ATASC2024: Full Schedule

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!!!

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

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.

Barbara Crossan-Parker

Friday November 8, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am MST
Cougar Room

Teacher Education

Knowledge & Experience Level All
Grade Level Div III, Div IV

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

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

Knowledge & Experience Level All
Grade Level All Divisions

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

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

Knowledge & Experience Level All
Grade Level Div III, Div IV

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

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

Knowledge & Experience Level All
Grade Level All Divisions

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

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

Knowledge & Experience Level All
Grade Level Div I, Div II