Both breakfast and registration will take place at:

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

The Welcome and Orientation portion will take place at:

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

Connecting Classrooms to Conservation

Ms. Emily Blum, Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens

Target Audience: K-8; 9-12; undergraduate science

Teaching conservation to the next generation is important as attitudes about the earth’s natural resources begin at an early age. As educators, we can give our students the opportunities they need to be environmental advocates. In this session, educators will learn ways to connect their classrooms to both local and global conservation efforts, while reinforcing the Florida State Science Standards! Educators will walk away with tools and resources that they can implement during the school year to get their students to take conservation actions. Whether it be within the four classroom walls or beyond, students at any age can make a meaningful impact on our environment and become wildlife stewards.
PD 2190
9:00 a.m. – 9:50 a.m.
40-minute presentation (with 10-minute Q&A)
Room T-234
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Creating a Virtual Escape Room for Your Classroom

Dr. Kyle Register, Florida State College at Jacksonville

Target Audience: K-8; 9-12; undergraduate science

Utilizing a digital escape room offers an enjoyable educational experience and is a distinctive and fun way for students to reinforce their understanding of scientific concepts. I will present the steps for creating a virtual escape room focusing my room on cardiovascular anatomy and physiology. You can then create an escape room for any subject and topic. There is ample space for creativity throughout the process, from room design, to writing the narrative, and designing the clues. Students work through various exercises to get the code to “escape” the room.
PD 2192
9:00 a.m. – 9:50 a.m.
40-minute presentation (with 10-minute Q&A)
Room T-241A
Register Now

Exploring Sustainable Agriculture: A Guided Tour of FSCJ's Aquaponics Lab

Mr. Lance "Doc" Culver, Florida State College at Jacksonville

Target Audience: K-8; 9-12; undergraduate science

Join the Urban Agriculture Team at the 2024 Science Symposium for a unique opportunity to explore sustainable agriculture through guided tours of FSCJ's Aquaponics Lab. Located in Building C, the lab will host three tours, each lasting approximately 10 minutes, followed by a 5-minute Q&A session. Participants will be gathered and escorted from the ATC Building to the Lab. Discover the future of farming with us!
PD 2189
9:00 a.m. – 9:50 a.m.
40-minute presentation (with 10-minute Q&A)
Tour - Meet by Pearl St. doors on first floor
Register Now

How do we keep students engaged with Science Circles?

Mrs. Silvana Spence, The STEAM Squad

Target Audience: K-8

"Engaging students with hands-on experiences is crucial for their learning growth. Science circles are learning strategies combined with various experiments following state standards for k-8th classrooms. The circles include science experiments, music, and movements where scholars will leave the classroom and carry lifelong memories and learning applications to their daily lives. This strategy will include several DIY experiments, including robotics. Educators can maximize their circles with literary content by implementing critical thinking strategy games to diversify students' learning."
PD 2193
9:00 a.m. – 9:50 a.m.
40-minute presentation (with 10-minute Q&A)
Room T-231
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Making Science Discussions Worthwhile in the Classroom

Prof. Alexandra Stancil, Florida State College at Jacksonville

Target Audience: K-8; 9-12; undergraduate science

The Discussion Board is one of the hardest assignments I find to get my students to not only enjoy but engage in the activity itself. As a dual enrollment instructor, I have the luxury of both the online and in-class platforms to relay information to the students. With this I have found the blending of the two to be most beneficial for the students, and myself. Typically, as a student you are given a discussion topic to read and post about, then required to follow-up with other classmates. In my Discussion posts, as this is a science course, I assign the students a research article before the discussion date, then we have a round table discussion of the article in class. We look at things from where and when it was published, to the type of research conducted, and the relevance of the topic to the material we are currently learning. Are there terms or methods we are asking them to know or are we currently studying? This helps bridge the gap between just learning the material and real-life applications in the science field. I even like to find current news articles if applicable that relate. This in-class discussion is then continued on the discussion board itself in Canvas. Here I will ask the students to use the FSCJ LLC’s databases to find another research article on the topic, and use this to complete the topics/questions asked on the discussion board. The students are in turn learning how to navigate the databases for research, engaging in learning current ideas or methods in science research, and become comfortable with reading and reviewing science materials. Having this follow the in-class discussion the students seem more engaged and open to share on the discussion board itself. This seems to continue and contribute to really great discussions and having the students engaged.
PD 2191
9:00 a.m. – 9:50 a.m.
40-minute presentation (with 10-minute Q&A)
Room T-241
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Back to Our Roots

