2026 AST - Time for Science

Conference Location

Halifax West High School (283 Thomas Raddall Drive, Halifax)

Satellite Sessions

Shubenacadie Wildlife Park (149 Creighton Road, Shubenacadie)

Dietary Needs

There will be a morning snack provided with vegetarian, vegan, nut free and GF options.

Keynote Speaker

Speaker Ian Tyson
Title & Organization Ian Tyson - Positively Speaking

See Keynote session for schedule details.

Conference Dates

October 23, 2026 9:00 AM — October 23, 2026 3:00 PM

Registration

Opens: September 17, 2026 7:00 AM

Closes: October 9, 2026 11:59 PM

Limit: 650 registrants

Fees

FeeAmount
Registration (NSTU Member) $100.00
Substitute (NSTU Reserve member) $50.00
Pre-Service Teacher $50.00
Retired/Associate Member $50.00
Affiliate/Other $50.00

Payment Methods: Online

Sessions and Workshops

Professional Association Executive and Volunteer Conference Day Tasks

October 23, 2026 8:00 AM — October 23, 2026 8:00 PM

.Professional Association Executive and Volunteer Conference Day Tasks

This session is intended for the tasks of ONLY the planning and hosting team(s) of the Professional Association

Keynote session

October 23, 2026 9:00 AM — October 23, 2026 10:15 AM

Silver Lining Prospecting
Silver Lining Prospecting” Creating Intentional Infrastructure: Ian’s passion for positivity and resilience shines as he shares hard-won lessons on optimism, gratitude, and finding the “silver lining” in every situation. Using Ian’s signature style of engaging story telling, poignant observations, and relatable tools, this keynote takes you through his “Four Pillars” that can make your team more balanced, focused and driven by intention. Choices, Gratitude, Resilience and Optimism can reframe the way your people look at their work, their purpose and frame every interaction and every day. You will see the 35 years experience on display on stage, as Ian masterfully weaves the personal and the professional together to demonstrate the infrastructure that he has built and tested, that will give your audience a shorthand to organizational success. With heart warming stories, insights into new habits, and positive inspiration, Ian will leave your audience with multiple, actionable takeaways while being entertained throughout.

