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Find the STEM solutions you need

The sessions at the Ohio STEM Innovation Summit tackle the most pressing questions in STEM education today. They prepare educators and schools to do more, including seeking STEM/STEAM designation.

The Ohio STEM Learning Network is proud to offer this preview of sessions coming to the summit. This curated slate of presentations brings together some of Ohio’s top STEM educators. Session areas of focus have been aligned to Ohio’s Quality Model for STEM and STEAM Schools and most presentations feature interactive experiences helping educators connect across a broad range of subject areas and grade levels.

From large urban districts to rural STEM schools, national teaching fellows to non-profits, there’s something for everyone at this year’s event.

Tickets for the Ohio STEM Innovation Summit are limited and going fast. Register today to ensure you can participate in this can’t-miss event.

Session types

Learning Lab

A 60-minute opportunity that engages the audience as students in immersive learning to experience a portion of an activity, lesson, or strategy that focuses on supporting STEM pedagogy in classroom teaching and learning.

Listen to Learn Presentation

A 60-minute opportunity to share an innovative STEM education practice or the results of research.

Learning Hop

Each presenter will share a resource, strategy, or tool in a 15-minute presentation (at a table with no projector) and informal discussions / Q&A with audience members. After 15 minutes, participants will hop to another section of the room.

Tracks

Track 1: Culture for Learning

Because We Can Should We?

Join us as we share our story of how we navigated the challenge of blending the disciplines of Biology and English while emphasizing our design cycle in our Freshman Bio-Humanities class. We posed the question to our students: Because we can, should we breed pedigree dogs? As we pursue our course goal “to look at the human experience through the lens of the biological sciences for the purpose of understanding ourselves as humans and to facilitate critical science communication,” we created a unit where students experience a fuller understanding of how we interact with the world by identifying how humans have impacted the world of pedigreed dogs, and address the complexity of whether we should or not.

Lois Everitt, Teacher, Marysville STEM Early College High School
Heather Leckie, Biology Teacher, Marysville STEM Early College High School

Session Type: Listen to Learn ID: 12095

Building Bridges: Meaningful Partnerships to Enrich STEMM Education

Participants will gain insights from two elementary educators, who will walk through the steps and stages of their yearlong PBL, in which students created a bluebird trail on their school campus. The presenters will describe how community partnerships can enrich and further drive their PBL experience and take questions from other educators on the front lines of STEMM education.

Carey Bryant, Teacher-Grade 3, Hawkins STEMM Academy
JB Bryant, Teacher-Grade 2, Hawkins STEMM Academy

Session Type: Listen to Learn ID: 12239

Building STEM Culture Through Design Thinking

This session takes you on an experiential story-telling journey, as we use the design cycle to learn about design thinking. So come along for the ride, as Saint Vincent Saint Mary leaders share their journey of fully embracing and integrating design thinking in order to build a STEM culture, ultimately leading to STVM’s redesignation as the only STEM designated Catholic high school in Ohio. This session will go into detail on the use of design thinking to tackle the State of Ohio STEM Designation Rubric, while also developing teacher and student buy-in.

Ryan Pjesky, STEAM Director and Science Teacher, Saint Vincent Saint Mary High School
Erin Faetanini, Principal, Saint Vincent Saint Mary High School

Session Type: Listen to Learn ID: 12360

Cooking Up STEM: Building Student Interest Through Culinary Arts

Discover how cooking can ignite student interest in STEM through hands-on, interdisciplinary learning. This session explores the natural connections between the culinary arts and STEM disciplines, providing practical strategies to engage students in scientific exploration, technological applications, engineering design, and mathematical problem-solving. Participants will learn how to integrate cooking into their curriculum, take part in a model culinary arts lesson, and receive guidance on launching a program in their classrooms.

