session SCHEDULE -

Concurrent Session Schedule

This schedule is still subject to change as we hear back from our presenters.

Downloadable pdf file of the conference program, with schedule (available soon).

Spreadsheet version-Daily Schedule-at-a-Glance (available soon).

Personal scheduler for your use as a pdf or google doc to copy.

For last minute registrations: Click Here to Register

Please click on the links below to take you to the details of the presentations for that session

Concurrent Sessions 1

8:00 - 8:50AM (50 Minutes)

Networking and Visit Exhibitors

8:50 - 9:20AM

Welcome, Awards and Keynote: General Session

9:25 - 10:40AM

Break: Please Visit Exhibitors
10:40 - 10:50AM

Concurrent Sessions 2

10:55AM - 11:45PM (50 Minutes)

Lunch is Served

11:45 - 1:00PM

Region Meet-up

12:30 - 1:00PM

Concurrent Sessions 3

1:10 - 2:00 PM (50 Minutes)

Break: Please Visit Exhibitors
2:00 - 2:15PM

Concurrent Sessions 4

2:20 - 3:10PM (50 Minutes)

Closing and Raffle - Exhibit Hall

3:15 - 3:30 PM

Post Conference Banquet, Ticket Required ($45)

6:30 pm doors open; 6:30 - 9:00 pm dinner and celebration.

Registration Link

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Session Schedule:

SESSION 1: (8:00 - 8:50 AM)

Reciprocal Education - How to Connect to Place

General Audience: K-5 Science, General Science, Environmental Sciences

What if the purpose of learning science - and education itself- is to discover our voices and gifts we share with the world? Join us to learn how a K–8 school practices Place-Based Education rooted in reciprocity, care, and community. Together, we’ll connect science to civic action and explore your gifts.

Yuri Baxter-Neal, The Cottonwood School of Civics and Science, Gail Baker, Fieldwork Coordinator, The Cottonwood School of Civics and Science, The Cottonwood School of Civics and Science, TBD - Amanda McAdoo, Executive Director, The Cottonwood School of Civics and Science

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What concerns SHOULD we be discussing about using AI in Education?

General Audience

With the expanding use of AI, it is vital to explore fundamental questions about when, how, and if it should be used in education. AI initiatives are outpacing the discussion of its responsible and ethical use. Come learn about social and ethical concerns about the use of AI in education. 

Philip Bell, University of Washington 

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Scientific Research versus Sacred Rights: A Case Study of The Ancient One - The Kennewick Man

General Audience

Teachers often face questions from students such as "Why should we learn this?" "When will we ever use this?" "How many points is this assignment?" In order to get students more involved in the process of doing science, it is imperative that we make science relatable by addressing issues from our local community. By connecting student learning to local issues, current issues, and controversies, we can enhance student interest in science. In this workshop, participants will examine the case of the Kennewick Man, an ancient Native American's remains which were found on the banks of the Columbia River in Eastern Washington. We will learn about the interest of the scientific community from forensic anthropologists to the evolutionary history of the DNA remains, the proper way of honoring ancient human remains, the crucial role of courts in controversial cases, and understanding NAGPRA to help students navigate such debates in classroom settings.

Rama Devagupta, WSTA 

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The EN-ROADS Climate Solutions Simulator Your key to understanding and addressing the climate challenge 

High School (9-12): Earth & Space Science, Environmental Sciences

EN‑ROADS is a world-renowned climate simulator that reveals how today’s policy and technology choices can shape our planet’s future—from global temperature and extreme weather to changes in energy consumption, global health, and GDP. Developed by Climate Interactive and MIT Sloan, EN‑ROADS is grounded in the best available science and rigorously tested. Its interactive and accessible design makes it a powerful tool for instantaneously creating and testing hundreds of climate scenarios, exploring global and local impacts, understanding complex climate dynamics, and informing decisions at any level. 

