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Montana Science Summer Institute 2021 has ended
Welcome to the annual Montana Science Summer Institute, supporting educators with the advancement of teaching and learning in STEM! This event is co-hosted by School Services of Montana and the MSU Science Math Resource Center.  
Monday, August 9
 

8:30am MDT

9:00am MDT

Finding Your Buffalo: Culture, Change, Curriculum
Witnessing the wildebeest migration in East Africa changed the trajectory of my life. The story of bison became passion, because the name for ourselves as Shoshone people is the "gweechoon deka," the buffalo eaters. The buffalo was absent from the lives of Shoshone people for 131 years. With their return, we begin to heal.

Presenters
avatar for Jason Baldes

Jason Baldes

Ecologist, Eastern Shoshone Tribe
Jason, an enrolled member of the Eastern Shoshone Tribe, received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Land Resources & Environmental Sciences from Montana State University, where he has focused on the restoration of Buffalo to Tribal lands.In 2016 he spearheaded the successful... Read More →


Monday August 9, 2021 9:00am - 10:00am MDT

10:15am MDT

A Discussion: Montana Science Assessment
The real experts in the Montana Science Assessment (MSA) are our Montana educators! OPI Science Instructional Coordinator Michelle McCarthy, OPI Assessment Specialist Katie Murnion, and Science Specialist and former OPI personnel Chris Noel, will host a discussion on the ongoing work taking place for science assessment. We hope to hear recorded commentary from Montana teachers who have participated in MSA and AMSA item development.

Presenters
avatar for Chris Noel

Chris Noel

Science Assessment Specialist, OPI
avatar for Michelle McCarthy

Michelle McCarthy

Science Instructional Coordinator, Montana Office of Public Instruction
Michelle McCarthy,  joined the OPI in the summer of 2015. She graduated from Bozeman Senior High before earning a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Master of Education, Ed Tech. from Montana State University-Billings. Michelle completed her K-12 Principal certification... Read More →


Monday August 9, 2021 10:15am - 11:15am MDT

10:15am MDT

Water and Windmills
Students love to ask questions, investigate, and build with their hands. Let’s start with some renewable energy activities. The United States produces about 20% of energy from renewable sources. While renewable energy includes many different sources, let’s engage our students in a few ways to understand how renewable energy works. We will explore how students can engage in the design of turbine blades and build an easy water wheel.

Presenters
avatar for Karen Pollari

Karen Pollari

Karen Pollari graduated Carroll College with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Special Education.  After teaching for a few years, her passion for literacy drove her to a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Library Media Science.  She... Read More →


Monday August 9, 2021 10:15am - 11:15am MDT

11:30am MDT

Google for All Abilities
Join this session to explore using Google resources within YouTube, Google Classroom, Chrome, etc. to differentiate for students of all abilities, including vision impairment, English language learners, dyslexia, etc.

Presenters
avatar for Sabrina Holland-Kump

Sabrina Holland-Kump

Director of Technology Services, School Services of Montana
Sabrina Holland is a Butte native and former secondary classroom teacher who is certified as a Level 1 and 2 Google Educator. She has worked with schools in three countries and is committed to integrating technology in meaningful, appropriate, and effective ways to best serve Montana... Read More →


Monday August 9, 2021 11:30am - 12:30pm MDT

1:30pm MDT

Research in Action Panel Discussion and Next Steps
​Learn about cutting-edge research taking place in Montana so you can bring the excitement of new investigations into your classroom. We’ll feature researchers from across the science and engineering spectrum who will share what they’re working on and how your students can connect with it. We’ll delve a little into the research process…..a skill that can aid in every aspect of STEM/STEAM.


