Activate Learning Engages Educators at NSTA 2025: Our Highlights From Minneapolis
Activate Learning Shines at NSTA 2025: A Recap of Our Exciting Innovations in Science Education
We were thrilled to join thousands of science educators at the NSTA National Conference in Minneapolis this November. It was a dynamic gathering of passionate teachers, curriculum leaders, and innovators, all focused on elevating science instruction for K-12 learners. At the heart of the conference, the Activate Learning team engaged with educators, showcased our latest solutions, and celebrated the shared mission of making science learning meaningful, equitable, and student-centered.
Hands-On Learning, High-Impact Conversations
The NSTA National Conference brings together science educators from across the country to share ideas, explore innovative teaching strategies, and shape the future of science education. It’s a powerful opportunity to pause, connect, and reflect on how we can better engage students in three-dimensional learning, hands-on investigation, and science that matters to the world.
What We Showcased at NSTA 2025:
At our booth, visitors discovered how our NGSS-aligned K-12 science programs, hands-on kits, and personalized professional learning opportunities support every classroom. We highlighted exciting new resources designed to empower teachers and energize students with inquiry, collaboration, and real-world phenomena.
🔬 Activate Learning Virtual Investigations™ – A game-changer for science education, these interactive virtual labs bring OpenSciEd Middle School experiments to life anytime, anywhere. Perfect for absent students, substitute teachers, lesson review, or as a reliable backup when hands-on activities don’t go as planned, the new Activate Learning Virtual Investigations™ provide flexibility and accessibility for students.
✅ Activate Learning Insight™ – Our advanced assessment tool received an exciting upgrade! Now featuring AI-assisted scoring and feedback for students’ written work, this innovative solution saves teachers time while providing students with instant, personalized insights to enhance their learning.
📚 OpenSciEd K-12 – As a certified OpenSciEd distributor and professional learning provider, Activate Learning provides the interactive digital platform, books, science kits, and professional learning to make OpenSciEd curriculum implementation smooth and successful.
🚙 Activate Learning Integrated Physics and Chemistry™ - Updated project-based physics and chemistry content fully aligned with Next Generation Science Standards for high school physical science. Active IPC engages students in investigations and puts students at the center of the learning, equipping students with essential 21st century skills that prepare them for their post-high school careers.
🌍 EarthComm’s 4th Edition – The NEW edition of EarthComm provides support for exploring ways that Earth Science is relevant across all sectors of society! This updated edition builds on EarthComm’s established approach of systems thinking combined with project-based learning by integrating sustainability as a central theme throughout the course. The sustainability theme highlights the interconnections between human activities and Earth's systems, providing a rich context for student learning.
Professional Learning Sessions – Strategies & Insights for Educators
We were honored to lead five sessions on Thursday, sharing tools and strategies grounded in research and classroom experience:
📌 OpenSciEd Elementary: The Perfect Fit for any Elementary Science Classroom!
Presented by Brian Klaft
We kicked off the day by showing how younger OpenSciEd Elementary students can dive into phenomena and build foundational skills with confidence.
📌 How do we Support and Assess Students’ Growth in 3-Dimensional Learning?
Presented by Brian Klaft and Michelle Tindall
Brian and Michelle unpacked how to make student thinking visible and track growth in disciplinary core ideas, science & engineering practices, and crosscutting concepts.
📌 Encouraging Equitable Participation During a Discussion in the OpenSciEd HS Classroom
Presented by Michelle Tindall
Attendees were guided through conversational structures and discussion norms that engage all OpenSciEd High School learners in rich scientific discourse.
📌 Explore the New Active Integrated Physics and Chemistry Curriculum with Dr. Eisenkraft
Presented by Dr. Arthur Eisenkraft and Gary Curts
Dr. Arthur Eisenkraft and Gary Curts previewed the new Active IPC curriculum that blends physics and chemistry investigation in high school courses.
📌 Experience EarthComm 4th Edition – Updated and Sustainability-Focused!
Presented by Gary Curts
In addition to engaging EarthComm hands-on activities, Gary Curts led participants through the refreshed Earth science program, emphasizing sustainability and global connections.
Thank You & Looking Ahead
We’re incredibly appreciative of everyone who stopped by the booth, joined a session, or exchanged ideas with us throughout the week. Your passion and insights fuel the work we do. If you’re interested in exploring how Activate Learning can partner with your school, district, or professional learning goals, we’d love to continue the conversation.
Here’s to what comes next, we’re excited to keep collaborating and supporting science educators everywhere
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