Presentation Title: Fantastical Chemistry and Physical Science Demonstrations for All Grades!!!

Abstract: These fun and super exciting chemistry and physical science demonstrations can be used by all teachers at any level to get a classroom of students excited about the amazing world of chemistry! Education is not the filling of a pail but the lighting of a fire and you can use demonstrations effectively to get your students motivated!   It doesn’t matter if you teach kindergarten or high school AP chemistry.  These easy and practical demonstrations cover such topics as air pressure, gas laws, light and energy, density, atomic structure, solutions  and properties of water.  Demonstrations, if used effectively, can be used to get students excited about the lesson of the day.  Using these demonstrations, you will truly show your students what we already know – that science is fun!!

Biography: Bill Richey has spent the last 32 years of his life teaching students of all ages the joy of science.  He has been chosen 33 times by the valedictorians of Xenia High School as their most influential teacher. He is a firm believer in and has presented numerous courses/workshops on the subject of hands-on science locally, state-wide and nationally.He received his B.S in Biology/Chemistry in 1984 and his M.Ed. in 1986, both from Wright State. He has been involved extensively in the “Teaching Science with Toys” programs at Miami University. He has coordinated and runs several successful Science is Fun! Camps for 2nd – 5th graders for the last twenty-eight summers and has a successful high school chemistry club where over 150 of his high school chemistry students go to the elementary schools six times each school year and teach hands-on science.  Besides being the 1998 Ohio Teacher of the Year, he is also a 1999 Milken National Educator& won the 2006 Disney American Teacher

Presentation Title: The Early Years: Laying the Foundation for STEM Thinking

Abstract: “Hawes Elementary School is a dynamic child-centered school that focuses on “thinking outside the box” and fostering creativity and originality of thought.  The history and reputation of the school speak to the innovation that takes place in the school on an almost daily basis.  Many of our programs and approaches to instruction are problem-based that require the students to use higher level thinking in science, technology, math, and the arts to solve problems. My presentation would focus on two aspects of our work.  First, using our traditions to design a curriculum and an instructional approach that meets the needs of 21st Century learners.  This includes reworking successful programs and finding, developing, and supporting a common vision.  Secondly, the presentation would focus on our efforts to embrace the newest ideas in creative education such as using maker spaces, hacking, Google, and more.   In my presentation, I would share the ways that the original programs developed and the steps we have taken to maintain their relevancy in today’s world.  A huge focus would be on building programs with STEAM as the focus.  In this I would share how we adopted a new vision built upon the very best aspects of NASA as an over-riding philosophy.  Second, I would share how we are thoughtfully integrating the best ideas from the maker movement (and more) to support STEAM in meaningful ways.  Practical ideas, steps, and solutions will be shared along with the pitfalls and mistakes we have taken along the way. My presentation will be dynamic, engaging, fun, and will energize the teachers in attendance while giving them meaningful tools to bring back to their own schools”

Biography: Dr. Semendinger has been an educator for 30 years.  He enjoyed a successful teaching career earning numerous awards including “Teacher of the Year,” before moving on to administration.  Dr. Semendinger has served as a high school vice principal, a middle school principal, and is currently the principal of a most wonderful elementary school.Dr. Semendinger has enjoyed serving in various professional organizations including serving as the President of the New Jersey Middle School Association.  He has also served as an adjunct college professor.Dr. Semendinger leads an active life.  He enjoys running and has completed twenty marathons.  Dr. Semendinger is also a writer.  His published works include “Impossible is an Illusion,” “Scattering the Ashes,” and “Principal Sam and the Calendar Confusion.”  Dr. Semendinger also maintains a motivational blog. A family man, Dr. Semendinger greatly values the time he can spend as “Dad” with his three sons.  Dr. Semendinger was a three-sport coach and was active in the Boy Scouts where he designed and led historical outings.  He is the very proud father of three Eagle Scouts.An enthusiastic presenter, Dr. Semendinger brings his passion for children to his positive, happy, and engaging presentations.

Presentation Title: Developing Sustainable Partnerships to Develop Student Affinity for STEM Fields
50-minute breakout session
Abstract: Are you interested in developing meaningful and lasting partnerships that support STEM initiatives, student learning, and positive student attitudes towards STEM content? In this interactive session, we will share strategies for developing long-lasting multi-stakeholder partnerships between educational institutions, businesses, and community agencies to foster student interest and positive attitudes towards STEM fields. Through cross-sector collaborations such as the DreamFest Conference, AP Boot Camp, Camp Innovation, and Young Women LEAD, students are provided with holistic opportunities to explore STEM careers, skills, tools, and content. We will share hands-on, inquiry-based curricula and programming that have been developed over the past 15 years to meet the growing need for capacity building in STEM teaching and learning.

Biography: Kimberly Clayton-Code is a professor in the College of Education and Human Services at Northern Kentucky University. She has taught courses in gifted and talented education, social studies, diversity, economic education, and educational foundations. She received the Faculty Excellence in Sustained Outreach and Public Engagement (2010) and the Faculty Excellence in Teaching (2007) awards from Northern Kentucky University. Other activities have included editing and authoring the national award-winning, Entrepreneurs in Kentucky and Pathways to Home Ownership curriculum projects. Kimberly’s career as an educator began with the Campbell County Schools gifted and talented program as well as teaching fifth grade in a self-contained class. She also taught with the Newport Independent School district. Kimberly has degrees from the University of Louisville (Ph.D.), Northern Kentucky University (M.Ed.), and Purdue University (B.A.).

Presentation Title: STEM for ALL Students: Addressing Diversity & Equity

Abstract: The striking statistics in achievement gaps in every content area continue to document the vast disparities in educational equality in the U.S. Yet research does show when students from non-mainstream backgrounds receive equitable learning opportunities they are capable of attaining outcomes comparable to their mainstream peers. STEM teaching and learning embraces the idea of real-world, relevant and engaging education, which every teacher knows, is key to truly making a student feel like the learning matters to them. The National Research Council’s 2012 A Framework for K-12 Science Education brings to the forefront the importance of equity in education for all students when discussing equalizing opportunities to learn. This session focuses on the critical importance of addressing the diverse and unique learning needs of all students in STEM education. Participants will look into the characteristics of approaches to STEM education that have been shown to produce positive outcomes for a diverse range of students so that all are prepared for the 21st century college and career ready workforce.

Presentation Title: From Harmony to Humpbacks: Acoustics

Abstract: The topic of sound is often introduced in elementary, and then not treated again until advanced physics. Yet it is the ideal content to integrate with mathematics, technology and the arts. This session will include an overview of the ways in which sound can be used as a thematic organizer for integrated STEM from middle elementary to high school. You’ll explore several activities, from accessing satellite data, analyzing your favorite instruments, watching fascinating cymatics and creating spectrograms. Bonus: great trade book links too. (Bring a soda cup and your cell phone for best fun.) When you are done, you’ll be able to identify mystery sounds and perhaps even communicate with whales. Activities you can take home will be provided.

Biography: Juliana Texley is a curriculum writer and instructor in education, science and educational technology at Central Michigan and Lesley University. She has taught every grade from K through graduate school. She has written curriculum for a number of groups including JASON Education and STEM for early childhood. She is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and was president of the National Science Teachers Organization in 2015. For NSTA, she also organized a national system for reviewing and accessing the best literature for STEM integration. She is currently working on curriculum on ocean acoustics.