EXPLORE NEW FRONTIERS. SEEK OUT NEW IDEAS AND INNOVATIONS.
Hosted by Centenary College of Louisiana Department of Education Center for Teaching and Learning
TO BOLDY GO 2025 THEME
Thursday, February 27, 2025
Opening Reception
5:30pm - 7:00pm
Meadows Museum of Art
5:00pm Registration
Pick up your registration packet and tour the Meadows Museum. Don’t miss Centenary’s Legacy: A Bicentennial Exhibition !
5:30pm Welcome
Dr. Scott Chirhart
Dean of the School of Health Sciences, Professor of Biology Centenary College of Louisiana
5:45pm-7pm Reception and Refreshments
Friday, February 28, 2025
Full STEAM Ahead Educator Symposium
8:00am - 3:30pm Bynum Commons and the Hurley School of Music
7:45am-8:30am Registration & Breakfast
8am-8:15am Welcome
8:30am-9:30am Concurrent Session A
9:45am-10:45am Concurrent Session B
11am-12pm Concurrent Session C
12:15pm-1:15pm Lunch
1:30pm-2:30pm Concurrent Session D
2:45pm-3:30pm Door Prizes and Networking
Friday, February 28, 2025
Registration | 7:45am – 8:30am
Whited Room, Bynum Commons
Coffee and breakfast items will be available during registration. Coffee and water will be available throughout the conference.
Welcome and Breakfast | 8:00am – 8:30am
Whited Room, Bynum Commons
Dr. Karen Soul, Ph.D.
Vice President of Academic Affairs
Provost and Dean of the College, Centenary College of Louisiana
Concurrent Session A | 8:30am – 9:30am
Hardy Hall of Fame Room, Bynum Commons
“Embedded Differentiation for Classroom Management”
Shanna Malone, Bossier Parish Schools
Combining old fashioned classroom management techniques with student data can provide embedded differentiation in today’s classroom. This type of differentiation can work for both planned and impromptu scaffolding.
Anderson Atrium, Hurley School of Music
“Using Drones and Measurements to Improve Spatial Awareness”
Eric Clinton, Parkway High School
This session explores how educators can integrate drone technology and measurement activities to enhance students’ understanding of spatial concepts. Participants will engage in hands-on demonstrations and discuss practical applications for real-world problem-solving.
Anderson 116, Hurley School of Music
“AI In Public Education: One Year Later”
Jacob Hesselschwardt, Bossier Parish Schools
This session explores recent trends in AI integration within public education, focusing on its impact on STEAM learning. Participants will examine how AI enhances personalized learning, streamlines tasks, and reshapes teaching. Through discussions, attendees will share experiences, address challenges, and brainstorm strategies for leveraging AI responsibly.
Whited Room, Bynum Commons
“Using Manipulatives to Support HQIM Curriculum in Math”
Roger Vance, Caddo Parish Schools
Explore how hands-on learning tools can enhance student understanding and engagement in high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) for mathematics. Participants will discover effective strategies for integrating manipulatives to reinforce key concepts and support diverse learners.
Leuck Arboretum
“Guided Tour of the Centenary Arboretum”
Lacey Anderson, Curator, Centenary College of Louisiana
Join us on a guided tour of Centenary College’s academic arboretum. The arboretum serves as a living laboratory for environmental study and outdoor learning. Join us to discover how this natural space supports biodiversity and handson educational opportunities for students and the community.
Concurrent Session B | 9:45am – 10:45am
Whited Room, Bynum Commons
“Explore with Waves”
Penny Pate and Laura Holley, Captain Shreve High School
This lesson introduces students to the fascinating world of waves through hands-on experiments and activities. By creating different types of waves with sand (or paint), students will measure key wave properties like wavelength and amplitude. They will explore the relationship between frequency and wavelength and even calculate wave speed, explore types of waves, be able to explain how waves have real-world applications, elaborate on how waves are used, and evaluate the use of waves to help the government hide secrets. This interactive approach will make abstract wave concepts more concrete and engaging, fostering a deeper understanding of these fundamental phenomena.
Anderson 116, Hurley School of Music
“Destination Imagination Creative Problem-Solving Program - Challenging Students to Boldly Go!”
Dr. Joan Turek, Assistant Professor of Education, Centenary College of Louisiana
Dr. Katie Aranda, Team Manager, Destination Imagination
This STEAM-based workshop introduces participants to hands-on collaborative engineering challenges and the Destination Imagination Creative Problem-Solving program. Participants will work in teams to brainstorm, take risks, and construct hands-on solutions using everyday materials in response to assigned tasks. Attendees will take home sample “instant challenges” to help their students build critical thinking and problem-solving skills and “boldly go” towards a future filled with confidence, innovation, and creativity.
