Articles from National Science Teaching Association

Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS), the nation’s premier showcase for high school science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) research, proudly announces the 2025 winners of the 63rd National JSHS competition.

The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) salutes the recipients of its 2025 NSTA Awards program, which honors K–12 teachers, principals, professors, and other science education professionals for their outstanding work and achievement in science education. Awardees will be recognized during a special evening Teacher Awards event happening during the NSTA National Conference on Science Education in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on March 28 (with the exception of the student who has received the Angela Award, who will be honored at a private ceremony arranged with the student’s school and faculty).

The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) has issued a new position statement on teacher compensation, warning that if schools want to recruit and retain high-quality science educators and effectively compete with the alternate career opportunities available to people with science backgrounds, then salaries for science educators should be significantly higher than current levels. The statement also emphasizes that differentiating salaries—specifically within high-need districts—would address the pressing challenges faced by many schools serving economically disadvantaged students, such as teacher vacancies, out-of-field teaching, and disparities in instructional quality.

The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) and the National Marine Educators Association (NMEA) have released a joint position statement emphasizing the need to include ocean science as a vital component of K-12 science curriculum and instruction.

The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) is hosting its National Conference on Science Education, one of the largest and most anticipated gatherings of science educators in the nation, from March 26-29 in Philadelphia. This four-day event will bring together thousands of educators from across Pennsylvania and beyond for an unparalleled professional learning experience. Attendees will learn about the latest in science and STEM education content, discover new teaching and learning strategies for the classroom, network with peers, and hear inspiring stories from an out-of-this-world line-up of keynote speakers. With hundreds of educator-led, strategy-packed sessions, workshops, and demonstrations tailored to all grade levels, disciplines, and teaching focuses, the conference promises to provide invaluable resources and insights for educators at every stage of their careers.

The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) today announced the release of a revised position statement on climate change education, titled, “The Teaching of the Science of Climate Change.” The updated statement includes stronger language emphasizing the need to support science educators in resisting unscientific ideas intentionally designed to mislead students. The statement reaffirms NSTA’s commitment to teaching climate change as an established field of science and calls for increased support for educators in teaching evidence-based science, including approaches to understanding climate science.

The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) today announced that the Board of Directors has appointed Bob Lay as Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective March 9, 2025. Lay currently serves as Chief Finance Administrative Officer for NSTA. This appointment follows Erika Shugart’s, Ph.D., decision to focus on the next phase of her professional career after serving as CEO since 2021.

The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) announced the release of a new NSTA Kids™ book from best-selling, award-winning author Jessica Fries-Gaither. Developed to help teach early learners how to ask questions like scientists, Wild Wonderings: Scientists and Their Questions seamlessly blends science concepts and literary learning for young students in grades 3-5. The book is available for purchase through major retailers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and can be ordered through bookstores and libraries via distributors like Ingram and Baker & Taylor.

The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) today announced its eighth annual list of “Best STEM Books K-12” selected by volunteer educators and assembled in cooperation with the Children’s Book Council (CBC). This list provides recommendations about the best trade books with science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) content available for students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA), in conjunction with the Children’s Book Council (CBC), has released its annual list of “Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12: 2025.” The list represents the best science trade books published in 2024 for kindergarten through 12th grade students, with criteria including captivating stories, compelling characters, and beautiful illustrations.

Johns Hopkins University Press (Hopkins Press) and the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) have joined together to release a new resource for K–12 teachers for integrating artificial intelligence (AI) tools in the classroom.

The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) is now accepting applications for its 2024-2025 Awards Program. NSTA Awards honor K–12 educators for their outstanding work and achievement in science and STEM education.

The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) announced the release of a new NSTA Kids™ book from best-selling author Emily Morgan. Developed to help introduce early readers to exciting science phenomena, Next Time You See a Snowflake seamlessly blends science concepts with engaging literary learning for young learners.

