Fall 2023 Events: Experience Investigation-Centered Science with the Activate Learning Science Curriculum Team!
Fall into Investigation-Centered Science with Activate Learning
The leaves are changing, and the cool breeze means autumn is here, but it's not too late to power up your teaching skills before the new year! Join the Activate Learning team at over 15 major science education conferences nationwide this fall.
As new, innovative methodologies and technologies (like 3-dimensional learning and artificial intelligence) revolutionize STEM education, there's a growing demand for transformative curricula and meaningful, hands-on professional development. At Activate Learning, we see these changes and are wholeheartedly committed to supporting educators every step of the way.
Bringing decades of experience transforming science education, our team of experts is ready to inspire you and equip you with tools to help you engage students like never before. At our exhibit booths and workshops, you'll discover how our K-12, NGSS-aligned programs like PRIME K-5, IQWST, and OpenSciEd , engage students in hands-on investigations, critical thinking, and real-world problem solving.
You’ll be able to dig into our research-based curriculum designed to ignite student curiosity, watch live demos to see our programs in action, and get fresh ideas and strategies to implement phenomenon-driven, culturally responsive instruction that engages all learners. And, of course, we’ll have a few fun surprises and swag!
Join our team at a conference near you for inspiring professional development and insights on empowering the next generation of STEM innovators. Network with fellow educators and discover why our curricula and teacher-centered implementation support are considered the gold standard for driving student outcomes. The year’s not over yet – elevate your teaching and make 2024 your most innovative year yet!
See the full schedule below, stay tuned for updates, and let us know if you plan to connect with us this fall. We can’t wait to meet you! 
UtSTA 2023 Annual Conference "Science For ALL"
September 15 | West Layton, UT | 8:00AM – 3:30PM
The 2023 Annual USTA conference is a wonderful opportunity for professional development, lesson plan ideas, networking, and inspiration, and so much more. This year their keynote speaker is Temple Grand! In addition to the keynote, there will be 13 different themed strands throughout the day and 3 different breakout sessions for each to help you with your teaching curriculum with ideas, demos, lessons, and more!
Activate Learning Session
Middle School: Promoting Productive Discussions with OpenSciEd
Curriculum: OpenSciEd Middle School
Time: 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM
Room: Stratus 9
Talk in science is like talk in other subject areas but has certain unique characteristics that focus on generating community-validated explanations of the natural world, based on data and models as evidence or tools in developing explanations. While engaging in the science and engineering practices embedded throughout the SEEd standards, especially constructing an argument supported by evidence and obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information, students are simultaneously engaging with the Utah Core Standards for ELA: Reading and Writing Standards for literacy in science and technical subjects.
This session will take an engaging deep dive into productive discussions; what are they, when/why to use them, and consensus building. Using the OpenSciEd curriculum, participants will experience specific types of discussions to help draw out ideas, negotiate and refine, and support communicating in scientific ways. Resources also include examining how to set up, facilitate, and nurture a classroom where productive discussions are promoted and sustained.
OSTA 61ST Annual Conference on Science Education
October 13-14 | Gresham, OR
The 2023 OSTA Fall Conference is expected to draw 300-400 science educators from across the state for a day of professional development including exhibits, workshops, fieldtrips, and networking.
Activate Learning Booth: October 14, 7:30AM – 3:30PM
Activate Learning Sessions:
Middle School: Promoting Productive Discussions with OpenSciEd
Curriculum: OpenSciEd Middle School
Time: October 14, 8:00AM – 8:50AM
Room: TBA
Classroom communities make sense of what is being investigated through discussions. They are the key to ensuring all students’ ideas are shared and valued. This session focuses on the types of discussions used to help draw out student ideas, negotiate and refine them, and support communicating in scientific ways.
