JASON National Conference: Full Schedule

12:00pm EDT

Welcome Address + Keynote: From Chasing Tornadoes to Driving Mars Rovers: A Retrospective

Keri Bean will retrace her journey from a weather obsessed kid to leading the Mars rover drivers of Curiosity and helping fly the Ingenuity helicopter on Mars.

STEM Professionals

Keri Bean

MSL Rover Planner Deputy Team Lead, M2020 Helicopter Integration Engineer, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Keri Bean is a systems engineer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. She is the deputy lead Rover Planner (aka Mars rover driver) for the Curiosity rover and is a Helicopter Integration Engineer for the Perseverance rover and Ingenuity helicopter. She was... Read More →

Guest Presenters

Dr. Eleanor Smalley

President and CEO, JASON Learning

Wednesday July 7, 2021 12:00pm - 1:25pm EDT

Keynote

Audience Everyone

1:30pm EDT

Beyond the Water Bottle: Minimizing Microplastic Pollution (All Audiences | New Curriculum)

Limited Capacity seats available

The Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) and JASON Learning invites your students to complete the Beyond the Water Bottle: Minimizing Microplastic Pollution Challenge. Meredith Evans Seeley (VIMS scientist and JASON STEM Role Model) will share her expertise about microplastics and their effect on ecosystems. JASON Learning staff will share the instructional resources available to support the completion of the Challenge.

STEM Professionals

Meredith Evans Seeley

PhD Candidate, Freeman Family Fellow, Virginia Institute of Marine Science, William & Mary

Meredith Evans Seeley is a Ph.D. candidate and Freeman Family Fellow in Marine Plastic Pollution. Meredith came to VIMS with a passion for studying plastics after observing first-hand how pervasive plastic pollution can be traveling in the U.S. and to countries such as India, Vietnam... Read More →

Wednesday July 7, 2021 1:30pm - 2:25pm EDT

Block A

Theme New Curriculum
Audience Everyone

1:30pm EDT

Exploring the Universe with Slooh! (Grades 3-11 | Innovations)

JASON’s partnership with Slooh enables educators and students to access an array of 10 world-class telescopes located on the mountaintops of the Canary Islands, Spain and Santiago, Chile. Slooh’s unique platform allows students to control the telescopes. Images captured are used to complete gamified learning modules called “Quests”, cross-curricular explorations that utilize the objects collected from the telescopes to engage students in authentic learning experiences. Join us for an orientation to the Slooh platform and learn how to: create your free Slooh accounts; manage classrooms on Slooh; and plan a mission using the robotic telescopes. We’ll share tips and strategies for making the most of the unlimited, live telescope feeds using guided inquiry with the Quests!

Guest Presenters

Russ Glenn

Director of Education, Slooh

Wednesday July 7, 2021 1:30pm - 2:25pm EDT

Block A

Grade Level 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Theme Innovations
Audience Classroom Educators, Instructional Coaches

1:30pm EDT

Mosquitoes, More Than A Bite! - A Virtual “Field Trip” with the Harris County Public Health Mosquito & Vector Control Division (All Audiences | Virtual Adventure)

Limited Capacity seats available

Mosquitoes can be more than a nuisance, they also transmit diseases. Join HCPH MVCD for an adventure in vector control operations - from mosquito collections and testing for mosquito-borne diseases in local mosquito populations to working with the community. Entomologists, Virologists, Researchers and Educators from the unit will be your guides as they provide a mix of live, interactive discussion, Q&A and clips of folks actually working in the field. Join us for this unique opportunity to go behind the scenes with the experts!

