If you teach middle school science, you need to be in Nashville for the NSTA National Conference on Science Education, March 31–April 3. You’ll be with thousands of your fellow teachers for the week and take home tried-and-true strategies for everything from creating maker spaces to breaking down lessons for diverse communities of learners. There will be an entire day devoted to middle school teachers and hundreds of other sessions throughout the rest of the conference. Teach your students about circuits and electricity with Sewing Science: Using Electronic Textiles Technology to Teach Electricity and Circuits or face the Zombie Apocalypse session to learn more about how disease spreads using simulations and models. We have something for every middle school teacher, no matter if you’re just starting out or been at the job for years. Check out the events below to get a sense of what we’ve got in store, and browse all the sessions here (more than 1000 of them!) to see all that we have to offer.

Meet Me in the Middle Day
Saturday, April 2 10:15 AM–4:00 PM| Omni Nashville Hotel

• The day’s events will include a networking session, more than a dozen presentations specifically for middle school educators, and an afternoon share-a-thon featuring more than 100 presenters. You’ll walk away with ideas you can put to use in your classroom next week! [Organized by the National Middle Level Science Teachers Association (NMLSTA) and sponsored by Carolina Biological Supply, PASCO scientific, and Texas Instruments]

Middle School Science with Vernier

• Use Vernier sensors, including our Go Wireless sensors, to conduct a variety of age-appropriate experiments in this engaging, hands-on workshop. Experience data collection using LabQuest 2, Logger Pro computer software, Chromebook, and mobile devices. Explore the wide range of tools from Vernier that promote understanding of middle school science concepts.

Sewing Science: Using Electronic Textiles Technology to Teach Electricity and Circuits

• Learn how to engage students in circuits and electricity though sewing! Research shows how electronic textiles are an effective way to engage girls and others in science.

Bumpers Save Lives

• In this hands-on and very active session, experience the science behind the materials selected for car bumpers. Apply those concepts to engineer a car bumper. Bumpers will be tested and analyzed to determine the best design solution. Take home CD of lesson plans and resources.

Zombie Apocalypse!

• Become part of a zombie apocalypse as brains will be served (while supplies last). Learn about disease spread modeling using simulations and fun storylines about a zombie outbreak. Applicable for middle school and high school, this workshop is sure to scare you and your little zombies into learning how exciting Hollywood themes can be used to teach science concepts.

Amplify Science for Grades 6–8: Experience Three-Dimensional Teaching and Learning with the Newest Curriculum from The Lawrence Hall of Science

• Experience our field-tested, technology-enhanced, 100% NGSS-designed K–8 curriculum. Built around argumentation, digital simulations, modeling tools, hands-on investigations, and explicit disciplinary literacy instruction, Amplify Science engages students with deep dives into understanding the natural and designed worlds. Focusing on middle school, this workshop provides a sneak peek.

Modeling Energy Flow in Ecosystems: Developing Models in Middle School Life Science

• How is matter conserved, and how does energy flow through an ecosystem? Develop these models through hands-on activities. Take home a set of student materials, overview instructional strategies for scientific practices, and preview online activities and NGSS connections in the newly revised FOSS Populations and Ecosystems Course for middle school.

Meet Me in the Middle Session: Use Science to Support and Develop ELL Language Acquisition

• The NGSS supports science learning for all students. We will focus on English language learners and the language support and discourse strategies that engage all students regardless of their English proficiency. Activities will be geared toward developing a classroom culture that ensures that all student voices are included and respected. Take home engaging lessons.

Register to attend #NSTA16 Nashville here—and don’t forget, NSTA members get a substantial discount!

The mission of NSTA is to promote excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all.

Future NSTA Conferences

2016 National Conference

• Nashville, March 31–April 3

2016 STEM Forum & Expo

• Denver, July 27–29

2016 Area Conferences

• Minneapolis, Oct. 27-29
• Portland, Nov. 10-12
• Columbus, Dec. 1-3

Follow NSTA