A VIRTUAL UNCONFERENCE
FOR COOL TEACHERS

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Everyone's a Science Teacher

Foundations, Fresh Ideas, and Trusted Techniques

 

All day- Thursday, July 24, 2025
Starting at 10am ET / 7am PT

 

How do you actually teach science?

Join us for a full day of fun, hands-on learning with engaging speakers ready to support science teachers at every level. Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned pro, you’ll walk away with practical strategies, approaches to simplifying standards, and real-world tools that work in any classroom.

This event is all about demystifying science instruction and reigniting your passion for teaching. Expect a welcoming, judgment-free space to explore, ask questions, and try new ideas- just like a scientist.

Come for the fun, earn free PD, and leave with fresh ideas and resources to share with your students. 

Sign Up for ScIC Today

Attend live to receive a free professional development certificate. Busy that day Register anyway to get access to the replay. (3)

 

 

 

 

 
Kickoff Keynote Conversation

Hank Green

Hank Green, go-to internet science guy, and teachers' best friend, is an acclaimed #1 New York Times Best-Selling author, educator, and internet entrepreneur, renowned for his dynamic contributions to science education and science communication through his artfully produced digital media. Hank has hosted, performed in, and produced literally thousands of videos and podcasts across the internet that teachers use every day in the classroom to engage and inspire their students.

Hank is the co-founder, with his brother John, of the educational media company Complexly which produces the popular YouTube channels "SciShow," and "CrashCourse," and nearly a dozen other educational YouTube channels. He has helped revolutionize educational content delivery, engaging millions of students worldwide with his charismatic and accessible approach to complex subjects. His work extends beyond Complexly to the pioneering VidCon conference, good.store, DFTBA, and the philanthropic Project for Awesome. Hank's dedication to fostering a love of learning and curiosity exemplifies the transformative power of digital education through produced media, making him a beloved figure among teachers and learners alike.

Come to hear what Hank has to say to you, and you will also have the chance to drop your questions in the chat for him to answer LIVE! 

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Special Guest and Disney Imagination Campus Co-Host

Kari Byron

For nearly two decades, Kari has been a strong presence in the world of science television and art. As a student, she studied filmmaking and sculpture. As an accomplished lifelong artist, Kari dreamed of a career where she could use her hands to make and create. Her passions and talents led her to an early internship in prop making and special effects. This would ultimately turn into a ten-year run on the science entertainment show MythBusters.

MythBusters empowered Kari to explore her art through science and engineering. She used clay, wood, and metal to build models and props, challenging myths using experimentation and special effects. Throughout the show, Kari cultivated her natural curiosity, leading with the mantra, “why not.”

After MythBusters, Kari went on to host and produce shows spanning several networks, including Head Rush, Punkin Chunkin, LDRS, Thrill Factor, Strange Trips, America Declassified, The White Rabbit Project, Positive Energy and Crash Test World. 

Kari's passion and advocacy for science literacy continues to be showcased as the co-director and founder of the National STEM Festival. She also continues her mission to inspire, empower, entertain and educate as co-founder and Chief Engagement Officer of the online learning platform, EXPLR. 

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The Full Lineup


TUESDAY, JULY 23

10AM - 5PM ET | 7AM - 2PM PT

Times below are Eastern Time

10:00AM
Keynote

Hank Green: A candid conversation with a pioneer of the digital age.

⭐️ Bring your questions for Hank to answer live!

11:00AM
Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment

Animal Science

Dive into the fascinating world of animal science with Dr. Mandy Schook and Dr. Julianna Kadar. Join us as our experts share their extensive knowledge and captivating experiences from their groundbreaking research around the world. Learn about animal behavior, ecology, and conservation efforts, and discover how to bring these exciting topics into your classroom to inspire and engage your students. This session will provide practical teaching strategies, innovative lesson ideas, and real-world examples to help you create a dynamic and immersive learning environment centered around the wonders of animal science.

11:50AM
A Panel of Experts

Exploring the Global Classroom

We will embark on a journey into the global classroom, connecting with Disney Cast Members and educators from around the world. Gain insight to help your students develop a deeper appreciation for the transformative impact of travel on confidence and cultural understanding. 

12:40PM
Disney Institute

Empowering Educators: Disney's Guide to Classroom Leadership

Timo Gorner, VP of Disney Institute, helps us explore the crucial role of leadership in education. Discover how the leadership skills can transform your classroom. Takeaways include: establishing clear values and vision for your classroom, putting positive behaviors into action, sustaining a vibrant classroom culture, and creating a lasting legacy as an educator. You will leave with practical strategies and real-world examples to help you become an effective classroom leader, inspiring and engaging your students every day. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your teaching practice with insights from one of the most renowned leadership programs in the world.

1:20pm
Kari Byron

Enhancing Learning through Art

An enlightening discussion with Kari Byron, renowned television host and artist, as she explores the intersection of arts, science, and education. With a rich background in film and sculpture from San Francisco State University, Kari has captivated audiences on shows like "MythBusters" and "Crash Test World."

Learn how her artistic roots have influenced her approach to scientific inquiry and experimentation. The role of creativity in teaching other subjects, and how integrating arts into science, math and ELA can enhance student engagement and critical thinking. This session promises to inspire educators to incorporate artistic methods into their curricula, fostering a more holistic and engaging learning environment for their students.

2:10pm
University of Florida

AI in The Classroom

UF faculty from the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering and the College of Education has been at the helm of designing the framework for the Florida public-schools’ AI coursework, modeling it after the National Science Foundation’s national guidelines for teaching AI in elementary and secondary schools. During this session, Dr. Ruzycki will discuss their innovative research and uncover how Artificial Intelligence can be used ethically within the classroom environment. Come ready for tons of free resources to use with your students.

