CSTA

Partner Webinars

REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED.
CASE is excited to announce a new virtual hands-on workshop for high school educators!


Join MiniOne Systems for a virtual hands-on workshop! You will investigate the parentage of a baby whale using DNA fingerprinting and the MiniOne Electrophoresis System. MiniOne Systems will provide loaner units to registrants prior to the session.

DNA Fingerprinting: Who is Luna the baby whale's father?
Date: Saturday, March 19, 2022
Time: 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Cost: $10 for members | $20 for non members (non-refundable)


Join CASE and our year-round partner STEMscopes for an equity webinar!


In this interactive webinar, explore the difference between differentiation and intervention. Take a deep dive into how to effectively differentiate your curriculum to equitably meet the needs of ALL students. Discuss how to use Universal Design for Learning (UDL) strategies, and how to incorporate just-in-time supports for meeting students where they are to address unfinished learning and close achievement gaps


FEEL FREE TO SHARE THE EVENT FLYER WITH YOUR TEACHERS, STAFF, COLLEAGUES AND FRIENDS!

Meeting Students Where They Are: Equitable Differntiation
Date: Tuesday, February 15, 2022
Time: 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Cost: FREE

REGISTER ONLINE

Presenters Dr. Jodi Marchesso and Kristin Majda have been serving in STEM education for more than 20 years, first as teachers and then as instructional coaches. Both have extensive experience working with diverse student populations. Dr. Marchesso is a former STEM specialist for Pasadena Unified School District and now serves as Coordinator of Professional Development & Community Schools. She also serves on the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee for the California Association of Science Educators (CASE). Kristin is the California Academic Specialist for STEMscopes and also teaches as adjunct faculty for the Department of Education at CSU Channel Islands


CASE is thrilled to offer an upcoming webinar featuring John Muir Laws as he presents "How to Teach Nature Journaling: Curiosity, Wonder and Attention." REGISTER TODAY!


Nature journaling is a powerful learning tool that leads students to make deep observations, remember what they notice, think critically, and build a sense of place. Join esteemed nature journaler John Muir Laws to learn how to make nature journaling a seminal teaching practice that integrates science, mathematics, and visual and language arts, while building environmental literacy.

FEEL FREE TO SHARE THE EVENT FLYER WITH YOUR TEACHERS, STAFF, COLLEAGUES AND FRIENDS!

How to Teach Nature Journaling: Curiosity, Wonder and Attention
Date: Wednesday, November 17, 2021 | Time: 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Presenters: John Muir Laws
Fee (non-refundable): $10 for CASE Members | $20 for nonmembers

John (Jack) Muir Laws is a principal leader and innovator of the worldwide nature journaling movement. Jack is a scientist, educator, and author, who helps people forge a deeper and more personal connection with nature through keeping illustrated nature journals and understanding science. His work intersects science, art, and mindfulness. Trained as a wildlife biologist and an associate of the California Academy of Sciences, he observes the world with rigorous attention. He looks for mysteries, plays with ideas, and seeks connections in all he sees. Attention, observation, curiosity, and creative thinking are not gifts, but skills that grow with training and deliberate practice. As an educator and author, Jack teaches techniques and supports routines that develop these skills to make them a part of everyday life.

CASE is thrilled to offer an upcoming short course "Virtual Lesson Study Facilitator Playbook: Introductory Workshop." REGISTER TODAY!


Have you experienced the benefits of lesson study? Are you interested in becoming a facilitator or are you a facilitator who is looking to improve your craft? If the answer is YES , COME JOIN US FOR A 3-HOUR INTERACTIVE SHORT COURSE introducing our just released Virtual Lesson Study Facilitator Playbook!


FEEL FREE TO SHARE THE EVENT FLYER WITH YOUR TEACHERS, STAFF, COLLEAGUES AND FRIENDS!

Virtual Lesson Study Facilitator Playbook: Introductory Workshop
Date: Saturday, November 13, 2021
Time: 9:00am – 12:00pm
Cost: $10 for CASE members; $15 for nonmembers

Presenters:
Dr. Anita Kriede, San Fernando Valley Science Project
Dr. Gini Vandergon, San Fernando Valley Science Project
Dr. Maria Simani, California Science Project
Nathan Inouye, Ventura County Office of Education

CASE is excited to offer an informative and engaging professional development webinar offered by our year-round sponsor STEMscopes.

Join presenters Whitney Dove, Ph.D., Judy Zimny, Ed.D. and Nancy Nasr, Ed.D. as they present Connecting With Students: Learning is Social, Emotional, and Academic

Social emotional learning (SEL) has become an increasingly accepted, defined, and popular topic over the past two to three decades, finally assuming the formal level of significance it has always deserved. Quality educators have, however, been addressing students’ social and emotional needs for centuries.

This webinar is part of a year-long series that will explore strategies to overcome inequities in STEM through an asset-centered approach to working with diverse student populations.