Morning Session

October 23, 2026 10:45 AM — October 23, 2026 12:00 PM

2001 Aromatherapy - All Grades
I will go over some ways Aromatherapy can help people. This includes stress, colds, headaches, sleep, etc. I will discuss using Essential Oils safely and for children as well. Participants will have the option of making a roll on to take home. Presenter: Sunita Pinet (HRCE teacher)
2002 IB Biology Roundtable - Grades 10 - 12
Join fellow IB Biology teachers for a collaborative round table session focused on sharing best practices, lab ideas, and strategies for pacing and curriculum planning. Exchange insights, explore new approaches, and leave with practical ideas to enhance your teaching and support student success. Please bring a laptop. Sample labs will be shared. Presenter: Krista LeBlanc (English Program Consultant grades 7 - 12)
2003 Agriculture in the Classroom - All Grades
Learn about the many programs and activities that are offered by Agriculture in the Classroom Nova Scotia. We have something for every grade level. Each of our programs and activities have been created alongside the Dept of Education so all are geared to meet outcomes for specific grade levels. All materials are offered free of charge to teachers and will be shipped out directly to your school! Stop in and see how you can use our Monday morning ready programming to bring Agriculture to your classroom! Presenter: Dawn Barrington-Hodgson (Agriculture in the Classroom Nova Scotia)
2004 Beyond the Teacher’s Pension: Financial Planning Ideas for Teachers All Grades
This session will explore key concepts in a variety of financial planning areas that will be useful for those who will receive a NSTU pension to consider as they plan for their future. The session will address considerations for teachers in all career stages. Debra Wilson, Citadel High - Department Head
2005 AI Dungeon: The Quest for the Golden Lesson A Gamified Approach to Real-Time Personalization, Equity, and AI in the Classroom – Part 1 Grades 7-9
Imagine a professional learning experience where you don't just listen—you design. In this hands-on, gamified session, educators collaborate to create personalized learning tasks using AI. Together, we’ll tackle real classroom problems like student disengagement and overwhelming tasks. Participants will leave with practical, immediately applicable strategies to support all learners and a deeper understanding of how AI can enhance classroom instruction without replacing the teacher’s role. *Participants will need a personal electronic device as well as access to an AI platform. Ivan Doucet, HRCE JH Teacher
2006 The Practical Dissection Lab: Hearts, Lungs, and Gills All Grades
This session is all about making classroom dissections more approachable and less intimidating for both teachers and students. Led by an experienced university lab instructor, this 75-minute, hands-on workshop is designed to build confidence and help you bring anatomy to life - without needing a specialized lab setup. Participants will engage in guided heart dissections and investigate the structure and function of lungs and gills through a comparative anatomy perspective. The session emphasizes practical techniques, classroom-ready strategies, and the use of affordable, easy-to-source specimens. Along the way, we’ll explore ways to support student understanding of structure and function through meaningful, hands-on experiences. You’ll leave with practical skills, adaptable ideas, and the confidence to deliver engaging dissection activities that make anatomy both accessible and memorable for your students. Kathleen Glasgow, StFX University -Sr Biology Lab Instructor and X-Ocean Outreach Program Manager
2007 Dancing with Belonging All Grades
Neurodivergence is a natural variation in neurofunction, constellating an array of cognitive profiles (autism, ADHD, dyslexia, etc.). Neurodivergent learnings are no longer “deficits to be fixed”. They’re part of existing classroom diversity. Neurofunction is not a “special topic” separate from mainstream education - it is mainstream education. Neurodivergent‑affirming teaching improves learning environments for all students, not just neurodivergent ones. When focus evolves from “What is wrong?” to “What is needed?” classrooms become more accessible and effective learning spaces for everyone to thrive. Come with me to explore what that might look like and how to achieve it. When you let us dance, you make room for us to learn our rhythm. When you dance with us, you show us that our rhythm belongs here too. Will you come listen to how I learned my rhythm? Day MacKay, Student -Saint Mary's University
2008 Rocks & Minerals - Hands-on Activities and Lesson Plans All Grades
In this session you will be introduced to Rocks and Minerals Lesson Plans that include a number of fun to learn hands-on activities. Teachers will be guided through small group activities that will review topics on Earth’s Interior, Plate Tectonics, the Rock Cycle, Rock Types and Physical Properties of Minerals. It is anticipated that there will be a generous EdGEO grant that will provide each teacher with a Rocks and Minerals Classroom resource kit complete with a 20 page booklet on how to identify rock and minerals, student workbook, tool kit and USB that will include electronic copies of materials used in the session, including lesson plans. Our intent is for the morning session to focus on the elementary level lesson plan and the afternoon session to focus on junior high and high school levels. Teachers of any grade level are welcome to attend either session. No matter what grade level you teach we will be able to answer any of your questions and assist with the material applicable to your grade level. Louise Leslie, Principal
2009 Yoga Glow All Grades
A yoga class designed to support your well-being; incl. focus on mobility, balance, strength as well as calming the nervous system. There will be a combo of movement, longer held poses and deep stretch. Wear clothing you can move in. Must bring own yoga mat to participate. Laura Gibson, Self employed - Yoga Instructor
2010 Digital Story Telling in the Science Classroom All Grades
In a world where students are constantly consuming digital content, why not empower them to become creators of it? In this hands-on session, we’ll explore the magic of digital storytelling as a powerful tool to boost student voice, creativity, and deeper learning across any subject area. You'll discover easy-to-use platforms and apps that help students bring their ideas to life through video, audio, images, and narration—no fancy tech skills required! Mario Eleftheros, HRCE- Technology Integration Leader
2011 Lobster Fishery: Balancing Tradition & Sustainability All Grades
Lobster Fishery: Balancing Tradition and Sustainability Hilda Russell, Curator of Interpretation
2012 Free Astronomy Resources for Nova Scotia Teachers: An Introduction to the Star Finder - The David Lane Astronomy Outreach Program at SMU Grade 9
Star Finder is an astronomy educational program from Saint Mary’s University made possible through a philanthropic gift by the late David Lane and his wife Michelle Lane that supports teachers across Nova Scotia to deliver astronomy-focused curriculum to their students. The resources focus on the Grade 9 Space Exploration unit of the Nova Scotia curriculum, with cross-links to mathematics and to other grade levels. This workshop will introduce teachers to the free lesson plans and resources that have been created to align with the Grade 9 curriculum. We’ll share how to access the resources, how to use them, and we’ll introduce the connection to the Burke-Gaffney Observatory (Halifax, Nova Scotia) that teachers and their students can access remotely. Mackenzie Hayduk, Saint Mary's University - Star Finder Educational Outreach Officer
2013 Introduction to Pickleball with Game Play All Grades
This introductory pickleball session will teach players the basic rules, scoring, positioning, and fundamental shots needed to enjoy the game with confidence. Participants will also take part in guided gameplay and mini matches to practice skills in a fun, supportive environment. Phil Goora, HRCE - Educator
2014 Brilliant Blue Learn about the Brilliant Blue Challenge Grades 7-12
Brilliant Blue is a growing competition that now has student teams from 30+ countries taking part. This session will discuss this exciting opportunity for students to get involved with innovation to support the global blue economy and will involve hands-on activities to demonstrate the engineering design cycle in action. Dana Sweeney, HRCE-Teacher
2015 From Clouds to Climate: Exploring gr. 5 Weather Curriculum Grade 5
Join us to connect, collaborate, and explore the science of weather with fellow educators in this interactive Grade 5 weather workshop. Participants will experience engaging, hands-on weather experiments and demonstrations designed to spark inspiration for the classroom, preview a new video-based learning resource developed by Discovery Centre and the Nova Scotia Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, and connect with fellow teachers to share ideas, strategies, and approaches for teaching weather concepts. Leave with practical activities, fresh inspiration, and ready-to-use resources to help bring the science of weather to life in your classroom. Jillian Phillips, Discovery Centre - Manager of Science Education
2016 Thinking Sustainability - Bringing the UN Sustainable Development Goals into the Science Classroom Grades 10-12
This session will define sustainable development, present the global sustainable development goals, and will demonstrate how this topic can be introduced to students through analysis of the Three Pillars of Sustainable Development; Environmental Sustainability, Economic Sustainability, and Social Sustainability. Claude Goora, a professional engineer and project management professional, is a senior instructor in the Engineering Department at Cape Breton University and is the owner of a project management consulting company. Goora has 24 years of industry experience in environmental engineering, municipal engineering, oil & gas, restoration, consulting, and contract & project management. Claude Goora, Cape Breton University - Senior Instructor
2017 Gentle Yoga for Teachers All Grades
Set aside some time to allow your body to relax and breathe in a gentle yoga practice designed to give educators tips and tools that they can take away to help de-stress after a busy school day. Accessible for all levels, come as you are and leave feeling more relaxed, centered, and ready to continue your valuable work. Please bring a yoga mat. Christa Trainor, CBVRCE - High School Yoga & Chemistry Teacher
2018 Biology By The Clock Grades 7-12
We can't change the school clock or curriculum, but we can change how we use it to engage the learners who might slip through the cracks. This session will share how we planned an atypical Human Bio 11 course to match natural student energy during the school day. Learn how we connected true crime, medical mysteries, hands-on labs, art and nostalgic children's media to capture students' attention and help them learn more about themselves and their body. Teachers will walk away with a practical schedule, links to media, labs, projects, and a better idea on how to meet their students' needs throughout the day. Victoria McNaughton, CCRCE - Term Teacher
2019 Managing Complexity in Science 7–9: Systems Thinking with Understanding Global Change Grades 7-9
Understanding Global Change (UGC) is a free toolkit from UC Berkeley that helps learners visualize how human actions and Earth systems interact to shape climate, ecosystems, and communities. This interactive session introduces UGC and shows how it can strengthen Science 7–9 learning: Grade 7 ecosystems and stewardship, Grade 8 climate change, and Grade 9 electricity, energy choices, and environmental impacts. Participants will explore physical UGC Earth system models and the digital interactive and try simple systems‑thinking routines that help students manage complexity, connect evidence to explanation, and reason about action. Teachers will leave with one concrete, curriculum‑aligned idea to pilot in their own context. Janice Williams, Pinnacle Educational Services - Education Consultant
2020 Addressing Adaptations in Advanced Science Classes Grades 10-12
This session will focus on helping teachers who teach advanced and higher-level sciences to adapt their curriculum for learners with diverse learning needs. Robyn Pennell, HRCE- Teacher
2021 Ditch Your Worksheets Grades 10-12
In this session, we will explore practical, classroom-tested strategies that replace repetitive paperwork with meaningful inquiry, collaboration, and critical thinking. Drawing directly from Science 10 and Chemistry curricula, we will share concrete examples of how to transform routine practice into engaging activities—without sacrificing content rigor or increasing your grading load. You will leave with a toolkit of actionable ideas, adaptable templates, and the inspiration to rethink your daily classroom routines! Kathryn Hall, HRCE - Teacher
2022 Creating Engaging and Interactive Lessons by Using Memory Strategies to Encode, Store, and Retrieve All Grades
Teachers today face multiple challenges when planning engaging and interactive lessons and when creating learning strategies to motivate students to engage in and master content. With increased reliance on the internet and AI, students seem to rely more on this quick access to information, especially at the middle and high school levels, than they do on studying to help master new content. An arguable downside to this is that students rely less on encoding and storing information for future use. This leads one to ask if there is still a role for memory in today’s classrooms, and if so, can memory strategies that help students master important content by encoding, storing, and then retrieving this information remain relevant. This presentation will explore these issues and provide educators an opportunity to create fun, engaging, and interactive lessons to help students master important content across grade levels and curricula while using memory strategies to store and then retrieve that content when necessary. Allan Turner, Field Advisor -ST FX University (Retired Teacher and School Principal, SSRCE)
2023 Patterns in the Solar System Grade 9
The Perimeter Institute has released a new resource which is focused on patterns within the solar system. The activities within this resource should work well with the space unit of Science 9 and include activities on Properties of Planet Earth, Patterns in the Sky, The Sun and Solar Activity, Solar System Math and Modelling Planetary Systems. This session will focus on Patterns in the Sky and Modelling Planetary Systems but will briefly touch on all activities. If you would like to learn more about the resource, you can download it here - https://resources.perimeterinstitute.ca/products/patterns-in-the-solar-system." Shane MacLeod, Dartmouth High School - Science Department Head
2024 Offshore Wind for Kids- Renewable Energy in Nova Scotia Grades 7-12
This session is intended to share resources and materials with teachers around renewable energy and future offshore wind initiatives. Resources include lesson plans, activities, and digital resources to utilize in their classroom. Katherine Mataya, COVE- Manager of Workforce Development
2025 ChatterHigh: Embedding Career Exploration in Your Science Curriculum Grades 7-12
Join us at AST 2026 for an interactive workshop on motivating students to explore STEM career pathways connected to your curriculum. Discover how ChatterHigh’s bilingual, free, and gamified activities bridge core concepts with real-world careers through our work with content authorities including Let’s Talk Science, Environment and Climate Change Canada, NGen Manufacturing Canada, and more. Bring your device for a hands-on experience! You’ll explore the platform from both student and teacher perspectives, learning to assign activities and track progress effortlessly. Plus, participate for a chance to win a session prize! KellyDewhurst, ChatterHigh - School Support Coordinator
2026 PASCO Sensor Challenge Grades 7-12
The PASCO Sensor Challenge is a hands-on, team-based science competition where **teachers** rotate through three inquiry stations in physics, biology, and chemistry. At each station, teams make predictions, collect real-time data using PASCO sensors, and compare their results to their original hypotheses. In physics, **teachers** explore motion by matching graphs using a Smart Cart or motion sensor. In biology, they investigate water quality by measuring and ranking the mineral content of tap water samples using conductivity data. In chemistry, they analyze a reaction by tracking pH changes as an antacid is added to a solution. Each station is a mini-competition, with prizes awarded to the team that demonstrates the strongest combination of accurate predictions, high-quality data collection, and clear scientific reasoning. Rhonda MacDonald, AYVA Educational Solutions
2028 Teaching the Science 9 Electricity Unit - content & activities Grades 7-9
So you've ended up with an assignment to teach Science 9, and you realize that you're really not sure what to do with the electricity unit - maybe you haven't thought about it in a long time, or maybe you were never really that comfortable when you first learned it! This workshop will quickly run through the material of the unit, including identifying external resources, so that you can firm up your understanding, and then demonstrate 3-5 easy-t-assess activities that you can run to meet the outcomes of the unit. Ashley Morton, HRCE - Classroom Teacher (Physics)