Daniell Cossey, STEM Teacher, Trotwood Madison City Schools

Session Type: Learning Lab ID: 11513

Forging Ahead: Crafting and Implementing an Integrated Elementary Curriculum with Tech and CS Standards

Join us to learn how we’ve developed a cutting-edge elementary curriculum that blends the Ohio Learning Standards for Technology Standards and the Ohio Learning Standards for Computer Science K-5. Discover our innovative approach to ensuring all students gain technology literacy and a solid foundation in computer science principles. Engage with us on how we are implementing the standards with teachers, students, admin, and a MakerSpace. Come find out how our unique course of study prepares students for success in middle and high school by fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Mandy Mays, Teaching and Learning Coach, Delaware City Schools
PJ Terry, Teaching and Learning Coach, Delaware City Schools

Session Type: Listen to Learn ID: 9348

Igniting Inquiry and Innovation with the Ohio Academy of Science STEM Youth Programs!

Educators will explore the Ohio Academy of Science’s STEM youth programs—Science Days and Ohio STEP—and their alignment with the OSLN Design Challenge. They will participate in inquiry-based activities that support program implementation and be provided with resources to inspire future researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs!

Kasey Harris, Program Coordinator, The Ohio Academy of Science

Session Type: Learning Lab ID: 8532

Learning Without Boundaries: How Bio-Med Science Academy Redefines STEM Education through Inquiry and Collaboration

Step into the innovative world of Bio-Med Science Academy, where STEM education is more than just a curriculum—it’s a process that equips students to tackle real-world challenges with confidence. This session will explore how Bio-Med integrates hands-on, inquiry-based, and interdisciplinary learning to create authentic educational experiences. Learn how Bio-Med nurtures global-minded professionals through collaboration, creativity, and community building. Discover the impact of flexible learning spaces, teacher autonomy, and professional partnerships in fostering critical thinking, empathy, and communication skills. Join us to uncover the secrets behind Bio-Med’s transformative STEM model and its success in preparing students for the future.

Stephanie Lammlein, Founding Chief Administrative Officer – Bio-Med Science Academy STEM School (2024 OSLN Excellence in STEM Leadership Awardee – Read her interview)
Jennifer Maschino, Regional Sales Manager – Otus

Session Type: Listen to Learn ID: 12237

Making Moves to Grow a STEM School

Summit Road Elementary, located on wetlands, has been designated as a STEM school since 2017. They were recently re-designated as a result of the dedication of all teachers to Project-Based Learning, robust professional learning together, and strong community partnerships. Students experience design-focused curriculum centered on solving real world problems. Hear from the principal and a partner, New Tech Network, about how this school has continued to grow its practices over the years, continuously creating a strong adult culture that leads to even stronger experiences for students. Participants will hear about how adult culture is cultivated, projects are connected to real world scenarios, and a culture of student curiosity is grown, while also being introduced to tools to assess and grow their own leadership.

Matthew Jacobs, Principal, Summit Road Elementary
Shannon Doody, Director of District Success, New Tech Network

Session Type: Learning Lab ID: 12019

Mission: Planting with Accuracy, Using Agricultural Prompts in Engineering Challenges to Build STEM skills

During this session, participants will get hands on right away with an engineering challenge that involves soybeans, robots, engineering materials, and a goal for even distribution! Given a Sphero RVR robot and a quick overview of driving the robot, groups will be tasked to create a distribution attachment for the robot that will release soybean seeds for distribution in a “farm field.” All materials for the challenge will be provided. Attendees need to bring their creative, problem-solving minds.

As we work on these engineering challenges, strategies for designing and delivering engineering challenges to students will be shared. Participants will also discuss the why behind using engineering challenges. Finally, we will connect to career possibilities in agriculture to wrap up this session with resources from Grow Next Generation.