William Heerdt, Climate Interactive

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No Committees Required: Teacher-Led Ecology and Interdisciplinary Research

High School (9-12): Life Science, Engineering & Technology, Environmental Sciences

Over the past 10 years, teachers and students at Westview have utilized the local ecosystem to understand aquatic health including how humans have impacted the environment. Students are tasked with creating their own research project utilizing the work that has been completed in class to understand the dynamics of this ever changing environment while also learning how the scientific process works. When acres of wetland began to be destroyed near campus, teachers and students organized together to protect 4-acres of natural space which included two private water facilities. In addition, we have added a garden and greenhouse through which we operate a small native garden nursery which we use to support our restoration work, while promoting and providing ecology resources through the district. We have completed rounds of water and soil testing, we monitor bird, frog, and bat species using passive acoustic monitors, we are currently working with local agencies to identify and map tree canopy, while running DNA/qPCR testing to identify genetic diversity. We have also emphasized interdisciplinary work, for example through tissue culture labs, students support our culinary program by propagating gourmet mushrooms. Importantly, we have completed all of this work from the ground up, without district support, and without any school funding. We’d like to share our efforts with other educators, presenting methods to navigate bureaucracy and providing potential funding paths and building blocks for other educators to begin this work. Additionally, we would like to provide insight into the ways in which teachers can build agency and unique opportunities for their students in their schools and classrooms, without getting bogged down by institutional inertia and bureaucratic pessimism. 

Kyle Kinzler and Cohen Perry, Westview High School, Beaverton School District

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Escape the Ordinary: Stile’s Ultimate Escape Room Experience

Middle Level (6-8)

Ever wished you could bottle that “A-ha!” moment? Jump into our speedy escape room and feel it for yourself. Race through 8 science challenges—cracking DNA codes, digging clues out of sand, testing water samples—to save a zoo from chaos. Leave with access to the materials needed to run the same lesson with your class on Monday morning (if you escape). 

Heather Nielsen, Stile

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Patterns Biology

High School (9-12)

Learn about updates and teaching strategies to this open-source Biology curriculum, developed and supported by Oregon Science teachers and the Portland Metro STEM Partnership.

Stephen Scannell, Portland Metro STEM Partnership

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What’s New (and Old) at Vernier

General Audience

We’ll start off with demonstrations of the newest releases from Vernier and then transition into a hands-on session to make use of the equipment lurking in storage.
The second half will be an open forum on giving new life to Vernier equipment you have found in your storage closet.

Tom Smith, Vernier 

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Classroom Practices Supporting Student Sensemaking within NGSS

General Audience: General Science, STEM (integrated)

Explore how student questions and ideas, grounded in evidence and developed through collaborative practices, support sensemaking of phenomena. Through classroom examples, participants will examine student experiences and identify strategies that sustain sensemaking across lessons.

Karl Topper, Topper STEM Education Consulting

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How to Sketch Like A Scientist

General Audience: K-12, 9-12 Science

Come learn some basic sketch techniques to help students (and teachers!) become more comfortable with communicating information and really "see" the living world.  We will work with native plants from Oregon.  Starting with the basics is one of the best methods for creating a more inclusive, curiosity-filled classroom environment. 

Jessica Graham MAT, MS, Science Teacher/TAG Advocate, McNary High School

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Wonder, Explore, Discover: Science Sensemaking in K-2

Elementary (K-2): Science, General Science, STEM(Integrated)

Young children are natural scientists - constantly noticing, wondering, exploring and trying to make sense of the world around them.  In this session, participants will experience a hands-on science investigation through the eyes of a K-2 student.  We will move from and engaging phenomenon through noticing and wondering, investigation, evidence gathering and explanation.

Participants will then unpack the experience to see how three-dimensional, NGSS-aligned science instruction can be practical, manageable and developmentally appropriate for young learners.  We will also explore ways to use familiar and place-based phenomena to connect science to students' everyday lives. Teachers will leave with a simple sensemaking framework and ready-to-use ideas they can take directly back to their classroom.