Afternoon Session

October 23, 2026 1:30 PM — October 23, 2026 2:45 PM

3001 Aromatherapy - All Grades
I will go over some ways Aromatherapy can help people. This includes stress, colds, headaches, sleep, etc. I will discuss using Essential Oils safely and for children as well. Participants will have the option of making a roll on to take home. Sunita Pinet, Halifax West Teacher
3002 IB Biology Roundtable - Grades10-12
Join fellow IB Biology teachers for a collaborative round table session focused on sharing best practices, lab ideas, and strategies for pacing and curriculum planning. Exchange insights, explore new approaches, and leave with practical ideas to enhance your teaching and support student success. Please bring a laptop. Sample labs will be shared. Krista LeBlanc, HRCE - English Program Consultant Grades 7-12
3004 Beyond the Teacher’s Pension: Financial Planning Ideas for Teachers All Grades
This session will explore key concepts in a variety of financial planning areas that will be useful for those who will receive a NSTU pension to consider as they plan for their future. The session will address considerations for teachers in all career stages. Debra Wilson, Citadel High - Department Head
3005 AI Dungeon: The Quest for the Golden Lesson A Gamified Approach to Real-Time Personalization, Equity, and AI in the Classroom – Part 2 Grades 7-9
Imagine a professional learning experience where you don't just listen—you design. In this hands-on, gamified session, educators collaborate to create personalized learning tasks using AI. Together, we’ll tackle real classroom problems like student disengagement and overwhelming tasks. Participants will leave with practical, immediately applicable strategies to support all learners and a deeper understanding of how AI can enhance classroom instruction without replacing the teacher’s role. *Participants will need a personal electronic device as well as access to an AI platform. Ivan Doucet, HRCE JH Teacher
3006 The Practical Dissection Lab: Hearts, Lungs, and Gills All Grades
This session is all about making classroom dissections more approachable and less intimidating for both teachers and students. Led by an experienced university lab instructor, this 75-minute, hands-on workshop is designed to build confidence and help you bring anatomy to life - without needing a specialized lab setup. Participants will engage in guided heart dissections and investigate the structure and function of lungs and gills through a comparative anatomy perspective. The session emphasizes practical techniques, classroom-ready strategies, and the use of affordable, easy-to-source specimens. Along the way, we’ll explore ways to support student understanding of structure and function through meaningful, hands-on experiences. You’ll leave with practical skills, adaptable ideas, and the confidence to deliver engaging dissection activities that make anatomy both accessible and memorable for your students. Kathleen Glasgow, StFX University -Sr Biology Lab Instructor and X-Ocean Outreach Program Manager
3008 Rocks & Minerals - Hands-on Activities and Lesson Plans All Grades
In this session you will be introduced to Rocks and Minerals Lesson Plans that include a number of fun to learn hands-on activities. Teachers will be guided through small group activities that will review topics on Earth’s Interior, Plate Tectonics, the Rock Cycle, Rock Types and Physical Properties of Minerals. It is anticipated that there will be a generous EdGEO grant that will provide each teacher with a Rocks and Minerals Classroom resource kit complete with a 20 page booklet on how to identify rock and minerals, student workbook, tool kit and USB that will include electronic copies of materials used in the session, including lesson plans. Our intent is for the morning session to focus on the elementary level lesson plan and the afternoon session to focus on junior high and high school levels. Teachers of any grade level are welcome to attend either session. No matter what grade level you teach we will be able to answer any of your questions and assist with the material applicable to your grade level. Louise Leslie, Principal
3009 Yoga Glow All Grades
A yoga class designed to support your well-being; incl. focus on mobility, balance, strength as well as calming the nervous system. There will be a combo of movement, longer held poses and deep stretch. Wear clothing you can move in. Must bring own yoga mat to participate. Laura Gibson, Self employed - Yoga Instructor
3010 AI in the Science Classroom All Grades
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is here to support you and not replace you. In this session we will deepen our understanding of AI and explore various free tools that teachers can use to support them in day to day tasks, lesson development, student learning and more! We will also focus on the vast amount of Google AI tools available to all teachers. Mario Eleftheros, HRCE- Technology Integration Leader
3011 Lobster Fishery: Balancing Tradition & Sustainability All Grades
Lobster Fishery: Balancing Tradition and Sustainability Hilda Russell, Curator of Interpretation
