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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Current membership in the Utah Science Teachers Association (UtSTA) is required to enroll.
A minimum grade of C (74%) is required to successfully complete the course and qualify for reimbursement (if eligible).
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.
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.
Note: This course does not satisfy Utah's separate Three-Dimensional Science and Engineering Pedagogical Knowledge requirement.
If you cancel or withdraw 14 days or more after the course begins:
Please refer to the Refund Policy for complete details.
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.
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.
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.
4-week online course
Earn 0.5 semester credits through Southern Utah University (SUU) 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.
The $11.50 SUU credit fee
You are responsible for the remaining course balance.
Early Bird Rates (until Oct 1, 2026)
Rates Starting Oct 2-Oct 22nd
Rates Day of Conference (Oct 23rd)
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
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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.
WSU is sponsoring a dinner for all 2026 UtSTA Science Award Winners. Limited to 20 attendees.
WSU is sponsoring a dinner for all science educators and their families. This ticket is for friends and family of the award winners. Limited to 70 attendees. If you are the award winner go to this link to receive your free ticket.
The purpose of the Utah Science Teaching Association shall be the advancement, stimulation, extension, improvement, and coordination of science teaching in all fields of science at all education levels.
email: dmonson@utsta.org
Address:
PO Box 232
Riverton, UT 84065-0119
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