Leah LaCrosse, Educator, McCormick Middle School
Jane Hunt, Education Projects and Grow Next Gen

Session Type: Learning Lab ID: 11982

Scaffolding Extraordinary STEM Culture through Design Thinking, Invention, and Entrepreneurial Spirit

Participants will engage in a unique sandbox experience (called The Extraordinaires) that will help them move toward building a STEM/STEAM culture within their classrooms/schools. Participants will explore a framework of activities focused on scaffolding design thinking and invention that:

-is adaptable across elementary through high school and crosses all disciplines
-helps build a culture of empathy and designing for and with others
-moves from light/fun designing for an extraordinary character to thoughtful/planned-out product design (potentially for a real-world community partner)

Participants will enjoy collaborating with others and will walk away with access to everything needed to bring the entire experience to their own schools and help build extraordinary STEM culture in their own corner of Ohio!

Jason Hubbard, TOSA, Perrysburg Schools

Session Type: Learning Lab ID: 12359

The Art of the Essential Question: The Design Cycle Teaching and Learning Model

It is often believed that STEM instruction, is anything that is focused on math and science. However, authentic STEM instruction is problem solving, introduced with an essential question. But are we creating essential questions that are aligned with Design Cycle Teaching and Learning? In The Art of the Essential Question; the Design Cycle Teaching and Learning Model learning lab, participants will practice devising essential questions that result in engaging lessons that are student-led and produce collaborative student discussions at the DOK level of 3 & 4.

With the seamless integration of Portrait of a Graduate Competencies and the school’s unique community values, participants will understand the difference between a traditional essential question and a Design Cycle Teaching and Learning essential question.

India Wilson, Principal, STEM Middle at Baldwin Road Junior High (2023 OSLN Excellence in STEM Leadership Awardee – Read her interview)

Session Type: Learning Lab ID: 12326

Unlocking Learning Potential with Mastery Learning: A Journey through The Wild Robot

In the evolving world of education, mastery learning and technology converge to create opportunities for personalized and effective learning experiences. This session will explore the concept of mastery learning in the context of contemporary education while integrating storytelling, using Peter Brown’s novel The Wild Robot as an insightful reference. The Wild Robot narrates the journey of a robot named Roz who learns to adapt and thrive in the wilderness, which parallels the journey of learners in a mastery-driven environment. This session will demonstrate how blending mastery learning principles with engaging narratives can transform educational experiences, especially in tech-forward classrooms.

BreAnn Fennell, 3rd Grade Teacher, Ashland City Schools
Chad Ostrowski, CEO, Teach Better Team

Session Type: Listen to Learn ID: 11726

15-minute Learning Hops in this track

Badges for Application of Skills for Long Term Workforce Success

At Global Connection Academy, we believe that true learning happens when students apply their knowledge in real-life scenarios. By focusing on strong foundational academics and essential soft skills, we’re preparing students not just for the classroom, but for a lifetime of success. Our badge checklist concept helps develop those skills in a meaningful way.

It’s about building thinkers, problem-solvers, and leaders—equipped with the tools they need to thrive today and in the future.

Dawn Fleming, Dean, Global Connection Academy

Session Type: Learning Hop ID: 10988

Ohio Junior Science Humanities Symposium: An Opportunity for Student Research and Success

This session introduces the Ohio Junior Science Humanities Symposium [Ohio JSHS], a science fair-like competition sponsored by the US Military. Students who already have a project, or can create a project from various STEM categories and apply to present this research for the chance to win awards and scholarship money. Participants will see the benefits of JSHS to the teachers, school districts, and students, along with receiving resources to use this in their classrooms. JSHS presents opportunities for teachers and students to encounter the research process, network with other students and STEM professionals in the field and publishing on their resume and in their district.

