Utah Science Teaching Association upcoming events

2026 SUMMER: Ecology for Teachers - Online Endorsement Course (20 May 2026)

Wed, 20 May 2026 06:00:00 GMT

This course is an introduction to ecological principles, with an emphasis on living organisms and their interactions with each other and their environment.

Participants will explore how to incorporate A Framework for K–12 Science Education, including science and engineering practices and crosscutting concepts, into the classroom using the disciplinary core ideas of ecology.

This is a content and NGSS pedagogy course with an emphasis on best practices for teaching ecological concepts in the classroom.

Please note that this is a college level course. Participants are expected to understand the material at a deeper level than what is typically taught in a secondary classroom.

This course incorporates three dimensional pedagogy using the Utah SEEd Standards, including science and engineering practices, crosscutting concepts, and disciplinary core ideas. While the course integrates these elements, it does not provide a comprehensive overview of three dimensional pedagogy. Lesson plan development is a required component, with a continued emphasis on effective instructional practices. The estimated time commitment is 6 to 8 hours per week.

Note that this course does not fulfill the separate requirement for a Three Dimensional Science and Engineering Pedagogical Knowledge course.

This is a 12 week course that follows a fixed schedule. Participants must complete work within the assigned weekly modules. Modules are not available in advance, and the course is not self paced.

Endorsement Alignment

This online endorsement course meets Utah State Science Endorsement requirements for:

Biology I: Ecology
Earth Science I: Ecology

Course Credit

Upon successful completion, participants will receive 3.0 credits from Southern Utah University. SUU registration and Credit payment is open. Click HERE to access.

Important Course Information

The cost for this course includes a $50 refundable registration fee for UtSTA members who are contracted teachers and earn a final grade of 74% or higher.

Participants who are not contracted Utah public school educators will be charged a nonrefundable $700 course fee.

All participants must also register for 3 university credits through Southern Utah University for an additional fee of $69. Instructions will be provided. This fee is refundable for contracted teachers who earn at least a 74%. It is nonrefundable for non contracted participants.

Upon successful completion of the course with a grade of 74% or higher, UtSTA will reimburse eligible participants for both the $50 registration fee and the $69 SUU credit fee. Participants must be contracted teachers in a public school or district to qualify.

Participants who do not earn at least a 74% will be billed the remaining course balance of $650.

Membership Requirement

You must be a current member of UtSTA to enroll in this course. If you are not a member, you will need to join or renew your membership prior to registration.

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel or withdraw 14 days or more after the course begins:

You will be responsible for the full tuition balance
The 50 dollar registration fee and SUU credit fee will not be reimbursed
A withdrawal grade will appear on your SUU transcript

2026 SUMMER: Evolutionary Biology for Teachers - Online Endorsement Course (20 May 2026)

Wed, 20 May 2026 06:00:00 GMT

This course introduces the foundational principles of evolution, including natural selection, speciation, adaptation, evidence for evolution, and biological classification.

Evolution serves as the foundation of biology and the unifying concept that connects all living systems. Participants will develop a deep understanding of evolutionary theory and its role in explaining patterns and processes in the natural world.

Participants will also examine the nature of science, including the distinction between scientific and non scientific ways of knowing. This component is designed to support teachers in effectively and appropriately addressing student questions and concerns related to evolution in the classroom.

This is a content and NGSS pedagogy course with an emphasis on best practices for teaching evolutionary concepts in the classroom.

Please note that this is a college level course. Participants are expected to understand the material at a deeper level than what is typically taught in a secondary classroom.

Note that this course does not fulfill the separate requirement for a Three Dimensional Science and Engineering Pedagogical Knowledge course.

This is a 12 week course that follows a fixed schedule. Participants must complete work within the assigned weekly modules. Modules are not available in advance, and the course is not self paced.

Endorsement Alignment

This online endorsement course meets Utah State Science Endorsement requirements for:

Biology I: Evolutionary Biology

Course Credit

Upon successful completion, participants will receive 3.0 credits from Southern Utah University. SUU registration and credit payment is now open. Please click HERE to complete. MUST be completed by May 20th.

