Agenda
└ Halifax West High School
|
9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
Capacity: 750
Jeff Gerber
|
1001 Battling Burnout and Building Belonging |
| Young people today self-report to be more lonely, more anxious, less happy and less connected than previous generations. Educators feel overworked, underappreciated, and too often at wits end in managing it all. Capitalizing on his 20 plus years experience in leadership and education, Jeff's engaging keynote will provide us all with some positive practical ways to forge life giving connections with our colleagues and those we serve in our classrooms. All Halifax West Participants will attend this session in the Bella Rose Theatre. |
10:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m
|
Break |
10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Capacity: 30
Meggie Spicer
Department Head, HRCE
|
2001 • Educate, Engage, Elevate: Stopping Microaggressions Together |
| This presentation will focus on understanding and combating microaggressions in school environments. Participants will explore how subtle, often unconscious biases can affect students' experiences and contribute to inequity. Strategies for identifying, addressing, and preventing microaggressions will be shared, alongside tools for fostering a more inclusive and supportive school culture. |
10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Capacity: 30
Dana Sweeney
Teacher, HRCE
|
2002 • Blue Economy and Brilliant Blue |
| Learn about this exciting Innovation Challenge about supporting the Blue Economy. Brilliant Blue is an international competition that is run by Brilliant Labs and provides students with opportunities to learn about current environmental issues and how to work through the design process to develop new and innovative solutions. |
10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Capacity: 30
Mario Eleftheros
Technology Integration Specialist, HRCE
|
2003 • Teach Smarter, Not Harder: AI Tools for Today’s Science Educator |
| 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! |
10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Capacity: 30
Laura Gibson
Yoga Instructor
|
2004 • Yoga |
| This 75-minute yoga practice is about taking care of you, recharging your batteries, nourishing yourself so you have energy to guide, serve, teach and inspire! |
10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Capacity: 30
Erin Chisolm
Teacher, HRCE
|
2005 • Classroom Clarity: Tools and Tips for a Tidy Google Ecosystem |
| Tame the digital chaos and take control of your virtual classroom. In this practical, hands-on session, educators will learn effective strategies for organizing Google Drive and managing Google Classroom. Walk away with a clean digital slate, a toolkit of organization hacks, and the confidence to keep your Google tools working for you—not against you. (Chromebooks provided, feel free to bring your device). |
10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Capacity: 30
Kathleen Glasgow
Biology Lab Instructor, StFX
|
2006 • Dissect and Discover: Engaging Anatomy with Accessible Materials |
| Join X-Oceans Outreach to explore hands-on dissections (heart & squid) using accessible and classroom-ready materials. Led by an experienced university lab instructor, this session equips you with practical techniques, tips, and comparative anatomy insights to bring these engaging lessons back to your own students—no fancy lab required . |
10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Capacity: 30
Noor Al-Shanti
Teacher, HRCE
|
2007 • Alien Ecosystems: An Ecosystem Unit Project to Engage Science 10 Students |
| The Alien Ecosystems project is a multi-day project designed to wrap around the entire Science 10 Sustainability of Ecosystems unit. It provides an engaging way for students to show their understanding of the concepts taught during the unit while also allowing students to approach the project at their own level and be creative in science class. In this session I will share how I use the project in my science 10 classroom, give you a chance to try some of the activities, show you examples, and provide you with hard copies and electronic copies of the project booklet and all supplementary materials you need to run this project in your own classroom. |
10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Capacity: 30
Matthew Ngo
Science Teacher, HRCE
|
2008 • Engaging Learners, their Families, and Staff with Digital Technologies |
| In this workshop, I will present digital tools designed to enhance engagement for learners and their families. These tools are also valuable for supporting staff and administrators in digital engagement initiatives. The workshop will highlight several tools, including 'Plickers,' ' Mentimeter ,' and 'Miro.' Furthermore, I will demonstrate how I have employed video podcasts to facilitate continuous learning and sustain active partnerships with families. Additionally, time will be allocated to assist new and novice participants in developing their own resources using these tools. |
10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Capacity: 15
Louise Leslie
Principal, GeoLearns
|
2009 • Rocks & Minerals: Hands-on Activities and Lesson Plan |
| In this session you will be introduced to a Rocks and Minerals Lesson Plan that includes a number of fun-to-learn, hands-on activities. Although this is curriculum-specific to the Grade 4 Rock and Mineral unit, it can easily be customized for the Geology 12 course. Teachers will be guided through a number of small group activities that will review topics on Earth’s Interior, Plate Tectonics, the Rock Cycle, Rock Types and Physical Properties of Minerals. Thanks to a generous EdGEO grant, teachers will receive 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. |