Prof. Caroline Sampson, Florida State College at Jacksonville

Target Audience: K-8; 9-12; undergraduate science

Young children learn by playing. Is it possible that older people can, too? This session will highlight active learning strategies that can be used in even high-level classes, including gamification, small group activities and competitions, puzzles, and others. Participants will complete several cooperative learning activities that can be modified to any content.
PD 2196
10:00 a.m. – 10:50 a.m.
50-minute workshop
Room T-241A
Register Now

Climate Conscious Classrooms: Using Environmental Data to Improve our Communities

Ms. Karolyn Burns, The CLEO Institute

Target Audience: K-8; 9-12

Join the CLEO Institute for an inspiring and practical workshop tailored to empower educators to address climate change within their classrooms. Our workshop, "Climate Conscious Classrooms: Using Data to Improve our Communities," offers innovative strategies for teaching about climate change and its effects on our planet. Covering topics from air quality to tree cover, this session, led by CLEO Institute staff, will provide you with the knowledge and tools needed to engage your students in meaningful discussions, data gathering and analysis, and actionable solutions. You'll gain insights into environmental parameters, participate in hands-on activities, and learn effective communication techniques to inspire your students to become agents of change. Join us in navigating the complexities of climate change and shaping a sustainable future for future generations.
PD 2197
10:00 a.m. – 10:50 a.m.
50-minute workshop
Room T-231
Register Now

Implementing an Aligned Investigation in a Science Classroom

Mrs. Madeline Twigg, Ms. Brianna Hubbard, Ms. Shalimar Lane, Mrs. Kimberly Rowe, Duval Country Public Schools

Target Audience: K-8

In this workshop, we will navigate through the preparation and implementation of an aligned investigation in a science classroom. We will demonstrate the execution of the aligned investigation including but not limited to lab roles, use of hands-on materials, high order questions and checks for mastery of the standard.
PD 2194
10:00 a.m. – 10:50 a.m.
50-minute workshop
Room T-234
Register Now

Using 360 Immersive Video to Meet Student Learning Objectives

Dr. Nisse Goldberg, Dr. Amber Santos, Mr. Charles Daniel Pippin, Jacksonville University

Target Audience: undergraduate science

The incorporation of immersive video enables student exposure to a variety of learning experiences that may be otherwise inaccessible in the health and natural sciences. In this presentation, applications using 360 immersive videos, the technology required, example learning objectives and associated activities, and student responses will be shared. Challenges and future directions will be explored with the goal of providing faculty, staff, and student skill development as this technology advances.
PD 2195
10:00 a.m. – 10:50 a.m.
40-minute presentation (with 10-minute Q&A)
Room T-241
Register Now

Exploring Sustainable Agriculture: A Guided Tour of FSCJ's Aquaponics Lab

Mr. Lance "Doc" Culver, Florida State College at Jacksonville

Target Audience: K-8; 9-12; undergraduate science

Join the Urban Agriculture Team at the 2024 Science Symposium for a unique opportunity to explore sustainable agriculture through guided tours of FSCJ's Aquaponics Lab. Located in Building C, the lab will host three tours, each lasting approximately 10 minutes, followed by a 5-minute Q&A session. Participants will be gathered and escorted from the ATC Building to the Lab. Discover the future of farming with us!
PD 2189
11:00 a.m. – 11:50 a.m.
40-minute presentation (with 10-minute Q&A)
Tour - Meet by Pearl St. doors on first floor
Register Now

