Activate Learning at NSTA Anaheim 2026: Science Education in the Spotlight
NSTA Highlights from Anaheim
NSTA Anaheim 2026 delivered on the energy, the conversations, and the sunshine. The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) National Conference brought together science educators from across the country under the theme Growing Together: Collective Insights for Lifelong Learning, and it was the perfect backdrop for the kinds of conversations that remind us why this work matters so much.
The Activate Learning team had an amazing four days connecting with teachers, curriculum leaders, and administrators at Booth #555. Whether educators were discovering our programs for the first time or checking in on what's new, the booth was buzzing with curiosity and enthusiasm. That energy carried through everything we did that week.
Exploring What's Possible at Booth #555
Our booth gave visitors a chance to get hands-on with the full Activate Learning lineup of NGSS-aligned, K-12 curriculum programs and digital products. Here's a look at what sparked the conversations:
Activate Learning Virtual Investigations™: These interactive digital labs let students dive into OpenSciEd experiments anytime, anywhere. Teachers loved hearing how they work as a flexible backup when hands-on activities aren't possible, or as a powerful resource for absent students and sub days. Plus, we had the opportunity to share our brand new investigations for OpenSciEd Elementary.
Activate Learning Insight™: We shared how this product offers hundreds of pre-made science assessments to help teachers evaluate student understanding across NGSS Performance Expectations and Disciplinary Core Ideas. Educators were especially excited about the way it gives students instant, personalized feedback on written work while saving teachers valuable time.
OpenSciEd K-12: As a certified OpenSciEd distributor and professional learning provider, we were proud to showcase the full suite, including our digital platform, science kits, books, and the professional learning support that makes implementation feel manageable rather than overwhelming.
Active Integrated Physics and Chemistry™: Updated and NGSS-aligned, Active IPC puts students at the center of their own learning through investigation-based physics and chemistry content that builds real 21st-century skills.
EarthComm 4th Edition: The refreshed edition brought sustainability to the forefront of Earth science, and the response from high school educators was fantastic. Connecting students to how Earth's systems relate to their everyday lives is a highlight of this program.
Professional Learning Sessions: Digging Into What Works
We had the privilege of leading five professional learning sessions on Thursday, April 16. NSTA attendees came ready to engage, ask questions, and walked away with something real to bring back to their classrooms.
Ideas in Motion: Using Discussion to Build Scientific Understanding in a High School OpenSciEd Classroom
Presented by: Faith Blaine and Tracy Marmolejo
Faith and Tracy opened the day by exploring how purposeful classroom talk drives three-dimensional sensemaking. Participants dug into the discussion types used in OpenSciEd high school classrooms and saw firsthand how connecting science and engineering practices with disciplinary core ideas can make student thinking visible and actionable.
From Vision to Practice: One District’s 3-Dimensional Learning Journey with OpenSciEd
Presented by: Anna Wydeven, Jennifer Lopez, and Lauren Carter from Leander ISD, Texas
This session was a standout. The team from Leander ISD shared their district's real journey, including the wins, the challenges, and the practical structures that helped teachers make the shift to phenomenon-driven, three-dimensional science education. Attendees left with concrete strategies and a lot of inspiration.
Transforming Elementary Science: How OpenSciEd Brings 3-Dimensional Teaching and Learning to Life
Presented by: Tracy Marmolejo and Jen Gutierrez
Tracy and Jen brought the energy of an elementary classroom right into the session, where participants engaged like students before stepping back to reflect like educators. A wonderful look at how OpenSciEd Elementary, now available through Activate Learning, sparks curiosity in the youngest scientists by engaging them with real-world phenomena.
Making Student Thinking Visible: Supporting and Accessing 3-Dimensional Sensemaking with OpenSciEd
Presented by: Faith Blaine and Jen Gutierrez
Assessment doesn't have to feel like a separate thing from learning, and this session proved it. Faith and Jen walked participants through the OpenSciEd Assessment System and Grading Planning Tool, showing how embedded, multi-dimensional assessments give students real opportunities to demonstrate their understanding.
Activate Learning Virtual Investigations: Virtual Labs That Extend OpenSciEd Learning
Presented by: Casey Killett, K-8 Science Program Specialist, Auburn School District (WA), and Tori Coyle, M.Ed., Activate Learning
Casey and Tori closed out the day with a session that drew many enthusiastic follow-up questions. Hearing directly from Auburn School District about how they use Activate Learning Virtual Investigations™ in the real world for absent students, sub days, and diverse learners.
A Night to Remember: Enchanted Educators Happy Hour
One of the highlights of the week was the evening we spent with educators at the Enchanted Educators Happy Hour at Ballast Point Brewing. Great food, great drinks, and the opportunity to share real conversations away from the conference floor. We're grateful to everyone who joined us for a night of connection and celebration!
Thank You, Anaheim!
We left Southern California feeling recharged and inspired by the educators we met throughout the week. The passion for student success, science education, and for doing things better is something that never gets old.
If you stopped by the booth, attended a session, or raised a glass with us at happy hour, thank you. You're the reason we do this.
And if you didn't get a chance to connect in Anaheim but want to explore what Activate Learning can offer your school or district, we'd love to keep the conversation going. Reach out to our team, we're here to help!
