K-12 Professional Development Opportunities

This resource is the brain child of the NGSS-ESS Working Group, which is a collaboration between the National Earth Science Teachers Association (NESTA), the National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT), and the American Geosciences Institute (AGI). The mission of this collaboration is to support Earth and space science educators in all aspects of NGSS-ESS implementation.

Use the interface below to search through professional development opportunities available for K-12 teachers across a variety of topical areas, grade levels, and formats. The webpages will be updated regularly as new opportunities come up, and old opportunities are retired.  If you are associated with a professional development opportunity that should be included in the collection, use the submission form to tell us about it.  Please contact Aida Awad, Missy Holzer, or Ed Robeck if you have questions.


Results 1 - 10 of 71 matches

ASM Materials Camp®-Teachers - SAIT(Southern Alberta IT)- July 31-August 4
ASM Materials Camp®-Teachers is a free, week-long, idea-generating workshop introducing teachers to methods that make math and core science principles more enticing and relevant to their middle and high school students. Materials topics are great motivators in any engineering, technology or science course as students learn concepts that are reflected in their everyday lives.Participants are eligible to receive four (4) Continuing Education Units(CEUs) and can opt for two (2) graduate level credits.LocationSouthern Alberta Institute of Technology 1301 16 Avenue Northwest Calgary, AB T2M 0L4 Canada

Content Area: Other
Grade Level: Middle (6-8), High School (9-12)
PD Timing: June to August
Cost: Free
Professional Development Format: In-Person only

ASM Materials Camp®-Teachers - Wisconsin Lutheran High School - July 10-14
ASM Materials Camp®-Teachers is a free, week-long, idea-generating workshop introducing teachers to methods that make math and core science principles more enticing and relevant to their middle and high school students. Materials topics are great motivators in any engineering, technology or science course as students learn concepts that are reflected in their everyday lives.Participants are eligible to receive four (4) Continuing Education Units(CEUs) and can opt for two (2) graduate level credits.LocationWisconsin Lutheran High School 330 Glenview Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53213

Content Area: Other
Grade Level: Middle (6-8), High School (9-12)
PD Timing: June to August
Cost: Free
Professional Development Format: In-Person only

Online Earth Science Teacher Education Content & Demonstrations
This intensive, online course will provide basic content material for teachers concerning geology, astronomy, oceanography, and meteorology. Topics include the origin of the universe and the life cycle of stars; the origin of the solar system and its components; the composition and structure of the Earth; plate tectonics; the rock cycle and water cycle, energy resources; the atmosphere, weather, and climate; and Earth's oceans. Participants will receive 6.0 CEUs for 60 clock hours. There is no cost for educators to register for this class--contact our office in order for the registration fee to be waived! cepetroleumtraining@midland.edu or 432-683-2832

Content Area: Earth Science, Geology, Space Science / Astronomy
Grade Level: Middle (6-8), High School (9-12)
PD Timing: January to May, September to December
Cost: Free
Professional Development Format: Online only

EPI Yellowstone Winter Teacher Fellowship
This unique professional development opportunity allows participating teachers to experience the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem in winter, a time of solitude and beauty that you can't find during the crowded and bustling summer months. Each day, you'll head into the snowy landscape to explore thermal features or collect data about wildlife movements and behavior. EPI's instructors will introduce you to our unique model for creating positive learning environments in the field and applying field science at home.COURSE HIGHLIGHTS:- Observe wild wolves in the world-famous Lamar Valley- Collect data on ungulate species with the National Park Service- Experience Yellowstone's geothermal wonders under snow cover- 40 hours of professional development coursework with a focus on conservation biology, wildlands management, and scientific process.

Content Area: Earth Science, Environmental Science
Grade Level: Middle (6-8), High School (9-12)
PD Timing: January to May
Cost: Cost to enroll, Expenses paid
Professional Development Format: In-Person only

G-Camp
G-Camp is a 14-day field camp for 5th - 12th grade science teachers that provides first-hand experience with the principles of geology in the field, helps you develop new curriculum and virtual fieldtrips for your classroom, and makes learning fun and exciting out-of-doors. This field experience puts you on the outcrops through Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado. G-Camp is only run face-to-face. CEU's are currently being developed by the Texas A&M Education department. Applications are due near the end of April and only 30 teachers will be selected to attend G-Camp, see the website for more information about the registration process, daily activities, etc.