Important Course Information

The cost for this course includes a $50 refundable registration fee for UtSTA members who are contracted teachers and earn a final grade of 74% or higher.

Participants who are not contracted Utah public school educators will be charged a nonrefundable $700 course fee.

All participants must also register for 3 university credits through Southern Utah University for an additional fee of $69. Instructions will be provided. This fee is refundable for contracted teachers who earn at least 74%. It is nonrefundable for non contracted participants.

Upon successful completion of the course with a grade of 74% or higher, UtSTA will reimburse eligible participants for both the $50 registration fee and the SUU credit fee. Participants must be contracted teachers in a public school or district to qualify.

Participants who do not earn at least a 74% will be billed the remaining course balance of $650.

Membership Requirement

You must be a current member of UtSTA to enroll in this course. If you are not a member, you will need to join or renew your membership prior to registration.

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel or withdraw 14 days or more after the course begins:

You will be responsible for the full tuition balance
The $50 registration fee and SUU credit fee will not be reimbursed
A withdrawal grade will appear on your SUU transcript

2026 SUMMER: Modern Physics for Teachers - Online Endorsement Course (20 May 2026)

Wed, 20 May 2026 06:00:00 GMT

This course introduces the foundational principles of modern physics, including relativity, atomic theory, quantum mechanics, quantization of charge and energy, nuclear physics, and subatomic particles.

Physics is the study of the natural world and forms the foundation of all scientific disciplines. As participants develop an understanding of core physics concepts, they will gain deeper insight into the world around them and connections across other areas of science.

This is a content and NGSS pedagogy course with an emphasis on best practices for teaching physics concepts in the classroom.

Please note that this is a college level course. Participants are expected to understand the material at a deeper level than what is typically taught in a secondary classroom.

Note that this course does not fulfill the separate requirement for a Three Dimensional Science and Engineering Pedagogical Knowledge course.

This is a 12 week course that follows a fixed schedule. Participants must complete work within the assigned weekly modules. Modules are not available in advance, and the course is not self paced.

Endorsement Alignment

This online endorsement course meets Utah State Science Endorsement requirements for:

Core 6-8
Physics 1
Physics 2

Course Credit

Upon successful completion, participants will receive 3.0 credits from Southern Utah University. The SUU registration and credit is open. Click HERE to complete the process.

Important Course Information

The cost for this course includes a $50 refundable registration fee for UtSTA members who are contracted teachers and earn a final grade of 74% or higher.

Participants who are not contracted Utah public school educators will be charged a nonrefundable $700 course fee.

All participants must also register for 3 university credits through Southern Utah University for an additional fee of $69. Instructions will be provided. This fee is refundable for contracted teachers who earn at least 74%. It is nonrefundable for non contracted participants.

Participants who do not earn at least a 74% will be billed the remaining course balance of $650.

Membership Requirement

You must be a current member of UtSTA to enroll in this course. If you are not a member, you will need to join or renew your membership prior to registration.

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel or withdraw 14 days or more after the course begins:

You will be responsible for the full tuition balance
The $50 registration fee and SUU credit fee will not be reimbursed
A withdrawal grade will appear on your SUU transcript

2026 SUMMER: Zoology for Teachers - Online Endorsement Course (20 May 2026)

Wed, 20 May 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Information

This course is an introduction to the systematics, anatomy, and physiology of the animal kingdom.

Participants will examine the structure and function of animal organ systems within the context of evolutionary adaptations. The course also explores animal behavior, habitats, ecological relationships, and classification, including the major theories and principles that govern animal life.

This is a content and NGSS pedagogy course with an emphasis on best practices for teaching zoological concepts in the classroom.

Please note that this is a college level course. Participants are expected to understand the material at a deeper level than what is typically taught in a secondary classroom.

Note that this course does not fulfill the separate requirement for a Three Dimensional Science and Engineering Pedagogical Knowledge course.

This is a 12 week course that follows a fixed schedule. Participants must complete work within the assigned weekly modules. Modules are not available in advance, and the course is not self paced.