STEM Professionals

Dr. Max Vigilant

Technical Operations Manager, Harris County Public Health Mosquito & Vector Control Division

Dr. Miguel Saldaña

Alternate Mosquito Control & Applied Research Manager, Harris County Public Health Mosquito & Vector Control Division

Salvador Rico

Inspections Supervisor, Harris County Public Health Mosquito & Vector Control Division

Cheryl Battle-Freeman

Virologist, Harris County Public Health Mosquito & Vector Control Division

Chris Fredregill

Mosquito & Vector Control Director, Harris County Public Health Mosquito & Vector Control Division

Rebecca Riley

Health Education Specialist, Harris County Public Health Mosquito & Vector Control Division

Wednesday July 7, 2021 1:30pm - 2:25pm EDT

Block A

Theme Virtual Adventure
Audience Everyone

1:30pm EDT

STEM Habits of Mind with Early Childhood (Grades PreK - 2 | Classroom Implementation)

STEM is more than content. It includes habits of mind that are especially vital in the early childhood years: creativity, observation, communication, and persistence. Join us for an overview of JASON's new early childhood collection featuring STEM & Bloom, an interdisciplinary unit that combines art, science, math and literature through the theme of gardening. Hear from early childhood providers who piloted STEM & Bloom this spring as they share their experiences using the program and the impact it had on their early learners. Finally, be the first to get a sneak peek at the early childhood missions that are now under development: The Physics Fair and Water, Wind, and Weather - and learn more about how you can be a part of the next pilot!

Guest Presenters

Becky Bevan

Grade 1 Educator, Nadaburg, AZ

I am a first grade teacher at a small school in a rural area. I was part of the initial pilot program for the Stem and Bloom Module. I loved the activities that my students completed and even incorporated writing into the program.

Cassandra Pearson

Teacher, Newport News Public Schools

I am a Pre-K Educator and I have been teaching for 10 years with Newport News Public Schools. I have served 5 years as a Lead Teacher and 3 years as a CyberSTEAM Lead. I am a DonorsChoose Advocate and Ambassador and I firmly believe students and teachers should have the resources... Read More →

Jeanna Hodges

Grade K Educator, Nadaburg, AZ

I love teaching Science to Kindergarten students and doing an after school STEM club for K-2

Juliana Texley

Co-Author of the Award Winning Book, Teaching STEM Literacy: A Constructivist Approach for ages 3 to 8

Juliana Texley is the author of JASON's new Early Childhood STEM Curriculum. She has authored many previous JASON Missions--a true fan for 20 years.

Monica Schmidt

Trainer, JASON Learning

Elementary science and math teacher for life (even though I am retired from public education service)! Passionate about RV life with my hubby and being MiMi to two grandsons!

Wednesday July 7, 2021 1:30pm - 2:25pm EDT

Block A

Grade Level Pre-K, 1, 2, K
Theme Classroom Implementation
Audience Early Childhood Providers

2:30pm EDT

Keynote: Connected Storm Sanctuary – Telecom in Natural Disasters

Learn how the 4th largest telecom provider in the US manages its award-winning cellular network during and after natural disasters to ensure the best experience for customer connectivity. In times of crisis, wireless connectivity is more important than ever: to ensure first responders can effectively keep people safe and so families and communities can stay connected to each other.

STEM Professionals

Dr. Robert Jakubek

VP Engineering and Network Operations, US Cellular

As vice president of engineering and network operations for UScellular, Robert is responsible for ensuring the superior quality of UScellular's high-speed network so that customers have the world's best wireless experience. Jakubek also leads engineering teams at all of UScellular's... Read More →

Wednesday July 7, 2021 2:30pm - 3:25pm EDT

Keynote

Audience Everyone

3:30pm EDT

Engaging Students in Inquiry Through Immersion Learning (Grades 6-8 | Classroom Implementation)

For Educators by Educators Session
This session is for educators who want to learn about how to implement STEM and interdisciplinary learning into the classroom using JASON resources. In this session, the implementation of explorative inquiry is modeled using JASON’s "Immersion Learning: Return to Titanic". What started as a trial and error lesson for me became one of my signature lessons that spark student learning, inquiry, and fascination.

Guest Presenters

Kyan Butler

8th Grade Science Teacher & JASON Coach, Spring ISD, TX

Wednesday July 7, 2021 3:30pm - 3:55pm EDT

Block B

Featured Collection/Curriculum Return to Titanic
Grade Level 6, 7, 8
Theme Classroom Implementation
Audience Classroom Educators

3:30pm EDT

JASON and Google (Grades 3-5 | Hybrid & Remote Learning)

For Educators by Educators Session
Are you a Google Classroom user? This session combines the best of JASON and Google Apps so that you can tailor the JASON lessons and resources to your grade level and needs. Attendees will walk away with ways to combine JASON resources and Google Apps to make lessons interactive and engaging for elementary students.

