NETA 2026: Full Schedule

The NETA Board is excited to welcome you to a dynamic learning experience on April 30-May 1,2026, at the Younes Conference Center North in Kearney, Nebraska.

11:15am CDT

uBEATS 3.0: Reimagining STEM for the TikTok Generation

Thursday April 30, 2026 11:15am - 12:00pm CDT

Silver 11

Discover uBEATS—"UNO & UNMC Building Excellence in Academics Through STEM"—a free, online resource created by education and STEM experts at the University of Nebraska Omaha and UNMC. With multimedia-rich, bite-sized modules for grades 6–12, uBEATS supplements science curricula and supports tech-savvy, student-centered learning.

Check out our website!
unmc.edu/ubeats

Speakers

Tim Krayer

E-Learning Multimedia Technologist, UNMC Office of E-Learning

I’m an E‑Learning Multimedia Technologist and former classroom teacher who designs interactive, student‑friendly digital learning experiences at UNMC. My work focuses on developing uBEATS (unmc.edu/ubeats) science modules for students in grades 6–12, using animation, multimedia... Read More →

Sarah Shaffer

uBEATS NETA 26 pptx

Thursday April 30, 2026 11:15am - 12:00pm CDT
Silver 11

Concurrent Session

Company Teaching & Learning, Tech Integration Specialist
Audience Middle Grades (6th-8th), Multimedia, Secondary (9th-12th), STEM / STEAM
Subject Secondary
Area Novice

2:00pm CDT

A Tech Toolkit for Secondary Math & CS

Thursday April 30, 2026 2:00pm - 2:30pm CDT

Central Hallway

Equip yourself and your students with powerful classroom tech! Come explore a rotating collection of smart tools designed for secondary Math and CS. I will share practical examples using Google Gems, NotebookLM, and other essential tech. See how to generate leveled practice, debug code, and create instant study materials. Walk away with a curated list of resources and tips you can use tomorrow. Presentation Slides

Speakers

Deann Nicolaus

Secondary Math and Computer Science Teacher, McCool Junction Public Schools

Thursday April 30, 2026 2:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
Central Hallway

Show and Share Poster Session

Company Computer Science, Teaching & Learning
Audience Artificial Intelligence (AI), Computer Science, Math, STEM / STEAM
Subject Secondary
Area Novice

2:00pm CDT

AI as a Lab Partner: Real-World Data Inquiry in Middle School Science

Thursday April 30, 2026 2:00pm - 2:30pm CDT

Central Hallway

This session empowers 7th-grade science teachers to use AI tools for authentic inquiry projects. Learn practical, safe methods for integrating generative AI and machine learning into any science unit. We will focus on using AI to analyze real-world environmental data, run complex simulations, and foster critical thinking about data validity and bias. Leave with ready-to-use prompts and resources that align with NGSS standards and ISTE's Designer role.

Speakers

Arleigh Wilke

Seventh Grade Science Teacher, Norris Middle School

Thursday April 30, 2026 2:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
Central Hallway

Show and Share Poster Session

Company Teaching & Learning, Tech Coordinators
Audience Artificial Intelligence (AI), Science, STEM / STEAM
Subject Middle
Area Novice

2:00pm CDT

Don't Just Code It, Hold It: Physical Computing w/ Circuit Playground

Thursday April 30, 2026 2:00pm - 2:30pm CDT

Central Hallway

Coding concepts like "events" and "variables" can feel abstract on a screen. Make them tangible! Stop by this interactive Maker Playground to see how the Circuit Playground Express (used in Code.org CS Discoveries Unit 6a) bridges the gap between block code and the real world. You won’t just watch—you’ll press buttons, trigger lights, and see how easy it is to manage physical computing in a middle school classroom.

Speakers

Tiffany Lothrop

Middle School Computer Science Teacher, Crete Middle School, Crete Public Schools

I have taught mathematics for 16 years. Since 2012, I have taught technology and computer science.

Physical Computing with Circuit Playground Express & Code.org Resources NETA 2026 Google Docs pdf

Thursday April 30, 2026 2:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
Central Hallway

Show and Share Poster Session

Company Computer Science
Audience Computer Science, Middle Grades (6th-8th), STEM / STEAM
Subject Middle
Area All

2:45pm CDT

Girls Who Code

Thursday April 30, 2026 2:45pm - 3:30pm CDT

Bronze 3

I am excited to share a program I am hosting called Girls Who Code, a club dedicated to introducing girls to coding skills and opportunities in STEM. Girls Who Code is a national organization working to close the gender gap in technology by providing free lessons, activities, and resources that make coding accessible and fun. By partnering with them, I am able to use a ready-made curriculum to bring meaningful coding experiences to students in our school.

Session Slides

Speakers

Kayla Kill

Special Education, LeMay Elementary

Michelle Boyce

Thursday April 30, 2026 2:45pm - 3:30pm CDT
Bronze 3

Concurrent Session

Company Elementary, Teaching & Learning
Audience Artificial Intelligence (AI), High Ability/Gifted, Intermediate Elementary (3rd-5th), STEM / STEAM
Subject Elementary
Area Intermediate

3:45pm CDT

Cybersecurity Basics: Crack the Code

Thursday April 30, 2026 3:45pm - 4:30pm CDT

Bronze 3

The entire foundation of modern cybersecurity is built on the ancient art of Cryptography—the science of writing and solving secret codes.Dive into the secret history of World War II's most notorious cipher machine—the Enigma! In this hands-on session, you will learn the fundamental concepts of cryptography, discover the genius of Alan Turing, and understand why cracking the German Enigma machine was crucial to Allied victory. Forget boring lectures... Get ready to think like a codebreaker!

Speakers

Randa Felske

Technology Teacher, Northwest Public Schools

John Hadenfeldt

Thursday April 30, 2026 3:45pm - 4:30pm CDT
Bronze 3

Concurrent Session

Company Computer Science, Teaching & Learning
Audience Computer Science, STEM / STEAM
Subject Middle, Secondary
Area All

3:45pm CDT

Practical Strategies for Inviting Classrooms

Thursday April 30, 2026 3:45pm - 4:30pm CDT

Bronze 1

This session explores practical methods for creating an inviting classroom where all students feel welcomed and engaged. Participants will learn strategies to design activities, discussions, and projects that build connection, encourage participation, and promote student success. Leave with adaptable ideas to enhance engagement and foster a positive, supportive learning environment.

Speakers