Endorsement Alignment

This online endorsement course meets Utah State Science Endorsement requirements for:

Biological Science I: Zoology

Course Credit

Upon successful completion, participants will receive 3.0 credits from Southern Utah University. Registration is now open. Click HERE to register and pay for your credits.

Important Course Information

The cost for this course includes a $50 refundable registration fee for UtSTA members who are contracted teachers and earn a final grade of 74% or higher.

Participants who are not contracted Utah public school educators will be charged a nonrefundable $700 course fee.

All participants must also register for 3 university credits through Southern Utah University for an additional fee of $69. Instructions will be provided. This fee is refundable for contracted teachers who earn at least 74%. It is nonrefundable for non contracted participants.

Participants who do not earn at least a 74% will be billed the remaining course balance of $650.

Membership Requirement

You must be a current member of UtSTA to enroll in this course. If you are not a member, you will need to join or renew your membership prior to registration.

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel or withdraw 14 days or more after the course begins:

You will be responsible for the full tuition balance
The $50 registration fee and SUU credit fee will not be reimbursed
A withdrawal grade will appear on your SUU transcript

2026 SUMMER: Meteorology for Teachers - Online Endorsement Course (20 May 2026)

Wed, 20 May 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Course Description

This course provides an in depth exploration of meteorology, including solar radiation, global circulation, environmental issues, winds, atmospheric stability, precipitation processes, weather systems, and severe weather.

Participants will examine fundamental physical principles, meteorological terminology, weather analysis, and the societal impacts of weather and climate. Emphasis is placed on understanding atmospheric processes and applying that knowledge to real world phenomena.

This is a content and NGSS pedagogy course with an emphasis on best practices for teaching meteorological concepts in the classroom.

Please note that this is a college level course. Participants are expected to understand the material at a deeper level than what is typically taught in a secondary classroom.

Note that this course does not fulfill the separate requirement for a Three Dimensional Science and Engineering Pedagogical Knowledge course.

This is a 12 week course that follows a fixed schedule. Participants must complete work within the assigned weekly modules. Modules are not available in advance, and the course is not self paced.

Endorsement Alignment

This online endorsement course meets Utah State Science Endorsement requirements for:

Earth Science I: Meteorology

Course Credit

Upon successful completion, participants will receive 3.0 credits from Southern Utah University.

Important Course Information

The cost for this course includes a $50 refundable registration fee for UtSTA members who are contracted teachers and earn a final grade of 74% or higher.

Participants who are not contracted Utah public school educators will be charged a nonrefundable $700 course fee.

All participants must also register for 3 university credits through Southern Utah University for an additional fee of $69. Instructions will be provided. This fee is refundable for contracted teachers who earn at least 74%. It is nonrefundable for non contracted participants.

Participants who do not earn at least a 74% will be billed the remaining course balance of $650.

SUU Registration and Credit Payment: Click on this link to register and pay for your SUU credit. MUST be completed before the course starts.

Membership Requirement

You must be a current member of UtSTA to enroll in this course. If you are not a member, you will need to join or renew your membership prior to registration.

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel or withdraw 14 days or more after the course begins:

You will be responsible for the full tuition balance
The $50 registration fee and SUU credit fee will not be reimbursed
A withdrawal grade will appear on your SUU transcript

2026 SUMMER: Chemistry 2 for Teachers - Online Endorsement Course (21 May 2026)

Thu, 21 May 2026 06:00:00 GMT

This course is intended for students who need General Chemistry II. Students should have completed General Chemistry I prior to enrolling.

Students are expected to be familiar with chemical bonding, intermolecular forces, molecular geometry, atomic and quantum theory, stoichiometric calculations, periodic trends, thermodynamics, and spontaneity.

This online endorsement course meets Utah State Science Endorsement requirements for:

Chemistry I: Principles of Chemistry II

This is a content and NGSS pedagogy course with an emphasis on best practices for teaching chemistry content in the classroom.

Please note that this is a college level course. Participants are expected to understand the material at a significantly deeper level than what is typically taught in a secondary classroom.

This is a 12 week course that follows a fixed schedule. Participants must complete work within the assigned weekly modules. Modules are not available in advance, and the course is not self paced.

