12th Annual ECSTEM Conference

To support your conference experience, workshop sessions have been categorized by topic area (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). Additionally, the target audience has also been specified for each workshop. Conference attendees may follow one topic area for an in-depth, content-rich focus on a particular subject matter, or may pick and choose among topics to sample the full complement of conference offerings. The following are the listing of session tracks and their abbreviations.

*Times are in Pacific Standard Time (PST)

Keynote Speaker: 8:30am – 10:00am

Jane Yolen
We are proud to present Jane Yolen! She is an author of more than 400 books for children and adults, as well as an esteemed poet and essayist. Jane has published books in every genre possible: poetry, picture books, middle grade, YA, graphic novels, nonfiction, you name it, she has written it. Her works have won so many awards including the Caldecott, the Jewish Book Award, the Golden Kite, the Nebula Award, and the World Fantasy Lifetime Achievement Award. Join us to hear from this acclaimed author as she discusses her inspiration behind the book, I Am the Storm, and the way she connects young children with nature through literature. Whether communicating shifting weather conditions in a way that is honest and empowering or helping us find the beauty in the world around us, Jane Yolen will provide a unique perspective in learning to honor and respect our home, Planet Earth. 

Session I: 10:30am – 12:00pm

An Inordinate Fondness for Ants and Beetles
Ants and Beetles are two of Earth's most abundant and diverse lifeforms. Studying their intertwined success stories is illuminating one of biology's biggest mysteries: how relationships between species emerge during evolution.

Joe Parker is an Assistant Professor of Biology and Biological Engineering at Caltech. Originally from Wales, UK, he was drawn to the rich diversity of insects at a young age and developed a boyhood obsession with beetles that he has transformed into his laboratory's research program.
Presenter: Joe Parker
California Institute of Technology

Find the ‘Rhythm of our Day' with Children through Social Emotional Learning Curriculum during the Pandemic and Post-Pandemic
Learn how to share the knowledge and love for the subject/topic you introduce in the classroom with pure joy and enthusiasm through Social Emotional Learning during this unprecedented time. This will enhance necessary skills to both understand and manage emotions, attain positive goals, and empathy toward others.
Presenter: Dayita Datta, B.A.
The Children's Center at Caltech
Target Audience: I T P TK K FG
Content: S M

Recycling Materials at Home into Hands-on Family Math Activities
PBS SoCal shares effective practices and guidelines on how early childhood educators can encourage families to recycle materials that they have at home into fun, hands-on Family Math activities.
Presenter: Tarana Khan, Ph.D. & Frances Zazueta, B.A.
PBS SoCal
Target Audience: T P TK K
Content: M

Using the Scientific Method, the Engineering Design Process and Robots, we will navigate the Universe
This workshop will walk us through the process of learning about the Universe by exploring basic science concepts such as gravity, the outer space, the 5 elements. We will also navigate the planets and some galaxies. We will program a robotic device (by using a coding map) which will attempt to land in some, if not, all the planets. Attendees will take part of putting the process together and will be able to apply it and adjust it to desired areas and age level. I will also share many resources available to make this a memorable experience for students and teachers.
Presenter: Raquel Felici, M.S.
RASG Hebrew Academy Miami Beach
Target Audience: TK K FG
Content: S T E M

Supporting Inquiry with Infants and Toddlers
This workshop will describe a model for infant and toddler inquiry learning and will provide educators with ideas for exploring STEM in order to support inquiry for the youngest learners.
Presenter: Sherri Peterson, M.A., M.S.
Iowa Regents' Center for Early Developmental Education University of Northern Iowa
Target Audience: I T
Content: S T E M

Engineering and Empathy in Preschool and Kindergarten
Participants will engage with an engineering challenge designed for an early childhood setting that encourages them to draw on their empathy for the intended users of their designs.
Presenter: Elissa Jordan, M.Ed. & Michelle Diieso, M.Ed.
Boston Children's Museum
Target Audience: P TK K
Content: E

