Keynote Speakers STEAM in the 21st Century Dr. Andrea Henrie, Vanderbilt University SEL: The Compass Model Todd Dickson, Valor Collegiate Academy
STEAM meets SEL Courses The 4CSI Unit - The Case of Missing Engagement Kenton Wesby, J.T. Moore, Advanced Academics Resource Teacher Description: The 4CSI Unit will challenge participants to dissect the physical, conceptual, and visual evidence in their classroom to solve a case. Teachers will also explore ways to engage students by creating CSI units that integrate curriculum standards with the 4 C's, deductive and inductive reasoning. This is a tech-heavy unit, BYOD is encouraged. Takeaways ➔ Tools to create a digital 4CSI Unit using Goggle forms or Microsoft One Note ➔ Tools to integrate curriculum standards with STEAM & The 4C's ➔ Tools that challenge students' higher order thinking skills through deductive and inductive reasoning Crafting Classroom Culture with Class Dojo Ian Mullins-Zugelder, Christ Presbyterian Academy, Instructor of Lower School STEAM Lab Description: Revolutionize the environment of your classroom with ClassDojo. Truly the Swiss-army knife of classroom management platforms, ClassDojo seamlessly integrates behavior management, data analysis, and a suite of classroom tools like timers, instructional visualizers, and group makers. Throw away the popsicle sticks because there’s a random
student picker; ditch the paper attendance log because you can track absences, tardies, and early dismissals; keep your communication secure by sharing class and student stories and communicate with parents directly through the app. Takeaways ➔ Practical application for any instructional scenario (including extracurriculars) ➔ Advanced tips for experienced users ➔ Support for first-time setup Multi-Player Classroom Kenton Wesby, J.T. Moore, Advanced Academics Resource Teacher Description: Simply put, the Multiplayer Classroom (MPC) is a game. The MPC is an instructional concept that provides an opportunity for more engagement without sacrificing content standards. The MPC creates an engaging environment that allows students to learn from their mistakes without permanent repercussions. Implementing the multiplayer classroom requires no software, programming, or video game knowledge. You can use MPC in any class, subject or grade level. If your students get excited when they hear Fortnite or Snap Chat, then the MPC is where you want to be. Takeaways ➔ Learn how to set-up a multiplayer classroom ➔ Identify a couple of programs for avatar creation ➔ Develop an avatar for the multiverse
STEAM Courses Starting Your STEAM Program Ian Mullins-Zugelder, Christ Presbyterian Academy, Instructor of Lower School STEAM Lab Description: When CPA moved to reimagine our Computer Lab into a STEAM Lab, I stepped into the lead role for planning, implementation, and instruction. This session will offer ideas and support for the daunting task of STEAM/Makerspace integration through stories of our first two years' successes and struggles. Takeaways ➔ Home-run STEAM lessons that can be adapted for the classroom ➔ Ideas for implementing robotics and 3D printing programs (with no prior experience needed) ➔ Ideas and resources for outfitting a STEAM Lab/Makerspace
Connecting STEAM to Everyday Life John Hawkins, Discovery Center, Director of Education Description: There is science, technology, engineering, art, and math in everything we do, see, taste, and love. Everything is connected. STEAM is not an extra subject, but the intersection of education and life. We'll talk about digging down to find the learning opportunities in everything and how the Tennessee STEAM Festival can help you accomplish this. I'll also do some pretty cool science demos! Takeaways ➔ Information on how to get involved with the Tennessee STEAM Festival ➔ A unique perspective on everyday teachable moments ➔ Ideas for how to create STEAM focused teachable moments in your classroom ➔ Resources to easily incorporate STEAM into your classroom Invention Convention in a Nutshell Gretchen Rucker, Oak Hill School. 5th Grade Science Teacher Description: STEAM and NGSS join forces to allow students the opportunity to work through the Design and Engineering Process, while also covering multiple NGSS Science and Engineering Practices, Disciplinary Core Ideas and Crosscutting Concepts. Students will use the Design and Engineering Process to create a prototype based on a need in their community or a community different from their own. Educators can expect to leave with an overview of the process that is facilitating an Invention Convention's process, along with ideas for modifying the Convention to suit their classrooms needs. Takeaways ➔ An overview of the planning for an Invention Convention ➔ A plan and timeline for facilitating an Invention Convention ➔ A document that students can use to walk them through the Design and Engineering Process More Methods, Less Madness - Differentiating for the Math Mind Amy Kate McMurry, Grassland Elementary School, 4th Grade Teacher Description: After this session, you will be able to maximize math instruction for all students by learning how best to organize your instructional block, efficiently use leveled small group work, differentiate assessments using technology, and effectively track the progress of all students.