High School: Explore OpenSciEd High School Biology from the lens of the field
Curriculum: OpenSciEd High School
Time: October 14, 1:10PM – 2:00PM
Room: TBA
OpenSciEd is more than a new curriculum; it’s a paradigm shift that reimagines the science education experience to ensure that all students can excel in and outside the classroom. Adopting a new curriculum alone is a big undertaking, even more so when switching to a new science teaching method. Come listen and learn from Washington’s own Brandi Hageman, a field-testing teacher in OSE Biology, as she shares firsthand insights into the journey and experiences with OSE.
The 47th Annual New Jersey Science Convention
October 17-18 | Forrestal, NJ
The New Jersey Science Convention provides a forum for educators to meet, collaborate, and formulate new ideas to support science education. It’s one of the best professional development opportunities in the Mid-Atlantic area for science educators, including teachers, administrators, and student interns. This year, the convention will provide a variety of sessions addressing K-12 three dimensional/NGSS lessons in all science areas. Sessions will focus on demonstrating methods of creating culturally responsive science classrooms that promote equity and inclusion, engaging students in studies of climate change through research, discourse, and problem solving, and exploring local problems.
Activate Learning Booth:
- October 17, 8:00AM – 4:00PM
- October 18, 8:00AM – 3:30PM
Activate Learning Sessions:
Middle School: Promoting Productive Discussions with OpenSciEd
Curriculum: OpenSciEd Middle School
Time: Tuesday, October 17, 8:30AM – 9:30AM
Room: Mercer
Classroom communities make sense of what’s being investigated through discussions. They are the key to ensuring all students’ ideas are shared and valued. This session focuses on the types of discussions used to help draw out student ideas, negotiate and refine them, and support communicating in scientific ways.
High School: Transitioning to a Phenomenon-based Learning Space with OpenSciEd
Curriculum: OpenSciEd High School
Time: Tuesday, October 17, 1:00PM – 2:00PM
Room: Henry
Deep learning is achieved when students are presented with an engaging phenomenon they cannot initially explain. By employing the tools of science students can develop an explanation for the phenomenon through investigations and evidence-based argumentation. This session highlights the transition of high school science courses to phenomenon-based instruction putting students at the center of the learning process. Experience a mini lesson from OpenSciEd and learn how the curriculum can be used to achieve the goal of moving to three-dimensional instruction at the high school level.
Lancaster-Lebanon Intermediate Unit 13 (IU13) Science Resource Vendor Fair
October 18 | Lancaster, PA | 9:00AM – 3:00PM
Lancaster-Lebanon Intermediate Unit 13 (IU13) is an education service agency dedicated to providing services, supports, and solutions that make a difference to all learners and our community. Take this special opportunity to look through aligned resources from K-12 science and STEM companies. Throughout the day, each company will have a 25-minute timeslot to share their materials in a classroom setting. This will provide you the time to review the materials and ask questions about the resources your district is interested in.
Activate Learning Session:
Implementing Investigation-Centered Science in Your Classroom
Time: 10:55AM – 11:20AM
Curriculum: Activate Learning K-12 curricula
Room: C
Ron Antinori, Activate Learning’s East Coast Regional Manager, will present on our K-12 innovative science programs. Discover why Activate Learning’s curricula and teacher-centered professional learning methods are considered the gold standard for educational implementation and achieving successful student outcomes.
2023 Fast Conference
October 19-21 | Tampa, FL
Presented by the Florida Association of Science Teachers, the 2023 Fast Conference will offer science educators an opportunity to network, meet with vendors, and participate in workshops and a field trip.
Activate Learning Booth:
- October 20, 8:00AM – 5:00PM
- October 21, 8:00AM – 12:00PM
Activate Learning Sessions:
Middle School: The OpenSciEd Instructional Model: Routines for Advancing Students Through a Storyline
Curriculum: OpenSciEd Middle School
Time: TBA
Room: TBA
Using a storyline approach, a logical sequence of lessons that are motivated by students’ questions that arise from their interactions with phenomena, we’ll navigate through the OpenSciEd model using five routines - activities that play specific roles in advancing the storyline with structures to help students achieve the objectives of those activities.
