The STEAM Engine's

2023 Expanded Learning & Educator Summit

Presented by the Oklahoma Partnership for Expanded Learning

Dates: July 19-20, 2023
Location: Business Conference Center
MetroTechnology Center
​Oklahoma City, OK
Cost: $5 (limited to 100 participants)

About the Event
The STEAM Engine’s inaugural  Expanded Learning and Educator Summit (SEELES) will bring together up to 100 stakeholders including STEAM Engine staff, community partners, and community educators in a 2-day workshop to listen to speakers working at the intersection of​:

• STEM/Arts Education,
• The Maker Movement,
• College and Career Readiness,
• Workforce Development,​

• Instructional practices in Expanded Learning,
• Trauma-informed teaching
• Play-and project-based learning, and
• Parent Engagement Strategies.

Spanning 2 days we’ll host 24 different presentations (in 2 tracks) along with 2 keynotes by experts in their fields.  

​The Event is $5, but limited to 100 participants. Registration includes Lunch (both days), attendance at the Mix & Mingle Reception, as well as a $100 stipend for attendance. All attendees are will be responsible for their own overnight accommodations. 

Wednesday, July 19th

TENTATIVE. SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

8:30 am - Registration

Location: LOBBY

• Enter the building on through the South Doors from Parking Lot E
• Check in and receive your name badge, swag bag, and Agenda/Evaluation Sheet to track your Professional Development Credits

9:00 am - Welcome Plenary

Location: BALLROOM H/I

• Welcome - Morgan Jones, Founder/Executive Director of the STEAM Engine
• Remarks - Sharron Glover, Metro Technology Centers
• Introductions - Morgan Jones, Founder/Executive Director of the STEAM Engine

9:30 am - Breakout Session #1

Location: Track A: MP     Track B: Classroom J

TRACK A - THE REASONS, FEELING, BEHAVIORS OF SELF-REGULATION FOR YOUTH AND ADOLESCENTS ​

Presenters:

• Valerie McDaniel - Changing Direction
• Gerald McDaniel - Changing Direction

Description:
Each behavior has a reason and a feeling. This workshop is designed to help attendees explore how to help youth and adolescence self-regulate through identifying and understanding the feelings behind their reason and behavior. As well as providing tools for adults to support the social emotional development of school age children.

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will learn how to connect feelings and reasons behind behavior.
2. Participants will learn how to support social emotional development of youth/adolescents.
3. ​Participants will be provided resources when support is needed beyond the home and/or classroom.

TRACK B: ​Engaging Science Lessons + Implementing STEM 

Presenters:

• Kristina Johnson, Mid-Del Public Schools

Description:
In this session, learn the why and how behind flipping from a traditional way of teaching STEM concepts to a more inquiry based method. You will leave with examples and strategies to accomplish this change in teaching. In addition we will discuss how this is implemented through STEM programs in Mid-Del. 

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss the needed shift in STEM education, with a focus on science and engineering. We will discuss how this is written into state science standards. 
• We will give an overview of the engineering and design process, as well as the science and engineering practices, and discuss how that plays into education. 
• What does STEM education and programs look like in Mid-Del, and how can you implement them.

10:30 am - Hospitality Break sponsored by OG&E

Location: RECEPTION OUTSIDE BALLROOM

Meet up with colleagues in the reception area outside of the Ballroom to enjoy snacks provided by Chef Curry to Go.

10:45 am - Breakout Session #2

Location: Track A: MP     Track B: Classroom J

Track a - Serving Black and Brown Children

Presenter: Khia Glover

Description:
During this presentation attendees will learn ways to ensure that they are providing culturally competent, ethical, and trauma informed services for minority students and their families. Attendees will also learn trauma-informed ways to assist students through mental health struggles. This will include historical backgrounds, diagnosing, and reporting vs. providing resources.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify barriers and challenges that minority students and families face with engaging in social and professional services
2. Identify barriers and challenges that minority students and families face with engaging in social and professional services
   
3. ​Identify barriers and challenges that minority students and families face with engaging in social and professional services
   

track b - Creating standards-aligned stem experiences 

Presenter: Andrea Stewart, Bethany Public Schools
​
​Description: 
The importance of STEM is exemplified in the inclusion of a Science and Engineering practice in each of the Oklahoma Academic Standards for Science. Creating hands-on STEM activities to fulfill these practices and connect the three dimensions of the standards will not only increase understanding, retention, and depth of knowledge in each objective, it will raise interest in science and motivate student to solve problems in science and in other subjects and life situations. This session will take sample standards and walk through the process of designing a meaningful STEM experience to compliment and enrich the teaching of that standard. Participants will then complete the STEM experience from a student perspective and decide the best way to evaluate student performance before taking it back to their classroom.