Anderson Atrium, Hurley School of Music
“Role-Play and Reality: Exploring Historical Narratives through Active Learning”
Dr. Kyra Rietveld, Assistant Professor of Art History, Centenary College of Louisiana
Active learning strategies are essential for fostering engagement, critical thinking, and creativity. This workshop introduces Making History: The Breakup Microgame, a role-playing activity from the Reacting to the Past consortium, where participants assume the roles of college students navigating a breakup. Using conflicting primary sources, players analyze and construct narratives, uncovering insights while addressing bias and perspective. This game enhances engagement and teaches students to use primary sources to construct historical narratives. Whether you’re new to active learning or looking to expand your toolkit, this session offers practical strategies to inspire students to approach challenges with confidence.
Hardy Hall of Fame Room, Bynum Commons
“Teach AI with Confidence: A Hands-On Journey into Artificial Intelligence for K-8 Classrooms”
Jeff Holcomb, CYBER.ORG
In this hands-on workshop, educators will explore the fundamentals of artificial intelligence (AI) through interactive activities designed for K-12 classrooms. Participants will experience AI lessons firsthand, from introductory concepts for younger students to advanced applications in cybersecurity for older grades. By the end of the session, educators will feel confident in teaching AI and equipped with the tools to inspire the next generation of innovators in this exciting field.
Concurrent Session C | 11am - 12pm
Whited Room, Bynum Commons
“Why So Many Names for Slope? Contextualization in Mathematics”
Roger Vance, Caddo Parish Schools
Examine the multiple ways slope is defined and interpreted across different mathematical contexts. This session is ideal for educators looking to strengthen students’ mathematical reasoning by connecting abstract concepts to real-world applications.
Hardy Hall of Fame Room, Bynum Commons
“From Image to Insight: Getting More out of Video Analysis”
Dr. David Kordahl, Assistant Professor of Physics, Centenary College of Louisiana
During the past two decades, educators have used video analysis to connect direct observations to graphs of motion. This talk reviews standard applications, but also presents ways that video analysis can be made more powerful using geometry. Parallax effects have often been viewed only as a source of error, but they can also be a rich additional source of information. Overlooked opportunities for video analysis and lessons for educators will be discussed before concluding.
“A Case for Modeling: The Story of a Writer, A Case Study”
Megan Quebedeaux, Louisiana State University - Shreveport
This study explores the impact of student-teacher relationships and pedagogical practices on self-efficacy and academic success, particularly in writing, for students facing educational challenges. Using social constructivist theory and Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development, it examines how a supportive classroom and intentional scaffolding transformed “Jim,” a Honduran immigrant with tier-three reading interventions. Findings highlight the role of empathy, modeling, and individualized support in shaping academic identities and improving outcomes for marginalized students.
Anderson Atrium, Hurley School of Music
“Boldly Go Weightless!”
Katie Chavis and Kelly Birdsong, Bossier Parish Schools
Weightlessness? Are astronauts weightless? Can you be weightless? What is a weightless flight? What about SpaceX flights? What is the physics behind it all? Let’s Boldly Go together! Come experience “weightlessness” as we find answers to these questions and more. Together we will find activities you can do with your own students of all ages and opportunities for you to take your own “weightless” flight.
Anderson 116, Hurley School of Music
“Meet the STEM Innovations Ambassadors for the WWII Museum”
Ida M. Smith, Benton Middle School
LeAnne Nelson, Curtis Elementary School
Jennifer Johnson, Sci-Port Discovery Center
This session showcases immersive, K-12 STEM curriculum. As STEM Innovations Ambassadors for the WWII Museum, presenters will share how wartime advancements—particularly contributions by Women in STEM—can engage students in history and science. Educators will also explore the Operation Footlocker program, which provides access to real WWII artifacts and is available for free to classrooms.
Lunch | 12:15pm – 1:15pm
Whited Room, Bynum Commons
KEYNOTE ADDRESS with Joel C. Amidon, Ph.D.
“Teaching STEAM as Agape: Embracing STEAM Education as an Act of Unconditional Love for our Students and our World”
Joel has published in the journals Mathematics Teacher Educator, Mathematics Teaching in the Middle School, Kappa Delta Pi Record, and Mathematics Teacher: Learning and Teaching PK-12 among others. In addition, he hosts several podcasts Teaching Math Teaching, Amidon Planet, and The Road to Better Teaching on the improvement of teaching. Overall, his goal is to lead people to love others through teaching.
