ME by the SEa - June 12, 2026
The Coastal Bend's premiere conference for STEM education: Promoting curriculum alignment and access to engaging mathematics and science for all PK-16 students. Join our 21st annual regional professional development conference of Mathematics, Science, and STEM Education in the Texas Coastal Bend.
Share: #MEByTheSea2026
Cost
Participant: | $20 through May 31; $30 June 1-10 |
Student: | Free with Islander email |
Presenter: | $5 |
Vendor: |
$50 includes a 6-foot table (provided) and one lunch. Nonprofit discount available. |
2025 Schedule (will remain for reference until 2026 sessions are available)
8:00-8:40am | Check-in |
8:40-8:55am | Welcome speaker - CI 113 |
9:00-11:50am | Parallel sessions |
12:00-1:00pm |
Lunch & Keynote Speaker |
1:00-2:50pm | Parallel sessions |
3:00-3:30pm | Business meeting: election, door prizes, CEU certificates - CI 113 |
[Pre-K through University | Science & Math]
Every Child Deserves a Well-Prepared Science and Math Teacher!
Cognitive science is revolutionizing how educators understand learning, equipping future teachers with evidence-based insights into how the brain works. The Deans for Impact Learning by Scientific Design Network empowers programs to prepare educators to apply these principles in classrooms, ensuring students engage in deep, meaningful learning that truly sticks. Time for some engaging brain STEM strategies!
Dr. Andrea Foster, Sam Houston State University & Ms. Lola Grundy, Corpus Christi ISD (retired)
CI 102
[Middle School | Science, Math]
Real-World Math Activities for Informed Citizenship
Quantitative reasoning is at the heart of understanding our world and solving authentic problems. In this experiential session, engage in activities - data analysis, graphing, modeling and representation - to better understand social, environmental and economic trends that shape our lives. Receive lesson plans matched to TEKS.
Dr. Cynthia Hopkins, Corpus Christi ISD
CI 106
[Elementary through High School | Math]
From Counting to Confidence: Strengthening Numeracy Skills through Activities and Games
Discover hands-on, take-away activities that build students' numeracy skills through engaging and easy-to-implement activities. Learn strategies to boost number sense, fluency, and math confidence in fun, meaningful ways that support student learning at all ages.
Mrs. Judy Griscom, New Braunfels ISD
CI 109
[Elementary through University | Science, Technology]
Let’s Dive into the Deck: Intro to Pear Deck
We will be learning how to use Pear Deck practice to its full capacity and use it as a fun interactive way to get the students to love vocabulary!
Mrs. Clarissa Barrera, Robstown ISD
CI 112
[Elementary | STEM]
From Gears to Galleries: Transforming STEM and Cultivating STEAM with Layered Texts!
Explore the transformative power of layering authentic picture books/texts to cultivate creativity and integrate the Arts within STEM in this hands-on session. Gain practical strategies, ready-to-implement activities, and valuable supplementary resources/tools designed to elevate critical thinking, vocabulary acquisition, and comprehension 2.0 skills in today's classrooms.
Dr. Frances Gonzalez-Garcia, Trinity Elite Education & Co. & Mr. Andrew J. Garcia, University of the Incarnate Word
CI 126
[Middle School | Math]
Increasing Comprehension & Bridging Learning Gaps in the MS Math Classroom
With widening gaps between student understanding of essential best practices in mathematics instruction and their schema, it has become evident that a fundamental shift in instructional processes & thinking is imperative. Writing can serve as a tangible manifestation of a student's deeper comprehension & grasp of intricate concepts, even within a mathematics class. It is the embodiment of productive struggle.
Ms. Roxanne Bruce-Beltran & Ms. Jasmine Mondragon, Robstown ISD
CI 127
[Middle through High School | Science]
What Do STEM Students Have To Gain By Participating in Technology Student Association?
Presentation of the Career Technology Student Association (CTSO). Learn how high school students benefit from CTSO, including leadership skills and competitive events. Discover how to start and run a club, explore available contests, and find resources and support to help your chapter succeed. Perfect for students, educators, and anyone interested in career and technical education.
Mr. Randall Stuart, Corpus Christi ISD & Mrs. Amanda Salinas, West Oso ISD
CI 102
[All Levels | Science]
Free Community Resources for Caregivers and Older Adults (Vendor)
Presentation of the Career Technology Student Association (CTSO). Learn how high school students benefit from CTSO, including leadership skills and competitive events. Discover how to start and run a club, explore available contests, and find resources and support to help your chapter succeed. Perfect for students, educators, and anyone interested in career and technical education.
