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Are YOU Ready For Door Prizes!  Many chances to win some fantastic prizes from our Exhibitors and we will have the Science Themed books that have been review this past year by your fellow teachers. You may even win one of the two custom curated boxes for Indigenous Box in Edmonton.
  • Draws will happen: Friday Breakfast (7:30AM - 8:45AM), Friday Lunch (11:30AM - 1:00PM), Friday Reception (4:00PM - 6:00PM), Saturday Breakfast (7:30AM - 9:00AM), Conference Wrap-up (2:00PM - 2:15PM)

Elections!!!
Have you ever considered being a part of the Science Council Executive?
AGM & Elections: Friday, November 3rd from 12:15PM - 1:00PM in the Orchid Ballroom
  • The following positions are up for election:
    • Vice President
    • Treasurer
  • So many more draw prizes and we will also draw for a free conference registration at the end of the meeting for our next conference!

Quiz Night!
Join your ATASC Executive Team at our reception for QUIZ NIGHT!!! Come and test your science and indigenous knowledge for great prizes.
  • Friday, November 8th from 4:00PM - 6:00PM in the Orchid Ballroom
  • Prizes!
  • Snacks will be provided
  • Cash/Debit bar

ATASC Awards presentation during Lunch
  • Saturday, November 9th from 11:30AM - 1:00PM in the Orchid Ballroom

Science Shirt Saturday!
  • Wear your best Science shirt for a chance to win a prize!
PD Needs Survey HERE!!!
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Friday, November 8
 

10:30am MST

AI Tools to Amplify Your Professionalism and Save Time
Friday November 8, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am MST
Orchid Ballroom
Ready to revolutionize your teaching? Join our workshop on AI tools that go beyond traditional lesson planning. Explore how generative AI can create personalized content, assessments, and more. We’ll guide you through a process that balances efficiency with creativity, ensuring you remain the architect of exceptional learning experiences. Plus, let’s delve into professional considerations—because AI is not just about algorithms; it’s about impact.
Speakers
avatar for Dan Grassick

Dan Grassick

Executive Staff Officer, Professional Development, The Alberta Teachers' Association
Dan Grassick (they/them) is an Executive Staff Officer in the Alberta Teachers’ Association Professional Development program area where their main responsibilities include supporting the Association's specialist councils and teachers’ conventions, and working with Alberta teacher... Read More →
Friday November 8, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am MST
Orchid Ballroom
  General

10:30am MST

Hands-on Minds On: The Intersection of Trades and STEM in Education
Friday November 8, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am MST
Squirrel Room
Dive into an Alberta-based STEM initiative in partnership with Lethbridge Polytechnic that enriches K-12 science education with practical trades experience. The session features an interactive opportunity to explore and engage with our free digital and hands-on resources. You will spend the majority of the session interacting with the activities and resources that can be immediately implemented into your practice. You’ll leave better equipped to answer the question “Why do I need to learn this?” by connecting mathematics and science concepts to students’ everyday lives. 
Speakers
WA

Warren Anderson

Warren is a STEM Consultant at Lethbridge Polytechnic. He is passionate about providing authentic learning experiences to youth that help them see the connections between what they are learning and the real world. This is rooted in his 12 years of experience with inquiry and project-based... Read More →
Friday November 8, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am MST
Squirrel Room
  General

10:30am MST

Embracing Indigenous Wisdom: Classroom Integration
Friday November 8, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am MST
Cougar Room
Explore the rich tapestry of Indigenous wisdom and its integration into science education. Join us as we delve into culturally responsive teaching practices, fostering an inclusive learning environment rooted in diverse perspectives and knowledge systems. Gain practical strategies for infusing Indigenous ways of knowing into your science curriculum, empowering students to engage with science through a holistic lens that honors Indigenous cultures and traditions. 
Speakers
EM

Elisabeth McLaughlin

Elisabeth has spent most of her career working in Indigenous studies. She is an advocate for inclusive education & cultural understanding, and is dedicated to empowering educators in integrating Indigenous perspectives into their practices.
BC
Friday November 8, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am MST
Cougar Room
  Teacher Education