Presenters
avatar for Jason Baldes

Jason Baldes

Ecologist, Eastern Shoshone Tribe
Jason, an enrolled member of the Eastern Shoshone Tribe, received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Land Resources & Environmental Sciences from Montana State University, where he has focused on the restoration of Buffalo to Tribal lands.In 2016 he spearheaded the successful... Read More →

Panelists
avatar for David Mogk

David Mogk

Professor of Geology and Asst. Director ICAL, MSU Dept Earth Sciences and ICAL/Montana State University
I am a geologist with research interests ranging from evolution of ancient continental crust to nano-scale analysis of geological materials.  I have been involved with national initiatives for geoscience education for 30+ years including service as Program Officer in the Division... Read More →
avatar for Dr. Lindsey Albertson

Dr. Lindsey Albertson

Associate Professor, Montana State University
Lindsey received her Bachelor of Science degree in Geology-Biology from Brown University in Rhode Island. She worked as a research technician at the University of Florida before starting graduate school at the University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB) in the Ecology, Evolution... Read More →
avatar for Eric A Sproles

Eric A Sproles

Assistant Professor of Earth Sciences, Department of Earth Sciences - Montana State University
I Integrate satellite data with land-based and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-collected measurements, geospatial data, and hydrologic models to better understand controls on global water resources and how changing water resources impact social-environmental systems.The Department of... Read More →
avatar for Madison Myers

Madison Myers

Assistant Professor, Montana State University
I am starting my fourth year as an assistant professor in the Earth Science Department at Montana State, where my research focuses on volcanism. I have always been a passionate student and teacher in the field of STEM, especially focused around mentorship of women. I believe hands... Read More →
avatar for Rob Walker

Rob Walker

Professor (Chemistry and Biochemistry)/MSU EPSCoR Lead PI, Montana State University
Professor Walker is a Professor in MSU’s Chemistry and Biochemistry Department.  He also leads the statewide collaborative Ph.D. program in Materials Science.  Professor Walker earned a B.A. in Chemistry from Dartmouth College and a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Wisconsin–Madison... Read More →
avatar for Suzi Taylor

Suzi Taylor

MSU Science Math Resource Center Director, Montana State University
Suzi Taylor is director of outreach and communications for MSU Science and Math Resource Center (SMRC) and has been co-leader of the Montana Girls STEM Collaborative since it was launched in 2012. Suzi and her team collaborate with MSU faculty whose research is funded by the National... Read More →


Monday August 9, 2021 1:30pm - 3:00pm MDT
 
Tuesday, August 10
 

8:30am MDT

Failure IS an option
Join Kyle Calderwood, Technology Coordinator from Tabernacle School District in New Jersey, as he discusses the ups and downs of their technology growth. Failure is a part of learning and he will showcase some of the successes they've had through the years under his tenure as well as some of the projects that didn't quite pan out. All participants will be encouraged to join in on the learning to experience what his current and former district has experienced over the past 8 years. Learn more about Kyle by following him on Twitter @kcalderw

Presenters
avatar for Kyle Calderwood

Kyle Calderwood

Technology Coordinator, Tabernacle School District
Kyle is the Technology Coordinator at Tabernacle School District in New Jersey. He is a Google Certified Innovator, Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert, Skype Master Teacher, and a Minecraft Global Mentor.As a gamer himself, he enjoys working with teachers across the country on how... Read More →


Tuesday August 10, 2021 8:30am - 9:30am MDT

9:45am MDT

An Introduction to Montana's New K-12 Computer Science Standards
As of July 1, 2021, Montana will have a new set of K-12 standards for computer science. This session will provide an overview of the standards, including the content areas and core skills of the standards. Resources for implementation of the new standards and computer science instruction and integration will also be shared.

Presenters
avatar for Eric Swenson

Eric Swenson

Business Education Specialist, Montana Office of Public Instruction
Eric Swenson is the Business Education Specialist with the Montana Office of Public Instruction. Prior to joining the OPI in 2010, Eric spent 13 years teaching a variety of business and technology courses at Denton High School. Eric is a Past President of the Montana Business Education... Read More →


Tuesday August 10, 2021 9:45am - 10:45am MDT

9:45am MDT

Expanding Your Science Curriculum
Want your curriculum to reach beyond the standards? Learn how to incorporate science current events, Latin and Greek root words, science reading response essays, and Skype-a-Scientist into your curriculum. Students will gain presentation and research skills, ability to break down the meaning of terms, read and reflect on related content, and connect with scientists worldwide.