Connecting with Students: Learning is Social, Emotional, and Academic
Date: Thursday, September 23, 2021 | Time: 6:00 pm - 7;30 pm
Presenters: Whitney Dove, PhD, Judy Zimny, EdD, and Nancy Nasr, EdD

Whitney Dove is Senior Manager of Professional Learning Design with the National Institute for STEM Education (NISE), a division of Accelerate Learning, Inc. In this role, Whitney is responsible for the design, delivery, and management of a suite of online professional learning programs for STEM educators. Whitney’s perspectives on social emotional learning are influenced by many variables including her work as an eighth grade science teacher and instructional coach in Texas. Whitney believes that the major tenets of STEM education, including constructivism, mastery learning, and the intentional development of students' post-secondary readiness are significant equity levers. Whitney earned her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Texas Tech. Her dissertation explored the degree to which a known theory of action for teacher professional development could be used to predict the outcomes of online teacher professional development on teachers' self-efficacy and use of these high-impact STEM strategies in the classroom. She also holds a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from University of Texas - Arlington and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Austin College. Through presentations at local, state, and national conferences, Whitney helps teachers make small shifts that have big results in creating safer, more inclusive, and more equitable learning.

Judy began her career focusing on students' social and emotional needs as a self-contained teacher for emotionally disturbed students in St. Louis, Mo. She describes this experience as extremely valuable preparation for her future administrative positions in Dallas, Texas, where she found supporting others emotionally to be a key part of her work. After being repeatedly recognized for her achievements in struggling schools, Judy assumed executive leadership positions in the private sector and higher education supporting educators at all levels in strengthening and expanding student learning, including initiating the first online teacher education programs in South Africa in 2016. Through all this work, including her current role as vice president for Accelerate Learning, Inc. (STEMscopes), Judy has steadfastly focused on the use of data, research, and a whole child / whole teacher approach in her work with educators.

Nancy Nasr, EdD is currently a California secondary school science educator with over eight years of experience in the diverse classroom. Teaching a population of approximately 50% Latinx and Black students, Dr. Nasr’s continued research interest is anchored in cultural responsiveness in the science classroom as well as student attitudes toward culturally responsive pedagogy. Additionally, Dr. Nasr has an interest in exploring the ways in which the Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs) of the NGSS can be used to infuse science learning that is situated in phenomena associated with social justice, and empowering her students to overcome social injustices through the use of science. Dr. Nasr received her B.Sc. in Microbiology from University of Alberta. She received her M.A.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from California State University, Northridge and her EdD in Curriculum and Instruction from University of South Carolina.


CASE is excited to offer an informative and engaging professional development webinar offered by our year-round sponsor STEMscopes.

Join presenters Leena Bakshi, Ed.D., Kristin Majda, M.S. and Nancy Nasr, Ed.D. as they present Building on Student and Community Assets to Achieve Equity in STEM Education.

The COVID-19 pandemic revealed just how much inequity still persists in education. It also highlighted the critical value of adaptable, equity-focused teachers. This interactive webinar will engage participants in a discussion about the inequities observed in our STEM classrooms and how we can address contemporary issues of inequity through collaboration with school leaders, parents, and the community to “build back better.”

This webinar is the first in a year-long series that will explore strategies to overcome inequities in STEM through an asset-centered approach to working with diverse student populations.

Building on Student and Community Assets to Achieve Equity in STEM Education
Date: Wednesday, August 25, 2021 | Time: 6:00 pm - 7;30 pm
Presenters: Leena Bakshi, EdD, Kristin Majda, MS and Nancy Nasr, EdD
Fee (non-refundable): FREE for members and nonmembers


Leena Bakshi, EdD is the founder of STEM4Real, a nonprofit professional learning organization committed to combining STEM, CCSS, & NGSS standards-based content learning and leadership with principles of equity and social justice. She serves as our Board Secretary for the California Association of Science Educators. Leena currently works with pre-service teachers at UC Berkeley and Claremont Graduate University teaching STEM methods and Universal Design for Learning. She is a former county and state level administrator and mathematics, science and health teacher. Her research interests include Science/STEM education and how we can create access and opportunities for each and every student regardless of race, ethnicity, religion or socioeconomic status. She has presented at state and national conferences on the topics of social, racial and environmental justice in STEM/environmental education. Leena is the author of the children's book, "There's Something in the Water", showcasing the real life of world renowned endocrinologist, Dr. Tyrone Hayes.

Kristin Majda, MS is a credentialed teacher with masters degrees in biotechnology and business administration, and is currently working on her doctorate in educational leadership with an emphasis in equity and community engagement. Kristin has been an active member of CASE for almost two decades and has taught science to K-12 and college students, coached teachers in science instruction, developed STEM curricula, and led extensive professional development. In her current role as an academic specialist for Accelerate Learning Inc., Kristin supports districts in using the STEMscopes science curriculum to implement the NGSS and to help teachers develop expertise in high-impact instructional practices.