Carmen S. Dixon, Dean-School of Education, Capital University
Andrea M. Karkowski, Associate Provost, Capital University

Session Type: Learning Hop ID: 12209

STEAM Starter Pack

In this Learning Hop session, educators will be provided with resources to “quick-start” the process of incorporating the arts into their STEM programs. Interested participants will receive a digital STEAM Starter Pack Google Drive folder with the following resources:

STEAM info: A description of what STEAM is and tips for how to incorporate the arts into your existing STEM programs
Community Connections Directory Builder: A spreadsheet formatted to gather and organize contact information from various visual and performing arts organizations in your community to make professional connections, share resources, or establish formal partnerships
Advisory Board Formation checklist: A checklist of tasks to form a STEAM advisory board

Presenter:

Shannon Mulroy, Teacher, Horizon Science Academy Columbus High School

Session Type: Learning Hop ID: 12061

Track 2: Learning and Teaching

The AI-Enhanced Classroom: Practical Strategies for Immediate Implementation

Unlock the power of AI in your classroom today! This session equips educators with ready-to-use AI tools & techniques for STEM education. Discover how to leverage AI for personalized learning, as a teacher’s helper, and create engaging experiences that spark curiosity in your students.

Through collaborative challenges, you’ll learn to:

Design AI-enhanced lesson plans & challenges for your students
Implement ethical AI practices in your classroom
Use AI as a teaching/learning assistant
Create adaptive assessments

Leave with practical strategies and the confidence to transform your classroom into an AI-powered learning hub. Join us to future-proof your teaching and inspire the next generation of STEM innovators!

Jeff Schneider, Teaching & Learning Coach, The PAST Foundation

Session Type: Learning Lab ID: 12307

Backyard PBL Adventure: A Collaboration between a K-8 Urban STEM School and the Toledo Metroparks

This session highlights an innovative approach to STEM education where a K-8 urban elementary school leverages its unique proximity to a marsh ecosystem to create a school-wide Project-Based Learning (PBL) initiative in collaboration with the Toledo Metroparks. By integrating local ecological resources into the curriculum, the program aims to inform the community about the natural resources of the Manhattan Marsh, which is located directly behind the school building. This project originated in response to a request from the Toledo Metroparks to help inform the community about the native birds in the marsh. The presentation showcases how this approach empowers students, enhances teacher development, builds strong community partnerships while addressing a real-world need in our community, as well as sharing a leadership template designed to be easily replicated for other building-wide PBL experiences, ensuring consistency and scalability.

Dr. Robin Sheffield, Instructional Coach, Toledo Public Schools / Chase STEMM Academy
Dr. Roxanne Allen, Building Principal, Toledo Public Schools / Chase STEMM Academy

Session Type: Listen to Learn ID: 12024

Beasts & ‘Bots: Biology Meets Engineering

What do robots and animals have in common? They must do a lot of the same things – should they have similar ways of going about doing them? Our program answers with a resounding “YES” and examines specific ways that both robots and animals gather information from the environment (their senses/sensors) and use that information to accomplish tasks in the world (guidance). Our program is fueled by this type of cross-training, trans-disciplinary thinking, learning and growing accustomed to finding conceptual similarities among seemingly disparate places. Attendees will learn at multiple levels, from how animals (the attendees themselves) perceive color and locate sounds and how engineers use the same ideas to achieve the same abilities in robots, to how biologists and engineers collaborate by doing hands-on activities in the session.

Stephanie Rollmann, Professor, University of Cincinnati

Session Type: Learning Lab ID: 12261

Creating a Toolkit for All Computer Science Learners

In this workshop, we will create a toolkit together for your classroom through developing collaborative rules, exploring various Computer Science platforms and curricula, automating a differentiated offline assignment, and discussing classroom management techniques. I will share lessons learned and resources that we have developed for student success. I will also share points of integration for math and science classrooms.

John Dutton, Teacher, MC2STEM High School

Session Type: Learning Lab ID: 12238

Engaging Math Through PBL: Interactive Strategies for AP Math & Geometry

Discover how Project-Based Learning (PBL) transforms AP Calculus AB & BC, AP Precalculus, and Geometry into dynamic, real-world experiences. This session explores hands-on projects like infographics, optimization challenges, and architectural modeling to deepen mathematical understanding. Learn practical strategies to start small, refine through trial and error, and expand units for maximum engagement. Whether you’re new to PBL or looking to enhance your approach, this session will provide actionable ideas to make math more interactive and meaningful. This session has an entry point for all educators regardless of your experience with PBL.