Session II: 1:30pm – 3:00pm

California Earthquake Science
I will introduce the basics of earthquake science, present some of the many resources available to educators and the public, and describe my own role in developing these resources.
Devin works as a Geologist at the US Geological Survey in Pasadena. As part of a multi-disciplinary team at USGS, he investigates earthquake hazards throughout California and the Pacific Northwest. In the course of his career, he has conducted geologic fieldwork in mountains around the world, including the Sierra Nevada in California, the Swiss and Italian Alps, the Andes Mountains in Peru and Argentina, and Tibetan Plateau in China. Devin lives in Sierra Madre, California, with his wife and three children (all CCC students or alumni).
Presenter: Devin McPhillips
US Geological Survey

Space Explorer, Diana Trujillo
Meet Diana Trujillo, a rocket scientist and trailblazer who explores the planet Mars and is currently serving as Mission Lead on the Mars 2020 Perseverance Mission. Her story from Colombia to Mars is an extraordinary one. Born and raised in Colombia, Diana immigrated to the United States at the age of 17 to pursue her dream of exploring the Solar System. She enrolled in English as a Second Language courses, holding down full-time jobs to support her studies, and is now working on her second spacecraft on the surface of Mars. Through her work on Perseverance, she is helping to find out whether there might have been ancient life on Mars. In this interview, From Colombia to Mars — Behind the Spacecraft — Perseverance, Trujillo shares a bit about her background and her trailblazing work.She is also a passionate advocate for diversity in STEM, having pushed for more inclusion of the Latinx community in venues ranging from the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics to the educational program Plaza Sésamo (Sesame Street).
Presenter: Diana Trujillo
NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Splashing Through STEM
Since children learn best through hands on experience, we will show you how toddlers gain knowledge about Earth Science. All aspects of STEM will be covered while learning about water and its properties. You will be given insight to some Toddler activities as they grasp this concept.
Presenter: Diana Ramirez, B.A. & Amanda Lawson, M.A.
The Children's Center at Caltech
Target Audience: T
Content: S T E M

Science and Engineering in Preschool Through Elementary Grades: The Brilliance of Children and the Strengths of Educators
Authors of this report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine's Board on Science Education will give an overview of the report's key issues, conclusions, and recommendations.
Presenter: Amy Stephens, Ph.D. & Douglas Clements, Ph.D.
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine & University of Denver
Target Audience: P TK K FG SG
Content: S E

Culture, Coding, and Trauma-Informed Care
A NAEYC Accredited Family Child Interaction Learning (FCIL) Preschool will share how they implement a culturally relevant STEM curriculum to an at-risk population while addressing their mental and emotional needs through a trauma-informed approach.
Presenter: Pua Aquino, B.A. & Kasey Galariada, B.A.
Partners in Development Foundation & Ka Pa'alana Homeless
Family Education Program
Target Audience: I T P
Content: S T E M

Stereotypes in Science and How to Address Them
Learn about the pervasiveness of stereotypes in science and leave with five simple strategies to implement in your classroom, as well as resources and lesson ideas to counteract prevailing stereotypes.
Presenter: Jacquelyn Duran, Ph.D. & Alison Matthews, M.A.
Teachers College, Columbia University
Target Audience: P TK K FG SG
Content: S

Making and Unmaking with Recyclables & Natural Materials
Join me to explore "making" and "unmaking" with young children. Learn to guide children in making creations of their own imagining with recyclable materials, loose parts and natural items.
Presenter: Amy Berens, M.A. & Patricia Sinclair, M.A.
Bright Horizons
Target Audience: P TK K
Content: S T E M

Saturday, February 19th, 2022

Keynote Speaker: 8:30am – 10:00am

Chris Bertish – LIVE SESSION ONLY!
Please join us in welcoming Chris Bertish! He is a speaker, best-selling author, ocean pioneer, award-winning director, dedicated conservationist, and passionate educator. Chris became the first person ever to stand up paddle across any ocean. Chris Bertish shifts boundaries and shatters perceptions of what's possible, while using his voice, his stories and his adventures as a force for good and positive change.  He uses his adventures and projects to support charities, both in the humanitarian, educational, sustainability and environmental realms, to bring about tangible positive change, inspiring us to give back, be better humans, become more purpose driven and discover our greatest potential. Please join Chris as he shares the power of the stories only he can tell and, more importantly, the priceless, hard-won knowledge and life lessons each of those stories contains.

