Astronomy Live: The Scientific Discoveries Led by Citizen Scientists

Tuesday, February 24, 2026
7:30 pm

Ever wondered how you can aid NASA in making new scientific discoveries?

Join Jackie Faherty, associate curator in the Museum’s Department of Astrophysics, to discover how everyday people are making extraordinary contributions to astronomy through hands-on participation in real scientific research. This program explores the groundbreaking discoveries made by citizen scientists, from identifying new exoplanets to tracking distant stars and galaxies. Learn how public collaboration with professional astronomers is accelerating our understanding of the universe and hear from current volunteers about their essential work.

Location Hayden Planetarium Space Theater

Find out more at: https://www.amnh.org/calendar/citizen-scientists

Hey Science Teachers!

Want to spend a summer at Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies in Millbrook, NY conducting research with Cary Scientists? Apply now for our Research Experiences for Teachers program. More information can be found on our website. Paid travel and housing available for out-of-area teachers. Contact Rebecca Van Tassell (vantassellr@caryinstitute.org) with questions. Applications due March 15, 2026.

Through the Cary BIORETS program teachers will:

• Increase their knowledge of ecology
• Develop their skills in conducting original research, including research design, implementation, and data analysis
• Increase their knowledge of effective pedagogy and curriculum design for building ecological and data literacy
• Be part of a collaborative community of middle and high school teachers, scientists and educational researchers.

Cary BIORETS includes:

• $8,800 stipend for full participation
• Six weeks of collaborative summer research in the field of ecology
• Four virtual school-year follow up sessions to support implementation of new curriculum
• A culminating in-person, two-day writing workshop to support teachers in publishing their work
• Mentorship by Cary scientists
• Collaborative professional learning opportunities
• Support to present at a regional conference or national conference
• Funding for purchasing classroom materials

Teachers who are eligible:

• Work as a middle or high school teacher in a STEM field (including biology, Earth science, physics, chemistry, mathematics, computer science, engineering)
• Have worked in a classroom for at least one year
• Have an interest in increasing your and your students’ ecological literacy
• Be able to commit to the entirety of the program, including teaching new curriculum materials

We are particularly interested in teachers who:

• Work with historically marginalized and underserved students
• Work in under-resourced schools, including those in rural and urban communities.
• Have limited access to professional learning opportunities
• Want to engage in the translation of cutting edge research into meaningful learning experiences for students

The framework documents listed are all being published at https://www.nj.gov/education/standards/stamp/

 

Title	Date	Time	URL for registration
Introduction to the Framework for Grades 6-8 Engineering, Technology and Applications of Science	2/13/2026	8:30 AM	https://homeroom5.doe.state.nj.us/events/details.php?t=2;recid=55076
Introduction to the Framework for 2nd Grade Science	2/23/2026	3:30 PM	https://homeroom5.doe.nj.gov/events/details.php?t=2;recid=55291
Introduction to the Framework for 2nd Grade Science	2/27/2026	8:30 AM	https://homeroom5.doe.nj.gov/events/details.php?t=2;recid=55292
Introduction to the Framework for Grades 6 - 8 Life Sciences	3/9/2026	8:30 AM	https://homeroom5.doe.state.nj.us/events/details.php?t=2;recid=55111
Introduction to the Framework for Grades 6 - 8 Physical Sciences	3/10/2026	8:30 AM	https://homeroom5.doe.state.nj.us/events/details.php?t=2;recid=55074
Introduction to the Framework for Grades 6 - 8 Life Sciences	3/16/2026	3:30 PM	https://homeroom5.doe.state.nj.us/events/details.php?t=2;recid=55112
Introduction to the Framework for Grades 6 - 8 Physical Sciences	3/17/2026	3:30 PM	https://homeroom5.doe.state.nj.us/events/details.php?t=2;recid=55075
Introduction to the Framework for Grades 6 - 8 Earth & Space Sciences	3/19/2026	3:30 PM	https://homeroom5.doe.nj.gov/events/details.php?t=2;recid=55251
Introduction to the Framework for Grades 6 - 8 Earth & Space Sciences	3/20/2026	8:30 AM	https://homeroom5.doe.nj.gov/events/details.php?t=2;recid=55252
Introduction to the Framework for Third Grade Science	5/11/2026	3:30 PM	https://homeroom5.doe.nj.gov/events/details.php?t=2;recid=55271
Introduction to the Framework for Third Grade Science	5/15/2026	8:30 AM	https://homeroom5.doe.nj.gov/events/details.php?t=2;recid=55272
Introduction to the Framework for Kindergarten Science	5/19/2026	3:30 PM	https://homeroom5.doe.nj.gov/events/details.php?t=2;recid=55253
Introduction to the Framework for Kindergarten Science	5/20/2026	8:30 AM	https://homeroom5.doe.nj.gov/events/details.php?t=2;recid=55274

Students 2 Science (S2S), a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring, motivating, and educating students in grades 3–12 to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and math. Through hands-on lab experiences, we connect students with real STEM professionals and help them see how what they learn in the classroom comes to life. They are currently looking for future, past, or present educators and anyone passionate about teaching and learning to volunteer with our STEM programs, specifically our elementary programs. Many of the students we serve come from under-resourced communities and have had limited exposure to STEM learning opportunities. Volunteers play a key role in sparking curiosity, building confidence, and showing that learning science can be fun and achievable for everyone.