Jackie McCarthy, Math Teacher, Indian Hill High School

Session Type: Learning Lab ID: 12040

Exploring a New EA in STEAM: Adventures in East Asia

From the science of origami to the modernization of storytelling through 3D printing, discover ways to incorporate the history and culture of China, Korea, and Japan into your STEAM lessons! Participants will discover new ways to use global experiences through hands-on activities that can be adapted using a variety of technologies. Learn how to build a kamishibai box from Japan, an ancient observatory from Korea, and moveable type from China from this mother-daughter team of STEAM educators. With lessons for students in grades K-12, participants will make connections with a number of free resources that will help their students learn more about science, technology, and math through engineering and the arts!

Angie Miesle, STEAM Center Coordinator and Studio Art, Art History, and Art Technology Teacher, Wayne Trace Local Schools
Madeline Miesle, 1-5 Grade STEAM Teacher, Antwerp Local Schools

Session Type: Learning Lab ID: 11948

Grant Writing 101: Featuring OSLN Classroom Grants

As an educator, you understand the importance of providing your students with top-notch STEM resources and opportunities. Yet, navigating the challenges of securing the necessary funding to support these experiences can be daunting. Learning how to effectively communicate your needs and goals through grant proposals is crucial to overcome these difficulties. Join us for this beginner grant writer session as we demystify the process of finding funding sources and break down the essentials of grant writing. Using the OSLN STEM Classroom grant application as an example, you will walk away with invaluable tips to boost your success rate in securing funding for projects that bring STEM to life for your students.

Gretchen Brown, Operations Director, Battelle Education

Session Type: Listen to Learn ID: 12400

Immersive Experience: PBL in Early Elementary Education

Immerse yourself in a PBL as an early elementary student! From the moment we start, you will experience how PBLs are not only POSSIBLE in early elementary education, they are invaluable! Your teacher, Hallie Cramer, will share how she intentionally creates a classroom environment that supports exploration, self-evaluation, and perseverance.

Cara Will, Principal, Springmill STEM Elementary
Hallie Cramer, 3rd Grade Teacher, Springmill STEM Elementary

Session Type: Learning Lab ID: 12256

Making Generative AI Work For You and Your Students: The Power of Prompt Engineering

Approaching Generative AI is a daunting task. Where do I start? And when I do, how do I ensure my results are accurate and not a product of some weird hallucination? This session will present a framework around prompt engineering to fine tune and focus Generative AI for a more meaningful and accurate experience for educators. In turn, this session will provide best practices that can be passed along to students.

Dr. Jared Pyles, Instructional Designer, Cedarville University

Session Type: Listen to Learn ID: 12363

“Not one more thing!” How to Bring Computer Science to Your Core Classes for All Learners

Discover how to embed computer science (CS) concepts into core subject areas, enhancing student engagement without adding to your workload. This session introduces the “CS Connections” curriculum, designed for grades 3-12, which integrates CS with subjects like math, ELA, social studies, science, and related arts. Participants will explore a model lesson from the module “Coding a Geometric Star Quilt,” that merges creative expression with mathematical principles and also extends to social studies and art. Gain hands-on experience, develop empathy for the student learning process, and practice key CS concepts through interactive activities. Leave equipped with resources and strategies to bring computational thinking into the classroom in order to benefit all learners. Absolutely no prior CS experience required or expected.

Renee Coley, Teacher, Code.org

Session Type: Learning Lab ID: 11030

Personalized Learning in Focus: Strategies, Evidence, and Action

This interactive session will provide participants with a deep dive into personalized learning. Facilitators will encourage critical thinking and collaborative problem-solving using a combination of self-paced learning, small group activities, and reflective discussions. Attendees will rotate through the following topics: understanding personalized learning; analyzing artifacts for each PL component and evaluating their effectiveness as potential evidence; and conducting a self-assessment to identify areas for improvement and actionable steps to support their application process. Participants will leave equipped with a strong understanding of the components of PL, ideas for artifacts that showcase PL in their schools, and a plan of action for collecting artifacts.