Twenty-four science teachers have been named regional winners in the annual Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge. Sponsored by Shell USA, Inc. (Shell) and administered by the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA), the competition encouraged K–12 teachers who have found innovative ways to deliver quality lab experiences with limited school and laboratory resources to share their approaches for a chance to win a school science lab makeover support package.

The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) is proud to announce that Camille Sanders has been named its new Senior Director of Membership & Strategic Partnerships. Sanders officially assumed her role on August 19.

The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) is proud to announce that Brooke A. Whitworth, Ph.D., has been named the new Field Editor of The Science Teacher, one of NSTA’s esteemed, award-winning journals. Whitworth officially assumed her role on September 1.

The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) is inviting submissions for the Shell Science Teaching Award and the Shell Urban Science Educators Development Award, where cash prizes and an expense-paid trip to attend NSTA’s National Conference on Science Education in Philadelphia next spring are to be awarded for exemplary science teaching.

One of the largest gatherings of science educators in the nation will occur in New Orleans from November 6-9 at the National Science Teaching Association’s (NSTA) National Conference on Science Education (NOLA24). Thousands of educators from Louisiana and around the country are expected to attend the four-day conference to learn about the latest in science and STEM content, teaching and learning strategies, and research; network with fellow educators; and hear inspiring stories and motivating experiences from an all-star lineup of speakers. Hundreds of peer-led, strategy-packed sessions, workshops, and demonstrations covering every discipline, grade level and teaching focus will be offered.

The U.S. Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) announced that teams Momentum Charge (6th grade), The Water Project (7th grade), The Scientists (8th grade), and Team BioTech (9th grade) are the National Winners for their respective grade levels at the 22nd annual eCYBERMISSION National Judging & Educational Event (NJ&EE). Each team member will now receive $10,000 in U.S. EE Savings Bonds at maturity.

NSTA Press has published a new book centered around helping teachers create tasks that guide students to go beyond memorizing facts by empowering them to use their knowledge and understanding during assessments. More than just another set of guidelines, Creating and Using Instructionally Supportive Assessments in NGSS Classrooms provides a step-by-step pathway for creating tasks that support, engage, and encourage students in Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) classrooms.

The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) officially announced today its publishing agreement with leading education publisher Routledge, an imprint of Taylor & Francis.

The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA), the largest professional organization in the world seeking to transform science education to benefit all through professional learning, partnerships, and advocacy, welcomed five new members to its Board of Directors and seven new members to its Council.

On June 1, Dr. Alicia Conerly, Ed.D., Instructional Specialist for Mississippi’s Marion County School District, became the 2024–2025 President of the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA), the largest professional organization in the world seeking to transform science education to benefit all through professional learning, partnerships, and advocacy.

The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) today announced the grand-prize winners in the Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge. The competition encouraged K–12 teachers who have found innovative ways to deliver quality lab experiences using limited school and laboratory resources to share their approaches for a chance to win a school science lab makeover support package.

The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA), in collaboration with the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS), Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) and the American Statistical Association (ASA), released a joint position statement today calling for data science to be introduced and taught across the curriculum in K–12 schools to help all learners develop data literacy, knowledge, and skills.

The National Science Teaching Association today announced the recipients of the annual Shell Urban Science Educator Development Award. The awardees (listed below) were formally recognized for their achievement during an award ceremony at the NSTA National Conference on Science Education in Denver.

eCYBERMISSION announced the State Winners, Regional Finalists, and National Finalists for its 22nd annual competition. eCYBERMISSION challenges sixth- to ninth-grade students to form teams and select a community problem to investigate with science or solve with engineering. More than 1,700 teams took part in this year’s competition, with the top three per grade in each region continuing to Regional Judging and only 20, five per grade level, advancing to the National Judging & Educational Event (NJ&EE) this summer.

The National Science Teaching Association announced today that Lacey Hoosier, a science teacher at Buckeye High School in Deville, Louisiana, has received the 2024 Shell Science Teaching Award. During an award ceremony at the NSTA National Conference in Denver in March, Hoosier was formally recognized for her achievement.

Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS), the premier showcase for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) research by high school students, is pleased to announce the 2024 winners of the 62nd National JSHS competition.

The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) announced the recipients of its 2024 NSTA Awards program, which honors K–12 teachers, principals, professors, and other science education professionals for their outstanding work and achievement in science education. Awardees will be recognized during a special evening Teacher Awards event taking place during the NSTA National Conference on Science Education in Denver, Colorado, on March 22 (with the exception of the student honored with the Angela Award, who will be honored at a private ceremony arranged with the student's school and faculty).

The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) today announced its seventh annual list of “Best STEM Books K-12.” This list—selected by volunteer educators and assembled in cooperation with the Children’s Book Council (CBC)—provides recommendations about the best trade books with science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) content available for students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA), in conjunction with the Children’s Book Council, has released its annual list of “Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12: 2024.” The list represents the best science trade books published in 2023 for kindergarten through 12th grade students.

Johns Hopkins University Press (JHUP) and the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) have joined together to bring new, free, classroom-ready lesson plans to middle school and high school science and STEM teachers nationwide.

The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) is now accepting applications for its 2023-2024 Awards Program. NSTA Awards honor K–12 teachers, principals, professors, and other education professionals for their outstanding work and achievement in science and STEM education.

Twenty-four science teachers have been named regional winners in the annual Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge. Sponsored by Shell USA, Inc.(Shell) and administered by the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA), the competition encouraged K–12 teachers who have found innovative ways to deliver quality lab experiences with limited school and laboratory resources to share their approaches for a chance to win a school science lab makeover support package.

Shell USA, Inc. and the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) are calling for submissions for the Shell Science Teaching Award and the Shell Urban Science Educators Development Award.

The U.S. Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) announced that teams MISSing Monarchs (6th grade), H2O Bros (7th grade), Cardio for Chemo (8th grade), and Urica (9th grade) are the National Winners for their respective grade levels at the 21st annual eCYBERMISSION National Judging & Educational Event (NJ&EE). Each team member will now receive $10,000 in U.S. EE Savings Bonds at maturity.

The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA), the largest professional organization in the world seeking to transform science education to benefit all through professional learning, partnerships, and advocacy, welcomed four new members to its Board of Directors and four new members to its Council.

On June 1, Dr. Julie Luft, Ph.D., Distinguished Research Professor and Athletic Association Professor of Mathematics and Science Education in the Mary Frances Early College of Education at the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia, became the 2023–2024 President of the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA), the largest professional organization in the world seeking to transform science education to benefit all through professional learning, partnerships, and advocacy.

Shell USA Inc. and the National Science Teaching Association today announced the recipients of the annual Shell Urban Science Educator Development Award. The awardees (listed below) were formally recognized for their achievement during an award ceremony at the NSTA National Conference on Science Education in Atlanta.

Shell USA Inc. and the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) today announced the grand-prize winners in the Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge. The competition encouraged K–12 teachers who have found innovative ways to deliver quality lab experiences using limited school and laboratory resources to share their approaches for a chance to win a school science lab makeover support package.

Shell USA Inc. and the National Science Teaching Association today announced that Catherine Walker, a science and engineering teacher at Dimond High School in Anchorage, Alaska, is the recipient of the 2023 Shell Science Teaching Award. During an award ceremony at the NSTA National Conference in Atlanta in March, Walker was formally recognized for her achievement.

eCYBERMISSION announced the State Winners, Regional Finalists, and National Finalists for its 21st annual competition. eCYBERMISSION challenges sixth- to ninth-grade students to form teams and select a community problem to investigate with science or solve with engineering. More than 1,800 teams took part in this year’s competition, with the top three per grade in each region continuing to Regional Judging and only 20, five per grade level, advancing to the National Judging & Educational Event (NJ&EE) this summer.

Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS), the premier showcase for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) research by high school students, is pleased to announce the 2023 winners of the 61st National JSHS competition.

