ME by the SEa Conference for STEM Educators: June 11, 2027

[Pre-K, Elementary, Middle School, High School | Science]

Daytime Astronomy

Learn how to safely use daytime astronomy tools (solar telescopes and sunspotters) as well as tools for spectroscopy, all of which are daytime activities. Weather permitting, we will go outside and actually use the tools! There will also be a handout/demo on how to build a model showing the phase of the moon.

Ms. Sabrina Krueger, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

CI 102

[All Levels | Science, Technology, Engineering, Math]

Ignite Inquiry: Using AI to Spark Project-Based Learning

Discover how AI can become your ultimate planning partner! I will share real classroom examples of how I use AI tools to design engaging PBL experiences - from quick, small-scale tasks to comprehensive units. Walk away with practical strategies to spark student inquiry and streamline your project creation.

Mrs. Ashley Martinez, Flour Bluff ISD

CI 106

[Middle School | Math]

Engage to Elevate: Language Routines That Raise Achievement

This session highlights language-rich instructional practices that strengthen students' ability to explain and interpret their mathematical solutions. Participants will explore high-engagement strategies that build academic vocabulary, deepen reasoning, and support student growth toward Meets and Masters through purposeful discussion and meaningful mathematical communication.

Mrs. Angelita Alegria-Glazar, Tomball ISD

CI 109

[Elementary, Middle School | Math]

From Avoidance to Agency: Practical Structures for Math Intervention

This session combines instructional practices with authentic student perspective. While practical approaches such as metacognitive journaling, numberless problem solving, and foundational skill development are shared, middle school students will speak to their real experiences with math struggle. Participants will leave with usable strategies to increase confidence, engagement, and ownership.

Mrs. Sarah Sales & Students, School of Science and Technology

CI 112

[Elementary, Middle School, High School, University | Science, Technology, Engineering, Math]

Beyond the Lecture: Two-Cycle UDL

Transform static STEM instruction into dynamic experiences using two-cycles of learning based UDL and Multiple Intelligences. This hands-on session models a lesson consisting of individuation (independent choice-based discovery) and pluralization (collaborative knowledge building) cycles. Participants will gain practical strategies to create multimodal experiences and boost engagement for all STEM learners.

Mr. Hussain Abdulla, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

CI 102

[Elementary, Middle School, High School, University | Science, Technology, Engineering, Math]

Barbie Bungie & Bobbleheads! Activities that Promote STEM Teaching & Learning

Break down silos and bring STEM to life through a redesigned Barbie Bungee & Bobble Heads investigation. In this interactive session, teacher educators explore a Design-Test-Revise approach that integrates mathematics, science, and engineering practices. Walk away with strategies and materials to transform traditional tasks into meaningful, model-based STEM learning experiences.

Dr. Andrea Foster, Sam Houston State University, & Ms. Lola Grundy, Corpus Christi ISD (Retired)

CI 106

[Elementary, Middle School | Science]

Coral Curiosities: Lessons on Deep-Sea Communities after Oil Spills

Bring the Deep to Light is Gulf Reach Institute's traveling education program that brings deep-sea science into classrooms. Participants explore Mesophotic corals of the Gulf of Mexico, examine 3D coral models, conduct an oil-spill activity, access QR-linked lessons, and receive a free copy of the "Coral Curiosities of the Deep" book.

Mrs. Suraida Nanez-James & Ms. Amy Rivers, Gulf Reach Institute

CI 109

[Elementary, Middle School | Science, Technology, Engineering, Math]

Collaboration across Districts 

A cross-district collaborative presentation focused on uniting multiple campuses to foster shared STEAM learning experiences, promote resource alignment, and create opportunities for student co-engagement through interdisciplinary, hands-on projects.

Mrs. Kasey Hammer & Mrs. Sarah Sales, Integrated STEAM Coalition

CI 112

[Elementary, Middle School | Math]

Vertical Alignment and Why It Matters

Vertical alignment is important for closing gaps, building skills, and helping make connections, particularly with students who are in special education or are needing Tier 2 intervention in the classroom. I will explain the importance, science, and data behind vertical alignment, and how to implement it in the classroom.

Mrs. Nikki Schrank, Calallen ISD

CI 127

[PreK through High School | STEM]

Transforming Parents into STEM Ambassadors

Learn how to create a fun, engaging, and transformative STEM night for parents. By leveraging parents, as foundational partners in the work, you can increase students' knowledge, attitude and behavior regarding STEM.

Dr. Zanovia Franklin, Houston ISD

CI 102

[Elementary, Middle School, High School | Science, Technology]

An AI Grading Experiment: To Help or to Complicate?

Can AI help as a grading assistant? Is it just double grading? Join us as I share my findings while investigating the strengths and weaknesses of using AI as a grading assistant.

Mrs. Melissa Winkler, Corpus Christi ISD

CI 106

[Middle School, High School | Science, Technology]

Keeping Students Engaged in Challenging Schools

Learn some of the tools and programs that we use to help ensure that students are engaged at one of CCISD's' alternative schools, Coles High School, and how you can implement some of these programs at your school.

