Earn 1 SCHECH credit for joining!
Title:
Brief description:
In this session, participants will explore the features and instructional resources
available in PhET simulations and examine how they can support student learning.
Teachers will experience a PhET simulation through a whole-group inquiry lesson,
participating in both student and teacher roles to model effective questioning and
discussion. The session will emphasize the use of instructional structures that
promote inquiry, sense-making, and rich classroom discourse. Participants
will then plan a future whole-group PhET lesson for their own students.
Learning Outcomes:
Teachers will be able to experience PhET whole group inquiry and discussion as a student/teacher role Teachers will be able to use structure to promote inquiry and discussion within their class Teachers will plan out a future PhET whole-group instruction for their students.
Speaker Bio:
Vanessa Wentzloff is a science teacher at Avondale High School in Auburn Hills. She
has been teaching for twelve years and focuses on inquiry and phenomenon based
learning to provide structured learning experience for ALL students. She is an
alumni of The College of Wooster, University of Michigan and Teach for America. She
is a U.S. PhET Fellow and has received extensive training in the PhET simulations.
Join us for an interactive presentation showcasing EGLE’s Classroom Lending Station—a hands-on resource designed to bring environmental science to life. You’ll get an overview of the station’s models and sampling equipment, followed by a live demonstration on how to use them effectively. These tools help students and teachers explore real-world environmental issues, fostering place-based literacy and stewardship. The models illustrate how point and nonpoint source pollution affect surface and groundwater and demonstrate practical methods to prevent contamination. This is a great opportunity to see how engaging, experiential learning can deepen understanding of ecosystems and water quality.
Pam Howd works with Environmental Education programs including the Lending Station program, Earth Day Poster Contest, the Student Sustainability Summit, and high school career fairs for the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. She attended the University of Michigan and holds a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, and natural science. Pam has been a non-traditional educator for the State of Michigan for 30 years and has 37 years of service with the State of Michigan. Pam has been a volunteer for 48 years with outdoor education programs involving various nonprofit organizations such as Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Safari Club International SE Michigan chapter, Pheasants Forever, and Keepers of the Shiawassee. Pam is devoted to helping students develop and become environmental stewards and conservationists.
Welcome to the 2026 MSTA Annual Conference!
Hotel Information (Radisson Kalamazoo):
CLICK the link below to book your room by February 11, 2026:
Radisson Hotel Booking Link
Notes:
The Radisson Hotel is where all conference sessions will be hosted except for off-site field trips and the Awards dinner
Overnight self-parking is discounted to $10/night
Valet parking is available at our standard rate of $30/night, before tip
Cancellation Policy:Cancellations and refund requests must be submitted to events@msta-mich.org and received no later than February 17, 2026. You will receive a full refund minus $25 administrative fee.
There will be no refunds for any reason after February 17, 2026. No Shows: If you do not cancel in writing by the above date to MSTA and do not attend, you are still responsible for payment.
Written notification of substitutions must be submitted to events@msta-mich.org and received by February 17, 2026. No penalty fee will be assessed for substitutions.
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email: office@msta-mich.org
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