Guest Presenters

Kim Walsh

Digital Literacy Teacher / Virtual Elementary Teacher, Quincy, MA

Wednesday July 7, 2021 3:30pm - 3:55pm EDT

Block B

Featured Collection/Curriculum Grab-and-Go
Grade Level 3, 4, 5
Theme Hybrid & Remote Learning
Audience Classroom Educators

3:30pm EDT

Shining Brighter with JASON (Grades 4-12 | Community Engagement)

For Educators by Educators Session
This session is intended to give educators, coaches and administrators the tools to use JASON as a means to engage families in their students' learning. The exposure to JASON being used at home encourages critical thinking, the use of the 5 C's, design thinking, creativity and family teamwork. Attendees will be able to use JASON more confidently and see how JASON can bring school, home and communities together to meet the academic and social needs of students. Attendees will walk away with fresh ideas and resources to use JASON in a physical and virtual classroom and at home.

Guest Presenters

Amanda Bell

Teacher & Curriculum Writer, Portsmouth Public Schools, VA

I am a 5-year veteran Physical Science teacher from Portsmouth, VA. I am a member of the city-wide curriculum writing team, where I get to ensure that all students have equitable learning opportunities, including many JASON activities. This year I joined the JASON Learning Teacher... Read More →

Devese Peace-Branch

Teacher/Science Department Chair & Curriculum Writer, Portsmouth Public Schools, VA

Devese Peace-Branch is an 8th Grade Physical Science teacher and has been an educator for 5 years in the Portsmouth Public Schools district in Portsmouth, VA. Devese majored in Chemistry and Interdisciplinary Studies and is a graduate of Norfolk State University. At Churchland Middle... Read More →

Wednesday July 7, 2021 3:30pm - 3:55pm EDT

Block B

Grade Level 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Theme Community Engagement
Audience Classroom Educators, Administrators, Subject Area Coaches

3:30pm EDT

Tips and Strategies for Igniting Underserved Students in STEM Through JASON (Grades 6-8 | Classroom Implementation)

For Educators by Educators Session
Are you looking for ways to make grade-level content reading more accessible to your students? Do you want to ignite their interest in STEM and enhance their independence? I am a Middle School Science Teacher who works in a low socioeconomic urban district where 80% of students are Hispanic, 20% are English language learners, 82% are considered economically disadvantaged, and over 85% of students are classified as “high needs”. I'm looking forward to sharing tips and strategies as well as feedback from my students who have utilized and "LOVE" (direct quote) using JASON.

Guest Presenters

Caitlin Woods

Grade 6-7th Science Teacher, Holyoke, MA

Wednesday July 7, 2021 3:30pm - 3:55pm EDT

Block B

Featured Collection/Curriculum Tectonic Fury
Grade Level 6, 7, 8
Theme Classroom Implementation
Audience Classroom Educators

4:00pm EDT

ARGO Algebra - Quest 2: Learning Curves (Grades 6-10 | New Curriculum)

Welcome to Learning Curves, the non-linear unit of ARGO Integrated Algebra! In this learning experience, you will explore how exponential, polynomial, and quadratic relationships are used to solve exciting and important real-world challenges, like designing the rides and attractions at an amusement park. So, be creative and get your adventure on!

STEM Professionals

Justin Maffei

Curriculum Writer and Certified Trainer, JASON Learning

I am an educator with a passion for implementing best instructional practices for mathematics. As one of the writers of the ARGO Math curriculum, the team has designed the curriculum to incorporate best instructional practices throughout.

Guest Presenters

Shelly Pine

JASON Trainer, JASON Learning

I love writing math curriculum for JASON. The only time I'm more excited is when I watch students and teachers learn using the information we created. You'll love ARGO. Hold on!!!

