Breakout #1: 9:15-10:00

Breakout #2: -10:10-10:55

Breakout #3: -12:00 - 12:45

Roundtable Discussions - Cafeteria

Finding Success Using Labsites

Room 149, 9:15-10:00

Join us for an enlightening presentation on the transformative power of labsite classrooms in fostering project-based learning (PBL) within educational environments. This session, led by Innovative Teaching & Learning Coaches Elizabeth Ruebusch and Betsy Henning from the Indian Hill Exempted Village School District, will delve into the collaborative and supportive structure of labsites.

Elizabeth Ruebusch

Innovation Coach

Indian Hill Primary School

Betsy Henning

Innovation Coach

Indian Hill Elementary School

Harnessing the Power of PBL in High School STEM Education

Room 152, 9:15-10:00

Join us for an engaging session led by experienced math teachers on the transformative power of Project-Based Learning (PBL) in supporting high school STEM education. Discover how PBL fosters deep understanding and application of STEM concepts through hands-on, authentic projects. Learn strategies to design and implement PBL units that integrate math, science, technology, and engineering, enhancing student engagement and critical thinking. See real-world examples of successful PBL initiatives and gain practical tips for overcoming common challenges. This session will empower you to create meaningful, collaborative learning experiences that prepare students for future STEM careers.

Julia Kunkel

Math Educator & Teacher Leader

Indian Hill High School

Jackie MCCarthy

Math Educator & Teacher Leader

Indian Hill High School

Transformational Partnerships

Room 149, 9:15-10:00

Explore how strategic external partnerships can inform and support K-12 STEM education in this insightful session. Discover how collaborations with industry leaders, higher education institutions, and community organizations can enrich STEM ecosystems, providing students with authentic learning experiences and career pathway opportunities. Learn practical strategies for building and sustaining these partnerships to enhance curriculum relevance, student engagement, and real-world application of STEM concepts. Join us to uncover the transformative impact of external partnerships on preparing students for future success in STEM fields.

Kirk Koennecke

CEO Superintendent

Indian Hill Exempted Village Schools

Dr. erin owens

Primary School Principal

Indian Hill Exempted Village Schools

Dr. Eleanor Smalley

President & CEO

JASON Learning

Spaces of Belonging: Designing Learning Environments for Enhanced Agency and Achievement

Room 130 + School Tour, 9:15-10:45

Explore the profound impact of thoughtfully designed learning spaces on student engagement, sense of belonging, and educational outcomes. This session will delve into how physical and virtual learning environments can be optimized to foster inclusivity, empower students, and facilitate dynamic learning experiences. We will tour spaces in our Primary, Elementary, and Middle Schools and discuss the purposeful design elements that foster learning.

Dr. melissa stewart

Chief Academic Officer/Assistant Superintendent

Indian Hill Exempted Village Schools

whitney buell

Elementary School Principal

Indian Hill Exempted Village Schools

Andrea Akin

LOTH

STEM for ALL: How to Build & Support a Comprehensive K-12 STEM Program

Room 131, 10:10 - 10:55

From early learners to near graduates, STEM is a way of thinking that encourages students to solve problems, design solutions, and connect different concepts into a common solution. STEM is a requirement for most careers, as well as being a defining force for schools. In this session, you will learn how to build a comprehensive STEM program for ALL students, from PreK to Graduation, incorporating vertical career pathways and aligning the daily work in your classrooms with your strategic goals.

Dr. Eleanor Smalley

President & CEO

JASON Learning

Lori bedsole

Curriculum Development

JASON Learning

Why STEM? Why Now? Asset Mapping Your Way Toward STEM Culture

Room 154, 10:10 - 10:55

In this timely session, explore the critical importance of STEM education and why it's more essential now than ever. Learn about the powerful strategy of asset mapping to link school and district evidence of practice and programs to a STEM-designated rubric. This approach helps identify strengths and uncover opportunities for growth, ensuring a comprehensive and effective STEM curriculum. Discover how asset mapping can provide a clear pathway for schools to enhance their STEM offerings, align with industry standards, and better prepare students for the future. Join us to understand the impact of STEM education on student success and community development, and gain practical tools to elevate your STEM programs.

heather sherman

Senior STEM Relationship Manager

Battelle

What is a STEM Learning Ecosystem?