10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Capacity: 30
Janice Williams
Founder & Principal Consultant, Pinnacle Educational Service
|
2010 • XR, VR, and AR Tools for Ocean Education — Part 1 |
| Discover immersive digital tools in our ocean-themed workshop for middle and high school educators! Dive into the world of Extended Reality (XR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Augmented Reality (AR) while learning for, and about, the ocean and its ecosystems. Learn to integrate Ocean Week Canada and Marine XR apps into your teaching practice through this hands-on session, tech-enhanced activities, and engaging discussions. Join us to enhance your teaching methods, captivate your students' interest in ocean protection with the power of emerging technologies, and responsibly navigate the challenges of integrating tech into your curriculum. N.B. This is a bring your own smart device (BYOSD) event. |
10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Capacity: 30
Allan Turner
Retired Educator & Administrator, SSRB
Faculty Advisor, StFX
|
2011 • Creating Engaging and Interactive Lessons by Using Memory Strategies to Encode, Store, and Retrieve |
| Today’s teachers face multiple challenges when planning engaging and interactive lessons and when creating learning strategies to motivate students to engage in, learn, and master content. With 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 questions 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. |
10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Capacity: 30
Claude Goora
Senior Instructor, CBU
|
2012 • Thinking Sustainability: Bringing the UN Sustainable Development Goals Into the Science Classroom |
| 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. |
10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Capacity: 30
Ryan Jameson
Director of Science Education, Discovery Centre
|
2013 • Biodiversity: Building Ecological Literacy |
| Join Discovery Centre and Dalhousie University experts 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 resources you can use in your classroom. |
10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Capacity: 30
Let's Talk Science
|
2014 • Supporting Students in the Digital World (Grades P-6) |
| Do you feel your students could benefit from strategies and tools to help them evaluate the online content they view? Different forms of media may present the same story in different ways , and this can affect students’ perceptions . This Let's Talk Science session will explore the critical thinking and digital literacy skills needed to analyze and interpret media for accuracy, bias, and credibility with your students . |
10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Capacity: 30
Janet Gillis Teacher, HRCE
Kathryn Hall Teacher, HRCE
|
2015 • IB Chemistry Discussion |
| Join fellow IB Chemistry teachers for a collaborative session focused on pacing the curriculum and making teaching more dynamic. We’ll discuss practical strategies to handle the extensive theoretical content without losing the fun, ensuring students stay engaged and motivated throughout the course. Discussion points will include prescribed labs, internal assessment and “ TryA" . |
10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Capacity: 18
Phil Goora
O2 Teacher & Department Head, HRCE
|
2016 • Introduction to Pickleball |
| WELLNESS SESSION: This introductory Pickleball session is designed to familiarize participants with the basic rules, equipment, and techniques of Pickleball. By the end of the session, attendees will understand the fundamental skills, including serving, receiving, and basic court positioning, and feel comfortable playing a casual game. Please bring your own Pickleball paddle. |
10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Capacity: 30
Ashley Morton
Physics & General Science Teacher, HRCE
|
2017 • Science 9 Electricity Unit: Background & Three Ready-to-go Activities |
| Many of us come to teaching Junior High Science without a background in Physics or Electricity, and too often hesitate to teach the Electricity unit. This session will give you some essential background for your own confidence, and three ready-to-go activities (including assessment assistance), leaning on resources from the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics . |
10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Capacity: 30
Shane MacLeod
Physics Teacher, Dartmouth High
|
2018 • Under Pressure: Hands on Activities to Explore Fluids and Pressure |
| This session will introduce a series of activities from Perimeter Institute's Applied Physics resource which was released in 2024. It will involve a series of activities students can complete in order to become more familiar with the behaviours of fluids and the impact of pressure. |
10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Capacity: 30
Gord Hamilton
Director of NS Math Circles, DAL
|
2019 • Teaching the Scientific Method in the Math Classroom |
| Ironically, the scientific method is best introduced — not in science class or by letting kids get their hands dirty in nature, but in the math classroom. That's because the rules governing the real world are too numerous and too complex. Mini mathematical universes have rules that are designed to be discovered by students. Join us ! There will be lots of laughter as we use inductive problem solving to figure out what's going on in each mini mathematical universe. We will feature a few for elementary school and a few designed for older kids. |
