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OpenSciEd Middle School Curriculum and Unit Launch Workshops

 

NSTA is excited to offer in-person OpenSciEd workshops nationwide. As an OpenSciEd Certified Professional Learning Provider, we've undergone rigorous training to ensure top-quality, collaborative support for educators. This certification allows us to expand our customized professional learning services, helping schools and districts seamlessly transition to the OpenSciEd curriculum.

Join middle school science teachers for our OpenSciEd Middle School Curriculum and Unit Launch professional learning workshops! Gain the tools and confidence to implement your chosen unit, deepen your understanding of the OpenSciEd middle school curriculum and a familiarity with the wealth of resources available on the OpenSciEd website to support teaching and learning in your classroom.

In each round, you will collaborate with participants from all three unit-specific groups to reflect on the focal topic (see below) to help ensure equitable sensemaking opportunities for all your students within a unit and across the OpenSciEd middle school curriculum.

 

Workshop Details

Duration

Daily sessions from 8:00am-3:30pm, with sign-in at 7:15am

Amenities

Breakfast and lunch provided

Locations

Four Points by Sheraton, Norwood and UMass Amherst

Not able to attend?

Learn about scheduling a workshop for your school or district.

6th Grade Workshops

Unit 6.1: Light & Matter

Format: 4-Day In-Person Workshop

Cost: $1,050

Participants will:

  • Experience the anchoring phenomenon routine and storyline development
  • Facilitate key investigations and student-driven discussions
  • Establish effective classroom norms that support a culture of figuring out
  • Analyze assessments and student work to inform instruction

Cost: $1,050

Workshop Dates & Locations:

  • July 15–18, 2025 – Norwood | Four Points
  • August 5–8, 2025 – Amherst | UMass
  • September 23–26, 2025 – Norwood

Register Now

Unit 6.2: Thermal Energy

Format: 2-Day In-Person Workshop

Cost: $750

Participants will:

  • Reflect on successes and challenges from implementing the first unit
  • Share expertise and collaboratively problem-solve with peers
  • Explore teacher moves and supports that deepen student sensemaking

Note: We recommend participation in Unit 6.1 prior to attending this session.

Cost: $750

Workshop Dates & Locations:

  • February 3–4, 2026 – Norwood | Four Points
  • February 5–6, 2026 – Norwood | Four Points
  • February 10–11, 2026 – Amherst | UMass

Registration Coming Soon!

Sign up to get notified when registration opens

Unit 6.3: Weather

Format: 2-Day In-Person Workshop

Cost: $750

Participants will:

  • Explore how OpenSciEd lessons are designed to reflect Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles
  • Identify instructional strategies that align with UDL to support diverse learners
  • Analyze lessons to uncover goals, anticipate barriers, and apply UDL to create flexible learning pathways
  • Discover strategies for supporting Emergent Multilingual Learners (EMLs) through a UDL lens

Note: We recommend participation in Unit 6.1 prior to attending this session.

Note: For Massachusetts educators, this is Unit 8.6

Cost: $750

Workshop Dates & Locations:

  • February 3–4, 2026 – Norwood | Four Points
  • February 10–11, 2026 – Amherst | UMass

Registration Coming Soon!

Sign up to get notified when registration opens

Unit 6.4: Plate Tectonics

Format: 2-Day In-Person Workshop

Cost: $750

Participants will:

  • Analyze OpenSciEd assessments using key criteria for three-dimensional (3D) learning
  • Identify and evaluate the different types of assessments within the OpenSciEd assessment system
  • Examine student work to provide meaningful feedback and support 3D learning
  • Use assessment guidance to reflect on instruction and prepare for upcoming lessons
  • Engage in select unit lessons from the student perspective

Note: We recommend participation in Unit 6.1 prior to attending this session.

Note: For Massachusetts educators, this is Unit 6.5

Cost: $750

Workshop Dates & Locations:

  • August 7–8, 2025 – Amherst | UMass
  • September 24–25, 2025 – Norwood | Four Points

Register Now

Unit 6.5: Natural Hazards

Format: 2-Day In-Person Workshop

Cost: $750

Participants will:

  • Analyze OpenSciEd classroom videos to explore features of a productive classroom culture
  • Identify and share strategies for developing and sustaining effective classroom norms
  • Examine classroom videos and resources to understand the three main types of student discussions
  • Use planning tools to support key discussions and lessons that foster idea development and engagement
  • Experience select lessons from upcoming OpenSciEd units

Note: We recommend participation in Unit 6.1 prior to attending this session.

Note: For Massachusetts educators, this is Unit 7.6

Cost: $750

Workshop Dates & Locations:

  • August 5–6, 2025 – Amherst | UMass
  • September 25–26, 2025 – Norwood | Four Points

Register Now

Unit 6.6: Cells & Systems

Format: 2-Day In-Person Workshop

Cost: $750

Participants will:

  • Reflect on students’ writing and drawing to identify strengths and potential barriers to sensemaking
  • Analyze lessons and student work to understand the purpose and variety of writing and drawing opportunities in OpenSciEd
  • Explore ways to customize OpenSciEd materials to meet student needs while staying aligned with core instructional goals

Note: We recommend participation in Unit 6.1 prior to attending this session.