Carolyn Koskela Whitney, PK-8 Teacher, Frenchglen School

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REVIT: Preparing Students for the Clean-Energy Workforce Through Integrated Science Learning

Secondary (9-12): Physical Science, Engineering & Technology, General Science, Environmental Science, STEM(Integrated)

This session shares how the REVIT clean-energy pathway, co-designed with industry and educators, prepares students for emerging careers while strengthening secondary science learning.  Participants explore how REVIT integrates NGSS, project-based learning, and real world energy systems into a coherent sequence and leave with resources to adapt this model locally.

Hanna Jaramillo, REVIT Teaching & Learning Lead, Teater-Crocker

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What Works & What's Next: Moving Science Learning Forward Together

General Audience: K-5, 6-8, 9-12

Join us for an interactive session exploring goals for student learning in science.  Through small-group conversations and discussions with the wider group, we'll share what's already working, consider how to strengthen it, and identify promising ideas and common themes.  We'll wrap up with a brief look at how NSTA resources can help you build on what's working and make progress towards your goals.

Brian Kutsch, NSTA

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Beyond the Virtual Worksheet: Using Interactive Simulations for Authentic Science Investigation

General Audience: K-5, 6-8, 9-12

How can science teachers give students more opportunities to investigate complex systems, collect data, test variables, and build explanations when time, equipment, safety, or accessibility make traditional labs difficult?  During this session, participants will explore several VariableVista simulations from both the teacher and student perspective.  Participants will examine ways simulations can supplement hands-on laboratory experiences, support absent students, provide additional practice, and increase access for multilingual learners and students with diverse learning needs.

Wakely Wolf, VariableVista

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Empower Students with Invention Convention - Project Based Learning

General Audience: K-5, 6-8, 9-12

The new Invention Convention program is here in Oregon!  Do you want to see your students engaged, solving the big challenges of today and tomorrow, and pitching their inventions in a Shark Tank style?  Oregon 4-H is partnering with Invention Convention to teach students STEM and entrepreneurship through a free, grade-level appropriate curriculum.  Invention Convention encourages youth to explore ideas based on their own life experiences - and to develop inventions worthy of taking to market.  Learn how to get started and what's happening in Oregon.

Susan McCourt, OSU Extension 4-H Program Coordinator

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GENERAL SESSION (9:25 - 10:40 AM)

Welcome and Awards

OSTA Conference Chair, Sarah Kirby

OSTA President, Andrew Sneed

Keynote Speaker

Paul Andersen, Bozeman Science

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Break and Exhibitor Hall: 10:40-10:50 AM

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Session 2: (10:55 - 11:45 AM)

Using Mini-Lessons to Teach All Three Dimensions (K-8) *Seating is limited

Elementary (K-5), Middle Level (6-8)

Discover how mini-lessons can teach the NGSS DCIs, SEPs and CCCs effectively.  Paul Andersen shares strategies for using focused mini-lessons, supported by resources from The Wonder of Science, to help students think critically and engage in meaningful scientific practices.

Paul Andersen, Bozeman Science

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Safer Science Classrooms: Managing Chemicals and Modernizing Systems

General Audience: Physical Science, General Science

What risks might be hiding in your chemical stockroom? This session explores legacy chemicals, chemical hygiene planning, and best practices for labeling and waste disposal. Learn practical, teacher-friendly strategies and engage in collaborative sharing to build safer, more sustainable science systems in your classroom, school, and district.

Brennan Brockbank, David Douglas School District 

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The Cross Cutting Concepts are the least important of the 3 dimensions...Or are they the most important? 

General Audience: General Science

The seven Crosscutting Concepts are often NGSS's most neglected dimension - overshadowed by Science and Engineering Practices and content-heavy Disciplinary Core Ideas.  This session argues they're actually the connective tissue that makes three-dimensional learning work, and offers classroom-ready strategies for weaving them into instruction with intention.

Dustin Dawson, Lane Education Service District, Angie Arends, Clackamas Education Service District 

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Engineering Design: Making Something Out of Nothing

Middle Level (6-8): K-5 Science, Engineering & Technology, STEM (integrated)

This session will offer participants an opportunity to complete a simple engineering design challenge.  Participants will be able to see how to complete the challenge both as a student and from a teacher's perspective.  They will also have the opportunity to walk away with some templates to use in their own classrooms.