3012 Free Astronomy Resources for Nova Scotia Teachers: An Introduction to the Star Finder - The David Lane Astronomy Outreach Program at SMU Grade 9
Star Finder is an astronomy educational program from Saint Mary’s University made possible through a philanthropic gift by the late David Lane and his wife Michelle Lane that supports teachers across Nova Scotia to deliver astronomy-focused curriculum to their students. The resources focus on the Grade 9 Space Exploration unit of the Nova Scotia curriculum, with cross-links to mathematics and to other grade levels. This workshop will introduce teachers to the free lesson plans and resources that have been created to align with the Grade 9 curriculum. We’ll share how to access the resources, how to use them, and we’ll introduce the connection to the Burke-Gaffney Observatory (Halifax, Nova Scotia) that teachers and their students can access remotely. Mackenzie Hayduk, Saint Mary's University - Star Finder Educational Outreach Officer
3013 Introduction to Pickleball with Game Play All Grades
This introductory pickleball session will teach players the basic rules, scoring, positioning, and fundamental shots needed to enjoy the game with confidence. Participants will also take part in guided gameplay and mini matches to practice skills in a fun, supportive environment. Phil Goora, HRCE – Educator
3015 Biodiversity: Building Ecological Literacy All Grades
Join Discovery Centre and experts from Dalhousie University in exploring the importance of biodiversity and hands-on ways to highlight this crucial subject through curriculum outcomes. From genetics and the microscopic to entire ecosystems, discover biodiversity research happening right here in Nova Scotia and take-home resources you can use in your classroom. Ryan Jameson, Discovery Centre - Director of Science Education
3016 Thinking Sustainability - Bringing the UN Sustainable Development Goals into the Science Classroom Grades 10-12
This session will define sustainable development, present the global sustainable development goals, and will demonstrate how this topic can be introduced to students through analysis of the Three Pillars of Sustainable Development; Environmental Sustainability, Economic Sustainability, and Social Sustainability. Claude Goora, a professional engineer and project management professional, is a senior instructor in the Engineering Department at Cape Breton University and is the owner of a project management consulting company. Goora has 24 years of industry experience in environmental engineering, municipal engineering, oil & gas, restoration, consulting, and contract & project management. Claude Goora, Cape Breton University - Senior Instructor
3017 Gentle Yoga for Teachers All Grades
Set aside some time to allow your body to relax and breathe in a gentle yoga practice designed to give educators tips and tools that they can take away to help de-stress after a busy school day. Accessible for all levels, come as you are and leave feeling more relaxed, centered, and ready to continue your valuable work. Please bring a yoga mat. Christa Trainor, CBVRCE - High School Yoga & Chemistry Teacher
3018 Biology By The Clock Grades 7-12
We can't change the school clock or curriculum, but we can change how we use it to engage the learners who might slip through the cracks. This session will share how we planned an atypical Human Bio 11 course to match natural student energy during the school day. Learn how we connected true crime, medical mysteries, hands-on labs, art and nostalgic children's media to capture students' attention and help them learn more about themselves and their body. Teachers will walk away with a practical schedule, links to media, labs, projects, and a better idea on how to meet their students' needs throughout the day. Victoria McNaughton, CCRCE - Term Teacher
3019 CLARITY‑ Inspired Strategies for Cultivating Climate Resilience All Grades
Expectations for climate change, adaptation, and mitigation education are rising faster than most teachers’ preparation. This session draws on the teacher‑tested CLARITY Toolbox to offer practical, classroom‑ready activities that integrate climate literacy with emotional resilience, connection, and collective action. Together, we will try out and reflect on strategies you can bring into your science classes to help students work with climate emotions, stay with difficult content, and move toward constructive, age‑appropriate action, while also caring for your own wellbeing as an educator. Janice Williams, Pinnacle Educational Services- Education Consultant
3020 Chemistry Labs and Curriculum - Making Meaningful Connections Grades 10-12
This session will focus on practical ways to connect the curriculum outcomes to the fun of being in the lab. Robyn Pennell, HRCE -Teacher
3021 Ditch Your Worksheets Grades 10-12
In this session, we will explore practical, classroom-tested strategies that replace repetitive paperwork with meaningful inquiry, collaboration, and critical thinking. Drawing directly from Science 10 and Chemistry curricula, we will share concrete examples of how to transform routine practice into engaging activities—without sacrificing content rigor or increasing your grading load. You will leave with a toolkit of actionable ideas, adaptable templates, and the inspiration to rethink your daily classroom routines! Kathryn Hall, HRCE – Teacher