1:00pm MST

Growing Native PLANTs?! in your garden!
Friday November 8, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Cougar Room
Growing native plants can help preserve local wildlife populations, provide pollen/food/shelter for natural wildlife, are more likely to thrive in our climate and require less maintenance and resources to grow. We can also use them to teach about our natural ecology and the history of the many different group’s who call Canada home. We will talk about raising Painted Lady Butterflies and Darkling Beetles with local company Wings N Wishes. We will also learn about the AMA School Garden Studio site that can connect gardeners to a teacher-exclusive community forum.
Speakers
avatar for Nathan Bell

Nathan Bell

I have taught students to grow gardens in Edmonton for 17 years. Together we have used traditional gardens, greenhouses, cold frames grow lights, and hydroponics to grow food. We should all learn to grow plants to improve our quality of life and to create more sustainable food so... Read More →
Friday November 8, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Cougar Room
  Biology

1:00pm MST

Communicating Environmental Change: Western Science and Ind Ways of Knowing
Friday November 8, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Squirrel Room
Explore Indigenous Map Overlays for AB, time travel back to 1910 and to 2050 to see what the landscape looked like in the past and may look like in the future. Use either watersheds or Traditional Territories, Western Science or Indigenous Indicators. View “Stoney Stories”  in both Stoney and English of Elders talking about the land past, present and future. Also Included in this FREE ONLINE platform: climate change scenarios, water field trips, videos, 360 VR Tours and more. Works on tablets or computers (phones work but are a bit small). Check it out at www.albertatomorrow.ca 
Speakers
avatar for Jennifer Janzen

Jennifer Janzen

Executive Director, Alberta Tomorrow
With > 30 years experience as a teacher, plant ecologist, and environmental educator, Jennifer is ED of Alberta Tomorrow and is dedicated to providing a platform that empowers youth to design and live sustainable futures.
avatar for Sue Arlidge

Sue Arlidge

Sue’s career has focused on inspiring wonder and scientific questioning of the world outdoors. She is an author and editor of Natural Science and Indigenous Knowledge, The Americas Experience, 2024, Indigenous Knowledge in the K-12 science classroom.
Friday November 8, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Squirrel Room
  General

1:00pm MST

Oreo Cookies and Scientific Method
Friday November 8, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Wolverine Room
Please bring your own device in order to participate fully; this is a very hands on session! With the advent of a new science curriculum, there is a new organization and format to the science curriculum. One of the new Organizing Ideas is the Scientific Method. I will show you how to offer an engaging 2 week unit. Can you let go of sage on the stage and help guide your students through an engaging investigation? Let me show you how with this highly engaging investigation. We will then explore ways that scientific inquiry can be incorporated into other organizing ideas for various grade levels.
Speakers
avatar for Michelle Savoie

Michelle Savoie

Secretary, ATA Science Council
Michelle is a passionate science teacher of grade 6-9 students at Eleanor Hall School in Clyde for the last 18 years. She is also in her second term as secretary on the ATA Science Council.​​
Friday November 8, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Wolverine Room
  General

2:15pm MST

Community Science: Turning your students into real scientists
Friday November 8, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm MST
Squirrel Room
A community scientist is anyone in the community who is interested in contributing data to real scientific research projects. Community science fosters scientific literacy by engaging students in meaningful science research that addresses real-world issues and leads to scientific advancement. Incorporating community science in your classrooms can be a tool to help address barriers that girls and gender diverse students face in STEM spaces. Teachers will get an intro to community science and some ideas for how to integrate community science into their curricula.
Speakers
DC

Daniela Carbajal

Daniela Carbajal is the Outreach Coordinator at WISEST, Women in Scholarship, Engineering, Science and Technology, based at the University of Alberta. Daniela has a BSc and is finishing a BA in Native Studies. She focuses and encourages grass-roots community work and research to promote... Read More →
DH
Friday November 8, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm MST
Squirrel Room
  General

2:15pm MST

Weaving Meaningful Curriculum Connections Across Grade 7-9 Science
Friday November 8, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm MST
Orchid Ballroom
In this session we’ll explore ways to meaningfully integrate Indigenous histories, ways of knowing and traditional ecological knowledge across various units of the grade 7-9 science curriculum. Whether you’re new to teaching junior high science or an old pro looking for a new way to engage your students, this session has something for everyone!
Speakers
avatar for Dan Grassick