Session I: 10:30am – 12:00pm

NASA Scientist, Michelle Gierach
Dr. Michelle Gierach is a scientist in the Water and Ecosystems Group at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Her research interests include analysis and application of airborne and spaceborne remote sensing observations to study synoptic to decadal changes in the aquatic environment. She is a committee member for the National Academies Committee on the United States Contributions to Global Ocean Plastic Waste, member of the International Ocean Color Coordinating Group Task Force: Remote Sensing of Marine Litter and Debris, co-chair of the U.S. CLIVAR Phenomena, Observations, and Synthesis Panel, and NASA representative at UN Climate Change Conferences (COP-20 and -21).
Presenter: Michelle Gierach
NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Up In the Air! Exploring the physics and properties of air with young children
Explore air with young learners, a natural resource often taken for granted. Engage in interactions with gathered materials  using the force of moving air, plan ways to explore air & air quality with young learners who learn about properties of air as they play.
*Please review the handout for a list of items to bring to this interactive session.
Presenter: Peggy Ashbrook, B.S.c & Ann Caspari, M.A.
NSTA Early Years Columnist & Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum
Target Audience: T P TK K FG
Content: S E

Artemis: NASA's Missions to the Moon & on the Mars!
Did you know that we're going back to the Moon? In this session, we will explore NASA's Artemis Missions to the Moon and Mars and learn how-to best guide STEM learning in the early grades (PreK-2) using literacy, teacher expert tips and strategies, engineering design processes and NASA's educational resources. Discover hands on/minds on NASA STEM resources to really engage your students. Take advantage of NASA's free resources and encourage ALL your students to reach for the stars!
Presenter: LaTina Taylor, M.Ed.
NASA EPDC & Texas State University
Target Audience: P TK K FG SG
Content: S T E M

What Are We Going To Do? How to Turn Challenges Into Learning Opportunities: Stimulating Children's Minds and Nurturing Hearts
We would like to invite you to join us and see how we nurture our children's minds and hearts in our family day care program. These two go together. We are going to share beautiful learning moments that develop awareness, concern, creative thinking, problem solving, collaboration, and other positive values we aim to build in our children. We believe that these skills are fundamental to the purpose full use of STEM knowledge to benefit humanity.
Presenter: Nona Baroma, B.A. & Juvicfil Sundwall, B.A.
Thank You Thank U
Target Audience: T P
Content: S M

The Art of Developing and Asking Open-Ended Questions
If you want to learn what children are thinking, you have to ask the right questions. Not just any questions will do. Asking open-ended questions is one of the best ways to enhance children's curiosity and guide them through the learning process without telling them what to do. Learn how intentional instructional support using open-ended questions accommodates development across domains, especially during observations for assessment. Walk away with solid questions that encourage children to pause, think, experiment, and reflect.
Presenter: Angela Russ-Ayon, B.S.
Russ InVisionCo
Target Audience: P TK K FG
Content: S T E M

Engaging Young Learners in Earthquake Science
Earthquakes are a scientific phenomenon that provides rich opportunities to inspire and engage young learners' thinking and exploration of earth science, cause and effect, mathematics, physics, and social emotional topics.
Presenter: Raissa Lee, M.S. Ed
ABC Mom Learning Center & Childcare
Target Audience: P TK K FG SG
Content: S T E M

Effectively Engaging Young Children in Data Collection and Analysis: The Preschool Data Toolbox
This professional learning workshop will demonstrate a series of investigations that engage young children in data collection and analysis using a freely available app to facilitate the process.
Presenter: Ashley E. Lewis Presser, Ph.D., Jessica M. Young, Ph.D. & Kristen E. Reed, M.Ed, M.A
Education Development Center
Target Audience: P TK K
Content: S T

Session II: 1:30pm – 3:00pm

Relevant Earth: Investigations and Connections
How does Earth work? This workshop will provide educators with ideas on designing an ongoing curriculum in Earth Science that is meaningful and relevant to the lives of young children. This session will highlight for educators that the "science" of Earth is visible, tangible, and amazing when we look.
Presenter: Carla-Michelle Towns, A.A. & Richard Ponce, B.A. & Melissa Samples, M.A.
The Children's Center at Caltech
Target Audience: P TK K
Content: S T E M

