DTAL Conference 2025

What if the atomic bomb was never dropped on Japan? In this interactive, cross-curricular session, discover how students dive into high-level critical thinking as they explore alternate historical outcomes through the lens of parallel universes. Using BookCreator, student groups craft dynamic, choose-your-own-adventure digital books that examine the potential consequences of a land invasion in Japan. This lesson fuses technology integration, curriculum support, and high-quality instructional strategies across content areas—bridging history, literacy, and even science fiction thinking. Walk away with ideas to engage your learners in creative, standards-aligned inquiry they won’t forget.

Our public spaces tell a selective story, often overlooking the various voices that have shaped our nation. This project challenges students to rethink historical narratives by using Tinkercad to design a 3D-printed Reconstruction monument for Virginia Beach. Working in teams, students will explore whose stories are told, how power is represented, and what messages their monument conveys. Through symbolism, location, and design choices, they will create a lasting tribute to Reconstruction’s impact, ensuring future generations engage with this rich time period in history. There is a version of this lesson that focuses on Holocaust memorials.

Desmos Classroom is an interactive teaching platform that presents math topics through student centered activities. Using Desmos, students can contribute to class discussions in ways that are both visible to the teacher and to their peers, fostering a sage and engaging learning environment. The activities help students to explore concepts deeply, collaborate with their peers on problem-solving, and apply knowledge creatively as mathematicians. This session will help teachers collaborate and explore the ways that DESMOS Classroom can be used to elevate the student learning experience.