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.

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.

MI Green School Guide - a comprehensive toolkit to help students and schools implement environmental stewardship projects that lead to MI Green Schools Certification Webinar (5 Aug 2026)

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 20:30:00 GMT

Earn 1 SCHECH credit for joining!

Title:

MI Green School Guide - a comprehensive toolkit to help students and schools implement environmental stewardship projects that lead to MI Green Schools Certification.

Brief description:

Take your school to the next step on your environmental journey! Learn about the newly launched MI Green School Guide, a student-centered toolkit to help you in your efforts, whether you are new or seasoned in the green game. Build your team, assess your school, pick your projects, seek funding, and plan your approach. This is a great way to build your school culture around sustainability, leading to MI Green Schools certification!

Learning Outcomes:

Describe the purpose and eligibility requirements of the Michigan Green Schools program
Explore and apply the MI Green School Guide to identify meaningful environmental topics and connect them to student learning
Use the toolkit to begin planning their school’s journey this school year.

Speaker Bio:

Samantha Lichtenwald is a Certified Environmental Educator (CEE-P) dedicated to promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship. As the Michigan Green Schools Coordinator for the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), she supports environmental literacy in schools and communities statewide. Drawing on her experience as a classroom teacher, Samantha employs inquiry- and place-based learning to inspire students to appreciate and protect the natural world. Samantha serves as the Vice President, Conference Committee Chair, and Education Co-Chair for the Michigan Alliance for Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE). Her passion for science, combined with her commitment to education and community engagement, drives her efforts to create a more sustainable future for Michigan and beyond.

Implementing the Hexagonal Thinking Concept Mapping Strategy at Any Grade Level Webinar (19 Aug 2026)

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 20:30:00 GMT

Earn 1 SCHECH credit for joining!

Title:

Implementing the Hexagonal Thinking Concept Mapping Strategy at Any Grade Level

Brief description:

Hexagonal thinking is a flexible, collaborative hands-on concept mapping strategy focused on making connections across vocabulary, concepts, and other subject-specific components that can be utilized in any content area including cross-curricular settings. Ideal for upper elementary through secondary and beyond, participants will experience the strategy as a student and provided with a template and tips straight from the classroom. Attendees learn the process of implementation for a variety of settings (traditional and digital) and materials. Examples of student work will also be shown.

Learning Outcomes:

Discuss best practices for the Hexagonal Thinking strategy in science and cross-curricular contexts.
Experience the strategy from a student POV in a traditional and digital format.
Observe and discuss student work samples.

Speaker Bio:

Dr. Simone Nance is an Assistant Professor of Teacher Education at the University of Southern Indiana and the Director of the Masters in Education program. She spent the majority of her 15 years in the classroom in 5th grade math and science.