10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Capacity: 30
Mark Chaisson
Physics Teacher, HRCE
|
2020 • Using Spectra for Stellar Composition and Evolution |
| This is a repeat of last year's popular session about Space Science where we look at two teacher resources from the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics. In the "Signature of the Stars", we will look at how the absorption spectra of a star can tell us its chemical composition. In the "Stellar Evolution" activity, we look at how the chemical composition and other attributes of a star help predict its expected life cycle. |
10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Capacity: 30
Katie Creelman
Regional Technology Integration Learning Specialist, CCRE
|
2021 • Integrating Technology into the Science Classroom |
Looking to enhance your science classroom with engaging digital tools? This professional development session will explore a range of digital resources that can support and enrich science instruction across grade levels. We’ll revisit tried-and-true tools like PASCO probes and expand into newer territory—exploring how AI can support personalized feedback and differentiation, digital platforms for lab notebooks, and creative ways for students to demonstrate understanding using multimedia and interactive tools . Whether you're just getting started with technology or looking to deepen your digital toolbox, this session will provide time to explore, experiment, and connect with other educators. Bring a device if you can and come ready to discover practical ideas you can implement immediately.
Tech Comfort Level: All welcome – no prior experience required! Bring a digital device (optional, but encouraged) |
10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Capacity: 25
Christa Trainor
Classroom Teacher, CBVRCE
|
2022 • Gentle Yoga for Teachers |
| 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 . |
10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Capacity: 30
Steve Greer
Physics Teacher, HRCE
|
2023 • My Physics 11 Labs |
| With over 25 years' experience, I have developed labs for each unit that have a connected theme. |
10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Capacity: 30
Sherida Hassanali
Assistance Dean (Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Accessibility)
|
2024 • Inclusive Pathways Programs to Engineering Careers |
| Dal housie's Faculty of Engineering has developed an Inclusive Pathways Program for Indigenous and African Nova Scotian students hoping to pursue a career in Engineering . I would like the opportunity to share with science teachers the merits of this new and exciting program developed to help students thrive. |
10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Capacity: 30
Emilie Rayner
Program Coordinator, EcoSchools
|
2025 • Growing Green Leaders: EcoSchools for K–12 Schools in Nova Scotia |
This presentation will introduce EcoSchools Canada’s free certification program for K-12 schools in Nova Scotia. Attendees will learn how:
- to become a Certified EcoSchool and create an action plan for the 2025-26 school year,
- to align their school with Nova Scotia’s commitment to the Greening Education Partnership, a UNESCO-backed international initiative,
- and how EcoSchools’ collective impact framework showcases the combined efforts and successes of schools across the province and the rest of Canada.
Tailored for educators, this presentation will highlight how EcoSchools aligns with science and interdisciplinary curriculum goals, offering a structured yet flexible way to embed sustainability across both classroom learning and extracurricular initiatives. The presentation will include a hands-on demonstration of how to leverage the EcoSchools certification platform to catalyze environmental learning and action at your school. |
10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Capacity: 30
Joel Goswell
Vice President & Teacher, CCRCE
|
2027 • Project Based Biology |
| Share some of my project based and inquiry based biology lessons. Share how I go about teaching the course with a shift from testing towards project based learning with conversations and observations incorporated into the products. |
10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Capacity: 30
Lesley Hymers
Manager, Education & Outreach Programs, Mining Matters
|
2028 • Earth Sciences and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals |
| In this session, directed towards teachers in grades four through nine, educators are introduced to a new suite of Mining Matters hands-on learning activities that connects the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and Earth science. Through a series of twelve lessons themed around water, energy, minerals, materials, mining, and geological hazards, students learn the fundamental concepts of sustainability and development, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and foundational and applied Earth science. |
10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Capacity: 30
Rhonda MacDonald
AYVA Educational Solutions
|
2029 • Optimize Your PASCO Sensors: A Hands-On Experience |
This interactive workshop is designed to help teachers rediscover their PASCO sensors, update their equipment, and develop a plan to integrate them effectively into their curriculum. During the session, we will:
- Identify Sensors: Help teachers catalog and assess the PASCO equipment they already have.