Presenters
avatar for Katie Capp

Katie Capp

Teacher, Belgrade High School
Dr. Katie Capp teaches 10th grade biology at Belgrade High School (Belgrade, MT). Dr. Capp primarily teaches students that struggle with math and reading and/or receive special education services and is an active team member in the co-teaching model. Dr. Capp earned a B. A. in Biology... Read More →


Tuesday August 10, 2021 9:45am - 10:45am MDT

11:00am MDT

Indigenizing Curriculum: Bridging Culture and Science
Presenters
avatar for Jason Baldes

Jason Baldes

Ecologist, Eastern Shoshone Tribe
Jason, an enrolled member of the Eastern Shoshone Tribe, received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Land Resources & Environmental Sciences from Montana State University, where he has focused on the restoration of Buffalo to Tribal lands.In 2016 he spearheaded the successful... Read More →


Tuesday August 10, 2021 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT

11:00am MDT

Leveraging Data with Collaborative Documents
Join this interactive session & discover how incorporating simple Google Sheets tips provides a more effective way for your students to work with data. These strategies lead to the thinking needed for 6 out of 8 of the science and engineering practices, and allow us to guide students to apply those skills naturally. Participants will leave the session with ideas to implement in class.  

Note: For further hands-on practice with Sheets, join the breakout session tomorrow at 9:45am "Level UP Instruction with Google Sheets."  

Presenters
avatar for Vicki Heupel

Vicki Heupel

High School Science Teacher (Biology, Forensics, Astronomy), Bigfork High School
Vicki Heupel teaches Biology, Forensics, and Astronomy at Bigfork High School (Bigfork, MT). Vicki earned a B. A. in Biology, and Secondary Education from Concordia College in Moorehead, MN. She has been teaching for 25 years and her work has been featured in the book, "Blended Learning... Read More →


Tuesday August 10, 2021 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT

12:05pm MDT

Lunch and Learn Session: American Prairie Science
Lunch and learn sessions are informal, small group, roundtable discussions, to share ideas, resources, or strategies that have enhanced science/STEM instruction.  

Montana Outdoor Science School introduces the American Prairie Field School Program for middle school students and teachers.  In partnership with the American Prairie Reserve, the program includes fall classroom visits, a spring trip to the prairie, and a teaching trunk (K-12).  Funding is available for the 2021/22 school year.  

Presenters
avatar for Molly Ward

Molly Ward

Education Director, Montana Outdoor Science School
Molly Ward M.S. Science Education has worked in the field of science education for over 20 years. Molly is currently the Education Director at Montana Outdoor Science School and also does consulting through her company, Mountain Goat Instructional Design. Previously, Molly has worked... Read More →


Tuesday August 10, 2021 12:05pm - 12:30pm MDT

12:05pm MDT

Lunch and Learn: The Importance of Notebooks in the Classroom
Lunch and learn sessions are informal, small group, roundtable discussions, led by a participant that will share ideas, resources, or strategies that have enhanced science/STEM instruction.  

Panelists
avatar for Christine O'Shea

Christine O'Shea

Teacher, Bozeman School District (Hyalite Elementary)
I have been teaching for 14 years in grades 1, 3, 4, and 5 and am currently teaching fourth and fifth grade ela/science/stem. I have achieved National Board Certification. I am a state finalist for Presidential Award in Excellence in math and science teaching PAEMST. I have participated... Read More →


Tuesday August 10, 2021 12:05pm - 12:30pm MDT

12:35pm MDT

Lunch and Learn Session: Game On! How play promotes learning
Lunch and learn sessions are informal, small group, roundtable discussions, led by a Montana educator that will share ideas, resources, or strategies that have enhanced science/STEM instruction.  

This lunch and learn will share not only the theory behind why games and play promote student learning but suggestions for games (digital and analogue) to teach content ranging from biology to cybersecurity to becoming college ready.

Focus: Gr. 7-12

Presenters
avatar for Dr. Tricia Seifert

Dr. Tricia Seifert

Professor of Adult & Higher Education, Montana State University
Dr. Tricia Seifert is professor in the Adult & Higher Education program at Montana State University. She also maintains a faculty appointment at the University of Toronto. Her research investigates the relationship between college student experiences and postsecondary learning and... Read More →


Tuesday August 10, 2021 12:35pm - 1:00pm MDT

12:35pm MDT

Lunch and Learn: Easing into Coding With Bravery, Resilience, Community, and Equity
Lunch and learn sessions are informal, small group, roundtable discussions, to share ideas, resources, or strategies that have enhanced science/STEM instruction.  

No coding experience? No problem! Join Girls Who Code in an interactive session focused on helping you gain the tools you need to get your start in computer science. By the end of the session, you’ll understand how to incorporate essential community-building activities that encourage positive social emotional development, build a supportive network of peers and diverse role models for students, and connect coding to impact. You’ll walk away with tangible tips and strategies you can implement right away and begin a drafted plan for developing (or enhancing) the STEM initiatives in your own community!

Presenters
avatar for Valerie Tomici

Valerie Tomici

Community Partnerships Manager, Girls Who Code
Valerie Tomici is the Manager of Community Partnerships and Outreach at Girls Who Code, an international nonprofit that works to close the gender gap in tech. As a passionate advocate of educational access and equity, Valerie works to foster strong community partnerships with school... Read More →


Tuesday August 10, 2021 12:35pm - 1:00pm MDT

1:05pm MDT

Cultural Responsiveness Matters in Science
Come explore implicit bias and apply strategies to be culturally responsive. Activities: private personal bias inventory; anonymous group word cloud created in real time; and breakout constructivist dyads to process concepts learned Suggestions for how to expand one's cultural knowledge for other cultures using resources containing Traditional Ecological Knowledge of Montana's and other western American Indian tribes and ideas for increasing BIPOC and American Indian representation in the science classroom will also be shared.

Presenters
avatar for Jennifer Stadum

Jennifer Stadum

Indian Education for All Implementation Specialist, Montana Office of Public Instruction
Jennifer Stadum is an Indian Education Specialist at the Montana Office of Public Instruction. Over the past ten years Jennifer has worked with every tribe in Montana on culturally relevant materials and tribally specific resources for implementation across all disciplines in K-12... Read More →


Tuesday August 10, 2021 1:05pm - 2:05pm MDT

1:05pm MDT

Cybersecurity for Teachers
Teaching cybersecurity in schools is an important way to help students stay safe while using technology. In this breakout session, teachers will be introduced to the core ideas of cybersecurity that should be taught in the classroom.

Presenters
avatar for Ronda Black

Ronda Black

Program Director - Information Technology, Gallatin College Montana State University
Ms. Black is currently serving as the Information Technology Program Director at Montana State University, Gallatin College. She comes to us with an MIS degree from Franklin University, two AAS degrees and several years of professional network security experience. Ms. Black is passionate... Read More →


Tuesday August 10, 2021 1:05pm - 2:05pm MDT

2:15pm MDT

Resources Round-Up
Join us to hear all about what some of our amazing sponsors have to offer to educators through their programs and services.  Each participating sponsor will provide information through a 15-minute demonstration of their work.  Participate in the full Resources Round-up and you will be entered into a raffle to win some exciting prizes! You are also eligible to receive 1 OPI Renewal Unit for attending and completing a reflection form to share your ideas for application of what you heard.  Note: We will use the one Zoom link for all three, so there is no need to close out and in for each 15-minute demo!

Panelists
avatar for Suzi Taylor

Suzi Taylor

MSU Science Math Resource Center Director, Montana State University
Suzi Taylor is director of outreach and communications for MSU Science and Math Resource Center (SMRC) and has been co-leader of the Montana Girls STEM Collaborative since it was launched in 2012. Suzi and her team collaborate with MSU faculty whose research is funded by the National... Read More →

Sponsors
avatar for Montana NSF EPSCoR

Montana NSF EPSCoR

The mission of EPSCoR is to advance excellence in science and engineering research and education in order to achieve sustainable increases in research, education, and training capacity and competitiveness that will enable EPSCoR jurisdictions to have increased engagement in areas... Read More →
avatar for MSU Department of Education

MSU Department of Education

The Mission of the Department of Education is to prepare highly qualified professional educators and administrators through exemplary campus and distance based programs and field placements in quality public and private schools. In addition, the department contributes to the state... Read More →
avatar for NASA AEROKATS and ROVER Education Network (AREN)

NASA AEROKATS and ROVER Education Network (AREN)

The AEORKATS and ROVER Education Network (AREN) is a NASA-supported project designed to train the next generation of scientists, engineers, and other professionals to observe and understand our planet Earth through experiential learning using NASA technology and data in real-world... Read More →


Tuesday August 10, 2021 2:15pm - 3:00pm MDT

4:00pm MDT

Montana Science Center "The Science of Whiskey: From Grains to Glass"
Engage in a fun evening, virtual social event hosted by the Montana Science Center and School Services of Montana.  Experience "The Science of Whiskey: From Grains to Glass" demonstration and virtual tasting with Sabrina Holland (Director of Technology Education, School Services of Montana), and learn about Montana Science Center's STEM resources and programs as you connect with other educators and STEM enthusiasts! Attending the event will enter you in for the chance to win some Science/STEM-related raffle prizes!

Note: If you are participating in the guided tasting, bring a liquor of your choice and a friend or family member (over 21) to join you where ever you are. Sabrina tells us it works best to have 3 different kinds of the same liquor (3 whiskeys, 3 vodkas, 3 gins, or 3 tequilas, etc.), when possible.

Presenters
avatar for Sabrina Holland-Kump

Sabrina Holland-Kump

Director of Technology Services, School Services of Montana
Sabrina Holland is a Butte native and former secondary classroom teacher who is certified as a Level 1 and 2 Google Educator. She has worked with schools in three countries and is committed to integrating technology in meaningful, appropriate, and effective ways to best serve Montana... Read More →


Tuesday August 10, 2021 4:00pm - 5:30pm MDT
 
Wednesday, August 11
 

8:30am MDT

Empowering the Next Generation to Take Over the World
Christa McAuliffe once said ”I touch the future - I teach.” As teachers, we have the power to help students prepare to take over the world. We don’t know who among our students will be the next Greta Thunburg, the next Elon Musk. We must teach how to lead and innovate. Session attendees will learn how to mentor in meaningful ways, provide opportunities for career exploration and civic engagement.

Presenters
avatar for Aemi Herrera

Aemi Herrera

Science Educator, 9-12, Lynn Public Schools, Lynn MA
                       A finalist nominee for the 2020 FIRST Robotics Woodie Flowers Award, and Exemplary Science Teacher of the Year in 2014 (NSSS), Aemi attended Montana State University in Bozeman, MT where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology - Fish... Read More →


Wednesday August 11, 2021 8:30am - 9:30am MDT

8:30am MDT

Getting Started with Minecraft: Education Edition
This session will introduce the concepts of integrating your current lessons with Minecraft in the classroom as well as share student project examples.

Presenters
avatar for Kyle Calderwood

Kyle Calderwood

Technology Coordinator, Tabernacle School District
Kyle is the Technology Coordinator at Tabernacle School District in New Jersey. He is a Google Certified Innovator, Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert, Skype Master Teacher, and a Minecraft Global Mentor.As a gamer himself, he enjoys working with teachers across the country on how... Read More →


Wednesday August 11, 2021 8:30am - 9:30am MDT

9:45am MDT

Level UP Instruction with Google Sheets
Sometimes lacking awareness of how a tool can be used, or having the skills you need, can keep you from supporting students in effective ways. Join this interactive session to learn & practice Sheets skills that will enable you to facilitate a variety of student lessons including graph creation. The session provides support for K-12 teachers at these levels: beginner, intermediate, and slightly advanced. Participants will leave the session with ideas & resources to implement in class.

