Atlanta Conference Program

Thursday, 2:15–3:30 PM
Mastering the Chemical Formula: An Exceptionally
Effective Way to Teach Subscripts and Coefficients
(Chem)
(Grades 9–12)
B209, GWCC
Sponsor: LAB-AIDS, Inc.
Brandon Watters, Lakes Community High School, Lake
Villa, Ill.
What is the difference between subscripts and coefficients
What does “balancing” a chemical equation mean Many
students have trouble with these fundamental chemistry
concepts. Moles, reactions, and stoichiometry are hopelessly
confusing if a student does not fully understand the
chemical formula. Join us for some elegant, intuitive, and
well-differentiated lessons that can help students of all ability
levels master the chemical formula and, therefore, move
confidently into a deeper understanding of chemistry.
Stream Ecology: Slimy Leaves for Clean Streams
(Env)
(Grades 5–College)
B210, GWCC
Sponsor: LaMotte Co.
Christina Medved, Stroud Water Research Center,
Avondale, Pa.
Observe aquatic macroinvertebrate specimens, conduct
experiments, learn classification skills, and calculate a biotic
index in this hands-on introduction to stream ecology. Learn
from the Stroud Water Research Center scientists. Takeaways
and door prize!
The Sky Through the Ages
(Earth)
(Grades 4–12)
B212, GWCC
Sponsor: Simulation Curriculum Corp.
Herb Koller (hkoller@simcur.com), Simulation Curriculum
Corp., Minnetonka, Minn.
What did our ancestors see in the night sky How can astronomy
help us determine the date of a battle fought thousands of
years ago Find out the answers to these and other historical
questions and learn how Starry Night can make astronomy
come alive for your students.
Connecting to Chemistry: Igniting Student Motivation
with STEM Examples and Ideas (Chem)
(Grades 9–12)
B309, GWCC
Sponsor: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Michael DiSpezio (icaris@aol.com), Science Writer and
Educational Consultant, North Falmouth, Mass.
Join Michael DiSpezio as he presents an entertaining mindson/hands-on
overview of inspiring examples that can integrate
STEM into your current chemistry curriculum. Learn
ways to teach gas solubility based upon the bends and the
building of the Brooklyn Bridge! Come assemble an inexpensive
fuel cell vehicle. Build a model flushing toilet based
upon air pressure. Test and evaluate a easy new method for
extracting DNA from fresh wheat germ. Learn about these
and other engaging STEM examples that will hook your
students on the STEM/Chem connection!
The Case of the Missing Archive: Crime Scene and
DNA Fingerprinting Investigation
(Bio)
(Grades 8–12)
B310, GWCC
Sponsor: Edvotek Inc.
Jack Chirikjian (info@edvotek.com), Khuyen Mai (info@
edvotek.com), and Tom Cynkar (info@edvotek.com), Edvotek
Inc., Washington, D.C.
Are you ready for a cutting-edge forensic activity Examine
crime scene evidence to determine who stole priceless
historical documents from the Maryland Historical Society,
including copies of speeches by President Franklin D.
Roosevelt. By analyzing “crime scene” and “suspect” DNA
samples, you’ll model the process of electrophoresis and
DNA fingerprinting to determine whose DNA was left at
the crime scene. Take home a free T-shirt and flash drive.
Create a Digital Classroom Using 21st-Century STEM
Initiatives!
(Gen)
(Grades 7–College)
B311, GWCC
Sponsor: Swift Optical Instruments, Inc.
David Doty (david@swiftoptical.com) and Cynthia Syverson-
Mercer (cynthia@swiftoptical.com), Swift Optical Instruments,
Inc., Schertz, Tex.
Go digital…using STEM technology. Transform your labs,
lesson plans, and activities into digital formats. Engage your
students by incorporating Motic software, digital cameras,
and Swift microscopes into your lessons. Learn how to integrate
digital technology, student assessment, and motivation
into your current curriculum.
Fantastic Physical Science Demonstrations (Phys)
(Grades 7–12)
B312, GWCC
Sponsor: Flinn Scientific, Inc.
Janet Hoekenga (jhoekenga@flinnsci.com), Flinn Scientific,
Inc., Batavia, Ill.
Amaze your students with quick demonstrations that teach
common physical science topics—sound, color dynamics,
energy, pressure, density, rotation, and scientific inquiry.
More than a dozen effective demonstrations will be performed.
60 NSTA Atlanta Area Conference on Science Education