Join us: Friday, April 16 and Saturday, April 17, 2021
The Alamo STEM Ecosystem Conference is a partnership between San Antonio organizations who are committed to providing teachers with innovative resources and relevant professional development. Image CC0
NASA is leader in earth and science exploration. With groundbreaking missions such as the Artemis Program, which will land the first woman and next man on the Moon by 2024, NASA continues to advance its vision ‘to discover and expand knowledge for the benefit of humanity.’ Recently, NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement executed a series of efforts to develop STEM products and opportunities that provide a platform for students to contribute to NASA’s endeavors in exploration and discovery. These mission-driven activities include over 20 evidence-based products and opportunities to engage students in authentic STEM experiences. In this session, participants are provided with an overview of NASA’s NextGen STEM educational resources and products developed to strengthen students’ critical thinking and problem solving skills to help nurture, and inspire the Artemis Generation. Physics & Astronomy
Dr. Samuel García Jr. serves as an Educator Professional Development Specialist at Kennedy Space Center. Prior to his position at Kennedy Space Center, Dr. García worked at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, CA. As an education specialist, Dr. García works to help... Read More →
Saturday April 17, 2021 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
Virtual
According to labor projections, Texas is expected to have the second-highest percentage of the nation’s future STEM job opportunities. The STEM Coordinator from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) will share how the labor market data is driving the vision for K-12 STEM Education in Texas. The TEA will share the STEM Toolkit and upcoming STEM professional development that has been developed to support districts as we shift instruction to develop STEM fluency skills in our students preparing them for the STEM careers today and of the future. Careers, All grade levels
Watt Watchers of Texas is a state-sponsored STEM program to help boost energy literacy for K-12th grade students and help schools save money by saving energy. Through the program, students, teachers, and families will have access to energy saving tips, activities, and lessons. Watt Watchers of Texas offers hundreds of activities for Kindergarten through 12th grade which are aligned to the TEKS. The entire program, including all of the engaging activities, is available in English and Spanish. Earth and Environmental Science
I am so glad to have the opportunity to speak with you at the 2021 Alamo STEM Ecosystem Virtual Conference. I am Rachel Salinas, the Director of School Services at KLRN PBS San Antonio. My background in education includes teaching a variety of subjects in Kindergarten through 12th... Read More →
Saturday April 17, 2021 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
Virtual
Digital badges validate learning that a young person engages in across diverse settings (home, school, extra-curricular programs, online, volunteering, internships, etc.). This learning is translated into a badge of accomplishment, skill, quality, or interest that is easy for anyone to issue, earn, and display across the web, rooted in the open badge technical standards.
Learn how you can connect your students to project-based learning within the classroom and beyond. This session will 1) support you in translating your classroom learning into digital badges, 2) connect you with opportunities to coordinate with youth development, out-of-school time and workforce partners and 3) provide a forum for understanding student engagement and learning along college and workforce readiness pathways. Pedagogy, Technology
I have worked for the last 7 years providing support and services for the gifted/talented and STEM efforts in Harlandale ISD. Since COVID began we have expanded our efforts to meet the needs of our students via distance learning opportunities, but continue to work to constantly... Read More →
Saturday April 17, 2021 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Virtual
Learn how to create a cheap and easy indoor vermi-compost. A vermi-compost is a low maintenance worm habitat used to recycle food waste and has many content applications in the classroom. Learn how to captivate your student’s interests by incorporating live organisms and animal care into your science lessons. Educators will learn how to create a worm habitat and how to care for their worms. In addition, educators will virtually conduct lab investigations to learn about the physical characteristics and behaviors of worms, and explore soil properties, the process of decomposition and the important role of decomposers. Lesson modifications for virtual teaching and at home learning extensions will also be addressed. Environmental Science
Environmental Education Center Teacher, Dallas ISD
Hello! My name is Sara Ramirez and I am a PK-12th Grade Science Lab Teacher at the Dallas ISD Environmental Education Center. I am an avid nature enthusiast and I love animals! I am a graduate of Texas A&M University in Wildlife & Fisheries Sciences and I have taught Life Science/Environmental... Read More →
Saturday April 17, 2021 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Virtual
It is well documented that systematically learning Mathematics help students see the connections between mathematical topics and across grade levels. As a result students understand the concepts/ideas thoroughly and develop problem-solving skills. In this session, we are going to discuss how one mathematic problem can be solved by students at different grade levels. Mathematics, Pedagogy
Associate Professor, University of Texas, San Anotonio
I am a faculty in the department of mathematics at UTSA. My research interest includes mathematics teacher education, STEM education, curriculum design, and active learning.
Saturday April 17, 2021 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Virtual
We will discuss what cutting-edge science and experiential learning strategies teach us about the mind-body connection and how we can achieve small attainable goals leading to more mindfulness, focus and improved performance (and reduced teacher burnout). We will also discuss how to achieve this in the classroom with students. Anatomy, Health & Wellness, Informal Education, Pedagogy
Sarah Mendiola is the Health & Wellness Education Manager at the Witte Museum. For the past 4 years I have spent my time at the Witte teaching students, families and adults about the human anatomy and how to keep their bodies healthy. Before that I was teaching kids ages 3-15 at SeaWorld... Read More →
Helen Holdsworth is the Curator of Texas Wild at the Witte Museum. Twenty five years experience in agriculture and wildlife education for youth and adult audiences.
Saturday April 17, 2021 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Virtual
Three recent alumni of the San Antonio Teacher Training Astronomy Academy (SATTAA) will share highlights of how what they learned in the summer program translates into their classrooms. Astronomy, Pedagogy
Participants will introduced to the CIAS K-12 Cybersecurity games and educational materials to help students become better cyber citizens as well as opening up this critical STEM field to them as a possible career field. Careers, Cybersecurity, Pedagogy
Larry Sjelin serves as Chief-of-Staff and Director of Game Development for the Center for Infrastructure Assurance and Security (CIAS) at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Mr. Sjelin is leading the effort to increase cyber awareness and honing cybersecurity skills by creating... Read More →
Director of Communications, UTSA Center for Infrastructure Assurance and Security
Julina Macy has led the marketing and communication efforts of the Center for Infrastructure Assurance and Security (CIAS) at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) since November 2017. She works with community partners to increase awareness of the center’s cybersecurity... Read More →
Saturday April 17, 2021 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Virtual
Learn about a unique elementary, middle, and high school virtual robotics platform provided by Novum Education that has a track record for engaging students. This approach requires minimal support from a coach/facilitator and prepares students to participate in the World Educational Robotics (WER) Contest where student teams (of 3) compete against other student teams from the same grade levels. CTE, Engineering
Participants will explore & experience how to integrate SEL strategies and activities into STEM lessons' design and delivery; additionally participants will participate in enhancing distance learning & in-person lessons with engaging applications and challenge. Pedagogy
I have been #teamkids for over 35 years...even longer if you count the years I role played being a teacher with my brothers, sister and friends. I love brainstorming, problem-solving, creating, conversing about ideas and initiatives that can impact and improve the lives of children... Read More →
Saturday April 17, 2021 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Virtual
The team from San Antonio Public Library will share information about virtual services available to Bexar County schools, including Public Library CONNECT, a way for students to access the SAPL collection using their school credentials and access digital collections of STEM materials. Attendees will learn how to make the most of this valuable and easy to access resource. The team will also discuss strategies for connecting with children and teens via a wide variety of online programming. Information on the San Antonio Mini Maker Faire will also be highlighted! General Science
Coordinator of Teen Library Services, San Antonio Public Library
Jennifer Velásquez is the author of "Real-World Teen Services" (ALA Editions, 2015) as well as numerous articles on serving teens in the library setting. A trainer and consultant, Jennifer is an internationally regarded thought-leader in library service philosophy and practice. In... Read More →
Bruce Harris is an Academic Technology Coach with the largest school district in South Texas. Northside Independent School District in San Antonio Texas serves over 106, 000 students. He has over 12 years of classroom teaching experience in Title 1 schools. He has been an instructional... Read More →
Saturday April 17, 2021 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Virtual
Presenter will share free apps to support a blended and project based learning classroom. An exemplar 5 E lesson plan will be used to demonstrate how these apps can support students in exploring, creating, and finding possible solutions to real world problems. Pedagogy, Technology
Consultant, Digital Age Learning, ESC-20; K-8 Facilitator, Code.org, ESC-20
Talk to me about all things technology integration and computer science! I am a Google for Education Certified Innovator and Trainer and Seesaw Ambassador and love introducing new technology tools to students and teachers that enhance and complement their work. I am certified in Computer... Read More →
Saturday April 17, 2021 3:00pm - 3:50pm CDT
Virtual
You have probably heard about STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) and its ever-increasing importance in education. Your campus may even offer a STEM elective. You may even understand the big idea of STEM; you may have heard that STEM has its place in every classroom, even the virtual learning environment. A learner-centric focus enables teachers and students to be in complete control to build a learning community that gets to the heart of Project Based Learning. Join the presentation for an in-depth demonstration and virtual hands-on workshop using Region 13's Student Corner to design STEM learning experiences. Careers, GT, Pedagogy
All children are curious. We all begin learning about the world by pursuing our natural curiosity. As children investigate the world, they naturally use STEAM skills. Our challenge as Educators is to cultivate and nurture our students' natural curiosity and learning skills, channeling them to learn increasingly advanced content. Throughout this session, educators will explore performative, inquiry-based, and creative methods. Through the inquiry process, Educators will consider how they would utilize the methodologies in their classroom and to answer burning questions. General Science, Informal Science, Pedagogy
Relationships are the core of teaching and learning, whether we are face to face with students or engaged in remote learning. In this session, we will explore strategies for planning and delivering culturally sensitive/responsive learning opportunities for students in the STE(A)M classroom in either home or school. Participants will be guided in how to incorporate culturally relevant STEM teaching strategies within exciting NASA contexts to foster both student motivation and content learning. The session will end with step by step guidance of the many NASA websites that share wonderful and updated NASA STEM education resources aligned with recent missions and efforts by NASA’s scientists and engineers. Take advantage of NASA’s free resources and encourage ALL your students to reach for the stars! Astronomy, Careers, Physics
LaTina Taylor, NASA EPDC Specialist with the NASA Educator Professional Development Collaborative (NASA EPDC) at Texas State University. Native of Chicago, Illinois with over 24 years of experience in education with the Chicago Public Schools. Ms. Taylor is National Board-Certified... Read More →
Saturday April 17, 2021 3:00pm - 3:50pm CDT
Virtual