Sarah Redick, STEM Education Program Specialist, Ohio Department of Education and Workforce
Amy Harker, Personalized Learning Specialist, ESC of Northeast Ohio
Tammy Metcalf, Curriculum Specialist, Butler County ESC
Christina Grady-Watts, Personalized Learning Specialist, ESC of Central Ohio

Session Type: Learning Lab ID: 12098

The Power of Play: Reconnection with the Flow State

Improvisational work isn’t just for people aiming to perform, the artform itself reminds us to step authentically into the groups & places with which we are honored to engage.

Tara & Rance teach performative and applied improvisation globally; In this breakout session, they reference their professional work to help others consider why stepping into creative flow state and bringing more of their full “self” will leave their communities better for it all. Containing 1 hour of games, debriefs, and research to back the “Why?” of what works, this session will invite you to keep the tools of Joy and Presence in your toolbelt.

Tara DeFrancisco
Rance Rizzutto

Session Type: Learning Lab ID: 12402

Student Portfolios: Enhancing STEM Education and Sharing Growth

At The Dayton Regional STEM Schools, each middle and high school student develops a digital portfolio to present their achievements and progress to an authentic audience. Beginning in sixth grade, students code a digital portfolio in HTML and CSS, and by 12th grade, they share a comprehensive reflection of their entire learning journey using their portfolio during their Senior Showcase presentations. Join our presentation to learn how digital portfolios develop students’ computer science skills, enhance our work-based learning program, and foster our innovative school culture. Participants will also consider how similar presentations of learning can enhance the student experience in your school.

Nick Pant, Principal, The Dayton Regional STEM School
Jon Roberts, High School Math and Computer Science Teacher, The Dayton Regional STEM School
Jade McDaniel, High School Technical Reading and Writing and Senior English Teacher, The Dayton Regional STEM School

Session Type: Listen to Learn ID: 12093

15-minute Learning Hops in this track

Cultivating Curiosity at the Elementary Level: Integrating Science and Reading through hands on exploration

Children are naturally curious about the world in which they live. Learn how we as educators can foster this natural curiosity to engage even our youngest learners through hands-on exploration and inquiry. Through the use of high quality science trade books, educators can create cross-curricular activities that engage students and promote critical thinking skills necessary to become successful throughout their academic journey.

Kaylin Williams, Literacy Coach, Newton Falls Elementary

Session Type: Learning Hop ID: 12276

Light It Up: Creative Circuitry for the Classroom

Electrify your STEM lessons with hands-on circuit projects! In this interactive session, educators will explore the magic of electric circuits using batteries, LED lights, and conductive tape. Get ready to create and experiment with fun, engaging projects like LED name badges, paper circuits, LED lightsabers, and the LED Plant Lab kit. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to expand your STEM toolkit, you’ll leave with practical ideas and the confidence to bring circuitry to life in your classroom. Spark curiosity, creativity, and innovation—one LED at a time!

Brian Ashcraft, Think Link Education – Co-Owner

Session Type: Learning Hop ID: 12169

Wired for Creativity: Cross-Curricular Lessons with Makey Makey

In this hands-on session, educators will explore how Makey Makey and plug-and-play apps can transform classroom lessons into interactive, cross-curricular experiences. Participants will see real student examples, including creating interactive posters and writing engaging stories that come to life with touch-sensitive inputs. Learn how these projects integrate technology, creativity, and problem-solving skills while offering practical ways to engage students in science, language arts, and beyond. Leave with fresh ideas for using Makey Makey to enhance learning and foster innovation in the classroom!