Content Area: Earth Science, Geology, Environmental Science
Grade Level: Intermediate (3-5), Middle (6-8), High School (9-12)
PD Timing: June to August
Cost: Free, Optional cost, Stipend paid, Expenses paid
Professional Development Format: In-Person only

EPI Galapagos Islands Educator Course
This intensive 10-day professional development program will give you the opportunity to work with some of the world's most fascinating wildlife. Through EPI's partnership with the Ecuadorian nonprofit ECOS, you'll leave the touristic sites behind to collect meaningful data and contribute to broad conservation efforts. Engage with astonishing phenomena and collaborate with other educators to develop lessons that drive student inquiry. Come away from the course equipped to connect your students to the wonders that inspired Darwin through your own storylines and insights. COURSE HIGHLIGHTS:- Monitor giant Galapagos tortoises- Explore 3-dimensional learning- Join a community of science professionals

Content Area: Earth Science, Environmental Science
Grade Level: Middle (6-8), High School (9-12)
PD Timing: June to August
Cost: Cost to enroll
Professional Development Format: In-Person only

Seeing the Methane, then What?
Patricia Rodríguez, International OGI Analyst and Advocate @ EarthworksThis talk will describe 'optical gas imaging' and advocacy to stop the harm from the oil and gas industry at an international setting. As we will get to see the air pollution, what can we learn from frontline Indigenous, Black and small farmer communities in Latin America about the impact of resource extraction and contamination on their lives, livelihoods and health, and what are some alternatives to the presence of oil giants in their communities?

Content Area: Earth Science, Geology, Environmental Science
Grade Level: Intermediate (3-5), Middle (6-8), High School (9-12)
PD Timing: September to December
Cost: Free
Professional Development Format: Online only

Why We Didn't Act on Climate and How to Act Now: Lessons learned from geology to behavioral science
Thursday, November 9, 2023 @ 7:00 pm EST - Why We Didn't Act on Climate and How to Act Now: Lessons learned from geology to behavioral scienceDr. Caroly Shumway, Director of the Center for Behavior and ClimateWe've known about fossil fuel's increasingly harmful impact on our atmosphere since at least the 1950's. Why didn't we act? We'll explore the changing relationship between science, government, business, people, and climate action, what holds people back from acting, and how to accelerate climate actions and policies with behavior change.

Content Area: Earth Science, Environmental Science
Grade Level: Primary (K-2), Intermediate (3-5), Middle (6-8), High School (9-12)
PD Timing: September to December
Cost: Free
Professional Development Format: Online only

The Teacher Institute for Watershed Education and Conservation
Join The Ecology School in Maine this July for an engaging and inspiring professional development opportunity. Teachers will be challenged to explore water's connection to human systems and its impacts on the environment. Immersed in field-based ecology lessons, attendees will have opportunities to network and collaborate with colleagues from schools around the country to reimagine their teaching to include outdoor learning, place-based experiences, and community partners. This opportunity is designed for K-8 classroom educators, but others may apply as well (e.g. high school teachers, school administration, non-profit educators, etc.)Offered in two cohorts: attendees will attend either July 17 - 20 or July 27 - 30, 2023. **The Institute is free for teachers, and attendees will receive a 0 stipend and be reimbursed for most travel. Event participation is face-to-face only. Attendees will receive 30 contact hours for participating, and are eligible to receive university credit and an additional 0 stipend for post-Institute implementation. Attendees may also apply for scholarships to cover additional expenses accrued during the training.** "Some of the best PD I've attended and it was right in my own state, I highly recommend!" ~D. Allen"I've been in this profession for 25 years, and this was the most impactful opportunity I've had professionally. And personally!" ~ B. Hallowell

Content Area: Earth Science, Environmental Science, Other
Grade Level: Primary (K-2), Intermediate (3-5), Middle (6-8)
PD Timing: June to August
Cost: Free, Stipend paid, Expenses paid
Professional Development Format: In-Person only

Introducing the Earth Science of the Northwest-Central & Midwestern United States on Earth@Home
Rich with interactive content about Earth and its life, climate, energy, geology, paleontology, and the ways in which Earth systems interact, PRI's website, Earth@Home is your home for learning and teaching Earth systems science.Visit the site at: https://earthathome.org/hoe/Join us to learn about this free and growing set of resources for you and your students.Earth@Home includes a new and growing collection of online interactive textbooks, virtual field guides, 3D models of specimens, virtual laboratory and fieldwork activities, and more.

Content Area: Earth Science, Geology, Environmental Science
Grade Level: Intermediate (3-5), Middle (6-8), High School (9-12)
PD Timing: September to December
Cost: Free
Professional Development Format: Online only