Note: This session provides extended support for the concepts presented in the "Leveraging Data with Collaborative Documents" session from Tuesday, however attending is not a prerequisite.

Presenters
avatar for Vicki Heupel

Vicki Heupel

High School Science Teacher (Biology, Forensics, Astronomy), Bigfork High School
Vicki Heupel teaches Biology, Forensics, and Astronomy at Bigfork High School (Bigfork, MT). Vicki earned a B. A. in Biology, and Secondary Education from Concordia College in Moorehead, MN. She has been teaching for 25 years and her work has been featured in the book, "Blended Learning... Read More →


Wednesday August 11, 2021 9:45am - 10:45am MDT

9:45am MDT

Population Sampling
Attendees will get hands-on experience in sampling a population of organisms and the reasons that citizen scientists may be involved in this important endeavor.

Presenters
avatar for Tracy Babcock

Tracy Babcock

Teacher, 5th Grade, Bozeman Public School District
Tracy Babcock is a 5th-grade teacher in Bozeman MT with a passion for everything related to science, STEM, writing, and students! She has been teaching for 11 years but prior to this was a nurse and an instructor at MSU Bozeman. She serves on the National Board of Directors for the... Read More →


Wednesday August 11, 2021 9:45am - 10:45am MDT

11:00am MDT

Computer Science Integration Panel Discussion
With the release of Montana’s Computer Science Content Standards, effective July 2021, schools will be reviewing standards and deciding how to tackle implementation.  Join us for a robust panel discussion regarding computer science education!  There are currently different levels of implementation, ranging from standalone high school computer science courses to courses that integrate computer science with science, business, technology or other topics throughout K-12.   Facilitated by Dr. John Paxton (MSU Computer Science Director), you will gain ideas and unique perspectives from industry leaders, Montana teachers and higher education.  

Panelists
avatar for Brittany Fasy

Brittany Fasy

Associate Professor, Montana State University
Brittany Terese Fasy is an associate professor at Montana State University (MSU).  Dr. Fasy earned a B.S. in Mathematics and Computer Science from Saint Joseph's University in 2007, and a Ph.D. from Duke University in 2012.  After two postdocs, she joined MSU in 2015. She teaches... Read More →
avatar for Christine O'Shea

Christine O'Shea

Teacher, Bozeman School District (Hyalite Elementary)
I have been teaching for 14 years in grades 1, 3, 4, and 5 and am currently teaching fourth and fifth grade ela/science/stem. I have achieved National Board Certification. I am a state finalist for Presidential Award in Excellence in math and science teaching PAEMST. I have participated... Read More →
avatar for Dr. John Paxton

Dr. John Paxton

Computer Science Professor, Montana State University
Panel Facilitator - Dr. John Paxton joined Montana State University in 1990, where he currently serves as a Computer Science Professor and the Founding Director of the Gianforte School of Computing.  John developed two dual enrollment courses (CSCI 107, The Joy and Beauty of Computing... Read More →
avatar for Eulalie E. Cook

Eulalie E. Cook

Chief Data Officer, Tadpull
Eulalie (Lee) Cook is a Cofounder and Chief Data Officer at Tadpull – a digital marketing software company that combines design thinking methodologies with data science to solve marketing challenges in real-time. Cook has more than 15-years as a marketing professional with deep... Read More →
avatar for Steve Qunell

Steve Qunell

High School Teacher, Kalispell School District 5
I've been working on and off in STEM since 2012 when I became the STEM teacher and Robotics coach at a middle school in Maui, Hawaii. Since then I've done a little bit of everything, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Robotics, wind and solar energy, and much more. Since... Read More →


Wednesday August 11, 2021 11:00am - 12:30pm MDT
 
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