Ben DeCarlow, Butte Falls School District / Natural Resource Center 

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Rigor, Representation, and Reading: Routines for Science Success

General Audience: K-5 Science, Physical Science, Life Science, Earth & Space Science, General Science

Empower diverse learners to navigate complex texts by bridging the Science of Reading with inclusive 3-D science. After reviewing Scarborough’s Reading Rope, we’ll explore equitable strategies to evaluate text complexity, facilitate culturally responsive close reading routines, and design higher DoK questions, equipping all students to read like scientists.

Noelle Gorbett, Morgan Hallabrin, Assistant Director PK-12 ELA and Dr. Kristin Moon, Director Teacher Professional Learning, Portland Public Schools

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Using Oregon Forests as a Context for Teaching and Learning

General Audience: Environmental Sciences

Nearly half of Oregon is forested, so forests and trees are a context most students understand. And, there are related teaching materials and curricula for educators to use. In this session, you will get an overview of what is available, try out some activities and leave with free materials and resources.

Rikki Heath, Oregon Forest Resources Institute, Jenna Mendenhall, Environmental Educator, OFRI, Oregon Forest Resources Institute, LeeAnn Mikkelson, Director of Oregon Natural Resources Education Program,

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Patterns Physics 2026: our most updated and best open-sourced, equity-focused, engineering project based curriculum aligned to the NGSS

High School (9-12): Physical Science

Learn about the core instructional routines and latest updates for Patterns Physics, an open-sourced, equity-focused, engineering project-based NGSS Physics and Earth Science curriculum. Join us to try out the layered scaffolding that empowers students as scientists and engineers, igniting engagement, driving meaningful learning, and building STEM identity. Highlights include how to get students talking about real data, video-based labs for absent or virtual students, and integration of design thinking in experiments.

Bradford Hill and Matt McCollum, Mountainside High School, Beaverton School District

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Building a Culture of Care and Curiosity Through Plant Teachings 

Elementary (K-5): K-5 Science, Life Science, Environmental Sciences

Cottonwood weaves Plant Teachings into many aspects of our school. We integrate music, social emotional learning, indigenous studies, plant celebrations and fieldwork to make science engaging, culturally responsive, and place based. Walk through a plant workshop with us, hear stories, participate in hands-on activities and learn from our plant teachers!

Kristin Krem, Vihn Pham, McLean Cannon and Paola Witt, Place-Based Educators, Cottonwood School of Civics and Science

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Our Climate Stories: From Anxiety to Agency Through Interdisciplinary PBL

High School (9-12): Life Science, General Science, Environmental Sciences, STEM (integrated)

What happens when students are asked to imagine a future where we got climate change right? Move students from climate anxiety to agency through interdisciplinary PBL. Participants will experience a 2050 climate storytelling project integrating science, history, and art. Everyone will create sample artifacts, and leave with adaptable tools and strategies to support meaningful, solutions-focused climate learning.

Katie Ryan, Academy of Arts and Academics

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The Hitchhiker's Guide to Science Fair - a self-paced workbook to support independent projects in your classroom

High School (9-12): Physical Science, Life Science, Earth & Space Science, Engineering & Technology, General Science, Environmental Sciences, Computer Science, STEM (integrated)

Science Fair Projects! *Audible Groan* “Don't Panic." Thanks, Douglas Adams.
Over the last 10 years I designed and tested a student-facing, self-paced workbook that supports independent science and inquiry projects for your classroom, science club, or even your whole school. Background research, science writing, risk assessment, and presentations, this book offers something for everyone.

