ASTA Arkansas Science Teachers Association
Mission: To support Arkansas Science Educators
Professional Development Opportunities
Many of the members who serve on the ASTA offer great professional development opportunities during the summer. All over the state of Arkansas educators can find an opportunity to grow in their educational experience learning from ASTA members.
Check out the sessions below.
ADVANCED BIOLOGY PLUS
For registration and more information, visit:
tinyurl.com/2025APBioPlusRegistration
*To reserve your spot, fill out the form at URL above.
(with principal’s permission)
Does your school already offer AP® Biology, but you need to increase scores and student achievement? Are you unable to offer AP® Biology because you do not have a qualified teacher? Are you simply in need of a great PLC of AP® Biology teachers that get together 3 times a year (virtually) to compare notes and learn?Advanced Biology Plus with the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts (ASMSA) offers daily support to AP® Biology teachers in Arkansas.
Cost - ALMOST FREE: There is NO student tuition, but classroom needs an approved textbook. There is a $100 registration fee per teacher. The cost of the virtual summer boot camp, workshops, and support throughout the year is provided at no additional cost.
​PTRA Bootcamp: Empowering Physics Teacher Leaders
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​This intensive three-day professional development workshop is designed for educators who are ready to take the next step in their professional journey by becoming effective teacher leaders. Led by experienced teachers, the workshop focuses on developing the skills, knowledge, and strategies required to lead impactful professional development (PD) sessions within their local schools or districts. Participants will engage in collaborative learning, hands-on activities, and reflective practices that will prepare them to design and lead high-quality PD experiences tailored to their colleagues' needs.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to grow as a teacher leader. Apply today to secure your spot in this transformative workshop!
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Workshop Dates: August 1st, 2nd, and 3rd 2025
Location: Washington D.C.
Calling All Current and Future High School Physics Educators!
Apply Today!
Deadline extended for pre-service teachers! Apply by May 2, 2025! Accepted applicants will receive an email during the last week of May 2025.​
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The STEP UP team is excited to invite passionate educators to contribute to building more welcoming and collaborative physics classrooms. As a member of our Professional Learning Community (PLC), you'll have a unique, paid opportunity to share your expertise and address all student needs.
AIMS Workshop Information
For more information, contact Tanya Ruble, AR AIMS Science Director. tlruble@araims.org
ASTA Executive Secretary will be presenting and serving AIMS for the Physical Science professional development for both of these sessions! If you have any questions, then please reach out to him: ccoker@cfcards.net
ChemEd 2025
July 20-24
In 2025, ChemEd will be hosted by Colorado School of Mines (First ChemEd ever hosted in Colorado!) . The conference will take place on campus allowing for hands-on labs, workshops, and demonstrations, along with a variety of events focused on teaching chemistry. It is a chance to be part of a community of dedicated and involved science educators.
Professional Development Sessions and ESC Works Values for Ozarks Unlimited Resources Educational Services Co-op
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For More Information: Please Reach out to them
Address: 5823 Resource Dr, Harrison, AR 72601
Phone: (870) 302-3100
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FUSE
This two-day professional development session will benefit both new and veteran science teachers. We will delve into five impact areas of a successful science classroom: structures for learning, science aligned content, science teacher practices, student practices, and assessment and differentiation. Expect to leave the sessions with real-world analysis of student work, observe three-dimensional science instruction, strategies for increasing student discourse and leveraging modeling to increase classroom engagement based on strategies found in science high-quality instructional materials.
ESC Works #: 550096
June 4 - June 5
OUR: The Power of Questions
Great questions ignite curiosity, drive inquiry, and deepen understanding—but crafting and using them effectively is a skill that takes practice. Join us for a powerful professional development session focused on developing strategic questioning techniques that transform science instruction. During this interactive day of learning, K-12 educators will explore how to use questions to guide investigations, promote critical thinking, and support productive student discourse. We’ll dive into questioning strategies that align with all levels of Depth of Knowledge (DOK), from sparking initial engagement to challenging students to analyze, evaluate, and create.
Participants will practice designing questions that scaffold learning, uncover student thinking, and push beyond surface-level answers. You’ll leave with ready-to-use strategies and a fresh perspective on how intentional questioning can build a culture of inquiry, boost student confidence, and foster deeper connections to scientific concepts. Whether you’re looking to refine your questioning practice or discover new approaches, this session offers practical insights and collaborative opportunities to take your science teaching to the next level.
ESC Works # 550102
June 6
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Project Caves
Explore the caves of the Ozarks..........more details to come
June 12
K-5 Curriculum Cohort
Embark on a team building educational journey at our dynamic workshop, immersing yourself in curriculum planning that is tailored to heighten the rigor of your instruction to meet the rigor of the ATLAS assessment! Using the performance level descriptors (PLDs), NGSS evidence statements, and the ATLAS blueprints as a guide, participants will delve into the art of crafting visionary plans, sculpting and reshaping pacing guides, constructing CFAs, and dissecting data with precision to meet the needs of our students in our upcoming academic year. Get ready to revolutionize your teaching approach and elevate your classroom impact in an atmosphere filled with innovation and shared expertise.
