This session will provide details of how the Society of Science partnered Appalachian GEAR UP to build a STEM educator community among the GEAR UP Middle Schools in Western NC. The lead team, ambassador and lead fellows, attended the Middle School Research Teacher Conference in Washington, D.C sponsored by the Society of Science. The leadership team gained valuable insight, research resources, and collaborated with teachers all over the US about student research. The next step was a one day in person Kick Off with the entire cohort, a lead ambassador, two lead fellows, 16 research fellows, and Society of Science representatives. During this professional development training, the research fellows experienced research firsthand using Science News, Science News Explorer, and science equipment. They worked in a team acting like students going through the entire research process. After the in person workshop, the research fellows and lead fellows met in monthly virtual coaching sessions discussing the progress and activities completed in their classrooms. The collaboration promoted teacher knowledge and activities to conduct student research in their classrooms. The session will provide tips and tricks for starting science research in any classroom as well as sample projects that were conducted.
I am the secondary instructional coach for Burke County Public Schools. I serve alI all secondary science and band teachers. I am also the school instructional coach for Draughn High School and Heritage Middle School. I facilitate learning in the classroom and work closely with... Read More →
Allyson McFalls is a 21 year veteran NBCT educator, with experience across grades 6-8 in both science and ELA. She has successfully coached students through local, regional, and state competitions each year for over 20 years, and enjoys collaborating with other educators to expand... Read More →
Wednesday June 10, 2026 1:35pm - 2:35pm EDT Elm Room 134 A