Diverse Representation for Children in STEAM
By incorporating the arts into STEM, we can encourage children who are consistently underrepresented in these fields; space science in particular. Diversity, inclusion and exposure gives children the confidence to see themselves in these fields.
Dominique is an advocate for diversity in children's S.T.E.A.M. education, serving her community as a Solar System Ambassador for NASA-JPL. As she continues her pursuit in Astronomy and Social Justice Studies at Harvard Extension School, she directs her passion for both through educational outreach. Currently, Dominique is a guide and host for the Griffith Observatory online children's school program, which has reached 55,000 students virtually in the last year. She seeks to positively impact social injustice in education using Space Science communication to empower children and uplift communities.
Presenter: Dominique Butler
NASA Solar System Ambassador and Griffith Observatory Museum Guide
Target Audience: K FG SG
Content: S

Fostering Community and Togetherness Through Technology
In this session, we follow two classes of toddlers as the children employ their innate creativity and ingenuity to explore and engage community connection through technological tools.
Presenter: Alex Morgan, M.A.
Boulder Journey School
Target Audience: T
Content: T

Unsung Planet Earth Heroes: Bees and Worms
Learn about the extinction of bees and how to save them to keep our planet healthy. Explore how worms break down plants and animals and turn them into soil. Examine deep thinking about the relationship among bees, worms, and plants.
Presenter: Mary Jo Pollman, Ph.D.
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Target Audience: P TK K FG SG
Content: S T E M

Enhancing STEM Literacy with Interactive, Memorable Storytelling using Felts, Puppets and Props!
Creating a fun, memorable story time experience is easy with interactive storytelling tools and STEM focused literature! Engage all learner types to build vocabulary and promote literacy throughout STEM disciplines.
Presenter: Sundrina Cottrell, A.A.
Artfelt Puppets, Pieces & Props
Target Audience: I T P TK K FG SG
Content: S T E M

Pre-Recorded Sessions

Using the Inquiry Model to Explore Topics in Earth Science in the Early Childhood Setting
Attendees of this workshop will learn about the steps of the Inquiry Process through the lens of Earth Science. By placing these steps in the context of an Inquiry unit emphasizing humans' impact on the environment, attendees will leave with ideas for how to authentically teach their young students respect for the Earth and its resources. *This session was pre-recorded.
Presenter: Kathryn Price, M.Ed.
Salem State University School of Education, Early Education and Care Program
Target Audience: P TK K FG SG
Content: S

Improving EC Teachers' Self-efficacy and Attitudes in Teaching STEM: Practice in Hong Kong
Teachers' attitudes and self-efficacy play a critical role in implementing ECSTEM. This workshop will present and discuss practices and strategies for improving EC teachers' competency in teaching STEM to young children. *This session was pre-recorded.
Presenter: Ruoyu Wen, M.A.
Yew Chung College of Early Childhood Education, Hong Kong
Target Audience: P TK K
Content: S T E M

Game-based Math Education of Early Years in China
A series of interesting games were designed to be applied in math education for young children in Kindergarten year level in China. Children enjoyed play-based learning in these games we designed and prepared, and learned math concept, such as pattern, space, measurement in a fun and effective way. *This session was pre-recorded.
Presenter: Ding MengLin, B.A.
Huaguo Tianyu Education Technology Co.Ltd
Target Audience: K
Content: M

Environment as the Third Teacher
The learning environment comprises the physical space and the social environment. A thoughtfully designed environment invites, provokes, and enhances learning, encouraging communication, collaboration, and inquiry. *This session was pre-recorded.
Presenter: Shi Yelong, B.A., Cao Jing, B.A., Sun Lei, B.A. & Wu Yingyan, B.A.
Soong Ching Ling Kindergarten
Target Audience: P
Content: S T E M

Developing Engineering Thinking in Early Childhood
The development of engineering thinking among young children usually begins with discussing the problems we face, followed by guiding the children to go through the entire engineering process, analyzing the process with reflection, and we will point out the teacher's role in the process and how we can improve teaching in the future. Our session consists of three parts. In the first part we discuss the problems that we face during teaching. The second part presents ECSTEM teaching methodology implementation at this stage, attempting to put our views and ideas into practice. The third part is the analyzing and reflection we get from our current teaching and plan for the future as well as discussing the teacher's role. *This session was pre-recorded.
Presenter: Feng Zhu, B.A.
BeeMee Forest Academy
Target Audience: K
Content: S T E M