Cost: $750

Workshop Dates & Locations:

  • February 5–6, 2026 – Norwood | Four Points

Registration Coming Soon!

Sign up to get notified when registration opens

 

7th Grade Workshops

Unit 7.1: Chemical Reactions & Matter

Format: 4-Day In-Person Workshop

Cost: $1,050

Participants will:

  • Experience the anchoring phenomenon routine and storyline development
  • Facilitate key investigations and student-driven discussions
  • Establish effective classroom norms that support a culture of figuring out
  • Analyze assessments and student work to inform instruction

Note: For Massachusetts educators, this is Unit 8.1

Cost: $1,050

Workshop Dates & Locations:

  • July 15–18, 2025 – Norwood | Four Points
  • August 5–8, 2025 – Amherst | UMass
  • September 23–26, 2025 – Norwood

Register Now

Unit 7.2: Chemical Reactions & Energy

Format: 2-Day In-Person Workshop

Cost: $750

Participants will:

  • Reflect on successes and challenges from implementing the first unit
  • Analyze lessons and student work to understand the purpose and variety of writing and drawing opportunities in OpenSciEd
  • Explore teacher moves and supports that deepen student sensemaking

Note: We recommend participation in Unit 7.1 prior to attending this session.

Note: For Massachusetts educators, this is Unit 8.2

Cost: $750

Workshop Dates & Locations:

  • February 3–4, 2026 – Norwood | Four Points
  • February 5–6, 2026 – Norwood | Four Points
  • February 10–11, 2026 – Amherst | UMass

Registration Coming Soon!

Sign up to get notified when registration opens

Unit 7.3: Metabolic Reactions

Format: 2-Day In-Person Workshop

Cost: $750

Participants will:

  • Analyze OpenSciEd classroom videos to explore features of a productive classroom culture
  • Identify and share strategies for developing and sustaining effective classroom norms
  • Examine classroom videos and resources to understand the three main types of student discussions
  • Use planning tools to support key discussions and lessons that foster idea development and engagement
  • Experience select lessons from upcoming OpenSciEd units

Note: We recommend participation in Unit 7.1 prior to attending this session.

Note: For Massachusetts educators, this is Unit 8.3

Cost: $750

Workshop Dates & Locations:

  • August 5–6, 2025 – Amherst | UMass
  • September 25–26, 2025 – Norwood | Four Points

Register Now

Unit 7.4: Matter Cycling & Photosynthesis

Format: 2-Day In-Person Workshop

Cost: $750

Participants will:

  • Explore how OpenSciEd lessons are designed to reflect Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles
  • Identify instructional strategies that align with UDL to support diverse learners
  • Analyze lessons to uncover goals, anticipate barriers, and apply UDL to create flexible learning pathways
  • Discover strategies for supporting Emergent Multilingual Learners (EMLs) through a UDL lens

Note: We recommend participation in Unit 7.1 prior to attending this session.

Note: For Massachusetts educators, this is Unit 7.3

Cost: $750

Workshop Dates & Locations:

  • February 3–4, 2026 – Norwood | Four Points
  • February 10–11, 2026 – Amherst | UMass

Registration Coming Soon!

Sign up to get notified when registration opens

Unit 7.5: Ecosystem Dynamics

Format: 2-Day In-Person Workshop

Cost: $750

Participants will:

  • Analyze OpenSciEd assessments using key criteria for three-dimensional (3D) learning
  • Identify and evaluate the different types of assessments within the OpenSciEd assessment system
  • Examine student work to provide meaningful feedback and support 3D learning
  • Use assessment guidance to reflect on instruction and prepare for upcoming lessons
  • Engage in select unit lessons from the student perspective

Note: We recommend participation in Unit 7.1 prior to attending this session.

Note: For Massachusetts educators, this is Unit 7.4

Cost: $750

Workshop Dates & Locations:

  • August 7–8, 2025 – Amherst | UMass
  • September 24–25, 2025 – Norwood | Four Points

Register Now

Unit 7.6: Earth’s Resources & Human Impact

Format: 2-Day In-Person Workshop

Cost: $750

Participants will:

  • Reflect on students’ writing and drawing to identify strengths and potential barriers to sensemaking
  • Analyze lessons and student work to understand the purpose and variety of writing and drawing opportunities in OpenSciEd
  • Explore ways to customize OpenSciEd materials to meet student needs while staying aligned with core instructional goals

Note: We recommend participation in Unit 7.1 prior to attending this session.

Note: For Massachusetts educators, this is Unit 7.5

Cost: $750

Workshop Dates & Locations:

  • February 5–6, 2026 – Norwood | Four Points

Registration Coming Soon!

