2025 Elevated Teaching Summit

Young learners are naturally curious—but are we truly tapping into that curiosity during science lessons? In this interactive session, we’ll explore how to make science more than just an activity by engaging students in thinking, questioning, reading, writing, and discovering through hands-on exploration. Teachers will experience simple, engaging investigations that spark curiosity, learn how to move beyond step-by-step experiments to true inquiry-based learning, and discover ways to integrate informational texts and writing to support scientific thinking. Walk away with practical, ready-to-use strategies that help students explore, wonder, and think like real scientists!

Ready to turn your students into storytellers, creators, and critical thinkers? In this hands-on session, discover how to integrate stop motion animation into your desired content area. Learn how to collaborate with your STEM and Arts Brain Booster teachers to enhance engagement and creativity. We’ll walk through the full process—from storytelling and storyboarding to filming and reflection—all while aligning to your standards. You'll leave with ready-to-use resources, ideas for classroom integration, and the inspiration to get your students moving, making, and showing mastery of content through animation. 

Bring STEM learning to life by combining KaiBots with Kai’s Kainundrum Lite, a digital world that integrates gaming elements to add exciting challenges to coding and problem-solving. In this session, elementary educators will explore fun, hands-on ways to use KaiBots to build STEM skills like critical thinking, engineering, and math. Learn how to connect physical coding with digital exploration, making learning experiences more engaging and interactive for all students. Additionally, discover how this mighty robot can bridge classroom learning with hands-on exploration, providing structured, high-energy activities for educators, maker spaces, after-school programs, and anyone looking to incorporate KaiBots into their learning spaces.

Join this session for an engaging and lively professional learning session where we’ll unlock the magic of math by putting our students in the driver's seat! This session is all about transforming our classrooms into vibrant, inquiry-driven spaces where students are not just passive learners, but curious explorers of the mathematical world. We’ll dive into the exciting world of student-centered learning and discover how to spark curiosity through inquiry-based activities that encourage critical thinking and problem-solving. Get ready for fun discussions, collaborative brainstorming, and hands-on planning that will leave you inspired and equipped with fresh ideas to energize your math instruction. By the end of our time together, you’ll be ready to create an engaging environment where students take charge of their own learning adventures. Let’s make math an exciting journey together!

Too many students (and adults!) believe they just aren’t “math people.” But what if we could change that? This session is all about breaking the myth of fixed math ability and transforming classrooms into spaces where every student sees themselves as a capable mathematician.

We’ll explore practical, research-based strategies to build math confidence, foster a growth mindset, and engage students in meaningful mathematical thinking. Through hands-on activities, real-world connections, and collaborative problem-solving, participants will learn how to create a math classroom where struggle is celebrated, thinking is valued, and success is accessible to all. Walk away with ready-to-use strategies that empower students, spark curiosity, and make math a subject where everyone belongs.

Curious about 3D printing but not sure where to start? This beginner-friendly session will help you go from “What’s an STL?” to “Look what I made!” Learn the ins and outs of getting started—from district-approved purchasing and login procedures to finding and printing ready-made files using our district-created STL repositories. We’ll explore key vocabulary, walk through the full print process, and cover basic troubleshooting tips to keep things running smoothly. Plus, you’ll get introduced to Tinkercad Classroom so students can start designing their own 3D creations. Whether you're supporting a classroom, makerspace, or both, you’ll leave ready to bring 3D printing to life in your school!