Atlanta Conference Program

Thursday, 10:00–11:15 AM
Hands-On Activities to Explore Environmental
Change
(Env)
(Grades 9–12)
B207, GWCC
Sponsor: Carolina Biological Supply
Carolina Teaching Partner
Simulate how human influence effects habitat degradation
in a terrestrial ecosystem, model how global warming and
ocean acidification affect marine habitats, and investigate
the advantages and disadvantages of four different population
sampling methods. These real-world scenarios will challenge
and engage your students. Door prizes!
NGSS and Scientific Practices—More Than Photoshopping
Models’ Flaws
(Gen)
(Grades 5–8)
B208, GWCC
Sponsor: Sangari Active Science
Joseph Krajcik, Michigan State University, East Lansing
What comes to mind when you hear the word “model” Solar
system mobiles Cells in pie plates New standards require
going beyond the models used in science for years! Come
engage in modeling activities for middle schoolers and unpack
how to think about models you use now in ways consistent
with the highly anticipated NGSS.
I Think There’s a Genetically Engineered Fly in My
Genetically Modified Pea Soup!
(Bio)
(Grades 9–12)
B209, GWCC
Sponsor: LAB-AIDS, Inc.
Barbara Nagle, The Lawrence Hall of Science, University
of California, Berkeley
Students often have trouble conceptualizing how selective
gene expression works. In this workshop, participants will
use manipulatives to teach this concept and see how it is
connected to genetic engineering. Innovative activities are
selected from the new Science & Global Issues biology program
by SEPUP and LAB-AIDS. Activities focus on ways to integrate
this topic as a relevant and engaging sustainability issue
into teaching about selective gene expression.
That’s Amazing! Explore the Bizarre, Cool, and
Exciting World of Project-based Biology (Bio)
(Grades K–12)
B309, GWCC
Sponsor: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Michael Heithaus, Florida International University,
North Miami
Drawing from cutting-edge research from around the world
and fast-paced high-quality productions, That’s Amazing
project-based videos grab students’ attention immediately.
Kicking off with a high school student–posed question about
the bizarre, the cool, and the exciting, Mike Heithaus takes
students on a scientific investigation with the experts, but it’s
up to the students to work with the data they see collected
to solve the mystery…or debate its merits! By engaging students’
curiosity and immersing them in the scientific process,
these project-based videos can help students grasp and retain
key science standards. In this session, Mike will draw on his
background in field research and documentary filmmaking
to help you make the most of this exciting teaching tool.
Wait! The Chips I Ate Were a Genetically Modified
Organism (GMO)
(Bio)
(Grades 8–College)
B310, GWCC
Sponsor: Edvotek Inc.
Jack Chirikjian (info@edvotek.com), Khuyen Mai (info@
edvotek.com), and Tom Cynkar (info@edvotek.com), Edvotek
Inc., Washington, D.C.
Because the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not
require foods to be labeled as GMO, it is difficult to discern
GMO products in your grocery store. By extracting DNA
from soybean and FRITOS® chips from GMOs and performing
a polymerase chain reaction (PCR), you will determine if
any genetically modified indicator genes are present. Amplified
DNA is separated and sized by gel electrophoresis. Take
home a free T-shirt and flash drive.
Hurricanes and Volcanoes
(Earth)
(Grades 4–12)
B212, GWCC
Sponsor: Simulation Curriculum Corp.
Herb Koller (hkoller@simcur.com), Simulation Curriculum
Corp., Minnetonka, Minn.
What are hurricanes and how are they formed Why are
volcanoes common in certain parts of the world With The
Layered Earth, students can visualize, measure, and manipulate
these forces of nature as well as basic concepts of geology
and meteorology using a virtual model of Earth.
NSTA Atlanta Area Conference on Science Education
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