 The K-12 Science Section will offer office hours during the 2026-27 School Year. Each session will focus on a particular topic and target a specific audience. Information about upcoming sessions and registration can also be found on the K-12 Science Standards Resource Hub.
Certificates of attendance will be provided for each session to participants who attend the full hour.
North Carolina Association of Elementary Educators Conference
 The 2026 North Carolina Association of Elementary Educators (NCAEE) Conference will be held Saturday, October 3, at William Peace University in Raleigh. This statewide professional development conference brings together elementary educators for a day of learning, collaboration, and networking focused on supporting elementary students and teachers.
SciREN Triangle and Educator Open House at the NC Museum of Natural Science
 SAVE THE DATE! Join us for our annual Educator Open House and SciREN Triangle Networking Event on Thursday, September 24, 2026 from 6:00–8:30pm. This special information exchange night is just for educators and will feature local scientists, Museum educators and partner organizations showcasing their FREE lesson plans and resources in a relaxed environment. Learn about new programs and field trips, outreach and virtual programs, and professional development opportunities.
Through a partnership with SciREN (Scientific Research and Education Network), meet local scientists ready to distribute curriculum-correlated lessons based on their current research! This is an excellent way to rejuvenate teaching methods, integrate relevant and real science into student learning, and reach out into the community.
What to Expect
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Free: dinner!!
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Free: beverages courtesy of New Belgium Brewing
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Free: curriculum-correlated K–12 lesson plans (including digital access)
- Opportunities to talk 1:1 with scientists
- Information about program offerings from the Museum and other partner organizations
- Take a tour of the Museum’s galleries and exhibits.
- Learn about upcoming professional development opportunities.
Event Details
FREE, but registration is required.
Location: NC Museum of Natural Sciences, Nature Exploration Center — Directions and Parking
For additional information about this event, contact Megan Davis at megan.davis@naturalsciences.org
  State of AWE (Air, Water, and Earth)- Science Educators Workshop at Lake Norman
Monday, Oct 12, 2026
9 AM to 4 PM
Registration is open until Oct. 2, 2026, or until spots are filled.
Get ready to experience the State of AWE – a FREE dynamic, hands-on workshop designed for formal and non-formal K–12 science educators like you!
Join us for a full day of engaging activities, environmental exploration, and curriculum-ready resources.
You’ll connect with experts from the NC Department of Environmental Quality, including:
-Division of Air Quality
-Division of Energy, Minerals and Land Resources
-Division of Water Resources
-NC Geological Survey
Discover fun, adaptable activities perfect for classrooms, school events, or community festivals. Plus, enjoy some time exploring Lake Norman State Park!
Why attend?
-Hands-on, standards-aligned activities
-Resources from several DEQ divisions
-Networking with fellow educators
-A unique environmental learning experience
North Carolina Data Science Education Summit
 Build a data science mindset in any classroom.
Data shapes how students learn, work and make decisions across all disciplines. The 2026 NC Data Science Education Summit will help educators build the mindset and skills their students need to ask questions, interpret information and solve problems with data.
Earn CEU credit while exploring hands-on, computers-off activities, CS30: Introduction to Data Science implementation and practical strategies for any subject or grade level.
Educators may bring a limited number of students to participate fully in this interdisciplinary event. Student participants will receive a certificate recognizing their participation.
Student groups must be arranged in advance by emailing Taryn Shelton at tshelto3@gmail.com.
Instructional Resources
Earth Science Week Toolkit - Critical Minerals for a Thriving Society
It’s time to place your order for the 2026 Earth Science Week (ESW) Toolkit. Ordering now allows earth science educators, outreach providers, parents, and others to get early access to resources that grow awareness of the Earth. With a format that emphasizes use of online resources, the 2026 kit is part of the annual Earth Science Week celebration (October 11-17), which this year focuses on the theme “Critical Minerals for a Thriving Society.”
The ESW Toolkit contains a resource calendar and posters that promote learning and provides information guiding users to available online materials created by Earth Science Week partner organizations. The calendar has been expanded to connect users to digital resources of many kinds. In these ways, the ESW Toolkits will help students and the public explore the essential role critical minerals play in modern life, technology, energy, infrastructure, and national resilience.
Place your order now. The ESW Toolkit is free and available while supplies last for just the cost of USPS domestic shipping and handling, $9.75 for the first toolkit and $2.75 for each additional. See the AGI Store for past Earth Science Week Toolkits, poster sets, and additional educational materials.
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Duke Energy Science Nights - STEM Toolkits
This program, produced by Morehead Planetarium & Science Center since 2012, includes a STEM materials kit and our support throughout the school year as you create a science night to be held for your elementary school community as part of the NC Science Festival in April 2027.
The Duke Energy Foundation sponsorship funds a number of program kits to award at no charge to schools across NC.
Recipients are selected via an application process that includes a detailed review of the school's written statement, need, geography, and past participation. Schools also have the option to purchase kits.
The application period for sponsored kits ends September 23, 2026.
Please visit our website www.ncsciencefestival.org/DESN to learn more detailed information about the program, timings, what is included with the kit, and for the link to the application and preorder forms.
Email us at ncscifestschools@mpsc.unc.edu if you have questions after reviewing the details found on the website.
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North Carolina Arts Council - Blackbox Dance Theater: Science in Motion
Bring engaging arts learning experiences to your students through the Teaching Artists in Schools program. North Carolina schools and districts can request experiences from a curated roster of NC teaching artists. In this program’s inaugural year, the North Carolina Arts Council is pleased to offer teaching artist engagements at no cost to participating schools.
