Both registration and breakfast will take place at:

FSCJ Advanced Technology Center
401 W. State Street
Jacksonville, FL 32202
Building T, Room T-140/141

A Multidisciplinary Escape Room: Gamifying Curriculum to Engage Adult Education Students

Pearl Wharton-Gill and Barbara Summers, Florida State College at Jacksonville

The FSCJ Adult Education Team will demonstrate a multidisciplinary escape room as an andragogical approach to gamification in the classroom to enhance student engagement and success. This workshop is appropriate for K-12 and post-secondary instructors, instructional programs and students.

PD 2655
9:00 a.m. – 9:50 a.m.
Room T-231
One Percent Hours: Eligible
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Beyond the Lab: Integrating Art into Science Learning

Annelle Bonnett, Florida State College at Jacksonville and DCPS

Many scientific concepts are abstract, making them difficult for students to visualize and connect to real-world experiences. Using the arts to deepen students' understanding of science is not an "extra," but a meaningful way to increase engagement, creativity, and retention. This interactive session showcases examples of science-art integration from the classroom, including music, visual arts, storytelling, performance, and multimedia projects. Participants will explore practical approaches for incorporating art-based learning strategies that encourage creativity while maintaining scientific rigor and promoting deeper conceptual understanding. Attendees will leave with adaptable project ideas that can be used across STEM disciplines.

PD 2645
9:00 a.m. – 9:50 a.m.
Room T-241A
One Percent Hours: Eligible
Register Now

From Classroom to Career: Refining Essential Science Skills Through Meaningful Student Engagement

Danielle Wolf, Macmillan Learning

By focusing on authentic assessment, storytelling, and immersive active learning, educators can help students refine "power skills"—such as data literacy and critical thinking—that are essential for success in a technology-driven career landscape.

PD 2650
9:00 a.m. – 9:50 a.m.
Room T-241
One Percent Hours: Eligible
Register Now

Plant Lab Tour and Workshop

Dianne Fair and Maria Oehler, Florida State College at Jacksonville

We would like to invite participants to come and tour the Bio Tech plant lab as a workshop or break out session.  As part of the session we will show what we have been doing, as well as demonstrate the various methods for starting seeds. We will also help participants start a seed(s) using their favorite method that they can take with them.

PD 2641
9:00 a.m. – 9:50 a.m.
Room T-234
One Percent Hours: Eligible
Register Now

Mission STEM-Possible: Sneaky Tactics for Capturing Student Engagement

Lisa (L/Elle) Lynch, Florida State College at Jacksonville

As many of you know (and as our students often say), learning all the material to succeed in a STEM course can feel like taking a drink from a spewing fire hydrant! This presentation will share creative ways to "sneak" engagement activities into your online content and in-person class sessions—without sacrificing instructional time to do it. Bring an open mind and a sense of humor because deep learning can still be FUN.

PD 2656
10:00 a.m. – 10:50 a.m.
Room T-231
One Percent Hours: Eligible
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The integration of artificial intelligence platforms in an undergraduate oral presentation course

Nisse Goldberg and John Pauls, Jacksonville University

Like any skill, using artificial intelligence (AI) tools needs mentorship and scaffolding to build confidence and clarify limits and possibilities. At Jacksonville University, undergraduate biology, marine science, and chemistry majors enroll in a required Oral Presentation course. For a service-learning project and class activity, students learn and use two AI platforms. With support from Academic Technology, they develop lesson plans and conduct interviews tied to the course goal of scientific communication. This presentation will outline the projects, workflow, and recommendations to prepare students to be AI-ready for the workforce.

PD 2651
10:00 a.m. – 10:50 a.m.
Room T-241
One Percent Hours: Eligible
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PCR: The Technology That Changed Modern Biotechnology

Kasyapa Chitta, Florida State College at Jacksonville

The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is one of the most transformative technologies in modern biotechnology, revolutionizing research, medicine, agriculture, and forensic science. This presentation will explore the fundamental principles of PCR, its pivotal role in the Human Genome Project, and its impact on advances such as disease diagnosis, personalized medicine, genetic engineering, infectious disease detection, and DNA fingerprinting. Through real-world examples, participants will gain an appreciation of how PCR continues to drive scientific innovation. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of introducing this revolutionary technology to K–12 students, inspiring scientific curiosity and preparing the next generation to contribute to the rapidly evolving biotechnology workforce.

PD 2642
10:00 a.m. – 10:50 a.m.
Room T-234
One Percent Hours: Eligible
Register Now

When We Try to Teach Too Much, We Teach Too Little: Active Learning Strategies Aimed at Transforming Physics from an Intimidating Subject into a Meaningful and Exciting Experience

Florin Apostol, Florida State College at Jacksonville

Physics courses often try to cover as much content as possible, yet this emphasis on breadth can leave students overwhelmed and disengaged. Guided by the principle that "When we try to teach too much, we teach too little," this presentation highlights active learning strategies that prioritize depth, sense making, and student engagement. By using real world examples, fun demonstrations, visualization, storytelling, thought experiments, and questions that reveal misconceptions, I help students connect core ideas across different contexts instead of viewing formulas as isolated, dry facts. Throughout, I share my enthusiasm for physics aiming to model curiosity and continuous learning.

PD 2646
10:00 a.m. – 10:50 a.m.
Room T-241A
One Percent Hours: Eligible
Register Now

Finding Your Way: Three Field-Tested Outdoor Science Investigations that Build Observation, Navigation, and Spatial Thinking

Miranda Pridgen, Wild & Rooted Outdoor Learning

Find your place in the world—first by using the Sun, then by mapping the landscape, and finally by communicating location with precision. This interactive workshop engages educators in three field-tested investigations that build spatial reasoning, observation, and geographic literacy through place-based science learning. Participants begin with a shadow stick investigation to observe solar movement and infer direction, then translate spatial observation into landmark-based mapping. The session ends with a collaborative treasure grid challenge that integrates coordinates, cardinal directions, and landmark relationships for authentic navigation reasoning. Designed for indoor or outdoor use with minimal materials, this sequence models how scientific thinking develops from observing and recording natural patterns to symbolic representation to spatial problem-solving.

PD 2647
11:00 a.m. – 11:50 a.m.
Room T-241A
One Percent Hours: Eligible
Register Now

Introduction to Urban Agriculture

Lance Culver, Florida State College at Jacksonville

Basic introduction to Urban Agriculture, sustainability, and aquaponics.

PD 2659
11:00 a.m. – 11:50 a.m.
Room C-106R (Aquaponics Lab)
One Percent Hours: Eligible
Register Now

The Metaphors that Think for Us: AI, Natural Selection, and the Language of Science

Nicolas Michaud, Florida State College at Jacksonville

It is common to use metaphors to help us understand scientific ideas. Difficult, abstract, and highly mathematical concepts may be made more “understandable” through figurative language that engages common experience. The immune system “fights invaders,” DNA is a “blueprint,” and AI “thinks.” These metaphors, however, are limited and can have consequences, as in Social Darwinism. At the core of every metaphor is a fundamental untruth enabling an impossible comparison that generates a feeling of understanding. This presentation considers familiar scientific metaphors, their pedagogical value and limitations, and the epistemic, normative, and ethical implications of where they break down.

PD 2643
11:00 a.m. – 11:50 a.m.
Room T-234
One Percent Hours: Eligible
Register Now

The Strange and Intriguing Chemistry of Color

Kalia Toro-Sepúlveda, Florida State College at Jacksonville

Color has fascinated humanity for thousands of years, shaping art, culture, science, and technology. The chemistry of color reveals a remarkable story of innovation and discovery. This lecture explores the science behind the pigments that have painted human history. Bridging chemistry, art, and history, this lecture intends to offer a colorful journey through the scientific processes and happy accidents that has shaped the way people create, perceive, and express color across the ages.

PD 2652
11:00 a.m. – 11:50 a.m.
Room T-241
One Percent Hours: Eligible
Register Now

Why Not Ask Them? Year Two

Monica Parker and Maria Oehler, Florida State College at Jacksonville

Last year we presented some preliminary data from a survey where we asked students about their experience in the BSC1005L online lab course. We used that data and suggestions from our presentation participants to create a tool that gathers student perception of skills gained as well as their reflection on the relevance of course materials.

PD 2657
11:00 a.m. – 11:50 a.m.
Room T-231
One Percent Hours: Eligible
Register Now

Lunch will take place at:

FSCJ Advanced Technology Center
401 W. State Street
Jacksonville, FL 32202
Building T, Room T-140/141

Differentiated Instruction in Science (WICOR AVID Strategies)

Latasha Lawrence, Duval County Public Schools Science Department

Discover practical, classroom-ready strategies for differentiating science instruction while embedding WICOR (Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading) AVID strategies to increase student engagement and achievement. Participants will explore instructional practices that promote critical thinking, scientific discourse, and equitable access to rigorous learning. This interactive session provides ready-to-use tools, lesson examples, and strategies that support diverse learners while fostering active participation and deeper understanding in science classrooms.