The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) announced the recipients of its 2023 “Distinguished” Awards: Distinguished Service to Science Education Award, Distinguished Teaching Award, and Distinguished Informal Science Education Award. NSTA annually recognizes extraordinary K–12 teachers, professors, principals, and science educators for their outstanding achievements in science education. The educators received their awards during a special evening celebration at NSTA’s National Conference on Science Education in Atlanta, Georgia, on March 24.

The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) announced the recipients of its 2023 Teacher Awards. NSTA annually recognizes extraordinary K–12 teachers, professors, principals, and science educators for their outstanding achievements in science education.

The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) announced the recipients of its 2023 NSTA Awards program, which honors K–12 teachers, principals, professors, and other science education professionals for their outstanding work and achievement in science education. Awardees will be recognized during a special evening celebration taking place during the NSTA National Conference on Science Education in Atlanta, Georgia, on March 24.

The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) today announced its sixth annual list of “Best STEM Books K-12.” This list—selected by volunteer educators and assembled in cooperation with the Children’s Book Council (CBC)—provides recommendations about the best trade books with science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) content available for students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

The latest books in the Picture-Perfect Science series help young students learn to read while they read to learn about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Teachers will find engaging ways to embed reading-comprehension strategies into STEM lessons with NSTA Press’s new Picture-Perfect STEM Lessons, Kindergarten, Expanded Edition: Using Children’s Books for Three-Dimensional Learning and Picture-Perfect STEM Lessons, Grade 1, Expanded Edition: Using Children’s Books for Three-Dimensional Learning.

The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA), in conjunction with the Children’s Book Council, has released its annual list of “Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12: 2023.” The list represents the best science trade books published in 2022 for kindergarten through 12th grade students.

The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) is now accepting applications for its 2022-2023 Awards Program. NSTA Awards honor K–12 teachers, principals, professors, and other education professionals for their outstanding work and achievement in science and STEM education.

The statement below was released by the following professional organizations for teachers.

Shell USA, Inc. and the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) are calling for submissions for the Shell Science Teaching Award and the Shell Urban Science Educators Development Award.

The sixth annual Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge is now accepting applications for the 2022-2024 program. The Challenge—sponsored by Shell USA, Inc. and administered by the National Science Teaching Association—encourages science teachers (grades K-12) in select communities located throughout the U.S. who have found innovative ways to deliver quality lab experiences utilizing limited school and laboratory resources, to apply for a chance to win up to $330,000 in prizes, including school science lab makeover support packages valued at $15,000 (for the elementary level) and $20,000 (for the middle and high school levels). The deadline for submissions is February 17, 2023.

Twenty-seven science teachers have been named regional winners in the annual Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge. Sponsored by Shell USA, Inc. and administered by the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA), the competition encouraged K-12 teachers who have found innovative ways to deliver quality lab experiences with limited school and laboratory resources, to share their approaches for a chance to win a school science lab makeover support package.

The U.S. Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) announced that teams Oh, Deer! (6th grade), Plastic Patrol (7th grade), OMg (8th grade), and Busy Bee Tech (9th grade) were crowned National Winners for their respective grade levels at the 20th Annual eCYBERMISSION National Judging & Educational Event (NJ&EE). Each team member will now receive $10,000 in U.S. EE Savings Bonds at maturity.

The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA), the largest professional organization in the world promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all, welcomed four new members to its Board of Directors and six new members to its Council.

On June 1, Dr. Elizabeth Mulkerrin, Vice President of the Omaha Zoo and Aquarium in Omaha, Nebraska, became the 2022–2023 President of the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA), the largest professional organization in the world promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all.

The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) have partnered to ignite genetic and genomic curiosity in students through a new, multi-year initiative that will provide research-based instructional resources and professional learning experiences to high school educators nationwide.

Shell USA Inc. and the National Science Teaching Association today announced the recipients of the annual Shell Urban Science Educator Development Award. The awardees (listed below) were formally recognized for their achievement during an award ceremony at the NSTA National Conference on Science Education in Houston.

