NC BOLD West 2026 Day 1 McDowell High School

As AI tools become more common in classrooms, traditional assignments are easier than ever to complete without deep thinking. This session explores how to design authentic, multimedia projects that promote creativity, critical thinking, and student ownership of learning. Participants will examine strategies for creating “AI-resilient” assignments that encourage inquiry, problem-solving, and meaningful engagement while leveraging technology as a tool for learning rather than a shortcut.

Blast off into a hands-on exploration of free NASA resources designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and authentic learning across grade levels and content areas. In this interactive session, participants will take part in a “Choose Your Mission” experience, selecting from a variety of exploration stations featuring engineering challenges, citizen science, multimedia storytelling, coding connections, and real-world STEM applications tied to current NASA missions. Educators will leave with classroom-ready ideas, curated resources, and practical strategies for creating inquiry-driven learning experiences that engage students through the excitement of space exploration.

As AI tools become more common in classrooms, traditional assignments are easier than ever to complete without deep thinking. This session explores how to design authentic, multimedia projects that promote creativity, critical thinking, and student ownership of learning. Participants will examine strategies for creating “AI-resilient” assignments that encourage inquiry, problem-solving, and meaningful engagement while leveraging technology as a tool for learning rather than a shortcut.

Blast off into a hands-on exploration of free NASA resources designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and authentic learning across grade levels and content areas. In this interactive session, participants will take part in a “Choose Your Mission” experience, selecting from a variety of exploration stations featuring engineering challenges, citizen science, multimedia storytelling, coding connections, and real-world STEM applications tied to current NASA missions. Educators will leave with classroom-ready ideas, curated resources, and practical strategies for creating inquiry-driven learning experiences that engage students through the excitement of space exploration.

As AI tools become more common in classrooms, traditional assignments are easier than ever to complete without deep thinking. This session explores how to design authentic, multimedia projects that promote creativity, critical thinking, and student ownership of learning. Participants will examine strategies for creating “AI-resilient” assignments that encourage inquiry, problem-solving, and meaningful engagement while leveraging technology as a tool for learning rather than a shortcut.