- Update Sensors: Provide guidance on firmware and software updates to ensure compatibility with current devices.
- Practical Applications: Explore innovative ways to use PASCO sensors in the classroom to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.
- Action Planning: Support teachers in creating a customized implementation plan for their classrooms.
By the end of the session, participants will leave with fully updated and functional sensors, along with fresh ideas and lesson integration strategies that make science more interactive and hands-on. |
10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Capacity: 30
Alicia Savelli
Education Specialist, Discover the Universe
|
2030 • Discover the Universe: Astronomy Resources and Teacher Training |
| Discover the Universe is a nationwide, bilingual program directed at Canadian science educators. Our team is composed of Canadian astronomers with the goal of filling the astronomy-gap in science education by offering free astronomy resources and training for primary and secondary teachers. This session will provide an overview of our astronomy resources with direct connections to the Nova Scotia science curriculum. We will also discuss opportunities for astronomy connections to related topics in the curriculum, including physics & chemistry, climate science & weather, geology, electricity & magnetism, and waves, light, & optics. |
10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Capacity: 30
Leslie Stewart
Teacher, HRCE
|
2031 • Canva 101: Design Made Simple for Teachers |
| Bring your classroom materials to life with Canva! This beginner-friendly session will introduce you to Canva’s powerful yet easy-to-use design tools for creating engaging resources. We’ll start with the basics—navigating the platform, customizing templates, and understanding design essentials—before diving into practical applications for your teaching. Explore how to create instructional materials that will save you time while boosting engagement. Learn how to design Google Classroom features like animated banners and eye-catching announcements for your stream. You’ll also discover Canva’s AI-powered features that can inspire ideas and speed up content creation. The session will include dedicated “design time” so you can experiment, create, and leave with resources ready to use in your classroom. Bringing a Chromebook or laptop is strongly suggested so you can fully participate in the interactive design portion of the session. |
10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Capacity: 30
Shauna Dosman
Science Department Head & Biology Teacher, HRCE
|
2032 • Smart Science: Time Saving Tips and Organizational Ideas for Science Teachers |
| This workshop is designed for busy secondary science teachers looking to work smarter, not harder. Participants will explore practical, time-saving strategies for both the classroom and lab, including AI tools, creating automated email scripts, implementing efficient lab setup and cleanup hacks, and streamlining lesson planning with simple, back-to-basics activities. Along the way, we’ll share creative shortcuts, organization tips, and other clever ideas to help teachers free up time, reduce stress, and focus more on what matters most—engaging students in science and your well being. |
10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Capacity: 30
Krista Leblanc
English Program Consultant (7-12), HRCE
|
2033 • IB Biology Round Table |
| Having the first round of exams complete for the new IB 2024 curriculum, let's get together and share our successes. IB Bio teachers can use this time to collaborate about labs and resources they are using and share their scope and sequence. Bring your laptop and resources as we round table together. |
10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Capacity: 30
Sunita Pinet
Teacher, HRCE
|
2034 • Aromatherapy with Sunita |
| Welcome to Aromatherapy with Sunita! I am a certified Aromatherapist who has a small business on the side along my teaching career. We will look at ways to bring essential oils into your lives, whether you’re feeling stressed, support with aches and pains and how to help at times of not feeling well. |
10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Capacity: 30
Debra Wilson
|
2035 • Building Financial Literacy Through Career Research Projects |
This session will introduce an approach to a science-related career research project that offers students a chance to learn some basic financial concepts and apply them to a plan to link a post secondary education to a desired career plan. This approach can be used for students in Grades 7-12.