Upon successful completion, participants will receive 3.0 credits from Southern Utah University.

Important Course Information

The cost for this course includes a $50 refundable registration fee for UtSTA members who are contracted teachers and earn a final grade of 74 percent or higher.

Participants who are not contracted Utah public school educators will be charged a nonrefundable $700 course fee.

All participants must also register for 3 university credits through Southern Utah University for an additional fee of $69. Instructions will be provided. This fee is refundable for contracted teachers who earn at least a 74%. It is nonrefundable for non-contracted participants.

SUU Registration and Credit Purchase: Click on this link to register through SUU and purchase your credit.

Upon successful completion of the course with a grade of 74%or higher, UtSTA will reimburse eligible participants for both the $50 registration fee and the $69 SUU credit fee. Participants must be contracted teachers in a public school or district to qualify.

Participants who do not earn at least a C (74%) will be billed the remaining course balance of $650 dollars.

Membership Requirement

You must be a current member of UtSTA to enroll in this course. If you are not a member, you will need to join or renew your membership prior to registration.

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel or withdraw 14 days or more after the course begins:

You will be responsible for the full tuition balance of $650
The $50 registration fee and $69 SUU credit fee will not be reimbursed
A withdrawal grade will appear on your SUU transcript

Reading, Writing & Thinking Like Scientists: K–3 Classrooms in Action - 6/27/2026 (12 Sep 2026)

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 14:00:00 GMT

This Professional Learning Day is for all K-3 teachers. Funding provided by the Meta Data Center Community Action Grant, Lakeshore Learning and UVU Science College.

Reading, Writing & Thinking Like Scientists: K–3 Classrooms in Action. Help young learners do more than read about science. In this one-day conference, explore how students can engage deeply with science through literacy, inquiry, and innovation. This conference focuses on practical ways to use reading, writing, and discussion as tools for sensemaking and integrating emerging tools like AI to support student thinking and discovery. Walk away with ready-to-use strategies and lessons that build strong readers while developing curious, capable young scientists. Join us as we collaborate, connect, and empower K–3 students to read, write, and think like scientists every day.
Join us at John Hancock CS (2890 Scarlet Rd, Eagle Mountain, UT 84005) for a one day professional learning that will transform your classroom. Two Sessions for specific grade level (K-3) in two hour sessions where presenters will take the participants through the learning sequence so they can experience the full sequence of using science as the lens for literacy and building the scientist in each of your students.
You have the option of receiving .5 SUU Graduate Credit for only $11.50 OR 1 SUU Credit for $23.00 OR 7 relicensure points. Click links above for the SUU credits
Donations of prizes provided by Lakeshore Learning
Each attendee received the book Rise & Thrive with Science - National Academies - Kober, Nancy

#Keynote by Melissa Mendenhall

#Lunch included

#Prizes & Swag & Materials

#Limit of 100 registrants.

#supersaturdayscience

#nosubplansneeded

2026 Fall: Astronomy for Teachers - Online Endorsement Course (24 Sep 2026)

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Course Description

Explore our place in the universe and the evidence astronomers use to understand the cosmos. Topics include the solar system, stars, galaxies, cosmology, and current discoveries in astronomy, culminating in the question: Are we alone in the universe?

This college-level course meets Utah Science Endorsement requirements for:

Earth Science 1
Physics 2
Grades 6–8 Core Science

The course integrates astronomy content with the Utah SEEd Standards and NGSS, emphasizing Science and Engineering Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Disciplinary Core Ideas. Participants will deepen their content knowledge while developing effective instructional strategies through lesson plan development.

Time Commitment: Approximately 6–8 hours per week.

Note: This course does not satisfy Utah's separate Three-Dimensional Science and Engineering Pedagogical Knowledge course requirement.

Course Format

12-week online course
Fixed schedule (not self-paced)
Weekly modules must be completed on time
Earn 3 semester credits through Southern Utah University (SUU) upon successful completion

Registration, Costs & Reimbursement Important Notice

The Utah State Endorsement Incentive Program is currently scheduled to end after Spring 2029. Beginning then, UtSTA endorsement courses will cost $1,500, with no reimbursement provided by the State or UtSTA.