Danielle Schroeder, West Linn-Wilsonville School District 

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Empowering high school science teachers with BIOZONE: Practical support to engage every learner and streamline lesson prep

High School (9-12): Physical Science, Life Science, Earth & Space Science, General Science, Environmental Sciences

Discover how BIOZONE strengthens high school science teaching with highly visual worktexts, a digital platform, and extensive Teacher Toolkit. Learn how these resources support planning, instruction, and assessment while helping students build understanding and confidence across the sciences. Attendees receive a free print title and 30 day BIOZONE WORLD trial.

Dan Taylor, Biozone 

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Building Thinking Classrooms in Science

General Audience: General Science

Individuals will learn about how to apply principles from Peter Liljedahl’s Building Thinking Classrooms (BTC) in research-backed practices—such as visibly random grouping and vertical non-permanent surfaces—to shift students from answer-getters to deep thinkers, specifically in a science classroom.

Beth Yarbrough, Douglas ESD

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LUNCH: 11:45 – 1:00 PM Cafeteria

Robotics Demo

Exhibit Hall
Regional Meet and Greet: 12:30-1:00

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SESSION 3: (1:00 - 2:00PM)

Coastal Engineering Projects Link Students to Place and Culture

General Audience: STEM (integrated)

The Oregon Coast STEM Hub has been working with teachers and students on coastal engineering projects that have had surprising impacts on Oregon coast students and students across the ocean. In this session we will introduce the projects and share resources for these place-based STEM and data science activities. 

Kama Almasi, OSTA & Oregon Coast STEM Hub

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Teaching Science with Oregon Maps: An Inquiry-based Approach to the Oregon Student Atlas

General Audience: K-5 Science, Physical Science, Earth & Space Science, General Science, Environmental Sciences, STEM (integrated)

This session will explore the newly revised Oregon Student Atlas through science-based inquiries. Participants will learn strategies for creating effective map-based inquiry activities and practice generating their own questions using maps from the atlas.

Sarah Anderson, Gray Family Foundation, Allyson Hamlik, teacher at Powell Butte Community School and teacher representative from the Center for Geography Education in Oregon (C-GEO)

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Using Mini-Lessons to Teach All Three Dimensions (9-12) *Seating is limited

High School (9-12)

Discover how mini-lessons can teach the NGSS DCIs, SEPs and CCCs effectively.  Paul Andersen shares strategies for using focused mini-lessons, supported by resources from The Wonder of Science, to help students think critically and engage in meaningful scientific practices.

Paul Andersen, Bozeman Science

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The Republic of Cascadia, Part 1 *2-session workshop, concludes at 3:10*

Middle Level (6-8): STEM (integrated), Engineering & Technology

A 9.3 magnitude earthquake destroys the PNW. How do you rebuild a nation? Our middle schoolers tackled that question head-on: drafting government budgets, designing energy proposals, writing constitutions, and building a 3-D model city. Explore this interdisciplinary unit “Republic of Cascadia” and what students taught us along the way.

Gail Baker, The Cottonwood School of Civics & Science, Daniel McArthur, MS Humanities teacher, The Cottonwood School of Civics & Science , Sam Lloyd, MS Math teacher, Aidan Hanley, MS Science teacher

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Getting Muddy: Lessons Learned From 27 Years of 9th Grade Wetland Monitoring

High School (9-12): STEM (integrated), Environmental Sciences, Life Science

A long-term wetland study teaming 9th grade students with volunteer scientists in these ecology protocols: birds, fish, herpetofauna, plants, mollusks, nest boxes, water quality and camera traps.  The study seeks to describe the ecological changes and health of the wetland.  Teams present their findings in a scientific conference format at the end of the year.

Lee Cain, Astoria High School and Astoria School District 1C

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Engaging Your Students in Engaging Students in Field Experiences from the Valley to the Coast

General Audience: K-5 Science, Physical Science, Life Science, Education Research, Environmental Sciences, STEM (integrated)

Learn about opportunities to engage students in hands-on activities that promote stewardship and a better understanding of marine/freshwater ecosystems. Discover engaging programs such as the STREAM~N Team service-learning/career program, Marine Discovery boat trips, and benefits of being a member of the Northwest Aquatic and Marine Educators (NAME). 