|
12:00 p.m – 1:15 p.m.
|
Lunch |
1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Capacity: 30
Mario Eleftheros
Technology Integration Specialist, HRCE
|
3003 • Plug In & Level Up: EdTech for Engaged Learning |
| In this session we will explore several fun and engaging tools to support student learning. Through the lens of Universal Design for Learning and Inclusive Education we will explore educational technology tools that will support learning in the science classroom! |
1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Capacity: 30
Laura Gobson
Yoga Instructor
|
3004 • Yoga |
| This 75-minute yoga practice is about taking care of you, recharging your batteries, nourishing yourself so you have energy to guide, serve, teach and inspire! |
1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Capacity: 30
Erin Chisolm
Teacher, HRCE
|
3005 • Classroom Clarity: Tools and Tips for a Tidy Google Ecosystem |
| Tame the digital chaos and take control of your virtual classroom. In this practical, hands-on session, educators will learn effective strategies for organizing Google Drive and managing Google Classroom. Walk away with a clean digital slate, a toolkit of organization hacks, and the confidence to keep your Google tools working for you—not against you. (Chromebooks provided, feel free to bring your device). |
1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Capacity: 30
Kathleen Glasgow
Biology Lab Instructor, StFX
|
3006 • Dissect and Discover: Engaging Anatomy with Accessible Materials |
| Join X-Oceans Outreach to explore hands-on dissections (heart & squid) using accessible and classroom-ready materials. Led by an experienced university lab instructor, this session equips you with practical techniques, tips, and comparative anatomy insights to bring these engaging lessons back to your own students—no fancy lab required . |
1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Capacity: 30
Matthew Ngo
Science Teacher, HRCE
|
3008 • Engaging Learners, their Families, and Staff with Digital Technologies |
| In this workshop, I will present digital tools designed to enhance engagement for learners and their families. These tools are also valuable for supporting staff and administrators in digital engagement initiatives. The workshop will highlight several tools, including 'Plickers,' 'Mentimeter,' and 'Miro.' Furthermore, I will demonstrate how I have employed video podcasts to facilitate continuous learning and sustain active partnerships with families. Additionally, time will be allocated to assist new and novice participants in developing their own resources using these tools. |
1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Capacity: 15
Louise Leslie
Principal, GeoLearns
|
3009 • Rocks & Minerals: Hands-on Activities and Lesson Plan |
| In this session you will be introduced to a Rocks and Minerals Lesson Plan that includes a number of fun-to-learn, hands-on activities. Although this is curriculum-specific to the Grade 4 Rock and Mineral unit, it can easily be customized for the Geology 12 course. Teachers will be guided through a number of small group activities that will review topics on Earth’s Interior, Plate Tectonics, the Rock Cycle, Rock Types and Physical Properties of Minerals. Thanks to a generous EdGEO grant, teachers will receive 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. |
1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Capacity: 30
Janice Williams
Founder & Principal Consultant, Pinnacle Educational Service
|
3010 • Data Speaks: Translating Information into Action |
| This interactive workshop is for middle-high school educators to explore how "Data Speaks" about climate change using the free online En-ROADS Climate Action Simulator. Developed by Climate Interactive and MIT, En-ROADS is backed by real data and science. Attendees will test different climate solutions (energy, land use, transport, etc.) and see their impact on global temperature and other factors in real-time. Discover key insights and system dynamics. This experience helps translate information into action by empowering student-driven questions and analyses and building confidence for evidence-based climate action. |
1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Capacity: 30
Allan Turner
Retired Educator & Administrator, SSRB
Faculty Advisor, StFX
|
3011 • Creating Engaging and Interactive Lessons by Using Memory Strategies to Encode, Store, and Retrieve |
| Today’s teachers face multiple challenges when planning engaging and interactive lessons and when creating learning strategies to motivate students to engage in, learn, and master content. With 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 questions 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. |
1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Capacity: 30
Claude Goora
Senior Instructor, CBU
|
3012 • Thinking Sustainability: Bringing the UN Sustainable Development Goals Into the Science Classroom |
| 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. |
1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Capacity: 30
Jillian Phillips
Manager of Science Education, Discovery Centre
|