Dan Grassick

Executive Staff Officer, Professional Development, The Alberta Teachers' Association
Dan Grassick (they/them) is an Executive Staff Officer in the Alberta Teachers’ Association Professional Development program area where their main responsibilities include supporting the Association's specialist councils and teachers’ conventions, and working with Alberta teacher... Read More →
Friday November 8, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm MST
Orchid Ballroom
  General
  • Knowledge & Experience Level All
  • Grade Level Div III

2:15pm MST

Dual-Credit Land Camp Models for Two-Eyed Seeing in STEM
Friday November 8, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm MST
Grizzly Room
Join us as we share two locally developed dual-credit high school land camp models as ways of connecting Indigenous and Western perspectives in STEM. Learn about building relationships between local Indigenous communities, school divisions and post-secondaries to serve Indigenous high school students. Red Deer Polytechnic and Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools will discuss their partnership and the joys and challenges in their 'Four-Seasons' and 'Aunties in Training' land camps for Indigenous high school youth in Central Alberta.
Speakers
avatar for Pamela Neumann

Pamela Neumann

Red Hot Science Outreach Coordinator, Red Deer Polytechnic
Pamela Neumann is the Red Hot Science outreach coordinator and a faculty member in science at Red Deer Polytechnic.
avatar for Tracy Meneen Skinner

Tracy Meneen Skinner

Tracy Meneen-Skinner is an Indigenous Education Consultant with the Indigenous Education Services Team at Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools.
JM

Jonathan Mauro

Indigenous Education Services Coordinator, Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools
Jonathan Mauro is the Indigenous Education Services Coordinator at Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools.
Friday November 8, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm MST
Grizzly Room
  Indigenous Education
  • Knowledge & Experience Level All
  • Grade Level Div IV

2:15pm MST

Allyship in Reconciliation through STEM
Friday November 8, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm MST
Wolverine Room
When approaching the concept of Truth and Reconciliation in the classroom, it can feel overwhelming, especially if one is concerned with avoiding tokenism and cultural appropriation. This session is about the journey taken, as ally teachers, to share teachings that have been passed to them through Indigenous-created resources and members of the Indigenous Community. Julie and Amanda will help you walk away with a plethora of resources, ideas, and hopefully a better understanding of Truth & Reconciliation in STEM.
Speakers
avatar for Julie Arsenault

Julie Arsenault

Science Lead Teacher, Science Council
After receiving her Bachelors and Masters degrees in Microbiology and Biotechnology, Julie entered the Faculty of Education at the U of A to pursue teaching. She has been with EPS since 2002 and has developed a passion for incorporating authentic, project-based learning experiences... Read More →
avatar for Amanda Green

Amanda Green

Teacher, Science Council
Amanda's spark for science ignited at an early age exploring nature with her family and grew into a flame for space exploration as she followed Canada's journey skyward. She teaches Jr High STEM classes in both English and French in Beaumont. She thrives through collaboration and... Read More →
Friday November 8, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm MST
Wolverine Room
  STEAM Education
  • Knowledge & Experience Level All
  • Grade Level Div III

2:15pm MST

STEAM Playground - Coding, Robotics, 3D Printing and more!
Friday November 8, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm MST
Caribou Room
Join us to try out some of our favourite tools, activities, and challenges that we use in our STEAM programs. Explore coding,robotics, animation, 3D printing, soldering, and much more! 
Speakers
avatar for Christina Dafoe

Christina Dafoe

Teacher, Sturgeon Public School
I have been immersed in STEAM education and Ed Tech for over 10 years. Throughout my teaching career, I have facilitated STEAM clubs, and in 2020, I began teaching a STEAM Academy program. I am honoured to be the recipient of the 2024 Prime Minister's Award for Teaching Excellence... Read More →
Friday November 8, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm MST
Caribou Room
  STEAM Education

2:15pm MST

Stay Calm! Be Brave! Wait for the Signs!
Friday November 8, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm MST
Cougar Room
Stay Calm! Be Brave! Wait for the Signs!  is how CBC’s “Dead Dog Café Comedy Hour” regularly signs off. These words of encouragement have helped educator, Jenna Willman, follow a path of professional development and personal growth. Stay Calm – it’s overwhelming. Be Brave – don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Wait for the Signs – take every opportunity you can. During this session, participants will learn about Jenna’s journey, some of the lessons and resources she uses in her own classroom, and encouragement to start on their own path. 
Speakers
avatar for Jenna Willman