Fawn Custer, Northwest Aquatic and Marine Educators, Rick Reynolds, Founder ,Engaging Every Student, Northwest Aquatic and Marine Educators and Fran Matthews, Educator/Owner, Marine Discovery Tours

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Making Science Happen in the K5 Classroom

Elementary (K-5): K-5 Science

How do you include science when you don't have enough time? Come listen to how two districts in Oregon have increased the amount of science taught without compromising literacy skills. 

Dustin Dawson, Lane Education Service District, Angie Arends, Clackamas Education Service District 

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The Cafeteria as Curriculum

General Audience: Environmental Sciences, Environmental Sciences, STEM (integrated)

A school cafeteria easily becomes an engaging learning environment for science-based inquiry-to-action projects to address climate change and sustainability. This session will highlight several impactful student-led projects. A free educational framework along with supporting materials, tools, and strategies for undertaking similar projects in your own school will be shared.

Kacey Dewing, Institute for Humane Education

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Taking Flight! Genetics in Wildlife Conservation to Save the California Condors

High School (9-12):  Biology, Environmental Sciences 

 

In 1987, only 22 California condors remained. Their survival and the ecosystems they anchor, depended on scientists willing to innovate against the clock. Explore how biologists manage breeding programs, track gene flow, and fight environmental toxins. Discover how to bring authentic conservation challenges into your classroom before time runs out.

Erika Fong, MiniOne

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The Soul of Science, Part 1 *2-session workshop, concludes at 3:10*

High School (9-12):  STEM (integrated) 

 

Based on NGSS our Soul of Science model centers student voice, identity, and belonging through our student engagement strategies that promote peer‑to‑peer learning and reflection. Our Bridge Builders Community of Practice empowers educators to collaborate across roles, co‑design inclusive learning experiences, and cultivate classroom environments where every learner is seen, valued, and capable of success.

Edgar Massingale, Aloha High School Soul of Science Pilot Program, Eumin Kong, Carlos Lasuncet Dr. Karlyn Adams-Wiggins

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Kids are Scientists! How engaging deeply in the Practices increases critical thinking for all students, Part 1 *2-session workshop, concludes at 3:10*

General Audience: General Science

This interactive workshop brings the Oregon Science Standard Science and Engineering Practices to life in a way that feels practical, relevant, and doable. Together, we’ll explore how these practices already show up in your teaching, surface what might be missing, and share ideas for deepening student thinking, curiosity, and real-world problem solving. You’ll leave with fresh strategies, concrete ideas, and a clearer path for helping students engage more deeply in authentic science learning.

Leah Plack and Lena Fox, Portland Metro STEM Partnership

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Data Decoded: Empowering Student Minds with Data Literacy

High School (9-12): Earth & Space Science, Environmental Sciences

Participants will dive into the practice of Analyzing and Interpreting Data with resources, strategies, lessons, and more. We will review a variety of free and open access data sets and tools to use with students that cover climate change and a wide range of earth content.

Laura Rulison-Lange, Lab-Aids

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Supporting Student and Teacher Participation in High Quality Formative Assessment through a Continuum of Student Talk

High School (9-12): Physical Science, Engineering & Technology

Participants will step into the shoes of a learner to experience a highly collaborative student talk model firsthand.  Together, we will analyze the structural frameworks that make student-led discourse successful, examine shifting teacher roles, and discuss immediate implementation strategies for your own science classroom.  This session directly builds upon frameworks published in The Science Teacher, Vol. 92, Issue 6 (2025) and subsequent Patterns Physics applications featured in The Science Teacher, Vol. 93, Issue 1 (2026).

Bradford Hill and Matt McCollum, Mountainside High School, Beaverton School District

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Break and Exhibit Hall Open: 2:00-2:15 PM

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SESSION 4: (2:20 – 3:10PM)

The Republic of Cascadia, Part 2 *must have attended Part 1*

Middle Level (6-8): Engineering & Technology, STEM (integrated)

A 9.3 magnitude earthquake destroys the PNW. How do you rebuild a nation? Our middle schoolers tackled that question head-on: drafting government budgets, designing energy proposals, writing constitutions, and building a 3-D model city. Explore this interdisciplinary unit “Republic of Cascadia” and what students taught us along the way.

Gail Baker, The Cottonwood School of Civics & Science, Daniel McArthur, MS Humanities teacher, Sam Lloyd, MS Math teacher, Aidan Hanley, MS Science teacher 

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Inquiry-to-Action Projects to Engage Students in Science

General Audience: Physical Science, Life Science, General Science, Environmental Sciences, STEM (integrated)

Ignite student curiosity and engagement with inquiry-to-action projects that address real local issues. Student-led problem-based, place-based projects empower students with the skills to identify and investigate issues and innovate and implement solutions that better their schools and communities. Explore how to transform young people into impactful problem solvers.

Kacey Dewing, Institute for Humane Education

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Falling for Fluorescence - See the Chlorophyll in Leaves

High School (9-12): Life Science

Every autumn, trees put on a spectacular color show — but the real story is invisible to the naked eye. In this hands-on session, we'll use fluorescence to reveal chlorophyll's hidden secret: a ghostly red glow that exposes the very moment a leaf begins to let go. You'll extract chlorophyll from leaves and watch it fluoresce before your eyes — science that's as beautiful as the season itself.

Erika Fong, MiniOne, Ian Garrett, Life Sciences Teacher, Madras HS

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Engaging Students in Talking about Indigenous Sovereignty and Climate Systems

General Audience: Physical Science, Life Science, Earth & Space Science, Engineering & Technology, General Science, Education Research, Environmental Sciences 

Youth need opportunities to learn about green colonialism and how Native Science and Indigenous sovereignty are fundamental to addressing the climate emergency. Workshop participants will engage in talk activities designed to support non-Indigenous youth in learning and processing these topics.

Kelsie Fowler, University of Washington, Dr. Philip Bell, University of Washington College of Education

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Building STEM Pathways with FIRST Robotics

Middle Level (6-8): Engineering & Technology, Computer Science, STEM (integrated)
Location: 

More than robots! Discover how FIRST robotics programs engage students in STEM through hands-on learning, teamwork, innovation, and problem-solving. Explore pathways from elementary through high school and learn how schools and communities can bring these impactful programs to their students.

Bobbi Kelly, Oregon Robotics Tournament and Outreach Program, Kate Hoots, Program Coordinator ORTOP

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Soil Solutions in Invention & Design

Middle Level (6-8): Earth & Space Science, Environmental Sciences

This session will explore a free, NGSS standards aligned unit focused on exploring issues related to soil health and regenerative agriculture, and developing novel solutions to those problems. In this unit, students apply their learning about issues in regenerative agriculture to an open-ended invention process to come up with solutions to the problem they identified.  This unit was developed through a partnership with SubjectToClimate and The Lemelson Foundation. 

The session will provide educators with an opportunity to immerse in an invention-based lesson from the unit.  

For more context for the unit, students explore how soil, water, climate and human systems are interconnectd by investigating soil health, nutrient cycling, extreme weather, and traditional and modern farming practices.  Through the invention education design process, they apply scientific and Indigenous knowledge, and equity-centered thinking to identify local challenges and design sustainable, community-centered solutions.  

Katie Krummeck, The Lemelson Foundation

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The Soul of Science, Part 2 *must have attended Part 1* 

High School (9-12): STEM (integrated) 

Based on NGSS our Soul of Science model centers student voice, identity, and belonging through our student engagement strategies that promote peer‑to‑peer learning and reflection. Our Bridge Builders Community of Practice empowers educators to collaborate across roles, co‑design inclusive learning experiences, and cultivate classroom environments where every learner is seen, valued, and capable of success.