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will increase familiarity with the Oklahoma Academic Standards for Science
   
2. Participants will practice the design process for creating a STEM experience
   
3. Participants will evaluate the STEM experience from a student perspective
   
4. Participants will create formative and summative assessment strategies for STEM experiences
   
5. ​Participants will adapt a STEM experience to the age and standards for their teaching.
   

12:00 pm - Lunch Keynote - STEAM: It's Magical, NOT Magic!

Location: BALLROOM H/I

Keynote Speaker: DaNel Hogan with Waters Center for Systems Thinking

Explore the awe-inspiring power of the explainable from magnetizing fingers to self-inflating balloons, clouds that form in an instant, mind reading, and metal rings that defy gravity. Go on a journey of wonder and confusion followed by powerful explanations which will have you seeing the world through a whole new set of lenses. Leave with some new science tricks and #MicDropMath to wow your family and friends and an understanding about the important responsibility of helping students identify their loves and loathes.

1:30 pm - Breakout Session #3

Location: Track A: MP     Track B: Classroom J

Track a - trauma-informed behavior-management 

Presenters:

• Gary Armbruster, AIA, ALEP - Principal Architect/Partner at MA+ Architecture
• Brandon Brooks - Director of Development at Positive Tomorrows
• Kelli Clark, M.Ed., NCSP - Director of Education/Principal at Positive Tomorrows

Description:
Trauma Informed Behavior Management will give an overview of the barriers to building relationships with students from deep trauma and how to begin the process of gaining trust. By understanding how the brain reacts to trauma, the participant will be able to use this information to help an unregulated student regain control safely. This process will help the participant depersonalize the reactions of the student and maintain their own regulation. Methods of creating and deepening relationships will be given for students from birth to middle school. Positive Tomorrows' building design is intentional for students/families of trauma and the architect will explain the various facets of the facility's design in helping to heal the traumatized brain.

Learning Objectives:

1. To learn what interferes with relationships and how to overcome barriers.
2. To better understand the physiological effects of trauma on the brain
3. To learn new strategies for making connections for students with trauma

track b - Little Hands on Deck! Pre-Literacy for STEAM

Presenters:

• Michele Browning

Description:
Believe it or not, reading is not required for STEAM learning!  Pre-readers need STEAM – Why you ask?  Because in a play-based environment, we can guide them using imaginary hands to allow them to experience and explore the world around them in a safe yet challenging way.  We want children to ask questions.  We want children to question!

STEAM classrooms are much more process-oriented -  the learning is intuitive and it follows the child’s natural curiosity and desire to touch and feel and to understand how the world works around them. The cool stuff we have always used in preschool, kindergarten, and early elementary is now taken apart, explained, drilled down, and given meaning in a developmentally appropriate way.  

A STEAM learning model encourages students to use what they know to seek 
answers to questions previously unasked or to share ideas and work together toward a 
creative solution.  STEAM brings together the critical components of how and what, and laces them together with why. It is necessary to reframe learning so that students see it not simply as a  task to complete, but as an exercise in understanding the world around them and how they can play a part in the co-construction of new knowledge. 

Learning through a STEAM learning model should demonstrate to students that topics, as well as people, are interconnected and that what they know and do with that knowledge can have an impact far beyond themselves. A solid foundation in the 21st-century skills of critical thinking, 
communication, collaboration, and creativity are therefore essential to the successful 
implementation of a STEAM learning model in the ECE, TK and elementary school classrooms.


Learning Objectives:

• Create robust artifacts to support webbing
  
• Mind mapping a theme based lesson plan
  
• Explore connecting art and pre-literacy through speaking and listening standards
  
• Explore connecting daily silos of learning through spacing and interleaving​
  

​

2:35 pm - Breakout Session #4

Location: Track A: MP     Track B: Classroom J

TRACK A - INTEGRATING SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL SKILLS FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Presenter: Dr. Ron Titus - Southern Nazarene University (SNU) Lab School

Description:
Join us in this session to learn how to create a safe and empowering learning environment where students develop social-emotional skills, take ownership of their learning, and become active contributors to their school experience.

