Roller coasters create a real adrenaline rush. Starting at the top of the first steep hill, the roller coaster cars use only gravity and their kinetic energy to complete their trip along the track. The steeper the ride, the greater the thrill. But how steep is too steep? Determine the roller coaster track angle that produces the greatest kinetic energy that could propel the cars the longest distance.

If you would like your students to be hands-on during the presentation, please have the following materials available.

Materials: ruler, marble, measuring tape, protractor, paper cup, scissors

Michael Comer has taught middle school science before becoming a Science/Math consultant. His expertise is in providing rich, meaningful workshops that link the facets of inquiry teaching with hands-on learning.

In addition to his professional career, Michael has authored four books to support science teaching and learning. Developing Visual Literacy in Science K-8 highlights the importance of developing student’s strategies for interpreting graphical representations. STEM Lesson Essentials, STEM Lesson Guideposts and his latest work, STEM Teaching and Learning in the K-2 Classroom all focus on different instructional approaches for implementing STEM lessons into the classroom experience.

Michael has led many educational workshops on a range of topics in science and mathematics, helping educators embrace new standards and infuse more hands-on, problem-based learning experiences in their classroom practices.

Featured Career Speaker: Adventures of a Wildlife Filmmaker

10:00-10:40 am EST

Travel with Patrick Greene as he looks back on his life adventure of becoming a wildlife filmmaker. Combining his passion as a biologist and artist, he has produced Emmy award-winning films seen on all the major networks. Be inspired as you listen in on some of Patrick's most exciting experiences interacting within the animal kingdom and the path he took to get there.

Biologist turned filmmaker, Patrick has conducted scientific research around the world. He specializes in science programming and educational media. His Emmy Award winning work has been seen on numerous networks including ABC, Nat Geo, PBS, Discovery Channel, to name a few. He has produced over five hundred educational videos ranging from elementary science topics, high school biology and chemistry, to middle and high school math. These videos have reached millions of students in classrooms around the United States. He has worked with dozens of scientists helping bring their stories to a public audience.

STEM Lesson Activity: Tracking Shark Migration

11:00-11:30 am EST

Explore how to use an accelerometer to collect data on shark migration patterns and how this data can help us to better understand the phenomena of animal migration. Use the science and engineering practices to document the evidence you gather during your exploration as we dive into the world of sharks and discover where they travel.

If you would like your students to be hands-on during the presentation, please have the following materials available.

Materials: a cellphone with an accelerometer app OR a washer/weight on the end of a string

Dr. Jackie Speake has spent more than 20 years in education as a science teacher and coach, district curriculum specialist, district senior administrator for curriculum and instruction, and state of Florida Department of Education science program specialist. She holds a B.S. in Biological Sciences from the University of Maryland and a M.Ed. in Secondary Curriculum/Instruction and a doctorate in Education Leadership and Policy from the University of South Florida. Dr. Speake is currently an independent educational consultant working with educators across the nation.

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Mike Heithaus and his team travel around the world to study some of the world's most amazing animals, including sharks, turtles, whales and dolphins. They also deliver real-world video adventures and activities to inspire young scientists and engineers just like you! Hear his story first hand about what and who impacted him the most to live his dream as a biologist, explorer and a well-known host of Shark Fest and Shark Week.

Along with being executive dean of the College of Arts, Sciences & Education and professor of Biological Sciences at Florida International University, Mike is a biologist, explorer, author, educator, and television host. An internationally renowned marine ecologist, specializing in sharks, other large marine animals, and the application of new technologies to explore animal behavior, Mike has hosted and produced dozens of nationally-distributed science-based education video projects. You can also catch his work on PBS, Discovery Channel, and National Geographic/Disney+'s SharkFest