Jenna Willman

High School Science
Jenna Willman has been teaching high school Biology, General Science, Forensics and most recently, Indigenous Studies, for 18 years in Elk Island Public Schools. Jenna has spent the last 10 years of her career learning ways to weave Indigenous stories, worldviews and knowledge into... Read More →
Friday November 8, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm MST
Cougar Room
  Teacher Education
 
Saturday, November 9
 

9:15am MST

Outcomes, Triangulation and Gradebooks - OH MY!
Saturday November 9, 2024 9:15am - 10:15am MST
Cougar Room
We know that tests and traditional grading are not necessarily the most effective for assessing and reporting student learning, but how to make the transition from what we’ve always done to what we want to do? This session will share ideas and resources for tracking student progress, setting up an outcome based gradebook and reporting achievements in a way that meaningfully describes what students know and can do. 
Speakers
avatar for Julie Arsenault

Julie Arsenault

Science Lead Teacher, Science Council
After receiving her Bachelors and Masters degrees in Microbiology and Biotechnology, Julie entered the Faculty of Education at the U of A to pursue teaching. She has been with EPS since 2002 and has developed a passion for incorporating authentic, project-based learning experiences... Read More →
Saturday November 9, 2024 9:15am - 10:15am MST
Cougar Room
  Assessment

9:15am MST

From Fake News to Fact Finders: Empowering Student Decision Making
Saturday November 9, 2024 9:15am - 10:15am MST
Wolverine Room
With social media, news outlets, and community members chiming in on topics like climate change and the pandemic, it’s no wonder why many students are left trying to piece together what’s true and what’s false, let alone try to make sound decisions based on the information they’re receiving. When it comes to science related topics, educators play a crucial role in providing the necessary tools and skills to bolster their scientific literacy, so that they can feel confident talking about these topics, but also in making crucial decisions in their day to day lives. 
Speakers
DC

Daniela Carbajal

Daniela Carbajal is the Outreach Coordinator at WISEST, Women in Scholarship, Engineering, Science and Technology, based at the University of Alberta. Daniela has a BSc and is finishing a BA in Native Studies. She focuses and encourages grass-roots community work and research to promote... Read More →
DH
Saturday November 9, 2024 9:15am - 10:15am MST
Wolverine Room
  General

9:15am MST

The Power of Scientific Modeling in Elementary Science Education
Saturday November 9, 2024 9:15am - 10:15am MST
Squirrel Room
Spark interest and engagement by using online simulations to model natural phenomena.  Support learners in making sense of complex scientific concepts with visual models. Students develop a deeper sense of how a system works by interacting with variables and observing connections within systems. Best practices for teaching with Gizmos are modeled. Access to Gizmos for K-6 teachers has been provided by Alberta Education. Teachers are encouraged to bring a device.
Speakers
avatar for Lindsay Beaulieu

Lindsay Beaulieu

Implementation Coordinator, ExploreLearning
Lindsay Beaulieu has previously taught in Alberta and has witnessed the impact of Gizmos on student understanding. She has used Gizmos in the classroom since she began teaching. She enjoys working with educators to provide meaningful professional development for all Alberta educa... Read More →
Saturday November 9, 2024 9:15am - 10:15am MST
Squirrel Room
  General
  • Knowledge & Experience Level All
  • Grade Level Div II

9:15am MST

Tree Teachings: ​​Combining Indigenous Earth Science & Western Science
Saturday November 9, 2024 9:15am - 10:15am MST
Orchid Ballroom
Join Valerie Miller to be introduced to Tree Teachings, Indigenous-authored science resources that combine Indigenous science and western science. Six resources have been (or are soon to be) developed looking at trees that span Canada and share significance to multiple Indigenous populations: Wáhta (Sugar Maple), Azaadi (Aspen), Giizhik (Cedar), Mitigomizh (Oak), Baapaagimaak (Ash) and Mashkiigwaatig (Tamarack). Explore the virtual resources and hands-on components developed by an Indigenous educator and a collective of Elders, Knowledge Keepers, Indigenous academics, scientists and educators.
Speakers
avatar for Valerie Miller