PD 2644
1:40 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Room T-234
One Percent Hours: Eligible
Register Now

Diplomacy in Action: Empowering Students to Create Global Impact through the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomacy Lab

Jason Walker, Lourdes Norman-McKay, and Daniel Cronrath, Florida State College at Jacksonville

The U.S. Department of State’s Diplomacy Lab connects students with real-world foreign policy challenges requiring research, analysis, and innovative solutions. At Florida State College at Jacksonville, students have completed Diplomacy Lab projects through Honors Capstone experiences, presented findings to Department of State representatives in Washington, D.C., and engaged with officials at the U.S. Embassy in South Africa. This presentation will highlight FSCJ’s past successes and introduce opportunities for expanded student and faculty participation. Diplomacy Lab allows interdisciplinary teams to build research, communication, teamwork, and global problem-solving skills while contributing to issues of international importance.

PD 2658
1:40 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Room T-231
One Percent Hours: Eligible
Register Now

D.R.I.V.E.: A Framework for Moving Students at Campus Centers from Point A (Academics, Assignments, Architecture) to Point B (Becoming Connected, Community, and Completion)

Andreia Thaxton, Florida State College at Jacksonville

This interactive workshop introduces D.R.I.V.E.: A Framework for Moving Students at Campus Centers from Point A (Academics, Assignments, Architecture) to Point B (Becoming Connected, Community, and Completion). Grounded in reflective teaching practice, the framework explores how intentional course design and place-based learning can strengthen engagement and student persistence at campus centers. A key focus is the creation of signature shared experiences, such as an architectural walking tour in Jacksonville’s Springfield community (Klutho tour hosted at Strings restaurant), that students reference long after the course ends, fostering identity, belonging, and cross-cohort connection. Participants will explore practical strategies for building community and student success.

PD 2653
1:40 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Room T-241
One Percent Hours: Eligible
Register Now

Introduction to Urban Agriculture

Lance Culver, Florida State College at Jacksonville

Basic introduction to Urban Agriculture, sustainability, and aquaponics.

PD 2659
1:40 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Room C-106R (Aquaponics Lab)
One Percent Hours: Eligible
Register Now

Planes and volumes with direction? Geometric Algebra in math, physics, and computer science

Andrew Bunch, Florida State College at Jacksonvile

Vectors are typically defined as variables that have magnitude and direction and are illustrated as lines with some orientation. Using the framework of Geometric Algebra, planes and volumes can also be defined as having magnitudes and directions as well. Furthermore, this can be done without the cross-product, a confusing concept to most students. Geometric Algebra can be used to deepen ones understanding of geometry and can be further applied in physics and mathematical modeling.

PD 2648
1:40 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Room T-241A
One Percent Hours: Eligible
Register Now

Bringing Clinical Research into the High School Classroom

Meaghan Rodgers, Mayo Clinic

This 45-minute interactive workshop introduces high school educators to the fundamentals of clinical research and explores ways to integrate real-world research concepts into the classroom. Through engaging examples and brief activities, participants will learn how topics such as study design, data collection, ethics, and informed consent can be adapted to support critical thinking and STEM learning. The session emphasizes practical, classroom-ready strategies that align with existing curricula. Attendees will leave with ideas and resources to help students connect academic content to real-world scientific careers and better understand the role of clinical research in advancing healthcare.

PD 2649
2:40 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Room T-241A
One Percent Hours: Eligible
Register Now

Designing a Connected STEM Ecosystem: Classroom to Home

Stacy Bradley, Hand2Mind

Discover how to connect classroom STEM instruction with meaningful at-home learning. Teachers will gain practical, ready-to-use strategies for embedding hands-on STEM activities into daily instruction, small groups, and independent work. Leaders will explore how to support and scale these efforts through family engagement and take-home learning experiences. Learn how to create a seamless STEM approach that boosts engagement and extends learning beyond the school day.

PD 2654
2:40 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Room T-241
One Percent Hours: Eligible
Register Now

Plant Lab Tour and Workshop

Dianne Fair and Maria Oehler, Florida State College at Jacksonville

We would like to invite participants to come and tour the Bio Tech plant lab as a workshop or break out session.  As part of the session we will show what we have been doing, as well as demonstrate the various methods for starting seeds. We will also help participants start a seed(s) using their favorite method that they can take with them.

PD 2641
2:40 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Room T-234
One Percent Hours: Eligible
Register Now