Takeaways ➔ A block schedule that works best for your students and maximizes the learning for every individual ➔ Small group work and assessment resources both online and on paper. ➔ Data tracking sheets and sites to successfully monitor progress of every student for every standard Girls Who Code Ainsley Messina, Oak Hill School, K-6 Coding Instructor Description: Girls Who Code is an organization that is dedicated to closing the gender gap in coding. GWC offers clubs and summer immersion programs for grades 3-12. At Oak Hill School, we offer a Girls Who Code Club for 3rd-5th grade girls. Join us to find out how to start a club of your own! Explore which curriculums would best suit your girls, whether it's coding unplugged or technology influenced. Come learn things like how to connect coding with music, art, fashion, design, and dance! Takeaways ➔ How to start a Girls Who Code club ➔ Familiarity with managing a club, curriculum used for club, and the Girls Who Code toolkit ➔ Code your own project of choice! (dance, music, art, fashion, design)
SEL Courses The Role of Life Experiences in Shaping Brain Development Madisien Steele, Metro Nashville Public Schools, Trauma-Informed Specialist Description: In this presentation, we establish a common understanding about early childhood through a shared, up-to date, clear storyline based on science. The architecture of a young child’s brain is shaped by the interaction between genes and experiences, and this can have either a positive or negative result. Science makes it clear that ACEs negatively impact the architecture of the developing brain, and children thrive in a safe, stable, nurturing environment of supportive families, caregivers, neighborhoods and communities. Takeaways ➔ Increased knowledge and awareness of... ◆ adverse child experiences/ toxic stress ◆ how experiences shape the developing brain ◆ ways to promote resilience ◆ ways to promote trauma-informed school culture
Mitigating ACEs: Trauma-Informed School Culture and Practices Madisien Steele, Metro Nashville Public Schools, Trauma-Informed Specialist Description: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are not just a mental health problem but an educational problem that, if left unaddressed, can derail the academic achievement and school success of countless children. In this presentation, we build on the foundational information provided in part 1 of this 2-part series by applying it to the school setting and sharing groundbreaking research on how ACEs can impact student learning, behavior, and social-emotional outcomes through use of the Brain Architecture Game. Next we explore how educators can engage in trauma-informed conduct to provide safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments and supportive interactions that promote resilience for all students. We conclude with practical trauma-informed school practices that educators can use to help students experience greater success at school and throughout the life-span. Takeaways ➔ Increased knowledge and awareness of... ◆ adverse child experiences/ toxic stress ◆ how experiences shape the developing brain ◆ ways to promote resilience ◆ ways to promote trauma-informed school culture Culturally Responsive Teaching Molly Jackson, Nashville Classical, 5th grade Math Teacher, Grade Level Lead, and Mentor Teacher Description: In this presentation, teachers will define implicit and sociocultural consciousness in order to enable their classrooms to be culturally responsive. Teachers will also dig deep to reflect on their own identity and commonly held biases and beliefs that show up in classroom in the result of their identity. Takeaways ➔ A reflection of your identity and how that impacts their teaching ➔ Resources and tools to help you create a culturally responsive classroom Getting Started with Restorative Practices in the Classroom Cara Wall, Metro Nashville Public Schools, Counselor Description: This presentation will give a quick overview and introduction to incorporating restorative practices in your classroom or school. We will run some circles, learn about history and why restorative practices work, and have a chance to collaborate on strengthening SEL through a restorative lens.
Takeaways ➔ Understanding of the 80/20 rule ➔ Understanding of the social discipline window and compass of shame ➔ “The questions" to ask ➔ Knowledge and understanding of different types of circles and how to facilitate them in your classroom Building Social Emotional Content into Everyday Learning Molly Jackson, Nashville Classical, 5th grade Math Teacher, Grade Level Lead, and Mentor Teacher Description: Social Emotional Learning is a type of learning every teacher would love more of, but how do you fit that into your already busy schedule? Where do you pull resources from? How do you get your scholars to embody character strengths such as gratitude, grit, hope, humor, love, self-control, social intelligence and zest? This presentation will help answer all of those questions and more. Come join us as we gain no to low prep resources that will help aid social emotional learning in your classroom! Takeaways ➔ Knowledge of how to implement teaching eight character strengths into their classroom ➔ Resources for each character strength (gratitude, grit, hope, humor, love, self-control, social intelligence and zest) Strategies for Self-Care Cindy Ayala, LMSW, Metro Nashville Public Schools, Social Worker for Overton Cluster Description: Self care must be a priority for those of us who are committed to helping others in our chosen profession. Motivation for self care is found in understanding how stress affects our body and mind. Simple strategies and habits can be developed that will yield long term benefits in our lives and our careers. Takeaways ➔ Recommended apps, blogs, and podcasts that promote self care ➔ An understanding of the science behind stress and how to use the energy in stress in a positive way ➔ Simple habits and strategies to start today that will increase satisfaction in your life and career