Beginners Guide: Engaging Teachers in STEM Projects

Thursday, May 15 4:15 PM - 5:15 PM

Presenter(s): Andrea Bennett (Pickett Academy: Toledo, OH), Tysen Belcher (Old West End Academy: Toledo, OH)

LEADERS stands for Leadership for Educators: Academy for Driving Economic Revitalization in Science. Join Teacher LEADERS from an urban district as they showcase a professional development example that illustrates how Project Based Learning and the NGSS can be incorporated into a STEM project.

How to Engage Every Student in STEM

Friday, May 16 11:45 AM - 12:45 PM

Presenter(s): Tricia McCloskey (Sodt Elementary School: Monroe, MI)

Reaching every student is a challenge for STEM teachers. Students from diverse socioeconomic groups often come from cultures where norms and values differ from those of the scientific community. Project-based science offers these students STEM experiences that prepare them for their future

Understanding the Role of Enzymes in the Production of Biofuels: A Project Based Learning Approach

Friday, May 16 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Presenter(s): Jacob Anastasoff (Ida High School: Ida, MI), Scott LaRoy (Eastern Michigan University: Ypsilanti, MI), Renee Coch (Airport High School: Carleton, MI)

What is an enzyme’s role in energy production? In the production of biofuels, enzymes can break down cellulose, but why is it a more difficult substance to convert to biofuels? This hands-on activity will provide insight into the specific role of enzymes and their individualistic nature.

Building a $10 Smartphone Microscope

Friday, May 16 4:15 PM - 5:15 PM

Presenter(s): Jacob Anastasoff (Ida High School: Ida, MI), Scott LaRoy (Eastern Michigan University: Ypsilanti, MI), Renee Coch (Airport High School: Carleton, MI)

Build your own $10 smartphone microscope with focus on a project-based approach toward engineering in the classroom. Bring your own personal device.

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