Intro to STEM Learning K-2 using PBS Learning Media

Mr. Andrew Williams, WJCT Public Media

Target Audience: K-8

Bringing STEM activities into your classroom, teaching work habits, adding project-based learning to the curriculum. PEEP Science Teaching Strategies for Center-Based Preschool Educators. In this one-hour, self-paced training, you will learn key strategies for sharing.
PD 2200
11:00 a.m. – 11:50 a.m.
50-minute workshop
Room T-241
Register Now

Level Up Your Science Classroom: Gamification Strategies for Engaging Learning

Mrs. La'tricia Baker, Duval County Public Schools

Target Audience: K-8; 9-12

In this session, participants will be introduced to the concept of gamification and explore how it may enhance science education. The session will focus on how gamification can “level up” the student experience by incorporating elements of game design into instruction to boost student engagement and motivation.
PD 2199
11:00 a.m. – 11:50 a.m.
50-minute workshop
Room T-234
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Use of Metacognitive Strategies to Improve Compliance with Assigned Textbook Reading in Health Science Courses

Dr. Kimberly Fahlgren, Florida State College at Jacksonville

Target Audience: undergraduate science

Motivating students to engage in assigned reading and notetaking prior to class can be a challenge for most instructors. This workshop is designed to share a variety of evidenced based strategies including reading apprenticeship as well as anecdotal examples for improving student engagement. Educators can model metacognitive processes, demonstrating how to dissect complex material. By breaking down barriers such as unfamiliar terminology or dense content, students gain confidence and motivation to engage in the text. The primary objective of this workshop is for educators to learn how to empower students to overcome obstacles and embrace their assigned reading effectively.
PD 2201
11:00 a.m. – 11:50 a.m.
40-minute presentation (with 10-minute Q&A)
Room T-241A
Register Now

Using Reflection to Amplify Instruction

Dr. Shelletta Baker, Florida State College at Jacksonville

Target Audience: K-8; 9-12; undergraduate science

According to the National Institutes of Health, reflection improves instruction and student understanding. Therefore, this session will introduce participants to reflexive strategies and share examples of how reflection can be used to bolster and support instruction in any class. Also, participants will engage in hands-on – activities involving reflexive practice. The activities will include reflections on student learning, reflections on instruction and summary reflection.
PD 2202
11:00 a.m. – 11:50 a.m.
50-minute workshop
Room T-231
Register Now

The Lunch/Table Talks portion will take place at:

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

Exploring the World of AI in Biotechnology

Dr. Kasyapa Chitta, Florida State College at Jacksonville

Target Audience: K-8; 9-12; undergraduate science

AI is playing a major role in unraveling the wonders of modern life, including advancements in biotechnology. Some of the available tools, such as online databases, analysis software, and simulated experiments, can be learned and utilized without ever stepping into a wet lab, making them accessible to enthusiasts as well. These tools are introduced and discussed. Also, an opportunity for K-12 teachers and students for a hands-on training will be presented.
PD 2204
1:00 p.m. – 1:50 p.m.
40-minute presentation (with 10-minute Q&A)
Room T-241
Register Now

Plant tissue culture and plant propagation techniques

Dr. Dianne Fair, Florida State College at Jacksonville

Target Audience: K-8; 9-12; undergraduate science

Propagation of plant tissue is centuries old. Farmers may use seeds, shoots and slips to start their crops while plant enthusiasts may take cuttings from stems or leaves and attempt to root them in water, soil or other media. These botanical techniques need not be expensive and can be adapted in your classroom to any age and skill level of students. The practice of using clear plastic or glass containers (safely, of course) will allow the students to observe the roots as they grow, leading to discussions of cell division, mitosis, photosynthesis as tissues mature in light, and even dealing with symbiosis (or contamination) by algae, fungi, and bacteria.
PD 2203
1:00 p.m. – 1:50 p.m.
40-minute presentation (with 10-minute Q&A)
Room T-234
Register Now