3013 • Celebrate Green Science: Growing Ideas for the Classroom |
| Swap ideas—and plants! Sign up, bring a potted plant or cuttings to swap, and pick up hands-on tips from the Discovery Centre team and fellow educators on engaging students in environmental science and other green topics. We invite educators to explore sustainable programming ideas and get the most out of PASCO’s Greenhouse Sense and Control Kit with set up support from Discovery Centre Educators. Discover how these tools can enhance inquiry-based learning and align with environmental education goals. Whether you're new to these topics or looking to share and swap ideas, you'll leave with practical ideas, classroom-ready resources, and a plant to make your classroom a little greener. |
1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Capacity: 30
Let's Talk Science
|
3014 • Supporting Students in the Digital World (Grades P-6) |
| Do you feel your students could benefit from strategies and tools to help them evaluate the online content they view? Different forms of media may present the same story in different ways , and this can affect students’ perceptions . This Let's Talk Science session will explore the critical thinking and digital literacy skills needed to analyze and interpret media for accuracy, bias, and credibility with your students . |
1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Capacity: 30
Janet Gillis Teacher, HRCE
Kathryn Hall Teacher, HRCE
|
3015 • Let's Chat About Chemistry 11/12 |
| Join us for a dynamic and collaborative Chemistry 11 and 12 session, where teachers come together to share ideas, build resources, and explore innovative strategies for the classroom. Similarly to last year’s workshop, this session emphasizes peer collaboration, creative lesson planning, and real-world connections to enhance student engagement and success. |
1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Capacity: 18
Phil Goora
O2 Teacher & Department Head, HRCE
|
3016 • Introduction to Pickleball |
| WELLNESS SESSION: This introductory Pickleball session is designed to familiarize participants with the basic rules, equipment, and techniques of Pickleball. By the end of the session, attendees will understand the fundamental skills, including serving, receiving, and basic court positioning, and feel comfortable playing a casual game. Please bring your own Pickleball paddle. |
1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Capacity: 18
Ashley Morton
Physics & General Science Teacher, HRCE
|
3017 • Electric Fields: Hands-on Activities for High School Physics |
| Using resources from the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, your grandmother's sewing closet, and a preschooler's toy cabinet, we will explore hand-on activities to make electric (and gravitational, and magnetic) fields *real* for your students. |
1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Capacity: 18
Shane MacLeod
Physics Teacher, Dartmouth High
|
3018 • Quantum Double Slit and Electron Microscopes |
| This session will review some hands-on activities that can be used to help students with the idea of wave versus particle behaviour. From there, a brief exploration of wave-particle duality will lead to how we can see beyond the boundaries of visible light with an electron microscope. |
1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Capacity: 18
Renee Dawson
Physics, Chemistry & Math Teacher
|
3019 • Investigating Planck’s Constant with Playdoh |
| As the title suggests, this session will investigate Planck’s constant, a key component in the introduction of quantum physics, using a simple hands on experiment. |
1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Capacity: 18
Mark Chaisson
PhysicsTeacher, HRCE
|
3020 • Programming Opportunities and Practices for Inclusion in Physics and Science Classrooms |
| In this session, presenters will showcase exciting new and current programming opportunities in Physics and STEM education in Nova Scotia and beyond. These opportunities are designed for youth from equity-deserving groups, describing teaching methods and strategies to help educators represent and reach more of their learners. |
1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Capacity: 30
Katie Creelman
Regional Technology Integration Learning Specialist, CCRE
|
3021 • Integrating Technology into the Science Classroom |
Looking to enhance your science classroom with engaging digital tools? This professional development session will explore a range of digital resources that can support and enrich science instruction across grade levels. We’ll revisit tried-and-true tools like PASCO probes and expand into newer territory—exploring how AI can support personalized feedback and differentiation, digital platforms for lab notebooks, and creative ways for students to demonstrate understanding using multimedia and interactive tools . Whether you're just getting started with technology or looking to deepen your digital toolbox, this session will provide time to explore, experiment, and connect with other educators. Bring a device if you can and come ready to discover practical ideas you can implement immediately.
Tech Comfort Level: All welcome – no prior experience required! Bring a digital device (optional, but encouraged) |
1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Capacity: 25
Christa Trainor
Classroom Teacher, CBVRCE
|
3022 • Gentle Yoga for Teachers |
| 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 . |
1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Capacity: 30
Steve Greer
Physics Teacher, HRCE
|
3023 • My Physics 12 Labs |
| As a continuation of the theme from my Grade 11 Physics Labs, this session presents Grade 12 Physics Labs. All participants will leave with a document of each lab. |
1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Capacity: 30
Sherida Hassanali
Assistance Dean (Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Accessibility)
|
3024 • Inclusive Pathways Programs to Engineering Careers |
| Dalhousie's Faculty of Engineering has developed an Inclusive Pathways Program for Indigenous and African Nova Scotian students hoping to pursue a career in Engineering. I would like the opportunity to share with science teachers the merits of this new and exciting program developed to help students thrive. |
1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Capacity: 30
Emilie Rayner
Program Coordinator, EcoSchools Canada
|
3025 • Growing Green Leaders: EcoSchools for K–12 Schools in Nova Scotia |
This presentation will introduce EcoSchools Canada’s free certification program for K-12 schools in Nova Scotia. Attendees will learn how:
- to become a Certified EcoSchool and create an action plan for the 2025-26 school year,
- to align their school with Nova Scotia’s commitment to the Greening Education Partnership, a UNESCO-backed international initiative,
- and how EcoSchools’ collective impact framework showcases the combined efforts and successes of schools across the province and the rest of Canada.
Tailored for educators, this presentation will highlight how EcoSchools aligns with science and interdisciplinary curriculum goals, offering a structured yet flexible way to embed sustainability across both classroom learning and extracurricular initiatives. The presentation will include a hands-on demonstration of how to leverage the EcoSchools certification platform to catalyze environmental learning and action at your school. |
1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Capacity: 30
Tiffany Fields
Astronomy Technician, SMU
|
3026 • An Introduction to the Free Astronomy Resources for NS Teachers by Star Finder: The David Lane Astronomy Outreach Program at SMU |
| Star Finder is a new educational program from Saint Mary’s University funded by a philanthropic gift by the late David Lane and his wife Michelle Lane that will enable teachers across Nova Scotia to deliver astronomy-focused curriculum to their students, first focusing on Grade 9, with resources tailored to Grade 6 to be added at a later stage. This workshop will introduce teachers to the lesson plans and resources that have been created to align with the NS curriculum. We’ll share how to access the resources, how to use them, and we’ll introduce the connection to the Burke-Gaffney Observatory—an observatory here in Nova Scotia—that teachers and their students will be able to use. |
1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Capacity: 30
Joel Goswell
Vice President & Teacher, CCRCE
|
3027 • Project Based Biology |
| Share some of my project based and inquiry based biology lessons. Share how I go about teaching the course with a shift from testing towards project based learning with conversations and observations incorporated into the products. |
1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Capacity: 30
Lesley Hymers
Manager, Education & Outreach Programs, Mining Matters
|
3028 • Critical Minerals Workshop |
| The Critical Minerals Workshop introduces high school students to the importance of Canada’s critical minerals sector, allowing them to explore the materials deemed critical for a clean, sustainable, and digitized future. Through hands-on activities that encourage inquiry-based learning and discussion, students will discover the unique properties and engineering applications of select critical minerals, including their use in personal technologies. Participants are then encouraged to examine and question what makes a mineral ‘critical’ through an analysis of the materials’ local, national, and global significance. The Workshop is directed toward General Science, Physics and Chemistry Teachers, and Geography Teachers. |
1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Capacity: 30
Rhonda MacDonald
AYVA Educational Solutions
|
3029 • Optimize Your PASCO Sensors: A Hands-On Experience |
This interactive workshop is designed to help teachers rediscover their PASCO sensors, update their equipment, and develop a plan to integrate them effectively into their curriculum. During the session, we will:
- Identify Sensors: Help teachers catalog and assess the PASCO equipment they already have.
