| Oct. 2-3, 2026 | Biomimicry and Inspiration - Blank Park Zoo Educator Workshop Location: Blank Park Zoo: 7401 SW 9th St, Des Moines, IA 50315 Workshop is worth one hour of license renewal credit through Heartland AEA. Questions? Contact Kathy McKee at 515-974-2557 or [email protected]
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| Oct. 8, 2026 | Iowa Department of Education Science Workshop Location: Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, Omaha, NE 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. This professional learning opportunity continues the State of Iowa’s efforts to increase student achievement in science by providing teachers with robust, evidence-based learning experiences aligned directly to the 2025 Iowa Academic Standards for Science. This year’s focus will be on assessment. The morning will feature an immersive experience focused on the use of standards-aligned benchmark assessments. Participants will also have opportunities to explore additional science education offerings available from across the state and at the zoo. The event is free of charge, and lunch will be provided. |
| Oct. 16, 2026 | Iowa Department of Education Science Workshop Location: Southeast Polk High School, Altoona, IA 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. This professional learning opportunity continues the State of Iowa’s efforts to increase student achievement in science by providing teachers with robust, evidence-based learning experiences aligned directly to the 2025 Iowa Academic Standards for Science. This year’s focus will be on assessment. The morning will feature an immersive experience focused on the use of standards-aligned benchmark assessments. Participants will also have opportunities to explore additional science education offerings available from across the state and at the zoo. The event is free of charge, and lunch will be provided. |
| Oct. 21, 2026 | Iowa Department of Education Science Workshop Location: St. Ambrose University, Davenport, IA 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. This professional learning opportunity continues the State of Iowa’s efforts to increase student achievement in science by providing teachers with robust, evidence-based learning experiences aligned directly to the 2025 Iowa Academic Standards for Science. This year’s focus will be on assessment. The morning will feature an immersive experience focused on the use of standards-aligned benchmark assessments. Participants will also have opportunities to explore additional science education offerings available from across the state and at the zoo. The event is free of charge, and lunch will be provided. |
| Nov. 4-7, 2026 | National Conference On Science Education Location: Indianapolis, IN Science education is never still, and neither are the educators who teach it, inspire it, and reimagine its future every day. Join us in Indianapolis, a city where speed meets spirit, for NSTA’s preeminent professional learning event of the fall! Over four days of thought-provoking sessions, interactive workshops, and meaningful connections, you’ll gain fresh ideas and powerful tools to elevate your practice and deepen your impact. Whether you’re nurturing discovery in the classroom or leading at the district level, this is your opportunity to learn, connect, and move science education forward, one inspired mind at a time. |
| Nov. 13-14, 2026 | Patterns in Nature - Blank Park Zoo Educator Workshop Location: Blank Park Zoo: 7401 SW 9th St, Des Moines, IA 50315 Workshop is worth one hour of license renewal credit through Heartland AEA. Questions? Contact Kathy McKee at 515-974-2557 or [email protected] |
| January 2027 | State Science Leadership Summit Exact Date and Location: TBD 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. This free summit is designed for coaches, lead teachers, administrators, higher education professionals, informal educators and other stakeholders interested in enhancing students’ experiences both inside and outside the science classroom. A major focus of the summit will be assessing and supporting student achievement in science. |
| Jan. 29-30, 2027 | Habitats and Adaptations - Blank Park Zoo Educator Workshop Location: Blank Park Zoo: 7401 SW 9th St, Des Moines, IA 50315 Workshop is worth one hour of license renewal credit through Heartland AEA. Questions? Contact Kathy McKee at 515-974-2557 or [email protected] |
| March 5-6, 2027 | Climate and Change - Blank Park Zoo Educator Workshop Location: Blank Park Zoo: 7401 SW 9th St, Des Moines, IA 50315 Workshop is worth one hour of license renewal credit through Heartland AEA. Questions? Contact Kathy McKee at 515-974-2557 or [email protected] |
| March 17-20 2027 | National Conference On Science Education: Charting New Horizons, Inspiring Discovery Location: Boston, MA From its historic harbor to its legacy as a gateway for exploration, Boston has long been a place where bold journeys begin and new ideas take shape. Join us at NSTA Boston27 and connect with a community of educators united by curiosity and a shared commitment to student success. Through inspiring sessions, immersive experiences, and meaningful connections, you'll discover fresh perspectives and practical strategies to advance teaching and learning. Whether you're sparking wonder in the classroom or guiding learning across a school or district, this is your opportunity to explore what’s possible, expand your impact, and reconnect with the purpose that fuels your work. |
| April 9, 2027 | UNI Science Update Conference Location: University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA |
