2026 WSST Sessions

Thursday, March 12

8:00am || Lawrence

Session Title: Using the Water Kit© in Chemistry
Presenter: Stephanie Ruder
Session Description: Explore the structure and properties of water and its role in forming solutions with 3D Molecular Designs Water Kit©. Model hydrogen bonding, polarity, and intermolecular interactions to deepen understanding of how water dissolves ionic and molecular substances. Through guided activities, this session will highlight how physical modeling supports sensemaking and strengthens student comprehension of foundational chemistry and biology concepts.

Featured kits and models: Water Kit^©

9:00am || Lawrence

Session Title: Modeling DNA in the Science Classroom
Presenter: Stephanie Ruder

Session Description: This session will show you how to use various 3D Molecular Designs DNA kits in the classroom. Together, we will: use Project Lead the Way Principles of Biomedical Science to discuss DNA structure, function, and genetics; demonstrate types of chromosomes, where genes are located, and the why behind the letters we use in Punnett Squares; and show differences between heterozygous and homozygous alleles, to allow students to see what happens at the DNA level. Learn to use 3D Molecular Designs kits in protein folding, protein synthesis, genetics, and DNA.

Featured kits and models: Flow of Genetic Information Kit©, Dynamic DNA Kit©

10:00am || Lawrence

Session Title: Molecules of Life
Presenter: Tim Herman

Session Description: Life happens in water! Many teachers consider water to be the first molecule of life. But there are four other small molecules that make up the major constituents of a living cell: Amino Acids (which become proteins); Phospholipids (which become membranes); Carbohydrates
(which become cell walls and food); and Nucleotides (which become DNA and RNA). This workshop will explore how physical models can be used to introduce your students to the molecular basis of life.

Featured kits and models: Molecules of Life Modeling Kit©

11:00am || Lawrence

Session Title: Modeling Cell Structure and Function with the Cell Modeling Kit©
Presenter: Tim Herman

Session Description: This hands-on session will challenge participants to create and interpret models to illustrate the diversity of structures and functions of life at the cellular level. Participants will be given a brief overview of the Cell Modeling Kit© and then create a cell model of a particular kind of cell, given only its function. The goal of this session is to tap creative thinking about modeling and highlight the versatility of the cell modeling kits.

Featured kits and models: Cell Modeling Kit©