2023 California Science Education Conference (CSTA)
October 20-22 | Palm Springs, CA
Don’t miss out on attending this enriching professional gathering tailored for science educators. Listen to inspiring speakers, participate in top-notch workshops led by experts, and gain practical knowledge to enhance your teaching skills. This event offers a unique opportunity to network with peers from across California, exchange educational insights, receive updates on curriculum and testing, and enjoy social moments with the vibrant science community.
Activate Learning Booth:
- October 20, 9:30AM – 4:00PM
11:30AM – 12:30PM (Exclusive Exhibit Hall Time) - October 21, 8:00AM – 3:00PM
11:30AM – 12:30PM (Exclusive Exhibit Hall Time)
Activate Learning Sessions:
High School: Transitioning to a Phenomenon-based Learning Space with OpenSciEd
Curriculum: OpenSciEd High School
Time: October 20, 2:00PM – 3:15PM
Room: Andreas, Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel
Deep learning is achieved when students are presented with an engaging phenomenon they cannot initially explain. By employing the tools of science students can develop an explanation for the phenomenon through investigations and evidence-based argumentation. This session highlights the transition of high school science courses to phenomenon-based instruction putting students at the center of the learning process. Experience a mini lesson from OpenSciEd and learn how the curriculum can be used to achieve the goal of moving to three-dimensional instruction at the high school level.
Middle School: Promoting Productive Discussions with OpenSciEd
Curriculum: OpenSciEd Middle School
Time: October 21, 9:30AM – 10:45AM
Room: Andreas, Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel
Classroom communities make sense of what is being investigated through discussions. They are the key to ensuring all students’ ideas are shared and valued. This session focuses on the types of discussions used to help draw out student ideas, negotiate and refine them, and support communicating in scientific ways.
WSTA Annual Science Education Conference
October 21 | Chehalish, WA | 7:30AM – 5:00PM
Register for the WSTA Annual Science Education Conference to participate in their exciting professional learning and networking experiences including over 50 sessions (science and computer science!). Presenters include classroom teachers, scientists, and other professional learning providers.
Activate Learning Booth: 7:30AM – 5:00PM
Activate Learning Sessions:
High School: Explore OpenSciEd High School Biology from the Lens of the Field
Curriculum: OpenSciEd High School
Time: October 21, 9:50AM – 10:40 AM
Room: 211
OpenSciEd is more than a new curriculum; it’s a paradigm shift that reimagines the science education experience to ensure that all students can excel in and outside the classroom. Adopting a new curriculum alone is a big undertaking, even more so when switching to a new science teaching method. Come listen and learn from Washington’s own Brandi Hageman, a field-testing teacher in OSE Biology, as she shares firsthand insights into the journey and experiences with OSE. Dig deeper into how OSE supports a more integrated STEM learning experience for students as they work to make sense of the world around them. Additionally, Brandi will share information about teacher resources, professional learning opportunities, and how to access numerous webinars and information to help support you as you begin your own OSE teaching and learning journey.
- Participants will examine the open education resource, OpenSciEd, and investigate the multiple resources and supports available to support implementation.
- Participants will engage with the OpenSciEd high school curriculum to learn more about the integrated STEM learning experience for students.
- Participants will explore the pedagogical shifts embedded throughout the OpenSciEd curriculum to support the shifts to 3-dimensional teaching and learning.
Middle School: Promoting Productive Discussions with OpenSciEd
Curriculum: OpenSciEd Middle School
Time: October 21, 4:20PM – 5:10PM
Room: 211
Classroom communities make sense of what’s being investigated through discussions. They are the key to ensuring all students’ ideas are shared and valued. This session focuses on the types of discussions used to help draw out student ideas, negotiate and refine them, and support communicating in scientific ways. This session will take an engaging deep dive into productive discussions.
- The three types of OpenSci Ed discussions to draw out ideas.
- When/why to use these discussions.
- How these discussions support communicating in scientific ways.
MSELA 2023 Fall Conference
October 27 | Marlborough, MA
The primary objective of Massachusetts Science Education Leadership Association (MSELA) is to facilitate improvement in science education in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts by means of a professional exchange of information, ideas, and solutions to common problems and challenges. This year’s conference will focus on science education leadership (disciplinary literacy and sensemaking).