Below are two ways to get involved:

ISAAC Program
This program runs Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at both our Newark Technology Center (Newark, NJ) and our Apollo Technology Center (Whippany, NJ). Once an application is approved, volunteers can sign up for shifts through our volunteer portal. In this role, you’ll work directly with elementary*, middle, or high school students, guiding them through hands-on experiments and supporting their learning process—an excellent opportunity to gain real classroom-style experience. *Elementary is only hosted at our Whippany location.

Career Advancement Program (CAP)
Opportunities for CAP vary throughout the school year, depending on career panels and special events. This fall, we’re also launching a virtual mentorship program for students. If any of your members are interested in participating, I’d be happy to connect them with our CAP Director.

Those interested can fill out our Volunteer Application here: Volunteer Application - Students 2 Science.

Thank you for helping us share this opportunity with future educators who are eager to make a difference in the classroom and beyond. Together, we can help young learners develop curiosity, confidence, and excitement about STEM!

Upcoming Free NSTA Webinar: Lab Safety for Elementary Science

I’m pleased to invite you to an upcoming free NSTA webinar that Kevin Doyle will be hosting with Dr. Ken Roy, one of the nation’s most respected voices in science and laboratory safety.

Lab Safety Considerations for Pre-Service and In-Service Elementary Science
 Hosted through the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA)

Elementary science instruction presents unique safety challenges—often in classrooms that were never designed as laboratories and with educators who may not have formal safety training. This session will focus on practical, developmentally appropriate strategies to help educators meet their duty of care while still fostering curiosity, inquiry, and hands-on learning.

Participants will explore:

• Common safety risks in elementary science classrooms

• Legal and ethical responsibilities of educators and administrators

• Best practices for safer demonstrations and hands-on activities

• Proactive steps schools can take to build a culture of safety from the earliest grades

Whether you are a classroom teacher, instructional coach, supervisor, administrator, or preparing future educators, this webinar will provide clear guidance you can apply immediately.

 Register here:
https://my.nsta.org/event/wi26-lab-safety-considerations-for-pre-service-and-in-service-elementary-science

I hope you’ll join us for this important conversation on protecting students, supporting teachers, and strengthening science instruction—safely.

QUEST registration for Summer 2026 is officially open! 

• When: Week-long institutes are held during the summer between July 13-August 7th

• Where: On Campus @ Princeton University

• Cost: $50 per QUEST Summer Institute

• What to expect: Engage as an adult learner with Princeton faculty, researchers, and lead teacher through unique hands-on and minds-on activities to deepen content knowledge, data fluency, and science practices. Leave with a sense of confidence and enthusiasm for teaching science! Lunch and snacks are provided daily + PD hours and Honorarium.

• Details: https://teacherprep.princeton.edu/pk-12-outreach/quest/quest-2026-summer-institutes-schedule

• Registration: https://teacherprep.princeton.edu/Quest_Registration 

  
  

2026 Pinelands Short Course

Date: Saturday, March 7th, 2026

Time: 9:00am - 4:00pm

Location: Stockton University, Galloway Campus, 101 Vera King Farris Drive, Galloway, NJ 08205

The Pinelands Short Course at Stockton University is an annual event featuring a variety of presentations and workshops that explore the unique history, ecology, and culture of the New Jersey Pinelands. For more information or to register, click here.

The 29th Annual Barnegat Bay Environmental Educators Roundtable Date: Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026 Time: 3:00pm-8:00pm Where: Lighthouse Center for Natural Resource Education The 29th Annual Barnegat Bay Environmental Educators Roundtable will offer a timely opportunity to reflect on the origins and evolution of the environmental movement. This year’s theme, “Earth Day: Past, Present and Future” invites educators, conservation professionals and nature enthusiasts to explore how Earth Day has shaped our collective understanding of environmental stewardship.

Register here

The NJ School of Conservation is proud to announce a new partnership with the New Jersey Forest Service to revive Project Learning Tree (PLT) in New Jersey. PLT is a nationally recognized environmental education program that uses hands-on, interdisciplinary activities to help PreK–12 students build critical thinking skills, environmental literacy, and a lifelong connection to nature. This year is especially meaningful as PLT celebrates its 50th Anniversary, honoring a program with deep roots in New Jersey. In 2026, we invite educators to join us at NJSOC for immersive, hands-on PLT professional learning workshops set on our beautiful forested campus. Participants will explore activities from the Environmental Education Activity Guide for New Jersey Teachers and learn how to integrate tree-based and environmental concepts across science, literacy, math, and social studies, all aligned with New Jersey Student Learning Standards and Climate Change Standards. Optional overnight experiences are available, offering additional time for outdoor learning, evening activities, and meaningful community building. Educators will leave feeling confident, inspired, and equipped with ready-to-use lessons for their classrooms or programs. These workshops are ideal for classroom teachers and nonformal educators working with K–8 students who are seeking engaging, developmentally appropriate environmental education.

Planting the Seeds of Environmental Learning: A Workshop for K-5 Educators Workshop Dates: March 20th-21st | Grades K-5 Click Here for Full Workshop Description and Registration Information

Learning in the Living Lab: An Educator Workshop for Grades 6-8 Workshop Dates: June12th-13th | Grades 6-8 Click Here for Full Workshop Description and Registration Information

NJSOC will also be offering a workshop for NJ's nonformal educators in May: Climate Change Education: Empowering New Jersey's Nonformal Educators.

Have a field trip in mind and need hep with transportation? The Wheels for STEM program from EarthShare New Jersey is taking applications until March 31. The fall cycle will accept application from August 1 – October 31.