Shell USA Inc. and the National Science Teaching Association today announced that Charles Hayes, a science teacher at Highland Oaks Elementary School in Memphis, Tennessee, is the recipient of the 2022 Shell Science Teaching Award. During an award ceremony at the NSTA National Conference in Houston earlier this month, Hayes was formally recognized for his achievement.

Shell USA Inc. and the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) today announced the grand-prize winners in the Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge. The competition encouraged K–12 teachers who have found innovative ways to deliver quality lab experiences with limited school and laboratory resources to share their approaches for a chance to win a school science lab makeover support package.

The U.S. Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) announced the National Finalists, along with Regional Finalists and State Winners, in the 20th annual eCYBERMISSION competition. eCYBERMISSION is a free, online science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) competition for students in grades six through nine. Students are challenged to work in teams of 2-4 to identify a problem in their community to explore using scientific practices or solve with engineering design. Student prizes for each grade level are awarded at the state, regional, and national levels. eCYBERMISSION is an Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) competition administered by the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA).

The Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS), the premier showcase for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) research by high school students, is pleased to announce the 2022 winners of the 60th National JSHS competition.

The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) announced the recipients of its 2022 NSTA Awards program, which honors K–12 teachers, principals, professors and other science education professionals for their outstanding work and achievement in science education. Awardees will be recognized during a special evening celebration taking place during the NSTA National Conference on Science Education in Houston, Texas on April 1.

The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) today announced the release of a new strategic plan for the Association that outlines a bold vision and five ambitious goals that will transform science education and best serve NSTA members and the vast science education community. Developed by a task force composed of NSTA leaders, member volunteers, and staff, the strategic plan was approved by the NSTA Board of Directors in December and will guide the work of NSTA through 2027 with equitable programs and strategies for educators that will change science teaching and learning and help to ensure all youth receive a quality science education.

The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) today announced its sixth annual list of “Best STEM Books K-12.” This list—selected by volunteer educators and assembled in cooperation with the Children’s Book Council (CBC)—provides recommendations about the best trade books with science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) content available for students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) today announced the launch of a new line of service—Professional Learning Units (PLUs)—to help K-12 educators enhance their teaching practice. Based on the best research available on how to engage all students in learning science, NSTA PLUs are bite-sized, self-paced, asynchronous short courses that are designed around relevant science education topics. With eight PLUs available now, NSTA plans to release up to three new PLUs each month at www.nsta.org/plu.

The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) is now accepting applications for its 2021-2022 Awards Program. NSTA Awards honor K–12 teachers, principals, professors, and other education professionals for their outstanding work and achievement in science and STEM education.

Shell Oil Company and the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) and are calling for submissions for the Shell Science Teaching Award and the Shell Urban Science Educators Development Award.

Shell Oil Company and the National Science Teaching Association today announced the recipients of the annual Shell Urban Science Educator Development Award. In lieu of the in-person event that typically takes place annually at the NSTA National Conference, the awardees (listed below) were formally recognized in May for their achievement during a virtual award ceremony.

Thirty-six science teachers have been named regional winners in the annual Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge. Sponsored by Shell Oil Company and administered by the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA), the competition encouraged K-12 teachers who have found innovative ways to deliver quality lab experiences with limited school and laboratory resources, to share their approaches for a chance to win a school science lab makeover support package.

Shell Oil Company and the National Science Teaching Association today announced that Ritu Gandhi, a science teacher at Morales Elementary School in Pasadena, Texas, is the recipient of the 2021 Shell Science Teaching Award. In lieu of the in-person event that typically takes place annually at the NSTA National Conference, Gandhi was formally recognized in May for her achievement during a virtual award ceremony.

Shell Oil Company and the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) today announced the grand prize winners in the Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge. The competition encouraged K-12 teachers who have found innovative ways to deliver quality lab experiences with limited school and laboratory resources to share their approaches for a chance to win a school science lab makeover support package.

The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA), the largest professional organization in the world promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all, welcomed six new members to its Board of Directors and six new members to its Council.