Ms. Mary Ann Mondragon, Wellmed & Ms. Christina Edwardson, Area Agency on Aging
CI 102
[Elementary through High School | STEM]
Maximizing Student Success: The Power of Feedback and Active Monitoring
Active monitoring and feedback are crucial for a responsive learning environment. This session will provide educators with strategies to observe student progress, deliver targeted feedback, and enhance engagement. Participants will learn to identify misconceptions early and use feedback to motivate students, ultimately fostering a more interactive classroom.
Mrs. Amanda Kirchoff, Calallen ISD
CI 109
[Elementary | Math]
Asking the Right Questions to Find the Problems, Grades 3-5 (Vendor)
Are you inundated with materials and programs? Do you find yourself drowning in information overload and added requirements? Focus on the free available materials on the TEA website to help you understand/find what your students need. There really are NO secrets!
Mrs. Laura Wilson & Mrs. Shari John, Math GPS
CI 112
[Middle through High School | Science, Technology, Engineering]
Magic with Modeling
How can we use models to help students grasp those hard-to-master concepts? Come learn about how to help students make better models through an iterative and interactive process.
Mrs. Melissa Winkler, Corpus Christi ISD
CI 126
[Pre-K through Elementary | Science, Math]
Early Grades Math-Science Integration Using Measurement Tasks
Young learners need regular, hands-on experiences with length, area, volume, and more to build strong math and science reasoning. In this session, participants will explore engaging K–3 measurement activities, visit a virtual measurement museum, and will receive free science supplies to bring purposeful measurement into their classrooms.
Dr. Mary Hobbs, University of Texas (retired) & Dr. Debra Plowman, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
CI 127
[Middle School through High School | Technology, Math]
Problem Solving in the Early Grades: The Math Genius of Inventing Strategies
This math presentation showcases Kami, a dynamic tech tool that enhances learning through interactive annotation. Students can highlight, draw, and solve problems directly on digital worksheets. Kami supports accommodations with text-to-speech, dictionary tools, and voice comments, making math accessible, engaging, and personalized for diverse learners in every classroom!
Mrs. Jasmine Mondragon & Ms. Crystal Martinez, Robstown ISD
CI 102
[MIddle School through University | Science, Technology, Engineering]
Harmonizing Learning: Bridging Chemistry and Music for Enhanced Engagement
This talk highlights 18 years of research on enhancing chemistry education by integrating chemistry and music. The chemistry-themed songs were found to boost student engagement, simplify complex concepts, and improve knowledge retention. The session explores creative song development, curriculum integration, and measurable outcomes, offering innovative strategies to inspire and enrich learning experiences.
Dr. J. Louise Liu, Mr. John-Ryan Lawrence, & Dr. Sajid Bashir Liu, Texas A&M University-Kingsville
CI 106
[Elementary through High School | STEM]
AI-lluminating Learning: Supercharge Your STEM Classroom with Artificial Intelligences
Discover practical tools, engaging projects, and easy strategies to bring AI into your STEM teaching. Empower students with future-ready skills while personalizing learning and sparking curiosity. No advanced tech skills needed—this session makes AI exciting, ethical, and accessible for every educator and learner.
Dr. Lisa Brown & Dr. Andrea Foster, Sam Houston State University
CI 109
[Middle School through High School | STEM]
Making Your Middle School Science Lessons Engaging
Upgrade your science lessons into engaging activities! Learn how to create lessons that help students explore the world of science.
Mrs. Melissa Stuart, Corpus Christi ISD
CI 112
[Elementary though High School | Technology, Math]
Transform Your Space, Transform Their Minds: Engaging STEM Learners through Room Transformations (Vendor)
This is a call to action for educators to learn from and with their students, reimagining our notions of mathematics and broadening perspectives on what it means to "do" mathematics. Dive deep into strategies for nurturing students' mathematical identities, encouraging them to bring their unique perspectives and experiences to the learning environment.
Mrs. Andrea Winters, Kiddom
CI 126
[Elementary through High School | Engineering]
Useful Hands-on Teaching Modules for Science, Engineering, and Sustainability
Learn about various hands-on teaching modules and activities, including water filtration, watershed hydrology and modeling, groundwater flow, air pollution, microplastics, biofiltration, and molecular structure.
Dr. Jianhong Ren, Dr. David Ramirez, & Morgan Smith, Texas A&M University-Kingsville
CI 127
[Middle School | Math]
Asking the Right Questions to Find the Problems, Grades 6-8 (Vendor)
Are you inundated with materials and programs? Do you find yourself drowning in information overload and added requirements? Focus on the free available materials on the TEA website to help you understand/find what your students need. There really are NO secrets!