Wednesday July 7, 2021 4:00pm - 4:30pm EDT

Block C

Grade Level 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Theme New Curriculum
Audience Classroom Educators, Curriculum & Instruction Coordinators, Subject Area Coaches

4:00pm EDT

JASON for Newcomers (All Audiences | Classroom Implementation)

Participate in an orientation to JASON, including JASON’s philosophy, curricula, and available resources. Educators will learn how to access standard alignments and identify the curriculum collections best suited for their needs. This includes tips and strategies for onboarding students and navigating the JASON platform. Best for educators getting started with JASON for the very first time.

Guest Presenters

DeLaura McLellan

JASON National Trainer, JASON Learning

I'm a graduate of the University of Minnesota in Education; I've been in education for 40 years; I have taught in the classroom grades K-12; I was the Observatory coordinator for Jackson Middle School for several years; I've been a JASON Educator since 1992; I'm a NASA Solar System... Read More →

Monica Schmidt

Trainer, JASON Learning

Elementary science and math teacher for life (even though I am retired from public education service)! Passionate about RV life with my hubby and being MiMi to two grandsons!

Wednesday July 7, 2021 4:00pm - 4:30pm EDT

Block C

Theme Classroom Implementation
Audience Everyone

4:00pm EDT

JASON Game Integration (Grades 4-12 | Classroom Implementation)

Leverage JASON Games to meet instructional needs for your students. Using our brand new HTML 5 version of MasterMines, participants will explore options for game delivery and implementation while helping students to make connections to key instructional standards and real-world phenomena. Methods can be applied to all JASON games!

Guest Presenters

Julie Richards

JASON Trainer, JASON Learning

Rick Folwell

JASON National Trainer and STEM Teacher, ID, JASON Learning

Rick is a certified K-8 teacher with a Master’s degree in Educational Technology from Boise State University. He has been teaching middle school for the last 24 years, teaching all core subjects, with a focus on STEM for the past 15 years. Rick has been a JASON National Trainer... Read More →

Wednesday July 7, 2021 4:00pm - 4:30pm EDT

Block C

Featured Collection/Curriculum Games
Grade Level 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Theme Classroom Implementation
Audience Classroom Educators, Subject Area Coaches

4:00pm EDT

Navigating the Moon and Mars (Grades 5-12 | Classroom Implementation)

The Aldrin Family Foundation and JASON Learning invite you to explore the topography and geography of the surface of the Moon and Mars. Learn how NASA leverages this information to inform the selection of landing sites and future human occupation.

Guest Presenters

Debra Hill

Vice President of Curriculum Development, JASON Learning

Deb came to JASON Learning after retiring in July 2018 from a 28-year career in public education. From July 2009-June 2018, Deb was the Secondary Science Coordinator for Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District in NW Houston, Texas, the 3rd largest school district in Texas and... Read More →

Jim Christensen

Executive Director, Aldrin Family Foundation

I am a former middle school teacher. I represented teachers in Iowa as a Presidential Awardee for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. I worked in the Teaching from Space Program office at Johnson Space Center and served as Director of Education at Kennedy Space Center... Read More →

Wednesday July 7, 2021 4:00pm - 4:30pm EDT

Block C

Featured Collection/Curriculum Aldrin Family Foundation - You are the Next Space Explorers
Grade Level 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Theme Classroom Implementation
Audience Classroom Educators, Administrators, Curriculum & Instruction Coordinators, Subject Area Coaches

12:00pm EDT

JASON Address + Keynote: Creating “A New Normal” for STEM Education with Justice for All Students: The COVID-19 Pandemic and Systemic Racism

The presentation proposes an instructional framework that STEM education, by foregrounding justice and capitalizing on new advances in STEM disciplines, could offer solutions to systematic racism. Specifically, the instructional framework leverages data science, computer science, and multidisciplinary convergence of STEM disciplines, which have become key to finding solutions to the pandemic. By harnessing the affordances of new advances in STEM disciplines to address systemic racism, the instructional framework presents one approach to creating “a new normal” for STEM education with justice for all students. The COVID-19 pandemic offers an unprecedented context to engage all students in societally relevant problems. During the presentation, participants navigate data sources and review our science lessons as an example of our instructional framework.