Dr. Nancy Ruzycki, Associate Instructional Professor University of Florida

Juan Tovar, Classroom Teacher

Calvin McNeil, Classroom Teacher

3:10pm
Walt Disney Imagineering

The STEAM Behind Imagineering

During this panel, teachers will unlock the power of storytelling through Imagineering.

They will discover how Disney Imagineers combine art and science to tell engaging stories in a variety of spaces, including cruise ships and theme parks.

3:50pm
Disney Live Entertainment

STEAM & Disney Parks: Behind the Scenes of 'Disney Dreams that Soar Presented by AT&T'

Dive into the world of Disney's spectacular drone show and uncover the art, science, technology, engineering, and creativity that bring these captivating performances to life. Tom Vazzana and team will share exclusive insights into the design and execution of this awe-inspiring show, highlighting the intersection of artistry and cutting-edge technology. This session offers K-12 science teachers a unique opportunity to explore how to integrate similar principles of innovation and wonder into their own classrooms, inspiring students to dream big and reach for the skies.

4:50pm

Exploring Epcot’s Journey of Water: Classroom Connections

We take you on a behind-the-scenes tour of Epcot's "Journey of Water" attraction. This immersive experience offers a dynamic way to teach the water cycle, demonstrating its vital role in our ecosystem. Learn how to bring this interactive attraction's concepts into your classroom, with practical strategies and engaging activities that make the science of water relatable and exciting for your students. Empower your teaching with fresh, hands-on approaches to environmental science education.

Who's Gonna Be There?

Whether you're brand new to teaching science or have years of experience under your belt, you’ll be joined by a vibrant community of teachers, leaders, and science enthusiasts who are excited to share their best ideas, real-world stories, and ready-to-use resources. It’s a space where curiosity leads, questions are welcome, and everyone is here to learn together.

 
Featuring

Paul Andersen

Paul Andersen has taught and inspired teachers all over the world. While visiting many hundreds of schools and districts in person for personalized training plus millions of views on his Bozeman Science YouTube channel, Paul has become a global go-to for students and teachers alike. His engaging tutorials and clear explanations have demystified complex science concepts for countless learners, while his emphasis on inquiry-based, three-dimensional instruction has helped shape modern science teaching. A former Montana Teacher of the Year and National Teacher of the Year finalist, Paul brings over two decades of classroom experience to his work as a consultant and trainer, having supported thousands of educators across the globe.

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Featuring

Dr. Uchenna Emenaha Miles - UT San Antonio

Dr. Uchenna Emenaha Miles, a Houston native with West African heritage, is an award-winning assistant professor at The University of Texas at San Antonio, educational researcher, former classroom teacher and author. She has a range of experiences teaching at various levels – from upper elementary, secondary, to my current role at UT. Her expertise is using culturally relevant pedagogy (CRP) within science/STEM instruction, to leverage students’ lived experiences making science instruction meaningful and engaging. At the heart of her work is a commitment to bridging the divide between equity and science education, striving to create a more inclusive and understanding academic environment.

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Featuring

Chris Kesler - Kesler Science

Chris Kesler is a former award-winning middle school science teacher. When he began teaching he was shocked by the lack of resources for science teachers so he spent thousands of hours of his own time creating lessons, all designed from the ground up with four non-negotiables in mind; Experiences have to be engaging, Lessons have to build relationships, Activities need to be student-centered and allow for student choice, Students need to connect their learning to the real-world.

With these principles in place, the transformation that happened in his class was nothing short of spectacular. He noticed an increase in participation and engagement throughout the year. His test scores improved. More importantly, students made connections to the content, which built their confidence and gave them a sense of responsibility for their learning. He created Kesler Science, and today his materials have been used by tens of thousands of teachers across the country and around the world.

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Featuring

Steve Spangler - Steve Spangler Amazing Science Experiences

Steve Spangler a best-selling author, two-time Emmy Award winner, and the host of the nationally syndicated television series DIY Sci. He’s the guy who’s responsible for sharing YouTube’s first viral science video teaching people how to drop those little Mentos into a bottle of Diet Coke. Today, his videos on social media including Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube have more than 4.5 billion views. 

For the past 25 years, his books and online experiments have been widely used by parents and educators to increase student engagement and inspire young scientists to learn more about STEM-based careers.

If you saw the enormous mess that Steve repeatedly made on the Ellen Show over the past 15 years, you’ll understand why Ellen calls Steve… the science teacher you always wanted to have in school because the fire department shows up twice a year. 

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Plus many more guests to come...

"You don’t have to be a scientist to teach science - you just have to be passionately curious." -unknown 

 

 

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For Teachers, by Teachers


ScIC "Science is Cool" is brought to you by PocketLab, a science technology company founded by teachers. 

We started ScIC "Science is Cool" virtual unconference in March 2020 as a way to make the best of our unique situation and create new opportunities for both teachers and innovative education companies. The spirit of our work as an "unconference" is to provide everyone with useful tools and valuable resources as well as give participants a voice for what's next.

ScIC quickly evolved into a thriving, inspiring forum for teachers around the world to access tools, offer solutions, and also have a place to find camaraderie, and feel heard and understood.

Thank you for being an integral part of ScIC "Science is Cool". We are elated by how well these events have been received and intend to hang out with you for the long run.

Register Today

 

Check out this highlight reel from one our past events!

 

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SCIENCE IS COOL. TEACHERS RULE.