Mrs. Laura Wilson & Mrs. Shari John, Math GPS
CI 102
[Elementary, Middle School, High School, University]
Integrating Lumio into Classroom Lessons
As new technology continues expanding and integrating into education, come gain tools to embrace and welcome it in every classroom. Lumio is a resource for educators to use in classrooms to create engaging and interactive lessons. It also helps students familiarize themselves with the tools they need to be successful when working in a technology based world.
Ms. Jasmine Espinoza, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
CI 106
[Middle School through High School | Science]
Geeks Who [Can’t Legally] Drink: Biomedical Science Edition
Need a novel way to review for an assessment? Consider "Trivia Surgery," an engaging trivia-based review!
Dr. Stephanie Medina, New Braunfels ISD
CI 109
[Middle School through High School | Science, Engineering, Math]
Summer Research and Professional Development Activities for Teachers at TAMU-K
K-12 STEM teachers participated in National Science Foundation-funded summer program at TAMU-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. They will share their summer research experiences and learning modules.
Dr. Mohammad Hossain & K-12 STEM Teachers, Texas A&M University-Kingsville
CI 112
[High School through University | STEM]
STEAM got Statistical Talent: Elephants Go to School
This book, written by the presenter, is designed for students and teachers engaged in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics, particularly those with limited knowledge of mathematics. It combines the author's imagination, humor, and real-life experiences to highlight the relevance of statistical talent across various disciplines.
Dr. Sarjinder Singh, Texas A&M University-Kingsville
CI 126
[Elementary through High School | Math]
Break the Forgetting Cycle with Get More Math: Grades 3– Algebra II (Vendor)
Get More Math is spiral practice designed to improve long-term retention. GMM easily solves the never-ending problem of students forgetting by using TEKS-aligned practice to support lessons. GMM has a prioritized, cumulative review for each student, supports small group remediation, offers automatically graded exams with corrections and re-tests, and has TEKS data reports. GMM offers a FREE campus pilot.
Ms. Jennifer Axtens
CI Computer Lab 222
[Middle School through University | STEM]
From the Classroom to the Science Fair and Back Again
Learn how a university seminar used a community-wide science event and a Plus/Delta debrief to engage future educators and amplify student voice. Presenters share how this experience deepened interest in teaching and influenced event planning”offering a model K-12 educators can adapt to connect students with real-world STEM learning and reflection.
Dr. Matt Tedrow, Dr. Debra Plowman, & Dr. Angela Perez, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
CI 102
[Middle School through University | STEM]
Developing Critical Thinking Skills for a STEM Career
Critical thinking is used by STEM personnel to relate between abstract math and science ideas (theory) and real-world applications; however, this skill is challenging to teach in the classroom. This presentation will demonstrate a critical thinking unit that can used in middle and high school classrooms.
Dr. Matthew Alexander, Texas A&M University-Kingsville
CI 106
[Middle School through High School | STEM]
Extending Learning: You Be the Teacher
After STAAR? Extra time at the end of the year? Looking for a G/T project? Consider "You Be the Teacher." Encourage your students to dig a little deeper. Revisit your TEKS and let your students be the teacher as they become experts in a meaningful standard to share with the class.
Dr. Stephanie Medina, New Braunfels ISD
CI 109
[Middle School through High School | Science, Engineering, Math]
Summer Research and Professional Development Activities for Teachers at TAMU-K
K-12 STEM teachers participated in National Science Foundation-funded summer program at TAMU-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. They will share their summer research experiences and learning modules.
Dr. Mohammad Hossain & K-12 STEM Teachers, Texas A&M University-Kingsville
CI 112
[Elementary through High School | Science]
Connecting Inquiry into Core Memories
With the new Science TEKS, we are shifting science from learning about to figuring out. Come learn strategies on how to get students to make core memories first, then make connections allowing students to create a deeper understanding of content that will last.
Mrs. Melissa Brown, New Braunfels ISD
CI 126
[High School, University]
Flipped Learning in Engaging and Differentiating Student Learning of Mathematics
Discussion of the features of flipped learning will allow participants to share and reflect collectively on their experiences with flipped learning. Further, participants will be given opportunities to reflect on the practices with video embedded tasks for supporting student engagement and differentiating instruction to meet the diverse needs of students.
Fernandez-Leary, Corpus Christi ISD
CI 222 Computer Lab
Photos
- Prior ME by the SEa albums: Visit the College of Education and Human Development photo site and navigate to any summer album except for summer 2021, when this conference took place virtually.
Parking and Directions
The conference takes place in the CI building (#25 on the campus map). Free campus parking is reserved for ME by the SEa participants in the Curlew Lot. To access this lot, enter campus using the second university entrance at Sand Dollar Blvd., take the first right into the parking lots, then take the first left to reach the Curlew Lot.
Thank you to our sponsors!