In this session, we will explore how to integrate social and emotional skills into the academic realm to enhance student success. We will discuss the power of a constructivist pedagogy that emphasizes experiential learning, allowing students to actively engage in real-world challenges and acquire a deeper understanding of academic content and concepts.

Guided mastery, inspired by Albert Bandura's research, will be a central focus. We will examine how this approach empowers students to overcome social-emotional fears, gain creative confidence through hands-on experiences, and develop a strong belief in their own efficacy. Furthermore, we will explore the importance of standards-based assessments in measuring students' progress. This assessment approach allows for real-time feedback and continuous improvement, connecting evidence-based practices in education to tangible student outcomes.

Throughout the session, we will dive into three essential domains of assessment: Social Emotional Learning (SEL), Project-Based Learning (PBL), and Skills-Based Curriculum. We will examine how SEL fosters emotional intelligence, empathy, and responsible decision-making, while PBL offers a dynamic framework for students to tackle real-world problems with a growth mindset. Additionally, we will discuss the significance of skills-based learning, equipping students with practical knowledge and life skills that prepare them for their future roles as young adults.

At the SNU Lab School, we prioritize research and development, constantly staying updated with the latest findings in education and learning science. We will share our experiences of agile iteration, reflecting on successes, challenges, and student outcomes, while incorporating stakeholder feedback to continually improve our program. All of this benefits the future educators who work with our students daily.

Lastly, we will explore goal tracking and student agency, emphasizing the importance of empowering students to set meaningful goals and take responsibility for their own learning and personal development. Through one-on-one meetings with advisors, students learn to reflect on their progress, successes, and challenges and make informed decisions for continuous growth.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand constructivist pedagogy for integrating social and emotional skills into academics.
2. Explore guided mastery to overcome social-emotional fears and foster creative confidence.
3. Recognize the importance of standards-based assessments for measuring student progress.
4. Gain insights into SEL, PBL, and Skills-Based Curriculum for emotional intelligence and real-world problem-solving.
5. Learn strategies for promoting student agency, goal setting, and reflection in a safe learning environment.

track b - Igniting a Passion for STEM Learning: Content, Curriculum, and Best Practices in STEM Programs

Presenter: Dr. Emily Mortimer - Tulsa Regional STEM Alliance

Description:
At the Tulsa Regional STEM Alliance, we know that sparking and sustaining interest in STEM careers requires strengthening a student’s identity, academic capability, and access to engaging coursework taught by ambitious educators. We also know that school leaders, camp directors, and caregivers could use a little help. That's why we are excited to make our STEM Experience curricula free for you to use to enrich your in-class, after-school, or vacation programs! This session will focus on ways to use the STEM Experience Playbook to enhance current OST programs or be a helpful launching point for new, high-quality STEM OST programs. Specifically, we will focus on unpacking the open-access, free content and it's many applications for both in-school and out of school spaces. We will also explore funding pathways, how to take advantage of our evaluation services for continuous improvement, and announce an exciting new TRSA digital badge program to track student success in OST programs. Any educator is welcome to attend and take advantage this tool and it's resources!

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will learn vetted strategies to use when planning high-quality STEM OST programs
2. Participants will be exposed to curriculum resources such as the STEM Experience Playbook and understand ways in which to utilize this resource.
3. Participants will meet gain contacts to help them plan, implement, fund, and evaluate current or future STEM programs through TRSA.
4. Participants will learn tools and tips to use evaluation to improve current or future STEM OST programs.
5. ​Participants will practice with short activities understanding the components to create a high-quality STEM activity in the OST space.

3:35 pm - Hospitality Break 

Location: RECEPTION OUTSIDE BALLROOM

Meet up with colleagues in the reception area outside of the Ballroom to enjoy snacks provided by Chef Curry to Go.

3:45 pm - Breakout Session #5

Location: Track A: MP     Track B: Classroom J

Track a - TBRI & Trauma-Informed Classroom ​

Presenter: Terry Owens - Westview Boys' Home

Description:
Overview of TBRI & Trauma-Informed Classrooms training designed to equip educators to help children from backgrounds of abuse, neglect, and/or trauma to learn how to disarm fear, optimize learning, and facilitate healing for vulnerable children in the classroom.

Learning Objectives:

1. Trauma's effect on the brain
2. Healing through connection
3. ​​Understanding of Mindfulness & Connecting principles

track b - #stemonthecheap - rich learning experiences using inexpensive materials

Presenter: DaNel Hogan - Waters Center for Systems Thinking

Description:
With a full recycle bin and a trip to the dollar store, learn incredible ways to engage students with all manner of STEAM activity! From exploring the science of sound to engineering the world's best glider, engaging students in hands-on, minds-on STEAM doesn't need to break the bank.

Learning Objectives:

1. ​Participants will gain the tactical knowledge of various collections of #STEMontheCheap collections they can draw from for inspiration and ideas as well as tips and strategies for turning these hands-on activities into minds-on learning experiences.
   
2. Participants will be curious about using free and/or cheap materials to create rich learning experiences.
3. Participants will be curious about how they can take engaging hands-on activities and turn them into minds-on lessons as well.
   
4. Participants will be curious about the other activities and lessons in the various collections shared.
   

5:00 pm - Dismissal - See you at the Reception!

5:30 - 7:00 pm - Mix & Mingle Reception 
presented by: Oklahoma Innovative Technology Alliance

Come relax and get to know one another at our Mix & Mingle Reception, presented by our friends at the Oklahoma Innovative Technology Alliance.

Grab a drink (beer, wine, and soda) and heavy hors d'oeuvres as you network with conference attendees and industry professionals from Oklahoma City's Tech Scene. DJ Tom Sawyer will be on hand to help everyone have a good time. There will be prizes (must be present to win).

Location: 5201 N Lincoln Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73105

Driving Directions from MetroTech: 

• Exit the MetroTech Campus to N. Eastern Avenue. Turn North (left).
• At the stop light, turn West (left) onto NE 50th Street
• In 1.5 miles, the Capitol View Event Center will be on your right (just as you pass Lincoln Boulevard. 

​
Parking:

• Park across the street (to the west) and enter the building from the South Side

​

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Thursday, July 20th

TENTATIVE. SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

8:30 am - Registration

9:00 am - Welcome Plenary

9:30 am - Breakout Session #6

Track a - PLAY and Project-based Learning for Students with Diverse/Special Learning Needs

resenter: Michele DeBerry, MS CCC-SLP
Director, The Lee Mitchener Tolbert Center for Developmental Disabilities
Director, The Oklahoma Autism Network
University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
College of Allied Health
​
Description:

Learning Objectives:

track b - stellar Xplorers & cyberpatriot

Presenters:

• Tonja Norwood, NBCT, M.Ed, STEM Divison Manager - Oklahoma Career Tech
• Jeffrey James

Description:
Learn more about and how to get involved in StellarXplorers and CyberPatriot competitions created by the Air & Space Forces Association to inspire K-12 students toward careers in cybersecurity, aerospace, aviation, or STEM disciplines critical to our nation's future. StellarXplorers is a National Space Design Competition is a fun space system design competition that challenges teams of students to solve orbit planning, satellite component, and launch vehicle selection scenarios in a series of online rounds.

CyberPatriot is the National Youth Cyber Education Program ​At the core of the program is the National Youth Cyber Defense Competition, the nation's largest cyber defense competition that puts high school and middle school students in charge of securing virtual networks

Learning Objectives:

10:30 am - Hospitality Break provided by OG&E

10:45 am - Breakout Session #7

Track a - POSITIVE Strategies for supporting children with Challenging Behavior

Presenter: Michele DeBerry, MS CCC-SLP
Director, The Lee Mitchener Tolbert Center for Developmental Disabilities
Director, The Oklahoma Autism Network
University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
College of Allied Health
​
Description:

Learning Objectives:

track b - The real primary colors (not red, yellow, and blue) - Danel Hogan (waters center for systems thinking)

Presenter: DaNel Hogan - Waters Center for Systems Thinking

Description: 
​Wait, what? Did you know there are actually two sets of primary colors - one for light and one for paint? Experience the mixing of colors in ways you have never seen before in this session which will blow the red, yellow, and blue primary colors misconception out of your head!

​Participants will experience what it is like to be color blind and then discuss how unfair it would be to assess a colorblind student on sorting colors. We will relate this analogously to a variety of ways inequities like this show up in our society and education system.