STEM Professionals

Todd Campbell

Department head of Curriculum Instruction, Professor of Science Education, Neag School of Education, University of Connecticut

Todd Campbell is the department head of Curriculum and Instruction and a professor of science education in the Neag School of Education at the University of Connecticut. His research focuses on cultivating imaginative and equitable representations of STEM. In formal science learning... Read More →

Okhee Lee

Professor of Childhood Education, New York University

Okhee Lee is a professor in the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development at New York University. Her research involves integrating science, language, and computational thinking with a focus on English learners. Her latest research addresses COVID-19 and systemic... Read More →

Guest Presenters

JASON Staff

Thursday July 8, 2021 12:00pm - 1:25pm EDT

Keynote

Audience Everyone

1:30pm EDT

Equity After COVID, A Superintendent's Panel (All Audiences | Equity & Accessibility)

How are districts responding to the inequities revealed and made explicit during the COVID pandemic? Join a panel of Superintendents to hear perspectives on what it will take for all students to have “equal” access to STEM. Panelists will share what they are doing to support educators and students in the new, post-COVID-19 era, why it matters, and how JASON is playing a key role. Join the discussion as we explore the challenges and potential solutions in ensuring a just educational system moving into 2021-22 and beyond.

Moderators

Dr. Eleanor Smalley

President and CEO, JASON Learning

Guest Presenters

Dr. Aspasia Angelou

Superintendent, Nadaburg Unified School District No. 81 & Morristown Elementary District No. 75

Lori Bedsole

Advanced Academic Programs Education Specialist, Fairfax County Public Schools

Maura Horgan

Director of Curriculum and Staff Development, Newark City Schools

Thursday July 8, 2021 1:30pm - 2:25pm EDT

Block A

Theme Equity and Accessibility
Audience Everyone

1:30pm EDT

Journey With JASON K-12 (Grades K-12 | Classroom Implementation)

Participants will journey with JASON from K-12.We will take a walk through the TEKS (Texas State Standards) and NGSS, looking at standards and concepts that are connected from elementary, middle and high school. Participants will walk through World of Waves & Terminal Velocity as exemplar models of how to apply the same work with most JASON curricula. As specialists from each grade level band, we will highlight the importance of vertical alignment for student success with JASON as an instrumental tool. Attendees will be able to apply the main ideas of this work to other JASON lessons and emphasize vertical alignment, its importance and impact on student comprehension.

Guest Presenters

Jonathan Kubilis

ES Curriculum Specialist, Spring ISD, TX

Mark Rouse

HS Curriculum Specialist, Spring ISD, TX

Tania Smith

Science Curriculum Specialist, SpringISD

Tania Smith is a Science Curriculum Specialist for Spring ISD. She serves this role after 20+ years of education. She has an innate love and ability to learn, use and share skills of digital learning and instructional technology with the education community.

Thursday July 8, 2021 1:30pm - 2:25pm EDT

Block A

Grade Level K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Theme Classroom Implementation
Audience Classroom Educators, Administrators, Curriculum & Instruction Coordinators, Subject Area Coaches

1:30pm EDT

Metal Recycling – A Virtual Tour of a Working Scrap Yard (All Audiences | Virtual Adventure)

Limited Capacity seats available

Located in Portland, Oregon, Bob’s Metals Inc. has been processing scrap metal since 1983. Join Peter Van Houten and Justin Cannon for a virtual tour of their facility, sharing videos of how metal is processed from burning, shearing, shredding, bailing to smelting of scrap metal in the process of transitioning scrap into raw material as part of the material product life cycle. This session will also include a sneak preview of this year’s Annual Recycling Contest!

