Cultivating Curiosity: Empowering Every Learner Through 3D Science, Innovation and STEM
Arizona Science Teachers Association Celebrates 71st Anniversary with
“Cultivating Curiosity: Empowering Every Learner Through 3D Science, Innovation, and STEM” Conference
The Arizona Science Teachers Association (ASTA) proudly hosted its 71st annual conference, Cultivating Curiosity: Empowering Every Learner Through 3D Science, Innovation, and STEM, at the DoubleTree Hotel in Tempe. Thanks to the generous support of sponsors hand2mind, Imagine Learning, First Solar, Ørsted, Freeport-McMoRan, and the Central Arizona Local Section of the American Chemical Society, the event brought together more than 200 PreK through postsecondary educators from across Arizona for two days of transformative professional learning and a celebration of science education.
On Thursday, the conference featured professional development led by John Muir Laws, principal leader and innovator of the worldwide nature journaling movement, helping Arizona science teachers implement scientific notebooking in their classrooms.
On Friday morning, John Muir Laws delivered the keynote address. Participants then attended four professional learning sessions focused on one of three strands:
- Cultivating Curiosity and Sparking Innovative Thinking with 3-Dimensional Science
- Tech Tools That Transform Teaching and Learning
- Creating Interdisciplinary STEM Learning Experiences
ASTA also recognized four exceptional educators as Outstanding Science Teachers of the Year and presented the Jo Anne Vasquez Memorial Outstanding Leadership in Science Education Award to one outstanding leader.
The awardees included:
- Novice Teacher of the Year: Divya Palakkil Irinav, Chemistry Teacher, Paradise Valley High School, Paradise Valley USD
- Elementary Teacher of the Year: Michaela “Mickie” Rodrigues, 3rd Grade Teacher, Innovation Academy, Amphitheater PS
- Middle School Teacher of the Year: Joanna Auclair, 6th Grade Science Teacher, Higley Traditional Academy, Higley USD
- High School Teacher of the Year: Kathryn “Kady” Bonacci, Honors Chemistry, Chemistry, and AP Biology Teacher, Higley High School, Higley USD
- High School Honorable Mention: Soma Biswas, Chemistry Teacher, Marana High School, Marana USD
- Leadership Award: Paula Nasiatka, Pima County
An exhibit hall was also open on Friday, giving attendees the opportunity to explore resources and tools to enhance science education in their classrooms.
8:00 AM Opening Session
9:15 AM Elementary Level with John Muir Laws
Middle & High School Concurrent Sessions
11:00 AM Middle Level with John Muir Laws
Elementary & High School Concurrent Sessions
12:30 PM Buffet Lunch – ASTA Board Meeting
Teachers Give Teachers
Pre-Service Presentation
2:00 PM High School Level with John Muir Laws
Elementary & Middle Level Concurrent Sessions
3:45 PM Closing Day Session/Raffle/Evaluation
4:45 PM Celebration Social & Symposium Follow-Up
CONCURRENT SESSIONS
- Innovative Assessments for 3-Dimensional Sensemaking #1
- Innovative Assessments #2
- Designing Your Own Model-Based Inquiry Science Unit
- Sciencing with Testable Wonders – From Careful Observations to Scientific Investigations
- Infusing Joy into Learning and Teaching Science
- How to Bring Three-Dimensional Instruction to Your Classroom
- Data Talks: Empowering Students to Analyze, Interpret, and Discuss Science Like Scientists
- Ignite Curiosity: #1 Customize Your Class Starters to Spark Engagement
- Ignite Curiosity #2
- Ignite Curiosity #3
- People, Natural Resources and the Environment: It’s Elementary
SESSION I 10:15 AM-11:15 AM
- See the Science: Making Thinking Visible Through Models #1
- See the Science #2
- Igniting Innovation Through 3-8 STEMKAMP Activities
- Curiosity in Motion: Igniting Inquiry with Edison Robots
- STEM Clubs That Stick: Engaging K-8 Students Through Purposeful Programming #1
- STEM Clubs that Stick #2
- STEM Clubs that Stick #3
- STEM Clubs that Stick #4
- Real-World Problems in STEM Education: Pedagogy to Inspire Student Action
- Exploring Real-World STEM Connections Through a Virtual Copper Mining Lab
- Wee Greens: An Interdisciplinary Gardening Unit for Early Childhood
- Beyond the Basics: Empowering Student Learning with AI-Enhanced STEM Instruction
- Introducing a Physics Unit Energy and Matter: Oscillations and Waves
SESSION II 11:30 AM-12:30 PM
- No Limits Learning: Inclusive Science that Engages Every Student
- Enhancing Equitable Discussions Using Scientists Circles
- Tech with Purpose: Ethical AI for a Sustainable Future
- Learn about Carolina’s Elementary Open Sci Ed STEM Experiences
- Overcoming School Garden Obstacles to Create a Sustainable Outdoor Classroom
- Metacognitive Reflection: Using Reflection to Benefit All Our Science Students
- A Peek Below: An Exploration Geologist Prowls for Mineral Resources!
- Navigating the Data Revolution through Interdisciplinary, Place-Based Data Fluency
- Engaging All Students in Scientific Investigations Using Technology- Virtual Labs and Simulations
SESSION III 12:45 PM-1:45 PM
- Connecting the Dots: From Driving Questions to the Work of Real Scientists
- Inspecting with Maricopa Count #1
- Inspecting with Maricopa County #2
- Inspecting with Maricopa County #3
- Igniting Inquiry: Embedding Research to Cultivate Curiosity & Scientific Thinking
- Scientific Discourse in a 3D Classroom
- Arizona’s Trout in the Classroom: Hatching Science, Growing Stewardship
- Constructing Scientific Responses: Writing to Explain Science
- Unlock Career Pathways in Bioscience & Healthcare!
- Bridging Science and Culture with Kitt Peak National Observatory
- Makecode Madness
SESSION IV 2:45 PM-3:45 PM
- Climate Science Projects that Foster Curiosity and Agency
- Planting Questions: Using Student Inquiry to Drive STEM Investigations
- Paths to Success: Skills Maps & Career/Education Maps that Connect Classroom to Career
- Using 3-Dimensional Learning to Engage and Empower Critical Thinkers
- Hands-On STEM: Using EDP to Teach Science Standards
- Tales from a Student-Run Fix-It Shop
- NGSX Facilitator Forum: Network, Reflect, and Grow
- CTRL + Curiosity: Igniting Minds with AI