Activate Learning Booth: 8:30AM – 3:00PM
2023 TSTA Fall Conference (Science, Phenomena, & the World - Oh My!)
November 2-4 | Murfreesboro, TN
The Tennessee Science Teachers Association (TSTA) conference is the leading science and STEM professional learning event for formal and non-formal science educators in the Tennessee. The conference theme this year is “Science, Phenomena, & the World - Oh My!” The three strands this year are: Use your brain to IMPLEMENT. Have the COURAGE to innovate. Lead with your HEART.
Activate Learning Booth:
- November 2, 6:00PM – 8:00PM
- November 3, 8:00AM – 11:30AM and 1:00PM – 5:00PM
Activate Learning Sessions:
Middle School: The OpenSciEd Instructional Model: Routines for Advancing Students Through a Storyline
Curriculum: OpenSciEd Middle School
Date/Time: TBA
Room: TBA
Using a storyline approach, a logical sequence of lessons that are motivated by students’ questions that arise from their interactions with phenomena, we will navigate through the OpenSciEd model using five routines - activities that play specific roles in advancing the storyline with structures to help students achieve the objectives of those activities.
High School: Transitioning to a Phenomenon-based Learning Space with OpenSciEd
Curriculum: OpenSciEd High School
Date/Time: TBA
Room: TBA
Deep learning is achieved when students are presented with an engaging phenomenon they cannot initially explain. By employing the tools of science students can develop an explanation for the phenomenon through investigations and evidence-based argumentation. This session highlights the transition of high school science courses to phenomenon-based instruction putting students at the center of the learning process. Experience a mini lesson from OpenSciEd and learn how the curriculum can be used to achieve the goal of moving to three-dimensional instruction at the high school level.
LATM/LSTA 2023 Joint Conference
November 2-3 | Baton Rouge, LA
The Louisiana Association of Teachers of Mathematics (LATM) and the Louisiana Science Teachers Association (LSTA) present the 2023 Joint Conference in Louisiana. They expect approximately 700 formal and informal math and science educators and administrators from pre-K through college levels to attend and participate in numeroius professional development and networking opportunities.
Activate Learning Booth:
- November 2, 8:30AM – 3:30PM
- November 3, 7:30AM – 12:30PM
Arizona Science Teachers Association Conference (Creating a Culture for Ambitious Science Learning) (ASTA)
November 2-3 | Pheonix, AZ
This professional learning event will bring over 350 PreK through post-secondary educators together to learn and celebrate science education. Educators will have the opportunity to choose 4 professional learning sessions that are aligned to AZ Science Standards to deepen science content and pedagogical skills. In addition, an exhibit hall will be open on Friday for attendees to learn about resources to help them teach their scholars.
Activate Learning Booth: November 3, 7:30AM – 4:00PM
Activate Learning Sessions:
Middle School & High School: Promoting Productive Discussions
Curriculum: OpenSciEd Middle School, OpenSciEd High School
Time: TBA
Room: TBA
Classroom communities make sense of what is being investigated through discussions. They are the key to ensuring all students’ ideas are shared and valued. This session focuses on the types of discussions used to help draw out student ideas, negotiate and refine them, and support communicating in scientific ways.
2023 STANYS Annual Conference
November 3-6 | Syracuse, NY
This professional learning event will bring over 350 PreK through post-secondary educators together to learn and celebrate science education. Educators will have the opportunity to choose 4 professional learning sessions that are aligned to AZ Science Standards to deepen science content and pedagogical skills. In addition, an exhibit hall will be open on Friday for attendees to learn about resources to help them teach their scholars.
Activate Learning Booth:
- November 4, 12:00PM – 6:00PM
- November 5, 9:00AM – 3:30PM
Activate Learning Sessions:
Middle School: The OpenSciEd Instructional Model: Routines for Advancing Students Through a Storyline
Curriculum: OpenSciEd Middle School
Time: November 3, 10:45AM – 11:45AM
Room: Oncenter, Meeting Rooms 7 & 8
Using a storyline approach, a logical sequence of lessons that are motivated by students’ questions that arise from their interactions with phenomena, we’ll navigate through the OpenSciEd model using five routines - activities that play specific roles in advancing the storyline with structures to help students achieve the objectives of those activities.
