After 20+ years of experience in direct service and management both inside and outside of the classroom, Katherine has combined her background in education, social work and coaching to support professionals in the youth development field. Katherine has Master’s degrees in social work and teaching from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the University of Virginia, respectively. She is an ICF-certified coach, a PQA external assessor and an AYD facilitator. She is a keynote speaker and has led sessions at afterschool conferences at the national, state, and local levels.

Tune in to learn about all the great ways you can build 21st Century skills in the classroom utilizing emerging technologies like Hydroponics, Artificial Intelligence, and 3D Printing! Learn about all the ways to make your STEM learning more engaging! 

Michael Terrell, NextWaveSTEM

Join us to explore the options offered by the NEW FHSU Makercart STEM activity cart which travels throughout Kansas providing engaging outreach. In this session participants will have an opportunity to try a hands-on programming available to Kansas educators and OST partners!

G.G. Launchbaugh, Makerspace & Makervan Science, Mathematics Education Institute, Fort Hays State University

Discover new ways to boost learning and fun with STEAM-powered activities from PBS Kansas and PBS Kids. The PBS Kansas education team will highlight activities from their Educator STEAM Activity Bundle that promote science, technology, engineering, the arts and math. The activities help support a variety of skills, including fine motor skills, color and shape recognition, artistic exploration, problem-solving and team building. Each participant will receive a STEAM Activity Bundle spiral notebook that contains templates and easy-to-follow instructions – and we’ll create several make-and-takes.

Lynn Woolf, PBS Kansas Cochener-Garvey Children’s Education & Discovery Center

The Cosmosphere is probably most well-known for its stellar collection (which houses the most extensive collection of both Russian and American artifacts anywhere in the world); however, it has more to offer than a fun vacation or field trip experience. Learn about our standards-aligned activities, such as energy, where students will build their own batteries, or how audiences can (safely) experience the Apollo 13 emergency. This hands-on experience not only brings history to life but also practices soft skills with an emphasis on verbal communication. Experience all the Cosmoshpere offers in this entertaining, educational, and interactive presentation. All participants will receive a Basil Seed activity with seeds that have flown above the Armstrong limit (which has many of the same properties as space).

Lily Swinea, Kansas Cosmosphere

The session will explore and unpack design principles, their application and how they can be employed in developing intentional experiences and programming for a specific, unique audience: Adolescence.

Abhishek Junja, KU-Center for Positive Youth Development

Learn about Drone career pathways, connections to K-12 learning, and practical strategies for bringing drones into the classroom. During this session with NextWaveSTEM, we’ll explore why students of all ages and interests should pursue programming with drones, and how drones can fit into the learning goals of your classrooms and schools.

Michael Terrell, NextWaveSTEM

In this session you will learn more about the link between movement and cognitive function and take the opportunity to experience the program for yourself! This session will provide attendees with an overview of how The Walking Classroom supports academic enrichment, increases physical activity, social emotional learning, and health literacy. You will see data, research, and feedback detailing how the program benefits include improved learning, better engagement, and clear improvements around mood and behavior. Receive handouts listing all 167 standards-aligned podcasts including topics that include history, language arts, science, and STEM. This program is perfect for school, afterschool, and summer programs! Join our session and take a Walk.Listen.Learn with us!

Terry Atteberry, Alliance for a Healthier Generation / The Walking Classroom

In this interactive workshop, attendees will learn simple strategies to foster protective and supportive factors through family and youth engagement. Participants will be the first in the nation to access a free new resource – Nature BINGO 4.0 – a collaboration between Healthier Generation, Blue Star Families, EMPOWER KY, and GORUCK.

Daniel Hatcher, Alliance for a Healthier Generation

4‑H is America’s largest youth development organization that empowers young people with the skills to lead for a lifetime. How can OST utilize 4-H programming? 4-H offers curriculum to programs that focus on hands-on, youth-led experiences. Experiences where youth learn by doing, grow from failure, express their ideas and use their influence to drive positive outcomes. This curriculum focuses on assisting youth to focus on their individual interests to improve their knowledge, self-confidence, leadership, communication, life skills, and emotional development all while making it fun.

Stephanie Hays, Sedgwick County 4-H Extension

Makervan: Visit the FHSU Makervan and see a selection of program it offers to Kansas programs (you!), including high altitude ballooning and rocketry. This session will be located in the Rhatigan Parking lot. Please plan to meet at 3rd floor elevator bay.

G.G. Launchbaugh, Makerspace & Makervan Science & Mathematics Education Institute, Fort Hays State University