Michigan Science Teachers Association upcoming events

2026 MSTA Partnership Program (30 Apr 2026)

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The Michigan Science Teachers Association has an exciting new opportunity for science museums and other potential partners across the state.

Make a commitment to the future of your museum or organization and join the MSTA Partnership Program! Gain direct access to thousands of Michigan Science educators. Position your museum or organization as a science education destination for school groups from around the state. Establish your staff as experts in the industry. Share your thoughts, successful programs, and innovative experiments in MSTA print and digital communications pieces. Examples of other organizations are zoos, observatories, aquariums, public gardens, etc.

All these opportunities and more are yours as an MSTA Partner for the minimal investment of just $250 per year.

Partnership Program benefits include:

Company logo and link on the MSTA partnership webpage
One banner ad per year in the MSTA Monthly eNewsletter
Two article submissions per year in the MSTA Monthly eNewsletter
One article submission per year in the quarterly MSTA LINKS publication
Regular mentions on MSTA Social Media Channels
Receive regular updates and information about MSTA events and programming

Your annual commitment will see an immediate return on investment with a $50 discount off a non-profit table or booth at the MSTA Annual Conference during your first year as an MSTA Partner!

Michigan science museums and other partners have always had a forum on www.msta-mich.org to share discounts and provide special offers to MSTA members at no cost. That valuable benefit has not changed. However, we invite you to take advantage of this brand-new opportunity to join MSTA as a Partner for customized offerings and additional advantages, including promotional opportunities for your organization in the statewide science community, unprecedented access to educators, and much more. Share our vision for advancing science education in Michigan by joining the MSTA Partnership Program today!

For more information, reach out to us directly by emailing office@msta-mich.org.

Neurodivergence: We Are All One! Understanding Learning, Recalling, and Thinking Webinar (24 Jun 2026)

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 20:30:00 GMT

Earn 1 SCHECH credit for joining!

Title:

Neurodivergence: We Are All One! Understanding Learning, Recalling, and Thinking Webinar

Brief description:

This session explores the neuroscience of learning and how brain processes shape the way students acquire, retain, and apply knowledge. Participants will examine how different cognitive tasks, such as memorization, conceptual understanding, and language processing, activate distinct neural pathways, informing more effective instructional and assessment practices. Emphasis will be placed on reducing cognitive overload and strengthening long-term retention through teaching strategies embedded in curriculum design. Science educators will leave with practical classroom applications, including three brain-based instructional strategies, three assessment strategies, and a customizable template aligned to their own instructional materials.

Learning Outcomes:

Explain how different types of learning tasks activate distinct cognitive and neural processes in the brain.
Apply neuroscience-informed strategies to reduce cognitive overload and improve long-term retention of knowledge.
Develop a classroom-ready template incorporating three brain-based instructional strategies and three assessment strategies.

Speaker Bio:

Dr. Manisha Sharan is a nationally recognized academic leader, STEM education advocate, and Science Chair at Baker College, where she leads initiatives that support student success and expand access in STEM education. With a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, she has presented at national conferences, including the National Science Teaching Association, Online Learning Consortium, American Association for Advancement of Science, and currently serves as Chair of an NSTA Standing Committee. Dr. Sharan’s work focuses on evidence-based teaching practices, neuroscience-informed learning, and creating responsive learning environments that help students thrive in science.

Poison Ivy, Insects and Kids, Oh MY! Early Childhood Science in your Place Webinar (1 Jul 2026)

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 20:30:00 GMT

Earn 1 SCHECH credit for joining!

Title:

Poison Ivy, Insects and Kids, Oh MY! Early Childhood Science in your Place

Brief description:

Research shows that engaging learners in the outdoor world has huge benefits on mental health and academic performance. Barriers to taking learning outside range from curriculum and testing, to school rules, and limited outdoor space. So let’s discuss how we can remove these barriers and create a learning environment that boosts confidence, social skills, motivation, exploration and more in your early childhood setting! This webinar will discuss safety, boundaries, and tools to use. We will go through several activities you can use tomorrow with your students that will help set up lifelong appreciation for the natural world and learning in your place.

Learning Outcomes:

Outdoor classroom management ideas including setting up boundaries, call-back signals, and important tools to use!
Several activities that emphasize observation, exploration and problem-solving. The activities can be applied to any early childhood classroom setting.
Motivation for taking kids outdoors and learning in your place!

Speaker Bio:

Becky Durling is a Young Fives teacher with Williamston Community Schools. She has over 25 years of experience teaching in early childhood. Becky is a Michigan Elementary Science Teacher of the Year (2012), has her Environmental Education Certification (2018), and is a finalist for the state of Michigan for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching. She has presented at the annual MSTA and MAEOE conferences, and the Academy of Natural Resources about the importance of integrating nature into everyday classroom experiences.

Quantum Mechanics for Middle School Students Webinar (22 Jul 2026)

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 20:30:00 GMT

Earn 1 SCHECH credit for joining!

Title:

Quantum Mechanics for Middle School Students

Brief description:

Learn how to teach electron configurations at the most basics of levels. We will explore how to move from the hydrogen emission spectrum phenomena into the simplest presentation of how to describe electrons as waves. Targeted questions will be used to enhance student curiosity and engagement.

Learning Outcomes:

Teachers will have greater comfort with answering student questions about atomic orbitals and electrons
Teachers will gain access to superior models of electrons for instruction
Teachers will incorporate electron configurations beyond an algorithmic assignment

Speaker Bio:

Scott Milam currently teaches chemistry and IB chemistry HL at Plymouth High School in Canton, MI. Scott holds a BS and MS in Chemistry. Scott was the 2017 Michigan Science Teacher of the Year and was a 2019, 2021, 2023, and 2025 PAEMST finalist. Scott is the recipient of AMTA's 2023 Malcolm Wells Award Leadership and published "Teaching Introductory Chemistry" in 2022.