Valerie Miller

Future Energy Systems
Valerie Miller (she/her) is the Outreach and Engagement Lead for Future Energy Systems, supports education with Science Rendezvous, and has a PhD in land reclamation from the University of Alberta.
Saturday November 9, 2024 9:15am - 10:15am MST
Orchid Ballroom
  Indigenous Education

10:45am MST

Teaching New Computer Science - Platforms Options and Strategies
Saturday November 9, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am MST
Cougar Room
This presentation introduces classroom teachers to effective platforms and strategies for teaching computer science to elementary students. We'll explore Code.org for interactive coding tutorials, Scratch for creating stories and games, and Lego Robotics for hands-on learning. Additionally, we'll cover offline, paper-based activities to ensure all students can develop computational thinking skills, regardless of technology access.

Teachers will be encouraged to bring a device to access some of these platforms and to explore how they look from the teachers perspective.
Speakers
avatar for LIam McCashin

LIam McCashin

Educator, University Of Alberta
Quinn McCashin is a Doctoral student in the Faculty of Education, University of Alberta. He previously worked as a high school science and math teacher in Edmonton, Alberta and most recently completed his Master of Education in the field of educational technology.
Saturday November 9, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am MST
Cougar Room
  Computer Science

10:45am MST

Paper Car Contest: Teaching the Science of Car Safety
Saturday November 9, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am MST
Orchid Ballroom
Are you looking for an engaging, challenging and hands-on building activity for your class to help them understand the scientific concepts related to designing vehicle safety systems like seat belts, crumple zones and air bags? And do you also have basically no budget? Then this session is for you! Let Reuben and Brad, veteran science teachers and ATASC presenters, walk you through the Paper Car Contest, in which students design and build a car from a single sheet of photocopy paper and some simple, 3D printed wheels that can withstand a car crash and protect its egg driver.
Speakers
avatar for Brad Langdale

Brad Langdale

Physics Teacher, Spruce Grove Composite High School
Brad Langdale is a long time physics and general sciences teacher at Spruce Grove Composite High School in Spruce Grove, AB. He is the recipient of the 2019 Canadian Institute of Physics Excellence in High School Teaching Award. Brad is a 20 handicap in golf and rides his bike to... Read More →
Saturday November 9, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am MST
Orchid Ballroom
  General

10:45am MST

Should I stay or should I go? Creating belonging in a STEM classroom
Saturday November 9, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am MST
Wolverine Room
Join WISEST in this session where we’ll talk about how to recognize our own implicit biases, how to address them, and we’ll explore ways educators can challenge long held views that hold a masculine, heteronormative and eurocentric perspective in the effort to help promote equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging in the classroom. In this session, you will learn tangible strategies for how you can build an inclusive learning space for your 2SLGBTQIA+ students, racialized students, girls, gender-diverse students and more! 
Speakers
DC

Daniela Carbajal

Daniela Carbajal is the Outreach Coordinator at WISEST, Women in Scholarship, Engineering, Science and Technology, based at the University of Alberta. Daniela has a BSc and is finishing a BA in Native Studies. She focuses and encourages grass-roots community work and research to promote... Read More →
DH
Saturday November 9, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am MST
Wolverine Room
  General

10:45am MST

The journey towards two-eyed seeing – being a student to get it.
Saturday November 9, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am MST
Squirrel Room
We invite you to explore weaving Indigenous ways of learning and the scientific method together. You’ll experience key strategies that support all students deeply in science. Learn how students and teachers from six rural Indigenous schools taught the values and actions of “two-eyed seeing” to a group of STEM educators during a two-year co-developed project. Insights and teachings from the impact report will be shared, and can be integrated into your classroom. Take your hands-on activity back to share with your class. Don't miss this opportunity to enrich your ways of doing and teaching!   
Speakers
avatar for Sabina Bauer Lewis

Sabina Bauer Lewis

Director, Programs, The MindFuel Foundation
Sabina Bauer Lewis, Programs Director at MindFuel, has 23+ years in education and community collaborations. Passionate about STEAM project-based learning, she co-creates student programs and teacher workshops. Constantly inspired by youth, Sabina truly embodies how we are all students... Read More →
Saturday November 9, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am MST
Squirrel Room
  Teacher Education
 
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