reardon

Science Teacher, Jefferson County International Baccalaureate

Authentic Inquiry in the Science ClassroomActive Learning StrategiesFinding ways to collect data quickly, and embed data visualization and data analysis into the classroom.

Tuesday February 25, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm CST
Dogwood

Secondary 9-12, Environmental Science

3:00pm CST

Engage, Innovate, Elevate: Supercharging STEM Learning

Tuesday February 25, 2025 3:00pm - 3:50pm CST

Ballroom B

In this session, educators will dive into fun, hands-on experiences with EdTech tools to bring their STEM spaces to life. Plus, we’ll explore how to weave in SEL strategies, creating a well-rounded, engaging learning environment for students of all ages!

Speakers

Tina Lewis

7th Grade Life Science Teacher, Montgomery Public Schools

I am tech savvy science educator cultivating change in the community. One class period at a time . I’m all about creating meaningful learning experiences for all learners.

Lindsay Sampson

Tuesday February 25, 2025 3:00pm - 3:50pm CST
Ballroom B

Middle School 4-8, General Science

3:00pm CST

Assessing Classroom Learning Conditions for better learning Outcomes

Tuesday February 25, 2025 3:00pm - 3:50pm CST

Dogwood

We want to investigate the environmental factors that contribute to classroom learning by looking at lighting(especially fluorescence), temperature, visuals, acoustics, and seating arrangements that affect the ability of students to focus and retain information. The purpose is to suggest practical recommendations to optimize the classroom environment to improve student efficiency.

Speakers

Joshlyn Rowland

Abigail Allen

Speakers

Belinda Patton

Dr. Habib

Park Crossing High School, Montgomery Public Schools

Tuesday February 25, 2025 3:00pm - 3:50pm CST
City Hall - Courtroom

Secondary 9-12, General Science