- Update Sensors: Provide guidance on firmware and software updates to ensure compatibility with current devices.
- Practical Applications: Explore innovative ways to use PASCO sensors in the classroom to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.
- Action Planning: Support teachers in creating a customized implementation plan for their classrooms.
By the end of the session, participants will leave with fully updated and functional sensors, along with fresh ideas and lesson integration strategies that make science more interactive and hands-on. |
1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Capacity: 30
Alicia Savelli
Education Specialist, Discover the Universe
|
3030 • Discover the Universe: Astronomy Resources and Teacher Training |
| Discover the Universe is a nationwide, bilingual program directed at Canadian science educators. Our team is composed of Canadian astronomers with the goal of filling the astronomy-gap in science education by offering free astronomy resources and training for primary and secondary teachers. This session will provide an overview of our astronomy resources with direct connections to the Nova Scotia science curriculum. We will also discuss opportunities for astronomy connections to related topics in the curriculum, including physics & chemistry, climate science & weather, geology, electricity & magnetism, and waves, light, & optics. |
1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Capacity: 30
Leslie Stewart
Teacher, HRCE
|
3031 • Whiteboard Wonders: Interactive Teaching with Canva |
| Discover how Canva’s interactive whiteboard can transform your lessons into engaging experiences—no extra software required. In this hands-on session, you’ll learn how to access and navigate Canva’s whiteboard feature, explore ready-made templates, and design your own interactive boards. We’ll cover how to integrate text, images, and videos to create dynamic, visually rich activities that go beyond the static, limited feel of traditional interactive board tools. You’ll also see how the whiteboard can be saved, shared, and reused to streamline your lesson planning. Time will be built in for you to experiment and create whiteboards you can immediately bring into your classroom. Bringing a Chromebook or laptop is strongly suggested so you can fully participate in the interactive design portion of the session. |
1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Capacity: 30
Shauna Dosman
Science Department Head & Biology Teacher, HRCE
|
3032 • Smart Science: Time Saving Tips and Organizational Ideas for Science Teachers |
| This workshop is designed for busy secondary science teachers looking to work smarter, not harder. Participants will explore practical, time-saving strategies for both the classroom and lab, including AI tools, creating automated email scripts, implementing efficient lab setup and cleanup hacks, and streamlining lesson planning with simple, back-to-basics activities. Along the way, we’ll share creative shortcuts, organization tips, and other clever ideas to help teachers free up time, reduce stress, and focus more on what matters most—engaging students in science and your well being. |
1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Capacity: 30
Krista Leblanc
English Program Consultant (7-12), HRCE
|
3033 • IB Biology Labs |
| In this session we will take a tour through some of the IB Bio labs. We will use PASCO probes to explore connections that can be made with the new curriculum. The set-up will be a "station rotation" and you will have an opportunity to travel from group to group and see different lab ideas. While this session builds on the IB Bio Round Table from the morning, the door is open for new participants to join us for the afternoon session only. |
1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Capacity: 30
Dr. Paul Mensink
|
3034 • XR, VR and AR tools for Ocean Education — Part 2 |
| Marine XR isn’t just an app—it’s a gateway to transforming how marine science is taught. This workshop invites educators to immerse themselves in a dynamic "learning by doing" approach, exploring the app’s powerful augmented reality features firsthand. Designed with flexibility and creativity at its core, Marine XR offers two engaging modes of use. The first mode provides access to a rich library of pre-built content, while the second mode unleashes the educator's creativity. Join this hands-on workshop to discover how Marine XR redefines flexibility in education, empowering teachers to bring marine science to life in vivid, imaginative ways. N.B. This is a bring your own smart device (BYOSD) event. |
1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Capacity: 30
Debra Wilson
|
3035 • Is My Teacher's Pension My Financial Plan? Financial Planning Considerations for NSTU members |
| The NSTU pension plan is a cornerstone of our retirement plans. This session will explain the basics of how the NSTU pension works, outline some advantages and challenges of the plan and introduce the other five financial planning areas to help you identify other key parts of your personal financial plan. By the end of the session you will have a few simple ideas about action steps you can take now to ensure your pension plan fits nicely into a well balanced retirement plan! |