Edgar Massingale, Aloha High School Soul of Science Pilot Program, Eumin Kong, Carlos Lasuncet, Karlyn Adams-Wiggins

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Kids are Scientists! How engaging deeply in the Practices increases critical thinking for all students, Part 2 *must have attended Part 1*

General Audience: General Science

This interactive workshop brings the Oregon Science Standard Science and Engineering Practices to life in a way that feels practical, relevant, and doable. Together, we’ll explore how these practices already show up in your teaching, surface what might be missing, and share ideas for deepening student thinking, curiosity, and real-world problem solving. You’ll leave with fresh strategies, concrete ideas, and a clearer path for helping students engage more deeply in authentic science learning.

Leah Plack and Lena Fox, Portland Metro STEM Partnership

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Making NGSS Work for Your Community, Your Students: Using the New Generation of AI Agents to Find, Verify, and Adapt Activities - With You in the Driver's Seat

General Audience: K-5 Science, Physical Science, Life Science, Earth & Space Science, Engineering & Technology, General Science, Education Research, Environmental Sciences, Computer Science, STEM

NGSS-aligned activities are everywhere, but truly three-dimensional ones built for your students and community are not. Bring a laptop and learn to use the new generation of AI agents that, unlike simple chatbots, can work autonomously to find and verify effective 3D activities, and then help you tune them to your place. Leave with a take-home guide and customizable prompts to make your own.

Mihir Ravel, P.S.U. Maseeh College of Engineering, Daniel Robinette, Adjunct Faculty, Lewis & Clark College, Cary Sneider, STEM Education Consultant

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Design, Build, Compete

High School (9-12): Engineering & Technology, STEM (integrated)

This workshop will focus on learning through competing in engineering projects from Lego Robotics to the Solar Car Challenge in Texas. 

Thomas Stueve, Trinity Lutheran High School, Teacher and Solar Car Coach 

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Practical Strategies from Oregon Teachers Supporting Girls in Computing and Engineering

High School (9-12): Computer Science, STEM (integrated)

Learn how intentional teaching practices can strengthen belonging, engagement, and persistence in STEM. Through research findings, collaborative discussion, and classroom-ready tools, participants will gain practical strategies for creating inclusive science and engineering learning experiences.

Cathy Warner, Central Catholic High School

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Engage to Retain: Creating Classroom Models That Keep Students Connected and Committed

General Audience: Life Science, General Science

This interactive session explores how intentionally designed scientific classroom models can serve as yearlong anchors for student learning. 

Andrew Sneed, Pendleton High School

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From Questions to Evidence: Building Science Sensemaking in Grades 3-5

Elementary (3-5): Science, General Science, STEM(Integrated)

What happens when we give students a scientific problem but don't give them the procedure?  In this session, participants will experience science as their students can - beginning with a phenomenon, developing questions, designing and investigation, collecting evidence and using that evidence to construct an explanation.

Participants will unpack the experience through the lens of three-dimensional, NGSS-aligned science instruction and explore practical ways to shift traditional science activities from following directions to genuine sensemaking.  We will also consider how local and place-based phenomena can provide meaningful starting points for student investigation.  Teachers will leave with a practical framework and classroom-ready ideas for moving students from "What do I notice?" to "What does the evidence tell me?" 

Carolyn Koskela Whitney, PK-8 Teacher, Frenchglen School

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Aligning Science and Career Learning: A Replicable Model for Multi-Credit Courses

Secondary (9-12): Physical Science, Engineering & Technology, General Science, Environmental Science, STEM(Integrated)

This session presents a replicable model for designing coherent science pathways that integrate NGSS, real-world STEM expectations, and career-connected learning.  Using the REVIT clean-energy pathway, participants explore how industry-aligned competencies and applied energy systems strengthen science instruction and leave with tools to identify authentic NGSS connections to their own programs.

Hanna Jaramillo, REVIT Teaching & Learning Lead, Teater-Crocker

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Closing and Raffle - Exhibit Hall

3:15 - 3:30 PM

Post Conference Banquet, Ticket Required ($45)

6:30 pm doors open; 6:30 - 9:00 pm dinner and celebration.

Thank you for supporting/attending the 2026 OSTA Conference!