Other presenters: Damiso Josey
Presentation Title: Musical Pathways: How Hip Hop Music and Culture Can Bridge the STEM Gap for Under-represented Populations
Abstract: This presentation will focus on how to bridge the gap between STEM education and STEM related careers to under-represented populations through the use of Hip Hop. Many of today’s students need to see the diversity that can exist within STEM design and related fields. These students need to be able to identify with STEM within their world. This presentation will expose attendees to how they can use Hip Hop music and culture to connect the philosophy and the STEM design to engage under-represented populations to the world of STEM. The presentation will also focus on the four elements of Hip Hop culture and music and it uses the STEM design to address real world problems.
Biography: Darlyne de Haan is currently a Vice Principal at Fernwood Middle School in EHT, NJ. She has recently been hired as the Director of Curriculum and Instruction-Math and Science for the Bridgeton Schools, NJ. Darlyne is also a doctoral student at Stockton University where she is studying Organizational Leadership. Darlyne is the founder of Mad About Science, Inc. a non-profit organization seeking to reverse the trends of low interest of minorities in STEM fields.
Presentation Title: Musical Pathways: How Hip Hop Music and Culture Can Bridge the STEM Gap for Under-represented Populations
Abstract: This presentation will focus on how to bridge the gap between STEM education and STEM related careers to under-represented populations through the use of Hip Hop. Many of today’s students need to see the diversity that can exist within STEM design and related fields. These students need to be able to identify with STEM within their world. This presentation will expose attendees to how they can use Hip Hop music and culture to connect the philosophy and the STEM design to engage under-represented populations to the world of STEM. The presentation will also focus on the four elements of Hip Hop culture and music and it uses the STEM design to address real world problems.
Biography: Damiso Josey is a graduate of Temple University, Scranton University and is in the process of earning his doctorate in Educational Leadership with a focus on the school-to-prison pipeline. He currently is an Assistant Principal at the Alder Avenue Middle School in Egg Harbor Township NJ. He also runs a non-profit organization called Arts Equality which provides creative outlets for high school students across the world.
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- 50-minute breakout session
Presentation Title: Ways All Teachers can Implement Creativity, Inquiry, and Facilitation to Strengthen STEM
Abstract: Are all people creative or only a few? Can we increase the “creativity” of students in our classrooms? What about the teachers – can they become more creative? This session will consider the methods of teaching that can lead students to be better thinkers, problem solvers and computational thinkers. Teachers’ thinking will be pushed to consider the methods we use in schools and college classrooms that motivate 21st century skills and where they fit in our already packed core. This presentation will provide some solid ideas for preparing STEM (and all) educators to get more from their students. Be prepared to be interactive with the speaker who will have the entire audience thinking, talking, and doing things that can be utilized NOW. We don’t have to wait for the future, we can implement these ideas today!
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- 50-minute breakout session
Presentation Title: Design Engineering – An Easy Way to Apply STEM through Robotics
Abstract: Your hands and minds will be ON during this entire workshop. Come enjoy a little friendly competition as well as use the design engineering process. Experience how students can learn far more by creating and doing than by watching or just using. In this session, you will be challenged to use the Design Engineering Process to create and program a robot that can move with and without wheels through rapid prototyping. Experience all the design engineering process has to offer your students through investigating velocity, use of sensors to measure distance, using degrees, and creating a “boomerang” robot. You will see all the investigation that happens while designing and programming robotics to experience a real world application of math and science. After all, computational thinking and design engineering go hand in hand. We want students to think about how the design and the programming have to work in tandem to create a successful solution to a challenge. Computational thinking is more than coding; it involves all of the process from opportunity to completed project. All participants will succeed and enjoy being creative, challenged and “in flow” throughout the workshop. Come join us and put your hands on robots as you choose your challenge(s).
Biography: Kelly Reddin started with LEGO Dacta in 2000 as a curriculum specialist. She is currently a Global Master Trainer with LEGO Education, facilitating workshops for products from preschool through college as well as joining panel discussions on education. Kelly has worked creating new products using the US, UK, and German curriculum standards to help focus new development for global curriculum and products. She also presents keynote speeches and works on special projects with partners and service centers. Prior to joining LEGO Education, she taught elementary and middle school as well as college courses. She has taught, studied and worked in many regions of the United States as well as Germany and Japan. Kelly holds degrees from the University of Missouri – B.S.B.A. Accountancy, Columbus University – M.B.A and College of Notre Dame – B.A. Elementary Education, with additional studies completed at Sophia University in Tokyo, Japan.
Presentation Title: Raising the bar for young engineers
Abstract: Teaching critical thinking skills in a 21st century environment has its challenges. We want our students to think outside the box, but we continually give them a box. Using the engineering design process, we have not only increased critical thinking skills in all academic subjects but have increased the engagement level of our students overall. Participants will be introduced to how one school implemented the Engineering Design Process PreK-5th grade. Beginner to advanced strategies will be given to all to implement school wide or grade level specific. Strategies include starting a Discover Lab and carving out time in the school schedule to fully implement a quality program. Perry Harrison has implemented and integrated EDP for the last five years. During that time students have won the traditional Science Fair over the last three years.
Biography: Freda Hicks is currently the principal of Perry Harrison Elementary School in Pittsboro, NC. She has been principal of the STEM-focused school for over five years. She is a graduate of Shaw University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Ms. Hicks has worked in Nash, Orange and Chatham Counties in NC. Ms. Hicks is a believer in STEM education for young students and the power of the critical thinking skills and creativity it fosters in children.
Presentation Title: Raising the bar for young engineers
Abstract: Teaching critical thinking skills in a 21st century environment has its challenges. We want our students to think outside the box, but we continually give them a box. Using the engineering design process, we have not only increased critical thinking skills in all academic subjects but have increased the engagement level of our students overall. Participants will be introduced to how one school implemented the Engineering Design Process PreK-5th grade. Beginner to advanced strategies will be given to all to implement school wide or grade level specific. Strategies include starting a Discover Lab and carving out time in the school schedule to fully implement a quality program. Perry Harrison has implemented and integrated EDP for the last five years. During that time students have won the traditional Science Fair over the last three years.
Biography: Freda Hicks is currently the principal of Perry Harrison Elementary School in Pittsboro, NC. She has been principal of the STEM-focused school for over five years. She is a graduate of Shaw University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Ms. Hicks has worked in Nash, Orange and Chatham Counties in NC. Ms. Hicks is a believer in STEM education for young students and the power of the critical thinking skills and creativity it fosters in children.