Room 148, 10:05 - 10:50

This session will highlight the core concepts, key components, and transformative potential of SLEs in today's educational landscape. Participants will learn more about the interconnectedness of stakeholders, resources, and opportunities within SLEs, gaining insights into how these ecosystems foster innovation, access, and excellence in STEM education. Through real-world examples and interactive discussions, attendees will discover strategies for building and sustaining vibrant SLEs that empower learners, educators, and communities alike. Whether you're new to STEM Learning Ecosystems or seeking to enhance an existing ecosystem, this session promises to ignite your passion for collaborative, inclusive, and impactful STEM initiatives. This session will also feature an overview of various STEM resources, including IBM SkillsBuild, aimed at equipping and providing micro credentialing for students with in-demand technical and professional skills.

Christa krohn

Senior Director of Learning Systems

TIES

Schoolwide Design Thinking in Action 3-5

Room 130, 12:00 - 12:45

Join third-grade classroom teacher, Lee Jimenez, gifted intervention specialist and math educator, Amanda Sopko, and innovation lab teacher, Jackie O'Brien for an engaging session on implementing schoolwide design thinking. Discover how teacher collaboration can create exceptional Project-Based Learning (PBL) opportunities for students. Learn practical strategies for integrating design thinking across grade levels and subjects, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Through real-world examples and interactive discussions, see how collaborative efforts can enhance student engagement and deepen learning. Gain insights into effective practices for developing and sustaining a schoolwide culture of innovation and continuous improvement. This session will empower educators to work together to design and implement impactful PBL experiences that inspire and challenge students.

Amanda Sopko

Gifted Intervention Specialist & Teacher Leader

Indian Hill Elementary School

Innovation Teacher & Teacher Leader

Indian Hill Elementary School

Lee Jimenez

Third Grade Educator & Teacher Leader

Indian Hill Elementary School

Inspiration to Fruition: Middle School STEM

Room 149, 12:00 - 12:45

In their presentation "Inspiration to Fruition," science teacher Kelly Hartings and math teacher Jessica Brown will detail their collaborative process of creating organic, inquiry-based projects with students. These projects, spanning from STEM to Problem Based Learning, align with science standards, integrate math practices, and foster cross-curricular connections. Ranging from short activities to quarter-long projects, they emphasize real-life applications, 21st Century Skills, and student engagement. By empowering teachers to develop tailored projects, the session provides a toolkit including a project planning guide, tips for success, and additional resources. Encouraging educators to embrace risks, seek partnerships, and think innovatively, the presentation emphasizes bringing inspiration to reality in a manageable way. Through sharing examples and processes, it underscores the benefits of inquiry-based approaches from both teacher and student perspectives.

Kelly Hartings &

Jessica Brown

STEM Educators & Teacher Leaders

Indian Hill Middle School

Bridging the Gap: Launching Cybersecurity Programs

in High Schools

Room 153, 12:00 - 12:45

Join Keith Koehne, co-founder of Paradigm Cyber Ventures, to revolutionize STEM education with a focus on cybersecurity. In an era of digital innovation, cybersecurity education is crucial but often overlooked in high schools. Keith will share his vision for launching high school cybersecurity programs, bridging classroom learning and real-world application. With extensive experience, he emphasizes hands-on learning and industry partnerships to prepare students for success. Keith will outline strategies for implementing these programs, stressing collaboration with cyber industry partners. This session highlights the importance of aligning curriculum with industry standards and certifications, equipping students with the skills needed for the workforce. Attendees will explore diverse career pathways, from ethical hacking to threat intelligence analysis, gaining insights into practical and impactful cybersecurity education.

Keith Koehne

Paradigm Cyber Ventures

Be an Argonaut: Localize Your STEM

Curriculum

Room 152, 12:00 - 12:45

Join Loni Jackson, a 4th grade teacher, as she shares her team’s journey in localizing STEM curriculum through Project-Based Learning (PBL) tied to ELA standards. Discover how her class, in collaboration with JASON Learning and a nearby school district, researched endangered animals. Experience how this initiative culminated in an intensive immersion day at the Cincinnati Zoo, giving students a behind-the-scenes look at the roles of zookeepers, veterinarians, and biologists in conservation efforts. Gain insights into replicating this successful model to engage students in authentic, place-based learning experiences that connect STEM and literacy.

Loni Jackson

Fourth Grade Educator & Teacher Leader

Indian Hill Elementary School

cash Hayden

Assistant Principal

Indian Hill Elementary School

Curriculum Development

JASON Learning