Professional Development Opportunities
2025-2026 NCDPI K-12 Science Office Hours
The K-12 Science Section will offer office hours during the 2025-26 School Year. Each session will focus on a particular topic and target a specific audience. A certificate of attendance will be issued for participants attending the full hour. Information about upcoming sessions and registration can also be found on the DPI website as well as on the Professional Development Button found on the NC K-12 Science Standards Resource Hub. You can view the session descriptions, intended audience, as well as register for the upcoming Office Hours on the Registration button below.
The Office Hours session recording and presentation slides for September is available to view on the K-12 Science Resource Hub on the Professional Development button.
NCCAT Online Course - Science and Engineering Practices in Action
To support science educators with the implementation of the New Science Standards, this course delves into the three dimensions of science education: Science and Engineering Practices, Disciplinary Core Ideas, and Crosscutting Concepts. Participants will learn to utilize phenomena to drive instruction, apply the Science and Engineering Practices in their lesson planning, and integrate Crosscutting Concepts to connect core ideas. Strategies for fostering student discourse and practical resources for classroom use will also be emphasized.
Learner Outcomes
This course earns 5 contact hours.
Recommendations
For K-12 grade levels
North Carolina Association for Biomedical Research (NCABR)
NCABR is excited to announce two workshops for the 2025-2026 Rx for Science Literacy series. Because a limited number of seats is available, we encourage you to register as soon as possible. Registration is completely free.
Student and Classroom Opportunities
North Carolina Museum of Natural Science - STEAM Career Showcase for Students with Disabilities
Join us for the 12th annual STEAM Career Showcase for Students with Disabilities – a free event for learners in grades 6–12. Connect with role models with disabilities who have thriving careers in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM). Learn about their personal journeys and strategies for success. Gain practical knowledge that you can apply to your interests and future career paths.
ASL interpretation and live captions will be provided for welcome, keynote presentation, and breakout sessions. Registration is required for this event.
North Carolina AQ-IQ Contest
Now that the school year is in full swing, are you wondering if your students should dive into the NC AQ-IQ Contest? Not sure how it could fit into your classroom plans? We’ve got you covered — and trust us, you don’t want your students to miss out on this!
🎬 Hear it straight from fellow TEACHERS who’ve brought AQ-IQ into their classrooms:
👉 Watch the video
🎤 And check out what STUDENTS have to say — including tips, tricks, and what made the experience unforgettable:
👉 Watch the video
💡 What is AQ-IQ?
It’s a project-based contest where students explore air quality through creativity and innovation. Whether they’re into art, tech, storytelling, or science, there’s a place for them to shine! Past projects have included:
- 🎮 Minecraft builds & games
- 🧠 Interactive experiences
📅 Deadline: March 9, 2026
That means there’s plenty of time for your students to dream big and create something amazing!
🌐 Need help getting started?
Visit the NC Environmental Education AQ-IQ page for everything you need:
✅ “How-To” guides for teachers and students
✅ Project examples
✅ Submission info
✅ And tons of inspiration!
📩 Questions?
Reach out to:
Keith Bamberger – keith.bamberger@deq.nc.gov
Janina Millis – janina.millis@deq.nc.gov
📣 Spread the word!
Please share this with other 7th grade science teachers in your network. Let’s get as many students involved as possible!
We can’t wait to see the creativity your students bring to life this year. Let’s make this the best AQ-IQ year yet! 🚀
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New NC-based lesson: Exploring Wildland Fires, Smoke and Health (High School)
Exploring Wildland Fires, Smoke and Health is the newest lesson from the UNC Institute for the Environment’s Center for Public Engagement with Science.
Designed for NC high school environmental science classrooms, this lesson explores the factors that influence the frequency and intensity of wildfires, the health effects of exposure to smoke from wildland fires, and solutions that individuals and communities can implement to prepare for and respond to wildland fires and smoke events.
This timely and engaging lesson also highlights current scientific research examining the composition of smoke from wildfires, including fires occurring in the wildland-urban interface, and assessing the impacts of smoke exposure on human health.
Register to receive the lesson and companion slide set:
Apples for Schools Program
Join the "Apples for Schools" Program from Horne Creek Farm!Help preserve the South’s agricultural heritage and create a “living classroom” for your students. Apply for an "Apples for Schools" grant and receive four heirloom apple trees for your school.
Why Participate?
- Connect students with agriculture and healthy eating.
- Hands-on learning in history, science, language arts, and math.
- Minimal maintenance with long-term benefits.
Educational Benefits:
- Learn apple cultivation history and science.
- Engage in STEAM activities like mapping and studying pollination.
- Foster a connection to nature and sustainability.
For more details, contact lisa.turney@dncr.nc.gov
Applications due by October 21, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.
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Dr. Debra Hall
K-5 Science
debra.hall@dpi.nc.gov
Gavin Fradel
6-8 Science
gavin.fradel@dpi.nc.gov
Benita Tipton
9-12 Science
benita.tipton@dpi.nc.gov
Alexis Wood
9-12 Science
kathryn.wood@dpi.nc.gov
Additional Contacts
Dr. Charles Aiken
Section Chief K-12 Mathematics, Science and STEM
charles.aiken@dpi.nc.gov
Howard Ginsburg
K-12 Integrative STEM Specialist
howard.ginsburg@dpi.nc.gov
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