ESC Works # 550109
June 16 - June 17
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Sensemaking in Biology
Get ready to dive into a bio-extravaganza designed exclusively for biology teachers! Join our workshop tailored for the champions of life sciences, where we'll embark on an adventure into student-centered instruction. Discover the magic of leveraging phenomena right at the start of a biology storyline – the ultimate ignition switch for student interest! We're not just teaching biology; we're orchestrating a symphony of engagement, guiding students through a mesmerizing sequence of sensemaking. Let the bio-fun begin!
ESC Works #: 550111
June 18
6-8 Curriculum Cohort
This PD is designed to provide 6-8 science educators with tools and protected time to develop high quality instructional plans for the upcoming school year. During this time, you will embark on a team building educational journey while immersing yourself in curriculum planning that is tailored to heighten the rigor of your instruction to meet the rigor of the ATLAS assessment! Using the performance level descriptors (PLDs), NGSS evidence statements, and the ATLAS blueprints as a guide, participants will delve into the art of crafting visionary plans, sculpting and reshaping pacing guides, constructing CFAs, and dissecting data with precision to meet the needs of our students in our upcoming academic year. Get ready to revolutionize your teaching approach and elevate your classroom impact in an atmosphere filled with innovation and shared expertise.
ESC Works #: 550119
June 19 - June 20
OUR Unlocking Student Potential: ATLAS PLDs and DOK in Action
This training is designed for content area teachers grades 3-10 seeking to improve student learning outcomes by integrating the ATLAS Performance Level Descriptors (PLDs) and Depth of Knowledge (DOK). Participants will learn to align instruction by gaining skills in interpreting and applying ATLAS PLDs to assess student mastery and develop strategies to integrate PLDs and DOK into curriculum, instruction, and assessment. Participants will need to bring a laptop, a lesson from their curriculum, and ensure they have access to their ATLAS student data.
ESC Works #: 550106
June 24
Transforming the Traditional Science Fair
Are you ready to reimagine the traditional science fair experience for grades 3-8? Join us for an engaging professional development session where educators across our co-op region will collaborate to transform our longstanding science fair into an innovative STEM fair. Together, we’ll explore fresh approaches that move beyond tri-fold boards and isolated experiments—fostering authentic, hands-on learning experiences that challenge students to apply science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to solve real-world problems.
ESC Works #: 550122
June 25
9-12 Curriculum Cohort
This PD is designed to provide 9-12 science educators with the tools and protected time to develop high quality instructional plans for the upcoming school year. During this time, you will embark on a team building educational journey while immersing yourself in curriculum planning that is tailored to heighten the rigor of your instruction to meet the rigor of the ATLAS assessment! Using the performance level descriptors (PLDs), NGSS evidence statements, and the ATLAS blueprints as a guide, participants will delve into the art of crafting visionary plans, sculpting and reshaping pacing guides, constructing CFAs, and dissecting data with precision to meet the needs of our students in our upcoming academic year. Get ready to revolutionize your teaching approach and elevate your classroom impact in an atmosphere filled with innovation and shared expertise.
ESC Works #: 550141
June 26 - June 27
Three-Dimensional Mastery
Get ready to embark on an exciting journey into the world of three-dimensional science education! Calling all K-12 science teachers and instructional leaders - join us for an introductory workshop that's anything but ordinary. Dive into the Arkansas K-12 science standards and learn what it means to teach three-dimensionally. Discover the magic behind each of the three components of the standards, unlocking the secrets to shifting from direct instruction to sensemaking around scientific phenomenon, creating an inquiry-based science classroom.
ESC Works #: 550124
July 2
Phenomenal Teaching: Unleashing Wonder in the Science Classroom
Get ready for an electrifying workshop that catapults K-12 teachers into the world of scientific wonders! Say goodbye to disengaged students and hello to the power of phenomena. Brace yourselves as we unravel the secrets of sparking student curiosity and unleashing student-driven questions! In this workshop, we're not just talking about science – we're diving headfirst into the Science and Engineering Practices and Cross-Cutting Concepts. It's time to turn learning into a wild adventure, connecting the dots between fundamental content and student engagement.
ESC Works #: 550128
July 3
Sensemaking in Biology
Get ready to dive into a bio-extravaganza designed exclusively for biology teachers! Join our workshop tailored for the champions of life sciences, where we'll embark on an adventure into student-centered instruction. Discover the magic of leveraging phenomena right at the start of a biology storyline – the ultimate ignition switch for student interest! We're not just teaching biology; we're orchestrating a symphony of engagement, guiding students through a mesmerizing sequence of sensemaking. Let the bio-fun begin!
ESC Works #: 550114
July 23
Assessment Alchemy
Get ready to embark on an assessment adventure like never before! Join our workshop, where we'll turn the mundane into the extraordinary by exploring assessments as the drivers of student learning. From classroom-level formative assessments to the ATLAS summative assessment, we'll unravel the secrets of utilizing data like never before. Get ready to elevate your assessments, discover the power of data, and delve into examples of 3D assessment items.