3022 Creating Engaging and Interactive Lessons by Using Memory Strategies to Encode, Store, and Retrieve All Grades
Teachers today face multiple challenges when planning engaging and interactive lessons and when creating learning strategies to motivate students to engage in and master content. With increased reliance on the internet and AI, students seem to rely more on this quick access to information, especially at the middle and high school levels, than they do on studying to help master new content. An arguable downside to this is that students rely less on encoding and storing information for future use. This leads one to ask if there is still a role for memory in today’s classrooms, and if so, can memory strategies that help students master important content by encoding, storing, and then retrieving this information remain relevant. This presentation will explore these issues and provide educators an opportunity to create fun, engaging, and interactive lessons to help students master important content across grade levels and curricula while using memory strategies to store and then retrieve that content when necessary. Allan Turner, Field Advisor -ST FX University (Retired Teacher and School Principal, SSRCE)
3023 Patterns in the Solar System Grade 9
The Perimeter Institute has released a new resource which is focused on patterns within the solar system. The activities within this resource should work well with the space unit of Science 9 and include activities on Properties of Planet Earth, Patterns in the Sky, The Sun and Solar Activity, Solar System Math and Modelling Planetary Systems. This session will focus on Patterns in the Sky and Modelling Planetary Systems but will briefly touch on all activities. If you would like to learn more about the resource, you can download it here - https://resources.perimeterinstitute.ca/products/patterns-in-the-solar-system." Shane MacLeod, Dartmouth High School - Science Department Head
3024 Offshore Wind for Kids- Renewable Energy in Nova Scotia Grades 7-12
This session is intended to share resources and materials with teachers around renewable energy and future offshore wind initiatives. Resources include lesson plans, activities, and digital resources to utilize in their classroom. Katherine Mataya, COVE- Manager of Workforce Development
3025 ChatterHigh: Embedding Career Exploration in Your Science Curriculum Grades 7-12
Join us at AST 2026 for an interactive workshop on motivating students to explore STEM career pathways connected to your curriculum. Discover how ChatterHigh’s bilingual, free, and gamified activities bridge core concepts with real-world careers through our work with content authorities including Let’s Talk Science, Environment and Climate Change Canada, NGen Manufacturing Canada, and more. Bring your device for a hands-on experience! You’ll explore the platform from both student and teacher perspectives, learning to assign activities and track progress effortlessly. Plus, participate for a chance to win a session prize! KellyDewhurst, ChatterHigh - School Support Coordinator
3026 PASCO Sensor Challenge Grades 7-12
The PASCO Sensor Challenge is a hands-on, team-based science competition where **teachers** rotate through three inquiry stations in physics, biology, and chemistry. At each station, teams make predictions, collect real-time data using PASCO sensors, and compare their results to their original hypotheses. In physics, **teachers** explore motion by matching graphs using a Smart Cart or motion sensor. In biology, they investigate water quality by measuring and ranking the mineral content of tap water samples using conductivity data. In chemistry, they analyze a reaction by tracking pH changes as an antacid is added to a solution. Each station is a mini-competition, with prizes awarded to the team that demonstrates the strongest combination of accurate predictions, high-quality data collection, and clear scientific reasoning. Rhonda MacDonald, AYVA Educational Solutions
3027 Soil Life's Main Ingredient All Grades
This session is designed for teachers who wish to further their knowledge and understanding of the science behind healthy soil. Using the Nutrients for Life resources, educators will learn the scientific reasoning behind soil, nutrients and sustainable practices used to grow enough food to feed the growing world population. Tamara Sealy, Nutrients for Life Foundation Canada- Executive Director
3028 Teaching the Science 9 Electricity Unit - content & activities Grades 7-9
So you've ended up with an assignment to teach Science 9, and you realize that you're really not sure what to do with the electricity unit - maybe you haven't thought about it in a long time, or maybe you were never really that comfortable when you first learned it! This workshop will quickly run through the material of the unit, including identifying external resources, so that you can firm up your understanding, and then demonstrate 3-5 easy-t-assess activities that you can run to meet the outcomes of the unit. Ashley Morton, HRCE - Classroom Teacher (Physics)