Aimee Ashcraft, Gifted Intervention Specialist/ Business Owner of Think Education, Maker Maven Representative

Session Type: Learning Hop ID: 12170

Track 3: Pathways to Success in Careers

Crayons to Careers

This session explores how to create a seamless, district-wide pathway that connects early learning experiences to career readiness. Learn how our district is aligning STEM education, career exploration, and real-world learning from preschool through 12th grade—and beyond. We will share strategies for integrating hands-on learning, industry partnerships, and future-ready skills to ensure students are prepared for success at every stage of their educational journey.

Trevor Tom, Principal, Noble Local Schools
Theresa Gause, Principal, Noble Local Schools

Session Type: Listen to Learn ID: 12306

Empowering Student Futures: IH Experienceships as a Catalyst for Career Exploration

This presentation will showcase the innovative IH Experienceships program, designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world career experiences.

Expert Integration for Project-Based Learning (PBL): Learn how we connect industry experts with teachers to enhance PBL projects, providing students with authentic learning opportunities and real-world insights.
Career Connections: Discover our dynamic speaker events and Business at Breakfast series, which bring professionals directly to students, exposing them to diverse career paths and fostering valuable networking opportunities.
IH Experienceships Program: We’ll delve into the core of our program, which provides site visit, job shadow and internship opportunities for students in grades 9-12, offering invaluable hands-on experience and career exploration.

Presenters

Lauren Richardson, IH Experienceships Coordinator, Indian Hill Exempted Village School District
Jeff Damadeo, Director of K-12 Leadership & Career Development, Indian Hill Exempted Village School District

Session Type: Listen to Learn ID: 11229

Flying into the Future with the DriveOhio Educator Toolkit

Drones! Air taxis! Delivery robots! During this session, you’ll experience hands-on STEM activities and curriculum that connect with these new transportation technologies and in-demand careers.

The DriveOhio Educator Toolkit is a free collection of standards-aligned curriculum and resources to support STEM education and career exploration for K-12 students across Ohio. These resources can be used in classrooms, afterschool, or summer programs.

This free curriculum is aligned with industry-recognized credentials for careers including advanced manufacturing, engineering, electricians, drone pilots, auto technicians, and more.
We’ll kick off this session with a career presentation designed for students and educators. Then we’ll try out the latest hands-on activities from the Toolkit. We’ll wrap up with audience feedback, focused on 2025-26 plans.

Rich Granger, Managing Director, Workforce – DriveOhio / Ohio Department of Transportation (2024 OSLN Excellence in STEM Partnership Awardee)

Session Type: Learning Lab ID: 11998

From Ideas to Impact: Igniting Student Innovation

Experience innovation education from a student’s perspective through hands-on activities like a light refraction challenge and an IP simulation to explore problem-solving and intellectual property. Using an Inventor’s Journal, participants will document ideas just as students do. Led by COSI and its partners, this session provides classroom-ready resources, including activity guides and an Innovation Challenge Framework to foster creativity and real-world skill development. Aligned with STEAM, invention education, and workforce, it supports K-12 science, engineering, invention, and career & technical education (CTE). Attendees will leave equipped to inspire the next generation of problem-solvers, innovators, and leaders while bridging education and workforce development.

Andy Aichele, Vice President of Education, COSI
Sara Leikin, Sr. Director of National and International STEAM Partnerships, COSI
Jake Vasilj, Sr. Manager of State External Affairs & Public Policy, COSI
Partner: Ohio Department of Natural Resources

Session Type: Learning Lab ID: 12323

Real Teachers, Students, Experts, and Really Enriching Results – Take classroom learning to the next level by remotely engaging with outside Experts

As teachers are increasingly involved in guiding students through real-world design challenges that are inherently interdisciplinary, they are called upon to link students to professionals with relevant careers and experience. Participants will hear about a 2-year pilot program, Starlab ExpertLink, where custom panels of experts formed and linked virtually to classrooms across the State of Ohio as students were tackling a space-based design challenge posed jointly by the Ohio STEM Learning Network and the Ohio State University George Washington Carver Science Park. In this session, teachers will learn how to effectively enlist the help of an authentic audience of experts to engage with their classrooms to receive subject matter knowledge and problem-solving context as well as feedback, encouragement, and awareness of associated careers.

Dr. Howard Greene, Director, Workforce Development and Student Success – The Ohio State University-George Washington Carver Science Park (2024 OSLN Outstanding Service Awardee – Read his interview)
Holly Stone – Teacher, Project Lead The Way-Gateway 6th-8th – Collins Career Technical Center- Satellite Program, Ironton and Rock Hill Middle Schools

Session Type: Learning Lab ID: 12162

15-minute Learning Hop in this track

Hands-On Activities to Get Students Excited About STEM Careers

Give your middle school students a look inside STEM careers. In this learning hop, we’ll think like computer programmers and decode a secret message using a cipher. Next, you’ll learn where to find eBooks with hands-on STEM activities for your classroom and makerspaces. These activities allow students to explore the world of STEM careers from your classroom. We’ll conclude our learning hop with links to curated collections of eBooks and videos to share with students. Learn more about these resources available at no cost from INFOhio and discover how to use them to open a world of STEM career possibilities to your students.

Mary Rowland, Senior Instructional Specialist, INFOhio

Session Type: Learning Hop ID: 12302

Track 4: Disadvantaged and Underrepresented Groups in STEM

3D Printing with A Purpose: STEM Workshops Serving Our Community

3D Printing with a Purpose: STEM workshops provide a model for collaboration and learning for the community. With the growth of 3D printing through more cost-efficient printers, enthusiast and novice users can come together to learn about 3D printing and use the technology to help serve their community. From 3D printed hand grips that are designed to provide better control of utensils used in everyday life to fidget toys for fun, this session will explore tested designs and lessons learned from after school high school aged workshops hosted in 2024 and 2025. The team will share the current program modules. Participants will be able to see 3D printing in action using a desktop sized FDM printer and use 3D printed assisted technology created for peers with a disability. Our session will bring fun and function together.

Elizabeth Gauen, Rehabilitation Engineer, The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center
Teri Snyder, Program Manager, The Ohio State University Center for Design and Manufacturing Excellence, Medical Modeling, Materials and Manufacturing (M4) Division
Lili Hurst, Laboratory Coordinator, The Ohio State University Center for Design and Manufacturing Excellence
Johan Klein, Research Technician, The Ohio State University Center for Design and Manufacturing Excellence, Medical Modeling, Materials and Manufacturing (M4) Division

Session Type: Learning Lab ID: 12099

STEM for ALL: Providing Differentiated Experiences for Every Student

Join us for “STEM for ALL: Providing Differentiated Experiences for Every Student,” where we explore innovative strategies to make STEM education accessible and engaging for every learner. Discover how LEGO® Education’s hands-on, minds-on approach can be tailored to meet diverse learning needs, fostering inclusion and sparking curiosity. Learn practical methods to differentiate instruction and inspire all students to reach their full potential in STEM.

Susan McGrath, Solution Architect and Implementation Specialist, LEGO® Education

Session Type: Learning Lab ID: 11782

15-minute Learning Hop in this track

Unleashing the STEM Leader Within: Inspiring Teen Girls Through LEAD Clubs & Conferences

Discover how Young Women LEAD Clubs and Conferences empower high school girls to explore their leader identity and build essential skills for success in life, education, and careers. This session provides practical strategies and tools to foster self-awareness, goal setting, and resilience in young leaders, equipping them to thrive in STEM fields and beyond. Participants will experience hands-on leadership activities, discuss ways to incorporate leadership identity-building into their own programs, and receive ready-to-use toolkits and resources. Learn how these free strategies help teen girls see themselves as confident leaders, particularly in STEM industries, while addressing the needs of underserved or at-risk populations.

Kimberly Clayton-Code, PhD, Professor, Northern Kentucky University

Session Type: Learning Hop ID: 10182