ESC Works #: 550134
July 24 - July 25
FUSE
This two-day professional development session will benefit both new and veteran science teachers. We will delve into five impact areas of a successful science classroom: structures for learning, science aligned content, science teacher practices, student practices, and assessment and differentiation. Expect to leave the sessions with real-world analysis of student work, observe three-dimensional science instruction, strategies for increasing student discourse and leveraging modeling to increase classroom engagement based on strategies found in science high-quality instructional materials.
ESC Works #: 550098
July 28 - July 29
Micro to Macro: Physical Science & Chemistry
Embark on an exhilarating exploration of the fusion between Physical Science and Chemistry in Arkansas! Join us for an adventure where we unravel the mysteries of domain integration, dissect shared standards, and decode the magic behind the enigmatic "partially addressed." Participants will participate in a Physical Science/Chemistry investigation that not only aligns with Arkansas science standards but transforms the classroom into a dynamic arena of discovery! As we delve into the intricacies of instruction and sample scope and sequence support documents, you'll reflect on innovative ways to apply these insights within your course. Join us on this thrilling odyssey and revolutionize your classroom dynamics!
ESC Works #: 550139
July 30
OUR: The Power of Questions
Great questions ignite curiosity, drive inquiry, and deepen understanding—but crafting and using them effectively is a skill that takes practice. Join us for a powerful professional development session focused on developing strategic questioning techniques that transform science instruction.
During this interactive day of learning, K-12 educators will explore how to use questions to guide investigations, promote critical thinking, and support productive student discourse. We’ll dive into questioning strategies that align with all levels of Depth of Knowledge (DOK), from sparking initial engagement to challenging students to analyze, evaluate, and create.
Participants will practice designing questions that scaffold learning, uncover student thinking, and push beyond surface-level answers. You’ll leave with ready-to-use strategies and a fresh perspective on how intentional questioning can build a culture of inquiry, boost student confidence, and foster deeper connections to scientific concepts.
Whether you’re looking to refine your questioning practice or discover new approaches, this session offers practical insights and collaborative opportunities to take your science teaching to the next level.
ESC Works #: 550103
July 31
AEEA Environmental & Outdoor Education Conference
The Arkansas Environmental Education Association (AEEA) Outdoor Education Conference is a gathering that brings together classroom teachers, non-formal educators, higher education students, Master Naturalists, and conservation professionals from around Arkansas. This professional learning event consists of hands-on workshops, field experiences, concurrent presentations, and networking opportunities. Exhibitors feature available resources and programs, and the silent auction showcases Arkansas-made goods, education resources, and sustainability-focused products. The silent auction funds the AEEA mini-grant program. This year’s keynote speakers, highlighting civic engagement, are Shana Chaplin and Kimberly Bolin from the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute.
Please email with questions:
Jackie Scott - jacqueline.scott@lrsd.org
Below are just a few of the many summer camps for students offered around the state of Arkansas
Summer Camps for Students
UALR - Donaghey College of STEM
Below you can find some of the awesome professional development opportunities for educators, as well as information about opportunities for students to attend camps. For more information contact Keith Harris at krharris@ualr.edu or by phone 501-916-6290.
​Summer Program dates are tentative. All camps are by application only. Deadline: April 30, 2023.
For information and the application, please visit the UALR College of STEM website by clicking here!
Unique Experiences for High-Ability Students
Summer Laureate University for Youth will be held July 7-18, 2025 (Monday – Friday) from 12:30 to 5:15 p.m. on UA Little Rock’s campus. Summer Laureate (SLUFY) is for students who have completed grades K-6. Students who are academically and/or creatively advanced for their age will experience the most success at SLUFY. Read more about eligibility.
Ozark Natural Science Center
Ozark Natural Science Center is pleased to announce that registration is open for our 2025 AEGIS Summer Camp: Project Water & Wilderness
July 20 - August 2, 2025
This FREE camp is for Arkansas students entering 10th, 11th, and 12th grade in the 2025-2026 academic year.
Water & Wilderness: Plugged into Nature will be held at Ozark Natural Science Center (ONSC), an outdoor science education facility located deep in the Ozark Plateau region. Students at Water & Wilderness camp will be able to unplug from electronic distractions and plug into the ever-changing and exciting world of field biology where evolving technology and field science merge.
This incredible opportunity offers students the chance to assist field scientists as they gather data and explore a variety of habitats in the Ozark Natural Division, including beautiful oak-hickory forests, glades, and the amazing free-flowing Kings River. Students will track reptiles using radio-telemetry, learn from ornithologists about how they catch and band birds, monitor bats acoustically, search for fish and other aquatic life in the pools and riffles of the Kings River, examine the night sky, and more as they spend beautiful summer days and star-filled nights among the forest and river life. A capstone glade field study, canoe trip, and an overnight camping experience on the Kings River will be the highlights of this two-week experience.
Learn more about the program, eligibility, and the application process at www.onsc.us/aegis
AEGIS Camp is made possible by Academic Enrichment for Gifted/Talented in Summer grant from Arkansas Department of Education, Division of Elementary and Secondary Education.