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will be curious about a range of color perception phenomena.
2. Participants will be curious about why they didn't learn the real primary colors sooner.
3. Participants will be curious about how the human eye and the eyes of other animals detect colors.
4. Participants will be curious about a variety of types of color blindness.
5. Participants will learn strategies for tackling misconceptions.

12:00 pm - Lunch Keynote - STEAM for Everyone! STEAM for All!

Keynote Speaker: Michele Browning, STEAMsteps, LLC

​STEAM for everyone! STEAM for all!  Wait - STEAM for preschool?  STEAM for infants?  Yes! Learn how STEAM and play-based learning is perfect for everyone from our very youngest learners all the way to our middle- and high-schoolers.  Learn how to represent and understand the application of STEAM as a pedagogy and the elements of spiraling and scaffolding for early learning classrooms and the connections to lifelong learning for both children and educators.

1:30 pm - Breakout Session #8

Track a - Near science: beyond aces (part 1) 

*This is part 1 of a 2 part breakout session.

Presenters:

• Dr. Alesha Lilly
• Wendy Mills

​
Description:
The NEAR Science explores the Neurobiology, Epigenetics, ACEs Study and Resilience. We know that Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) can increase risks of long-term physical, emotional and social disparities; however, we also know that protective factors can support children, adults and families and decrease those risks. This training explores how life experiences impact our biological nervous system. It takes a deeper dive into the ACEs Study and best fit practices to increase Core Protective Factors of building capabilities, increasing attachment and belonging, and fostering community growth, culture and spirituality.
​
Learning Objectives:

• Participants will understand key concepts of the nervous system and how it interrelates with experiences and how people adapt.
•  Participants will understand key components of the Adverse Childhood Experiences study and how to utilize data to support communities.
• Participants will become familiar with core protective systems and the importance of communities and support.​

track b - middle school career exploration

Presenter: Tonja Norwood, Oklahoma CareerTech

Description: This session will explain how to start a middle school STEM CareerTech program that will help students explore careers and make informed career decisions.  STEM is everywhere and students make career decision early. Help students learn about careers that they may not know about by adding STEM to your middle school. ​

Learning Objectives:

2:35 pm - Breakout Session #9

Track a - near science: beyond aces (part 2) 

*This is part 2 of a 2 part breakout session. You must attend Part 1 to be prepared to attend Part 2.

Presenters:

• Dr. Alesha Lilly
• Wendy Mills

Description:
The NEAR Science explores the Neurobiology, Epigenetics, ACEs Study and Resilience. We know that Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) can increase risks of long-term physical, emotional and social disparities; however, we also know that protective factors can support children, adults and families and decrease those risks. This training explores how life experiences impact our biological nervous system. It takes a deeper dive into the ACEs Study and best fit practices to increase Core Protective Factors of building capabilities, increasing attachment and belonging, and fostering community growth, culture and spirituality.
​
Learning Objectives:

• Participants will understand key concepts of the nervous system and how it interrelates with experiences and how people adapt.
•  Participants will understand key components of the Adverse Childhood Experiences study and how to utilize data to support communities.
• Participants will become familiar with core protective systems and the importance of communities and support.​

TRACK B - STEMAZING #MICDROPMATH CARD TRICKS

Presenter: DaNel Hogan - Waters Center for Systems Thinking

Description: There are two genres of card tricks, those that use slight-of-hand, and those which are based on the mathematics of the discrete set of cards themself. By learning simple algorithms for accomplishing these self-working card tricks, students can easily impress family and friends with their skills. Once the algorithm has been learned, then it is up to the student to master the showmanship of how they will present the trick. Merging mathematics with performance, these card tricks are a favorite of both young and old. They can also be differentiated for students as young as PreK all the way up to adults. Depending upon the amount of time for the session, anywhere from 2-4 self-working, #MicDropMath card tricks will be taught during the session. Everyone will leave with a deck of cards so they can immediately show off their new skills.

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will be curious about self-working card tricks using a standard 52 card deck.
2. Participants will be curious about the algorithms for 2-4 self-working card tricks.
3. ​Participants will be curious about the mathematics behind the self-working card tricks.
4. ​Participants will learn about stealthy ways to make mathematics so fun that students don't even realize they are practicing math skills.

3:35 pm - Hospitality Break / Dismissal / Claim Certificates & Stipends