STEM Professionals

Justin Cannon

Metals Buyer, Bob's Metal

Justin Cannon is currently the Metals Buyer for Bob’s Metals Inc., a scrap metal processor in Portland, Oregon. A 2005 graduate of the University of Oregon with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology Justin began his career as a behavioral specialist in the special education... Read More →

Peter Van Houten

General Manager, Bob's Metal

Peter Van Houten is currently the General Manager of Bob’s Metals Inc., a scrap metal processor in Portland, Past-President of the Pacific Northwest Chapter of ISRI, and current chairman of ISRI’s Youth Outreach program partnering ISRI with Jason Learning in the promotion and... Read More →

Thursday July 8, 2021 1:30pm - 2:25pm EDT

Block A

Theme Virtual Adventure
Audience Everyone

1:30pm EDT

The Impact of the Argonaut Experience (All Audiences | Equity and Accessibility)

For over 30 years, The Argonaut program has provided opportunities for students and educators to work side-by-side STEM professionals in the field, and is one of JASON’s great success stories in how JASON has leveled the playing field for students and educators. Thanks to this fully sponsored program, over 800 students and educators have been engaged in hands-on, scientific fieldwork - individuals who otherwise would have never had opportunities to travel or immerse themselves in STEM. Hear from a panel of former student and teacher Argonauts about the impact their field experiences have had on life and work, and how for many it has been a life-changing experience. Teachers will consider the impact of the Argonaut program and encourage their students and other teachers to apply.

Guest Presenters

Amber Harris

Teacher/Former Teacher Argonaut, Southampton County Public Schools

Gabriel Smalls

Former Student Argonaut, Portsmouth, VA

Jane Ramos

Former Teacher Argonaut, Smithfield, RI

Jude Kesl

Argonaut Program Coordinator, JASON Learning

JASON Learning Argonaut Expedition Leader.

Mary Le

Former Student Argonaut, Spring ISD, TX

Thursday July 8, 2021 1:30pm - 2:25pm EDT

Block A

Theme Equity and Accessibility
Audience Everyone

2:30pm EDT

Keynote: From Environmental Stewardship to Entrepreneurship: The Importance of Developing the Next Generation of STEMpreneurs

Former NOAA Scientist turned entrepreneur, Dr. Melanie Okoro, discusses her transition from environmental scientist to entrepreneurship, shares actionable advice on how to inspire the next generation of STEMpreneurs, and the vanguard role of educators as stewards in empowering the communities they serve.

STEM Professionals

Dr. Melanie Harrison Okoro

Chief Executive Officer / Founder, Eco-Alpha Environmental & Engineering Services

Melanie Harrison Okoro is a marine estuarine and environmental scientist. She is the founder, CEO, and principal of Eco-Alpha Environmental & Engineering Services. Okoro focuses on environmental aquatic biogeochemistry, professional natural resource management, and STEM diversity... Read More →

Thursday July 8, 2021 2:30pm - 3:25pm EDT

Keynote

Audience Everyone

3:30pm EDT

Adding STEAM to STEM (All Audiences | Community Engagement)

For Educators by Educators Session
This session will provide participants with an overview of how Franklin City Public Schools used students and community resources to incorporate the visual art into STEM education.
JASON’s Learning Recycle Contest will be featured as a supplemental resource to JASON Learning’s Online Curriculum. This session will feature how visual art teachers support the core content areas for STEM education. Attendees will be able to see how Franklin City Public School implemented Arts across the content areas as a district wide initiative. We will share the outcome of how students build relationships with community partners and become influenced to shift their thinking about recycling. Attendees will walk away with innovative activities for real world application to incorporate in STEAM lessons.

Guest Presenters

Brittney Boone

High School Art Teacher, Franklin City Public Schools, VA

Brittney Boone is the Art Teacher & Year Book Coordinator at Franklin High School. Ms. Boone has received her Bachelor of Science Degree from Chowan University; she is also a Franklin High School alumni. Ms. Boone is also very passionate about art education, she strongly believes... Read More →

Clinton A. Smith, Sr.