Radiotracking Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnakes on a Barrier Island: Transforming the Data Into Immersive Education Programs

Mrs. Tiffany Bright, Mr. Alec Jarboe, The Rattlesnake Conservancy

Target Audience: K-8; 9-12; undergraduate science

The interpretive process of creating an immersive educational activity using raw data collected by biologists on Jekyll island - one of Georgia's protected barrier islands, as a part of the Jekyll Island Authority Conservation Department's ongoing research into one of the most misunderstood animals: the eastern diamondback rattlesnake. In a classroom or at home, the interpretive methods we used effectively communicate the science in a way that give children the opportunity to track the real movements of both male and female eastern diamondback rattlesnakes over a one-year period. It's designed to provide a deeper understanding of their behavior and habitat while using storytelling and inspiring community participation in conservation. The methods we used for creating this activity can be adapted and applied to communicate scientific records in a way that encourages a sense of ownership in all habitats and species in children and the larger community.
PD 2206
1:00 p.m. – 1:50 p.m.
50-minute workshop
Room T-231
Register Now

The Intersection of Art and Science: STEAM Projects for the Classroom

Ms. Christi Dixon, Mr. Charlie Caldwell, Ms. Chelsea Ross, Duval County Public Schools

Target Audience: K-8

This workshop will explore the intersection of art and science through STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) projects. Attendees will participate in creative projects that integrate artistic expression with scientific inquiry. Imagine creating science models with 3d pens and channeling your inner Jackson-Pollock to create an art piece using sound waves.
PD 2205
1:00 p.m. – 1:50 p.m.
50-minute workshop
Room T-241A
Register Now

Bringing Virtual Reality to STEM Education Classrooms: Preparing the Next Generation of Educators

Ms. Sierra Morandi, Florida State University

Target Audience: undergraduate science

One technology that has the potential to be transformative across education classes is AR/VR equipment. Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies can advance curriculum and instruction for all students, providing an opportunity to assist students in many ways. Students who are limited by their environment or inaccessible due to disability are now able to be engaged equitably alongside their peers. Reduction of barriers such as limited resources, time, and money makes spaces more accessible specifically for students who come from marginalized backgrounds, making the use of AR/VR a large step in providing more equitable instruction within higher education.
PD 2208
2:00 p.m. – 2:50 p.m.
40-minute presentation (with 10-minute Q&A)
Room T-241
Register Now

Integrating Robotics into the Science Curriculum

Mr. Charles Caldwell, Ms. Chelsea Ross, Mrs. Christi Dixon, Duval County Public Schools

Target Audience: K-8

This presentation will showcase how robotics can be integrated into the science curriculum to engage students and enhance their understanding of scientific concepts. Attendees will see demonstrations of robotics projects and learn how to incorporate these activities into their teaching.
PD 2210
2:00 p.m. – 2:50 p.m.
40-minute presentation (with 10-minute Q&A)
Room T-241A
Register Now

Plant tissue culture and plant propagation techniques

Dr. Dianne Fair, Florida State College at Jacksonville

Target Audience: K-8; 9-12; undergraduate science

Propagation of plant tissue is centuries old. Farmers may use seeds, shoots and slips to start their crops while plant enthusiasts may take cuttings from stems or leaves and attempt to root them in water, soil or other media. These botanical techniques need not be expensive and can be adapted in your classroom to any age and skill level of students. The practice of using clear plastic or glass containers (safely, of course) will allow the students to observe the roots as they grow, leading to discussions of cell division, mitosis, photosynthesis as tissues mature in light, and even dealing with symbiosis (or contamination) by algae, fungi, and bacteria.
PD 2203
2:00 p.m. – 2:50 p.m.
40-minute presentation (with 10-minute Q&A)
Room T-234
Register Now