JASON National Conference: Full Schedule

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

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

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 →

Dr. 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 7 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 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

Julienne Richards

Head 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

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

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 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 HS Science, Aldine ISD

I look forward to always providing high-quality science staff development for teachers, which is a fundamental investment in the future of education. By offering teachers opportunities to expand their knowledge, refine their teaching methods, and stay current with the latest advancements... Read More →

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

Julienne Richards

Head 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

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