Nancy Nasr, EdD is currently a California secondary school science educator with over eight years of experience in the diverse classroom. Teaching a population of approximately 50% Latinx and Black students, Dr. Nasr’s continued research interest is anchored in cultural responsiveness in the science classroom as well as student attitudes toward culturally responsive pedagogy. Additionally, Dr. Nasr has an interest in exploring the ways in which the Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs) of the NGSS can be used to infuse science learning that is situated in phenomena associated with social justice, and empowering her students to overcome social injustices through the use of science. Dr. Nasr received her B.Sc. in Microbiology from University of Alberta. She received her M.A.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from California State University, Northridge and her EdD in Curriculum and Instruction from University of South Carolina.


Join Myles Vandegrift for a discussion on Combatting the COVID Crisis with Connections offered by our year-round partner STEMscopes!


Combatting the COVID Crisis with Connections: Engage students personally before scientifically
Date: Tuesday, March 9, 2021 | Time: 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Presenters: Myles Vandegrift
Fee (Non-Refundable): FREE for members and nonmembers

With so much uncertainty, anxiety, and stress caused by the current global pandemic, our students need to know, more than ever before, that they are valued, respected, and loved as unique individuals. This is paramount before any authentic learning can take place.

In this webinar, we will focus on practical ideas for how to authentically connect with your students, leading towards meaningful engagement in NGSS three dimensional sensemaking. Examples of student work and video clips of virtual and hybrid science engagement will be shared. Most importantly, you will be reminded of why we all CHOSE the noble calling of teaching, the most exhausting but rewarding career on the face of the biosphere! You’ll be inspired, empowered, rejuvenated, and revived to finish this school year with a spring in your step, hope in your heart, and a smile on your face!


About the Presenter

Myles Vandegrift is a passionate middle school science teacher who has been engaging students with his enthusiasm and genuine curiosity about the natural world for more than 28 years. He is deeply driven to connect with students and make science meaningful and relevant to them. He cherishes the opportunity to inspire young people to reach their full potential and believes every student can learn and achieve at high levels with enough time, support, and the right learning environment. Outside of the classroom, Myles connects with students through his work coaching skateboarding and the science olympiad team, and has taken students on expeditions to Catalina Island, Beijing China, Tambopata Research Center in the Amazonian Rainforest of Southeastern Peru, the lost Incan city of Machu Picchu, and Gabon Africa (Operation Canopy distance learning project). Myles also inspires future science teachers as an adjunct professor at Point Loma Nazarene University, which is where he earned his undergraduate degree in biology and MA in Teaching and Learning. Myles grew up in the small town of Ojai, California, currently resides in San Diego with his wife Stella and two children, Samuel (19) and Zoe (15), and teaches in Ramona Unified School District. When Myles is not teaching science he can be found hiking Mt. Woodson/Iron Mountain, rock climbing, surfing, skateboarding, traveling the globe with his family, jumping on the trampoline with his kids, or watching their soccer games on the weekends.


Registration Is Closed

Coding Virtual Valentines: A Fun Way for Students to Celebrate Valentine's Day from a Distance
Date
: Wednesday, January 27, 2021 | Time: 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm (Pacific)
Presenters:
Kristin Majda and Brooks Dougherty, STEMscopes
Fee (Non-Refundable)
: FREE for members and nonmembers

Keep the holiday spirit alive during distance learning by hosting a virtual Valentine's Day event. Participants in this workshop will create their own creative card and see how they can use STEMscopes Coding in order to host a virtual Valentine's Day event (free access provided to attendees and students). Students will love creating their own virtual Valentines to distribute to their classmates and family members. It's fun, easy, and aligned to the NGSS engineering standards!

Don't miss out on this fun holiday workshop!


Kristin Majda is a former high school science teacher and NGSS instructional coach, and current academic specialist for STEMscopes California. In this role, she assists districts in NGSS implementation using the award winning STEMscopes TK-12 curriculum. Kristin also serves on the board of Gold Coast Science Network, a region 3 affiliate of CASE, and is a member of the Ventura County NGSS Leadership Network. She is passionate about providing youth with opportunities to engage in hands-on STEM, particularly those from underserved communities. As such, Kristin is an avid STEM advocate and volunteer, overseeing multiple STEM events each year, like family science nights and coding hackathons.

Brooks Dougherty is a former high school biology teacher and current regional director for CA at STEMscopes. Since leaving the classroom he has worked in ed-tech to support teachers in implementing technology and blended-learning resources in their classrooms. Having worked with many software engineers, he's always been interested in coding, and has enjoyed creating a few javascript apps using the STEMscopes Coding platform. Brooks does not like sit-and-get workshops and promises this will be interactive and fun.