Course Cost

Contracted Utah public school educators who are current UtSTA members: $50 registration fee (refundable upon successful completion).
All other participants: $700 non-refundable course fee.

Participants seeking university credit must also register with Southern Utah University (SUU). The $69 SUU credit fee is reimbursed for eligible participants who successfully complete the course with a C (74%) or higher. Registration instructions will be emailed after enrollment.

Reimbursement

Contracted Utah public school educators who earn a C (74%) or higher will receive reimbursement for:

The $50 UtSTA registration fee
The $69 SUU credit fee

Participants who are not contracted Utah public school educators are not eligible for reimbursement.

Membership Requirement

Current membership in the Utah Science Teachers Association (UtSTA) is required to enroll.

Grading

A minimum grade of C (74%) is required to successfully complete the course and qualify for reimbursement (if eligible).

Cancellation & Withdrawal

If you cancel or withdraw 14 days or more after the course begins:

You are responsible for the remaining course balance of $650.
Registration and university credit fees are non-refundable.
A Withdrawal (W) will appear on your SUU transcript.

2026 Fall: Biology for Teachers - Online Endorsement Course (24 Sep 2026)

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Course Description

Develop a deeper understanding of the fundamental concepts of biology while exploring the living world from the cellular level to entire ecosystems. Topics include ecology, cell structure and function, genetics, evolution, and other core principles of modern biology.

This college-level course meets the Utah State Science Endorsement requirements for:

Secondary Science Core

The course integrates biology content with the Utah SEEd Standards and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), emphasizing Science and Engineering Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Disciplinary Core Ideas. Participants will strengthen both their biology content knowledge and instructional practices through lesson plan development.

Time Commitment: Approximately 6–8 hours per week.

Note: This course does not satisfy Utah's separate Three-Dimensional Science and Engineering Pedagogical Knowledge requirement.

Course Format

12-week online course
Fixed schedule (not self-paced)
Weekly modules must be completed on time
Earn 3 semester credits through Southern Utah University (SUU) upon successful completion

Registration, Costs & Reimbursement

Important Notice

Course Cost

Contracted Utah public school educators who are current UtSTA members: $50 registration fee (refundable upon successful completion).
All other participants: $700 non-refundable course fee.

Reimbursement

Contracted Utah public school educators who earn a C (74%) or higher will receive reimbursement for:

The $50 UtSTA registration fee
The $69 SUU credit fee

Participants who are not contracted Utah public school educators are not eligible for reimbursement.

Membership Requirement

Current membership in the Utah Science Teachers Association (UtSTA) is required to enroll.

Grading

A minimum grade of C (74%) is required to successfully complete the course and qualify for reimbursement (if eligible).

Cancellation & Withdrawal

If you cancel or withdraw 14 days or more after the course begins:

You are responsible for the remaining course balance of $650.
Registration and university credit fees are non-refundable.
A Withdrawal (W) will appear on your SUU transcript.

Please refer to the Refund Policy for complete details.

2026 Fall: Earth Systems for Teachers - Online Endorsement Course (24 Sep 2026)

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Course Description

Explore Earth as an interconnected system by examining the dynamic interactions among the atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, and biosphere. Topics include geology, weather, climate, oceanography, Earth's history, and the physical processes that shape our planet. Participants will apply scientific and mathematical concepts to better understand Earth systems and contemporary issues such as climate change.

This college-level course meets the Utah State Science Endorsement requirements for:

Grades 6–8 Core Science

The course integrates Earth systems content with the Utah SEEd Standards and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), emphasizing Science and Engineering Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Disciplinary Core Ideas. Participants will strengthen both their Earth science content knowledge and instructional practices through lesson plan development.

Time Commitment: Approximately 6–8 hours per week.

Note: This course does not satisfy Utah's separate Three-Dimensional Science and Engineering Pedagogical Knowledge requirement.