Full Day Satellite Session Shubenacadie Wildlife Park

October 23, 2026 8:30 AM — October 23, 2026 3:00 PM

Environmental Education at Shubenacadie Wildlife Park
The Nova Scotia Environmental Network is back again this year hosting its Environmental Education Conference as part of the AST- Association of Science Teachers; Nova Scotia Teacher’s Union PD Day on Friday, October 23, 2026 at the Shubenacadie Provincial Wildlife Park. This day is for teachers to gain a better understanding of the different environmental organizations and resources that are available to them across Nova Scotia, allowing them to foster environmentally focused education that links with curriculum for all grades. Presenters include Green Schools NS, Shubenacadie Wildlife Park, Nature NS, Ducks Unlimited Canada, and many more. The Environmental Education Conference will be hosted at the Shubenacadie Wildlife Park which is within the district of Sipekne’katik of Mi’kma’ki, and the watershed of the Shubenacadie River. Observing Mi’kmaq History Month and in support of the Calls to Action for Truth and Reconciliation, we invite participating teachers to decolonize their worldviews and teaching approaches by joining in on our welcome activity; identifying their home district, treaties relevant to their area, the watershed their school falls within, and what resources for integrating indigenous knowledge and teaching methods exist near them. This activity will take place in the morning before our presentations. This will be the seventh year that the NSEN Environment and Sustainability Education Caucus hosts our informative and impactful conference that leaves teachers who attend feeling supported and ready to face the school year while incorporating the readily available supports and resources that they learn about on this day. We all know teachers are very busy and it is of utmost importance for us to ensure that we provide resources and offer presentations that not only link with curriculum outcomes, but also offer a change in routine for the class while learning about important topics such as climate change, biodiversity, sustainability, netukulimk, energy efficiency, forest conservation, species at risk, and so much more. Several organizations will provide educational programming and activities that are available to a wide grade range, stemming from Pre Primary to Grade 12 level.

Emergency First Aid, Workplace with CPR and AED- St. John Ambulance at Halifax West

October 23, 2026 8:15 AM — October 23, 2026 3:30 PM

1101 Emergency First Aid, Workplace with CPR and AED- St. John Ambulance at Halifax West
$40.00
Training is from 8:15 am - 9:45am followed by a 15 minute break (light snack is provided). Training resumes 10:00 am - 11:30 am. There is a 30 minute break for lunch, but lunch is not provided. Please plan accordingly. Training resumes 12:00 pm - 3:30 pm.
1102 Emergency First Aid, Workplace with CPR and AED- St. John Ambulance at Halifax West
$40.00
Training is from 8:15 am - 9:45am followed by a 15 minute break (light snack is provided). Training resumes 10:00 am - 11:30 am. There is a 30 minute break for lunch, but lunch is not provided. Please plan accordingly. Training resumes 12:00 pm - 3:30 pm.
1103 Emergency First Aid, Workplace with CPR and AED- St. John Ambulance at Halifax West
$40.00
Training is from 8:15 am - 9:45am followed by a 15 minute break (light snack is provided). Training resumes 10:00 am - 11:30 am. There is a 30 minute break for lunch, but lunch is not provided. Please plan accordingly. Training resumes 12:00 pm - 3:30 pm.
1104 Emergency First Aid, Workplace with CPR and AED- St. John Ambulance at Halifax West
$40.00
Training is from 8:15 am - 9:45am followed by a 15 minute break (light snack is provided). Training resumes 10:00 am - 11:30 am. There is a 30 minute break for lunch, but lunch is not provided. Please plan accordingly. Training resumes 12:00 pm - 3:30 pm.
1105 Emergency First Aid, Workplace with CPR and AED- St. John Ambulance at Halifax West
$40.00
Training is from 8:15 am - 9:45am followed by a 15 minute break (light snack is provided). Training resumes 10:00 am - 11:30 am. There is a 30 minute break for lunch, but lunch is not provided. Please plan accordingly. Training resumes 12:00 pm - 3:30 pm.