Mr. Gary Leary, Jessica Albert, & Angelique Fernandez-Leary, Corpus Christi ISD

CI 109

[Elementary, Middle School | Science, Math]

Collaborative Pairing as Scalable Instructional Architecture: Design for Depth, Language, Precision, and Equitable Access

Collaborative Pairing is positioned as scalable instructional architecture that sharpens teacher cognition and precision. Math and science educators will co-design tasks, language, and assessment to generate cognitive depth and expand equitable access for EB, GT, and intervention learners while sustaining rigor and high expectations.

Mrs. Sarah Sales & Ms. Kayla Lopez, School of Science and Technology 

CI 112

[Elementary | Science, Technology, Engineering, Math]

JOY in Motion: Igniting STEAM Learning through Play, Curiosity, and Skill (Vendor Session)

What if a simple toy could reveal the laws of the universe?
In this engaging session, teaching artist and performer Jenifer Joy introduces JOY in Motion, a play-based STEAM framework that transforms curiosity into discovery through hands-on exploration with the yo-yo, exploring how physics, engineering, and scientific thinking emerge through movement, experimentation, and individual skill development.

Ms. Jenifer Joy 

CI 127

[Elementary, Middle School, High School | Science, Math]

Building Relationships for a Better Classroom Environment

Creating a positive classroom environment isn't easy, but with the right tools and strategies, it can improve significantly. Join us to explore how understanding each student's individual needs can lead to a more effective and supportive learning climate.

Mrs. Melissa Stuart, Corpus Christi ISD

CI 102

 [Middle School, High School | Science, Technology, Engineering, Math]

Effective Summer Research and Professional Development Activities for K-12 Teachers at TAMUK

K-12 STEM teachers participated in National Science Foundation funded summer program at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. The teachers participated in summer research and professional development activities, and developed learning modules based on summer research to be implemented in their classrooms. The teachers will share their summer research experiences and learning modules.

Dr. Mohammad Hossain & K-12 STEM Teachers, Texas A&M University-Kingsville

CI 106

[Middle School, High School | Science, Technology]

Should We be Using This? Students and AI

Depen your understanding of how artificial intelligence works through the lens of student projects and practical examples. Teachers will explore how AI systems are trained, with special attention to the impact of training data on the results these tools produce. The session also equips educators with strategies to help students think critically about AI.

Mr. Gary Leary, Corpus Christi ISD Cole School

CI 109

[Middle School | Math]

Abstract Concepts Reimagined for Grades 6-8 (Vendor session)

Enjoy a session devoted to making abstract concepts easy to see through games, activities, and problem-solving.

Mrs. Laura Wilson, Math GPS, LLC

CI 112

[Middle School | Science, Math]

Hands-on Math for Environmental Problem Solving and Making Real-World Connections 

Discover fun group activities to build students' mathematical reasoning skills while applying them to real-world issues. Engage in collaborative data analysis, mathematical model creation and simulations that connect mathematics to environmental issues in life and earth sciences, including resource management, biodiversity and population ecology. Receive lessons matched to TEKS.

Dr. Cynthia Hopkins, Corpus Christi ISD

CI 127

[Middle School, High School | Science, Engineering, Math]

From TEKS to STEM: Transforming Everyday Labs into Design-Based Learning Experiences

As STEM expectations grow, many teachers are asking what implementation looks like in practice. Grounded in the State STEM Education Framework, this session focuses on transforming TEKS-aligned labs into integrated STEM experiences through design-based learning and real-world problem solving. Participants will explore strategies that make STEM instruction more consistent, meaningful, and accessible.

Mrs. Stephanie Morrison & Mrs. Jessica Blair, Corpus Christi ISD

CI 102

[Middle School, High School | Science, Technology, Engineering, Math]

Effective Summer Research and Professional Development Activities for K-12 Teachers at TAMUK

K-12 STEM teachers participated in National Science Foundation funded summer program at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. The teachers participated in summer research and professional development activities, and developed learning modules based on summer research to be implemented in their classrooms. The teachers will share their summer research experiences and learning modules.

Dr. Mohammad Hossain & K-12 STEM Teachers, Texas A&M University-Kingsville

CI 106

[Elementary | Math]

Abstract Concepts Reimagined for Grades 3-5 (Vendor session)

Enjoy a session devoted to making abstract concepts easy to see through games, activities, and problem-solving.

Mrs. Laura Wilson, Math GPS

CI 112

[Elementary, Middle School, High School | Science, Technology, Engineering Math]

Engage students and STEM with Pokemon

Engage students in STEM through Pokemon by exploring measurement, tolerance, and design principles. Participants investigate how precise measurements and allowable variation impact engineering outcomes, then apply these concepts to creative animatronics inspired by Pokemon. This hands-on approach connects math and science to imaginative problem-solving and real-world design challenges for students.

Mr. Simon Rios

CI 109