Elementary School, Art Teacher, Franklin City Public Schools, VA

I received my B.S. degree in Art Education K-12 and a Masters Degree in Educational Media from Virginia State University. I also attended my local community college, Paul D. Camp Community College, and received a certificate in electricity and a diploma in electronics.During the... Read More →

Felicia Burkhalter

Chief Academic Officer, Franklin City Public Schools, VA

Felicia Burkhalter, Chief Academic Officer for Franklin City Public Schools, believes that All students can learn, just not in the same way on the same day. Through partnerships with teachers, administrations, central office staff, and community stakeholders, she is a champion for... Read More →

Thursday July 8, 2021 3:30pm - 3:55pm EDT

Block B

Theme Community Engagement
Audience Everyone

3:30pm EDT

ARGO Geometry - Quest 1: For Good Measure (Grades 6-10 | Classroom Implementation)

Join us for an overview of ARGO Geometry where students solve practical problems using concepts around length, perimeter, area, volume, diameter, radius, and circumference while designing a tiny, space-efficient home. May be used in a wide range of grade levels - for advanced learners, on-grade level or for reinforcement and review for older learners.

Guest Presenters

Justin Maffei

Curriculum Writer and Certified Trainer, JASON Learning

Shelly Pine

JASON Trainer, JASON Learning

I love writing math curriculum for JASON. The only time I'm more excited is when I watch students and teachers learn using the information we created. You'll love ARGO. Hold on!!!

Thursday July 8, 2021 3:30pm - 3:55pm EDT

Block B

Grade Level 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Theme Classroom Implementation
Audience Classroom Educators, Curriculum & Instruction Coordinators, Subject Area Coaches

3:30pm EDT

JASON "Wins" The 3D Award (All Audiences | Innovations, Community Engagement)

For Educators by Educators Session
JASON Learning works on many levels and in many dimensions, making it an impactful program for all involved: educators, students, and parents. Come hear our success stories and tips and strategies for engaging parents and family members in the learning process. Participants will leave this session with new ways to implement the program as a teacher and ideas for supporting JASON at home as a parent along with a mini collection of resources we’ve prepared.

Guest Presenters

Devese Peace-Branch

Teacher/Science Department Chair & Curriculum Writer, Portsmouth Public Schools, VA

Karen Thomas

Instructional Specialist, Drew Academy

Thursday July 8, 2021 3:30pm - 3:55pm EDT

Block B

Theme Innovations, Community Engagement
Audience Everyone

3:30pm EDT

JASON Learning Design Thinking Ambassador Program (Grades 6-12 | Innovations)

For Educators by Educators Session
JASON Learning launched the Design Thinking Ambassador Program in partnership with Aldine ISD (TX) in the Spring of 2021. Ambassadors explored this human-centered design and problem-solving approach while engaging with community leaders and organizations that are working to support a more Resilient Houston. Ambassadors developed a Design Thinking Challenge for their students that they will be implementing in the fall of 2021. We’ll share more about what it means to be an Ambassador and opportunities for educators to become involved in the program.

Guest Presenters

Casey O'Hare

7th Grade Science Teacher | Design Thinking Ambassador, Aldine ISD, TX

Debra Hill

Vice President of Curriculum Development, JASON Learning

Xandra Williams-Earlie

Program Director of High School Science, Aldine ISD

Thursday July 8, 2021 3:30pm - 3:55pm EDT

Block B

Featured Collection/Curriculum Design and Pitch Challenges in STEM, Innovation Sandbox
Grade Level 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Theme Innovations
Audience Classroom Educators, Administrators, Curriculum & Instruction Coordinators, Subject Area Coaches

4:00pm EDT

Feeling Fear with The Bug Chicks (Grades 6-12 | Classroom Implementation)

Join JASON partners Kristie Reddick and Jessica Honaker of The Bug Chicks as they share their new collection, Feeling Fear, now available through JASON. Connecting the science of entomology with social-emotional learning, they use bugs to help people open their minds, break down prejudices and feel empowered in their lives. This curriculum uses arthropods to teach about empathy, self-regulation and offers student reflections & group discussions and tech projects that students can do individually or together.

Guest Presenters

The Bug Chicks (Kristie Reddick & Jessica Honaker)

The Bug Chicks

Kristie Reddick and Jessica Honaker are The Bug Chicks, entomologists and educators who specialize in blending arthropod-based science with social-emotional concepts.Kristie Reddick, M.S. Entomologist, University Lecturer and Educational Media Specialist, The Bug ChicksJessica Honaker... Read More →

Thursday July 8, 2021 4:00pm - 4:30pm EDT

Block C

Grade Level 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Theme Classroom Implementation
Audience Classroom Educators, Curriculum & Instruction Coordinators, Subject Area Coaches

4:00pm EDT

JASON Coaches Program (Grades K-12 | Classroom Implementation)

Help strengthen and expand the opportunities for engaging students, teachers and the community in STEM by becoming a JASON Coach in your district! Gain access to a library of resources and connect with a network of peers. Hear from individuals who have recently gone through the program and learn how you can participate in the next cohort.