Concurrent Session D | 1:30pm – 2:30pm
Whited Room, Bynum Commons
“Good Game! Level Up Biology Learning with Scratch”
Dr. Rebecca Murphy, Professor of Biology, Centenary College of Louisiana
Kaleb Atkinson and Tarif Islam, Undergraduate Students, Centenary College of Louisiana
In our 200-level Cell Biology course, students use MIT’s browser-based Scratch program to create biology-related games on topics such as photosynthesis, organelle function, DNA replication, and cellular respiration. Scratch is a visual programming environment that uses drag-and-drop coding blocks, making it accessible to students regardless of their background. This program places the focus on conveying biological principles in an engaging way through gaming. The foundation of this activity is rooted in principles of science communication and peer-to-peer instruction, where students creating the game must learn more about their chosen biological topic to present it in a clear and engaging way. Additionally, this project promotes the development of self-efficacy through iterative design and troubleshooting. Some students have even used their Scratch games for biology outreach in the community, including a partnership with Sci-Port Discovery Center. In this workshop, participants can bring their own laptops to explore Scratch’s functionality by building an introductory game and engaging with demos of games produced by Centenary undergraduates.
Hardy Hall of Fame Room, Bynum Commons
“The Roads to Teaching”
Dr. Tracey Burrell, Recruitment and Retention Supervisor, Bossier Parish Schools
Regina Digilormo, Pre-Educator Instructor, Bossier Parish Technical School
Lacey Stokes, Teaching Professions Coordinator, Caddo Parish Career Center
Alton Dozier, Principal, Creswell Elementary, Caddo Parish Schools
Byron Dawson, Head Football Coach, Centenary College of Louisiana
Explore the diverse paths that lead to teaching and hear educational leaders reflect on recruitment and retention for new teachers. Panelists will share their journeys into education, discuss the challenges and rewards of the profession, and offer insights into navigating certification and career opportunities. This session is ideal for pre-service teachers and college students considering a future in education.
Anderson 120, Hurley School of Music
“Project-Based Approaches for Agriscience in the Classroom”
Julie Malone, Bossier Parish School for Technology and Innovative Learning
This session highlights how hands-on, work-based learning can engage students in the diverse fields of agriculture, from mechanics and carpentry to animal, plant, and soil science. This session will explore strategies for integrating project-based learning into agriscience curricula, helping students develop practical skills and leadership experience through FFA competitions at the district, area, and state levels. Educators will gain insights into designing meaningful, real-world projects.
Anderson Atrium, Hurley School of Music
“Using Drones and Measurements to Improve Spatial Awareness”
Eric Clinton, Parkway High School
This session explores how educators can integrate drone technology and measurement activities to enhance students’ understanding of spatial concepts. Participants will engage in hands-on demonstrations and discuss practical applications for real-world problem-solving.
Leuck Arboretum
“Guided Tour of the Centenary Arboretum”
Lacey Anderson, Curator, Centenary College of Louisiana
Join us on a guided tour of Centenary College’s academic arboretum. The arboretum serves as a living laboratory for environmental study and outdoor learning. Join us to discover how this natural space supports biodiversity and handson educational opportunities for students and the community.
Closing – Door Prizes and Networking Session | 2:45pm – 3:30pm
Whited Room, Bynum Commons
Dr. Terrie Johnson, Assistant Professor and Chair of Education
Dr. Rachel Johnson, Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning Centenary College of Louisiana
SPONSORS 2025 SYMPOSIUM
STEM Collective for Innovative Louisiana Stakeholders (SCILS)
This event is funded in part through a grant from The STEM Collective for Innovative Louisiana Stakeholders (SCILS) Region 8 LaSTEM Center. The Region 8 LaSTEM Center is a group of partners across north Louisiana focused on meeting the critical need for science, technology, engineering, and math learning and job skills in our region.
Centenary College of Louisiana
Located in the heart of Shreveport’s historic Highland neighborhood, Centenary College of Louisiana is a selective, residential, national liberal arts college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Founded in 1825, it is the oldest chartered liberal arts college west of the Mississippi River and is a member of the Associated Colleges of the South.
Rhino Coffee
Rhino Coffee is a locally owned and operated coffee shop and roastery, delivering fresh, high quality coffee, as well as being one of the select coffee roasters to hold the Fairtrade certification in the United States.
Acknowledgments
The organizers would like to thank the following groups and individuals at Centenary College of Louisiana for their support and collaboration.
Dr. Karen Soul and the Office of the Provost
Dr. Cory Wikan and the Hurley School of Music
Dr. Scott Chirhart
Dr. Joan Turek and Dr. Emma Jordan
Jo Bennett and Riley Keene
The Maroon Jackets
Alissa Klaus and the Meadows Museum of Art
Ashley Dehart, Kevin Porter, and Debbie Bury
Learning Commons Student Workers
Facilities and Dining Services
Mr. Samuel Mendoza
Marketing and Communications
CENTENARY CAMPUS MAP
More info at centenary.edu/fullsteamahead