Course Format

12-week online course
Fixed schedule (not self-paced)
Weekly modules must be completed on time
Earn 3 semester credits through Southern Utah University (SUU) upon successful completion

Registration, Costs & Reimbursement

Important Notice

Course Cost

Contracted Utah public school educators who are current UtSTA members: $50 registration fee (refundable upon successful completion).
All other participants: $900 non-refundable course fee.

Reimbursement

Contracted Utah public school educators who earn a C (74%) or higher will receive reimbursement for:

The $50 UtSTA registration fee
The $69 SUU credit fee

Participants who are not contracted Utah public school educators are not eligible for reimbursement.

Membership Requirement

Current membership in the Utah Science Teachers Association (UtSTA) is required to enroll.

Grading

A minimum grade of C (74%) is required to successfully complete the course and qualify for reimbursement (if eligible).

Cancellation & Withdrawal

If you cancel or withdraw 14 days or more after the course begins:

You are responsible for the remaining course balance.
Registration and university credit fees are non-refundable.
A Withdrawal (W) will appear on your SUU transcript.

Please refer to the Refund Policy for complete details.

2026 FALL: Lab Safety Certification Online Course (24 Sep 2026)

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Course Description

This course fulfills the laboratory safety certification requirement for all Utah secondary science endorsements. Participants will explore laboratory safety practices, risk management, chemical handling and storage, emergency procedures, and strategies for creating safe and effective learning environments.

This college-level course prepares science teachers to implement current safety standards and best practices in secondary science classrooms and laboratories.

Time Commitment: Approximately 3–5 hours per week.

Course Format

4-week online course
Fixed schedule (not self-paced)
Weekly modules must be completed on time
Earn 0.5 semester credits through Southern Utah University (SUU) upon successful completion

Registration, Costs & Reimbursement

Course Cost

Contracted Utah public school educators who are current UtSTA members: $50 registration fee (refundable upon successful completion).
All other participants: $150 non-refundable course fee.

All participants seeking university credit must also register for 0.5 semester credits through Southern Utah University (SUU). The $11.50 SUU credit fee is reimbursed for eligible participants who successfully complete the course with a C (74%) or higher. Registration instructions will be emailed after enrollment.

Reimbursement

Contracted Utah public school educators who earn a C (74%) or higher will receive reimbursement for:

The $50 UtSTA registration fee
The $11.50 SUU credit fee

Participants who are not contracted Utah public school educators are not eligible for reimbursement.

Membership Requirement

Current membership in the Utah Science Teachers Association (UtSTA) is required to enroll.

Grading

A minimum grade of C (74%) is required to successfully complete the course and qualify for reimbursement (if eligible).

Cancellation & Withdrawal

If you cancel or withdraw 14 days or more after the course begins:

You are responsible for the remaining course balance.
Registration and university credit fees are non-refundable.
A Withdrawal (W) will appear on your SUU transcript.

Please refer to the Refund Policy for complete details.

2026 Fall: Physics 1 for Teachers - Online Endorsement Course (24 Sep 2026)

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 06:00:00 GMT

UtSTA 2026 Annual Conference "Sustain the Spark" (23 Oct 2026)

Fri, 23 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Early Bird Rates (until Oct 1, 2026)

Member $130
Non Member $190
Student/Student Teacher/1st year Teacher= $80

Rates Starting Oct 2-Oct 22nd

Member $150
Non Member $210
Student/Student Teacher/1st year Teacher=$90

Rates Day of Conference (Oct 23rd)

Member $200
Non Member 240
Student/Student Teacher/1st year Teacher=$100

Registration codes will be sent to accepted presenters

Vendor for profit: $800

Vendor for nonprofit: $325 (501C3)

Log into your account for member options or

BECOME A MEMBER TODAY

Watch for information about the awards dinner the evening of October 23rd

Keynote speaker Dr. Scott Tinker! In addition to the keynote, there will be 13 different themed strands throughout the day and 4 different breakout session for each to help you with your teaching curriculum with ideas, demos, lessons, etc. We hope you can join us for a great day that will help you and your students better appreciate science and science education.

Teacher Awards will be given before the Keynote.

Refund: full refund until September 23, 2026 for Teachers. Vendors please see specific info on registration.