Sign up to get notified when registration opens

 

8th Grade Workshops

Unit 8.1: Contact Forces

Format: 4-Day In-Person Workshop

Cost: $1,050

Participants will:

  • Experience the anchoring phenomenon routine and storyline development
  • Facilitate key investigations and student-driven discussions
  • Establish effective classroom norms that support a culture of figuring out
  • Analyze assessments and student work to inform instruction

Note: For Massachusetts educators, this is Unit 7.1

Cost: $1,050

Workshop Dates & Locations:

  • July 15–18, 2025 – Norwood | Four Points
  • August 5–8, 2025 – Amherst | UMass
  • September 23–26, 2025 – Norwood

Register Now

Unit 8.2: Sound Waves

Format: 2-Day In-Person Workshop

Cost: $750

Participants will:

  • Reflect on successes and challenges from implementing the first unit
  • Share expertise and collaboratively problem-solve with peer
  • Explore teacher moves and supports that deepen student sensemaking

Note: We recommend participation in Unit 8.1 prior to attending this session.

Note: For Massachusetts educators, this is Unit 6.2

Cost: $750

Workshop Dates & Locations:

  • February 3–4, 2026 – Norwood | Four Points
  • February 5–6, 2026 – Norwood | Four Points
  • February 10–11, 2026 – Amherst | UMass

Registration Coming Soon!

Sign up to get notified when registration opens

Unit 8.3: Forces at a Distance

Format: 2-Day In-Person Workshop

Cost: $750

Participants will:

  • Analyze OpenSciEd classroom videos to explore features of a productive classroom culture
  • Identify and share strategies for developing and sustaining effective classroom norms
  • Examine classroom videos and resources to understand the three main types of student discussions
  • Use planning tools to support key discussions and lessons that foster idea development and engagement
  • Experience select lessons from upcoming OpenSciEd units

Note: We recommend participation in Unit 8.1 prior to attending this session.

Note: For Massachusetts educators, this is Unit 6.3

Cost: $750

Workshop Dates & Locations:

  • August 5–6, 2025 – Amherst | UMass
  • September 25–26, 2025 – Norwood | Four Points

Register Now

Unit 8.4: Earth in Space

Format: 2-Day In-Person Workshop

Cost: $750

Participants will:

  • Explore how OpenSciEd lessons are designed to reflect Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles
  • Identify instructional strategies that align with UDL to support diverse learners
  • Analyze lessons to uncover goals, anticipate barriers, and apply UDL to create flexible learning pathways
  • Discover strategies for supporting Emergent Multilingual Learners (EMLs) through a UDL lens

Note: We recommend participation in Unit 8.1 prior to attending this session.

Note: For Massachusetts educators, this is Unit 6.4

Cost: $750

Workshop Dates & Locations:

  • February 3–4, 2026 – Norwood | Four Points
  • February 10–11, 2026 – Amherst | UMass

Registration Coming Soon!

Sign up to get notified when registration opens

Unit 8.5: Genetics

Format: 2-Day In-Person Workshop

Cost: $750

Participants will:

  • Analyze OpenSciEd assessments using key criteria for three-dimensional (3D) learning
  • Identify and evaluate the different types of assessments within the OpenSciEd assessment system
  • Examine student work to provide meaningful feedback and support 3D learning
  • Use assessment guidance to reflect on instruction and prepare for upcoming lessons
  • Engage in select unit lessons from the student perspective

Note: We recommend participation in Unit 8.1 prior to attending this session.

Note: For Massachusetts educators, this is Unit 8.4

Cost: $750

Workshop Dates & Locations:

  • August 7–8, 2025 – Amherst | UMass
  • September 24–25, 2025 – Norwood | Four Points

Register Now

Unit 8.6: Natural Selection

Format: 2-Day In-Person Workshop

Cost: $750

Participants will:

  • Reflect on students’ writing and drawing to identify strengths and potential barriers to sensemaking
  • Analyze lessons and student work to understand the purpose and variety of writing and drawing opportunities in OpenSciEd
  • Explore ways to customize OpenSciEd materials to meet student needs while staying aligned with core instructional goals

Note: We recommend participation in Unit 8.1 prior to attending this session.

Note: For Massachusetts educators, this is Unit 8.5

Cost: $750

Workshop Dates & Locations:

  • February 5–6, 2026 – Norwood | Four Points

Registration Coming Soon!

Sign up to get notified when registration opens

 

Learn More

Note: These workshops are a part of a larger grant-funded program. If you are participating as part of one of those schools, this registration is not required.

Why Choose NSTA for OpenSciEd?

NSTA boasts years of experience in providing high-quality professional development for science educators. Our workshops are designed to enhance teaching practices and promote student engagement.

We are certified OpenSciEd professional learning facilitators, ensuring that our workshops align with the OpenSciEd curriculum framework and best practices. Our team is passionate about helping teachers effectively implement OpenSciEd units in their classrooms.

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