CAST23 (Science Teachers Association of Texas)
November 9-11 | Houston, Texas
Inquire. Inspire. Transform. Educators and science advocates gather annually for CAST, one of the nation's premier science education conferences. Presented by STAT, the in-person 3-day professional learning event features hundreds of sessions, a massive exhibit hall, and connections, all showcasing innovative classroom strategies and resources. CAST attendees may represent each of science's varied disciplines, but they are united by their passion for inspiring students to discover the world through science. And this year, with the adoption and implementation of the new science TEKS approaching, attendees will benefit from sessions designed to help them navigate three-dimensional science teaching by leveraging the recurring themes and concepts and science and engineering practices into their daily instruction.
Activate Learning Booth:
- November 9, 11:00AM – 5:00PM
- November 10, 9:00AM – 5:00PM
- November 11, 8:00AM – 12:00PM
Activate Learning Sessions:
High School: Integrated Physics and Chemistry for Texas "Take the Challenge"
Curriculum: Texas Integrated Physics & Chemistry
Time: TBA
Room: TBA
Participants will be introduced to and experience first-hand an exciting new program for Integrated Physics and Chemistry. Come and engage in a sample activity from Activate Learning’s Integrated Physics and Chemistry book. During this presentation, participants will learn about this project-based curriculum that engages students in investigations and puts students at the center of the learning, all while covering 100% of the TEKS standards for IPC. Come see how this program provides students with essential 21st century skills that prepare students for their post-high school lives by engaging them in STEM Chapter Challenges!
High School: Transitioning to a Phenomenon-based Learning Space with OpenSciEd
Curriculum: OpenSciEd High School
Time: TBA
Room: TBA
Deep learning is achieved when students are presented with an engaging phenomenon they cannot initially explain. By employing the tools of science students can develop an explanation for the phenomenon through investigations and evidence-based argumentation. This session highlights the transition of high school science courses to phenomenon-based instruction putting students at the center of the learning process. Experience a mini lesson from OpenSciEd and learn how the curriculum can be used to achieve the goal of moving to three-dimensional instruction at the high school level.
Middle School: Promoting Productive Discussions with OpenSciEd
Curriculum: OpenSciEd Middle School
Time: TBA
Room: TBA
Classroom communities make sense of what’s being investigated through discussions. They are the key to ensuring all students’ ideas are shared and valued. This session focuses on the types of discussions used to help draw out student ideas, negotiate and refine them, and support communicating in scientific ways.
MnCOSE23 (Minnesota Science Teachers Association)
November 10-11 | Rochester, MN
Prepare for the new Minnesota Science Standards (due 2024-25) at MnCOSE! Get the latest updates, strategies, and network with peers. They are planning presentation sessions, keynotes, exhibits and social events for K-12 science educators.
Activate Learning Booth: November 10, 7:30AM – 3:30PM
Activate Learning Sessions:
Middle School: The OpenSciEd Instructional Model: Routines for Advancing Students Through a Storyline
Curriculum: OpenSciEd Middle School
Time: TBA
Room: TBA
Using a storyline approach, a logical sequence of lessons that are motivated by students’ questions that arise from their interactions with phenomena, we will navigate through the OpenSciEd model using five routines - activities that play specific roles in advancing the storyline with structures to help students achieve the objectives of those activities.
Chester County 2023 STEM Expo
November 30 | Norristown, PA | 8:30AM – 1:30PM
This four-part professional learning series is designed to assist educational leaders in creating learning environments that reflect the distinctiveness of both their staff and students. Additionally, visit the Activate Learning booth to discover our K-12 programs and converse with our curriculum specialists
Activate Learning Exhibitor Booth: 8:30AM – 1:30PM
Related Posts:
