Events

Upcoming events

    • 30 Apr 2026
    • 1 Apr 2027
    Register

    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.

    • 27 May 2026
    • 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
    • Zoom
    • 282
    Registration is closed

    Earn 1 SCHECH credit for joining!

    Title:

    Evidence-Based Instruction for Countering Biology Misconceptions

    Brief description:

    This workshop provides biology teachers with practical strategies and free, ready-to-use tools to help students identify misinformation, analyze evidence, and evaluate biological claims in the media. Equip your classroom with inquiry-based techniques that build skepticism, strengthen scientific literacy, and promote confident, critical thinkers.

    Learning Outcomes:

    • Teach students to evaluate scientific claims using evidence, assess source reliability, and apply basic media literacy skills.
    • Integrate misinformation-spotting into biology lessons through inquiry, data analysis, and real-world case studies.
    • Access tools and activities that build students’ critical thinking, skepticism, and scientific literacy.

    Speaker Bio:

    Rebecca Brewer is a nationally award-winning biology educator in Michigan and coauthor of the textbook Biology Now. She has created educational resources for Science Friday, PBS NewsHour, the National Center for Science Education, MiniOne Systems, the Fred Hutch Cancer Center, BSCS, Science Communication Lab, and the Pulitzer Center. She currently serves as a Teacher Ambassador for the Smithsonian's Network for Emergent Socio-Scientific Thinking (NESST) — promoting global issues and taking action locally with sustainable practices, and for Generation Skeptics — fostering media literacy in a world of misinformation. She is also the Michigan Director for the National Association of Biology Teachers’ Outstanding Biology Teacher Award Program.


    • 24 Jun 2026
    • 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
    • Zoom
    • 299
    Register

    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.


    • 1 Jul 2026
    • 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
    • Zoom
    • 299
    Register

    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.  


    • 22 Jul 2026
    • 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
    • Zoom
    • 300
    Register

    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. 


Past events

15 Apr 2026 Place-Based Climate Science Education with a Positive Spin
1 Apr 2026 Place-Based Teaching About Soils with the U.S.D.A./N.R.C.S. “Web Soil Survey”
5 Mar 2026 73rd MSTA Annual Conference 2026
18 Feb 2026 Environmental Education Equipment That Can Augment Surface or Groundwater Lessons Webinar
4 Feb 2026 PhET Beyond The Worksheet: Using PhET for Whole Class Inquiry and Discussion Webinar
21 Jan 2026 Integrating Phenomena-Based Learning in Middle School Science Webinar
10 Dec 2025 “AMOUNTS TO COUNTS” Stoichiometry—as easy as falling off a tricycle: A follow up session to Bill’s Box
19 Nov 2025 Building Momentum with Teacher-Led 3P Learning
15 Oct 2025 From Cells to Careers: Inspiring Future Scientists Through Medical Lab Experiences
17 Sep 2025 Michigan Science Olympiad: A way to engage students in STEM
20 Aug 2025 Michigan Audubon Bird by Bird School Program
16 Jul 2025 Where to Find Money for Your Classroom Webinar
18 Jun 2025 5 Ways AI Can Deepen HUMAN Teaching & Learning Webinar
21 May 2025 Fish Habitats and Underwater Remote Operated Vehicles Webinar
16 Apr 2025 Growing Minds: Exploring Agricultural Literacy and Resources for Educators Webinar
7 Mar 2025 72nd MSTA Annual Conference
7 Mar 2025 72nd MSTA Annual Conference - Sponsors & Exhibitors
7 Mar 2025 MSTA 72 Annual Conference
25 Jan 2025 Board Meeting
9 Nov 2024 Board Meeting
21 Sep 2024 Board Meeting
3 May 2024 Board Retreat
1 Mar 2024 MSTA Friday Night Movie Night presented by Wild Hope
1 Mar 2024 MSTA SCECH Registration
29 Feb 2024 71st MSTA Annual Conference - Sponsors & Exhibitors
29 Feb 2024 71st MSTA Annual Conference
30 Jan 2024 2024 MSTA Partnership Program
20 Jan 2024 Board Meeting
4 Nov 2023 Board Meeting

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 email: office@msta-mich.org

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