Guest Presenters

Amy O'Neal

Director of Professional Learning, JASON Learning

Julie Richards

JASON Trainer, JASON Learning

Thursday July 8, 2021 4:00pm - 4:30pm EDT

Block C

Grade Level K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Theme Classroom Implementation
Audience Classroom Educators, Curriculum & Instruction Coordinators, Subject Area Coaches

4:00pm EDT

Sneak Peek at “The Physics Fair” for Early Childhood (Grades PreK - 2 | New Curriculum)

At the Early Childhood level, STEM Habits of Mind empowers learners to problem solve and create. JASON's new Mission: The Physics Fair is progressive--not separate activities-- and focuses on behaviors like persistence, creativity, cooperation, and the practices of science and engineering while young learners explore forces and motion and imagine their own theme park ride or attraction. Get an insider’s look at this new module to be released and made available this summer! Learn more about the Physics Fair pilot and how you can participate. Great for planning for the 2021-22 school-year.

Guest Presenters

Juliana Texley

Co-Author of the Award Winning Book, Teaching STEM Literacy: A Constructivist Approach for ages 3 to 8

Juliana Texley is the author of JASON's new Early Childhood STEM Curriculum. She has authored many previous JASON Missions--a true fan for 20 years.

Monica Schmidt

Trainer, JASON Learning

Elementary science and math teacher for life (even though I am retired from public education service)! Passionate about RV life with my hubby and being MiMi to two grandsons!

Thursday July 8, 2021 4:00pm - 4:30pm EDT

Block C

Grade Level Pre-K, 1, 2
Theme New Curriculum
Audience Classroom Educators, Administrators, Curriculum & Instruction Coordinators, Subject Area Coaches

4:00pm EDT

The Great Outdoors (Grades 3-12 | Community Engagement)

For Educators by Educators Session
In this session, Doddridge County Schools share how they have implemented "The Great Outdoors Community Challenge". In this challenge, student teams DESIGN and SHARE a walking/hiking trail that showcases local points of interest in their community. Join this session to learn how you might implement "The Great Outdoors Community Challenge" in your community!

Guest Presenters

Debra Hill

Vice President of Curriculum Development, JASON Learning

Kimberly Britton

FBLA Advisor & Business/Marketing Instructor, Doddridge County Schools, WV

Mother of 2 boys, grandmother of 1 boy, and married to my best friend for almost 37 years, I am a busy teacher and business owner. After 25 years in industry I left to teach Accounting in college for 5 years before coming to the high school level for the past 12 years to teach Business/Marketing... Read More →

Thursday July 8, 2021 4:00pm - 4:30pm EDT

Block C

Grade Level 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Theme Community Engagement
Audience Classroom Educators, Administrators, Curriculum & Instruction Coordinators, Subject Area Coaches

4:00pm EDT

What’s New & Exciting in JASON (Grades 3-12 | New Curriculum)

Survey the most recent collections and resources in JASON, and get a sneak peek of what’s coming! Great for planning for the 2021-22 school-year.

Guest Presenters

Cindy McGlynn

JASON National Trainer, JASON Learning

Cindy McGlynn has been teaching since 1987. Inquiry field work dominates her 9th through 12th grade science classes at Goshen High School in New York State. Inquiry based learning has also dominated Cindy’s teaching in both local environments and while abroad with students and... Read More →

Rick Folwell

JASON National Trainer and STEM Teacher, ID, JASON Learning

Thursday July 8, 2021 4:00pm - 4:30pm EDT

Block C

Grade Level 3, 5, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Theme New Curriculum
Audience Classroom Educators, Administrators, Curriculum & Instruction Coordinators, Subject Area Coaches