Black Box Dance Theatre (BBDT) is a nationally recognized modern dance company known for its innovative approach to arts integration, community storytelling, and strong educational partnerships. Led by it's founder and Artistic Director Michelle Pearson, BBDT creates movement-based learning experiences that connect dance with science, English language arts, social studies, mathematics, and the lived experiences of the students and their communities.
With more than a decade of experience partnering with K–12 schools statewide, BBDT specializes in nonfiction dance—using movement, storytelling, and collaboration to explore real-world topics and deepen student learning. The company’s ensemble of accomplished teaching artists, including a Purple Heart combat veteran, brings diverse perspectives and a commitment to resilience, creativity, and human connection into every residency.
Through dynamic performances and hands-on workshops, BBDT encourages curiosity, critical thinking, creativity, and student voice while creating inclusive activities in which where every learner can participate and succeed.
Date choices
- Week of February 1–5, 2027
- Week of February 8–12, 2027
- Week of March 15–19, 2027
- Week of April 12–16, 2027
Offerings
Science in Motion: Dance + STEM Residencies
Format: Five-day residency (four days with performances on the fifth day)
Session length: 45–90 minutes
Grade level(s): K–12
Key topics/focus: Force and motion, states of matter, heat and energy transfer, weather and climate, earth, sun, and moon systems, physics of movement
Students explore scientific concepts through movement-based learning experiences that combine dance, creativity, and inquiry. Lessons use choreography and embodied learning to deepen understanding of STEM concepts while building collaboration, communication, and critical thinking skills. Workshops are accessible for diverse learners and aligned with dance, science, and social and emotional learning (SEL) standards.
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Barn Owl Cam with NC Wildlife: The Wildest Season Yet!
From winter pair‑bonding to six March eggs and five April hatchlings, the NC Barn Owl Cam kept viewers around the world captivated. June brought banding, first flights, and a dramatic visit from a Great Horned Owl—offering rare insight into the real‑world challenges these remarkable raptors face.
Now that all the owlets have officially flown the proverbial coop (better known as the barn), things have calmed down—but the cameras stay live and ready for whatever comes next.
We’re expanding resources for educators and want your input. Please take a moment to complete our short Microsoft Form to share your interests, get updates, and explore collaboration opportunities.
We’re also offering a district‑ready PD session, “Virtual Field Trips: Bringing Wildlife Into the Classroom,” available to any district interested. To schedule, contact Sydney Brown at sydney.brown@ncwildlife.gov.
And at the NCAEE conference, don’t miss “Barn Owl Detectives: Exploring Life Science with a Critter Cam,” co‑presented with the Department of Public Instruction. This K–5 math‑and‑science session is designed to spark curiosity through observation and support formative assessment practices that bring wildlife learning to life.
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K-12 Science Standards Resource Hub
 The NCDPI K-12 Science team has created a repository to provide a variety of resources for supporting school leaders, administrators, educators, and parents/caregivers. The NC K-12 Science Standards Resource Hub houses the standards, communications, and recommended resources related to the implementation of the North Carolina K-12 Math Standard Course of Study (NCSCOS).
The hub includes:
- K-12 science standards and support documents
- Previous PD presentations, recordings, and resources
- At Home Resource Guides for parent/guardians
- STEM Content Integration
Science educators are encouraged to browse, reference, download, share, discuss, and adapt resources.
Awards, Grants, and Other Opportunities
Shell Science Teaching Award
Do you know an outstanding K–12 science teacher, or are you one yourself? The Shell Science Teaching Awards recognize exceptional educators who inspire students, schools, and communities through exemplary classroom science teaching.
These awards aren’t just honors; they’re opportunities to amplify your impact, inspire your peers, and bring new possibilities to your students.
The countdown is on and the Shell Science Awards application deadline will be here before your know it! Applications and nominations are due December 18, 2026!
The Shell Science Teaching Award recognizes one outstanding K-12 teacher who positively impacts their students students and community through exemplary science teaching. The winner receives $10,000, NSTA membership, and admission to the NSTA National Conference in Spring 2027.
The Shell Urban Science Educators Development Award provides support to K–12 classroom science teachers in urban settings who are pursuing professional development and serves to increase the science educator talent pool in STEM to meet the education workforce challenges of the future.
Informational Web Seminar - Monday, October 5; 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
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Youth in Parks Environmental Education (YIP-EE) Grant
North Carolina’s state parks protect some of our state’s most outstanding examples of geology, ecology, and cultural history, offering powerful (and FREE!) learning experiences for students of all ages. Research consistently shows that time spent learning outside boosts health, happiness, and long-term stewardship of the natural world. The North Carolina Friends of State Parks, Inc. proudly supports public schools in using these parks as outdoor classrooms.
Our Youth in Parks – Environmental Education (YIP-EE) grants help public schools offset transportation costs for field trips to North Carolina State Parks. To apply, teachers simply contact the park they plan to visit to coordinate trip details directly with park staff then fill out a simply application. Contact information and educational program offerings for all state parks can be found at NCParks.gov.
This funding is made possible through the generosity of Friends of State Parks members and revenue from NC State Parks license plates.
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Office of Teaching and Learning: News & Updates
Draft 3 of Proposed 2026 K-12 Math Standards
The NCDPI K-12 Math Team would like to thank all the educators, administrators, parents, students, institutions of higher education, business/industry representatives, national organizations, charter schools, and school systems who have provided feedback over the past two years during the review and revision of the North Carolina K-12 Mathematics Standard Course of Study.
The Standards Writing Team completed a third draft of proposed standards, which was presented to the State Board of Education for discussion at the September meeting. Draft 3 is anticipated to return to the State Board of Education for action at the October meeting. Additional details on the files shared with the State Board related to Draft 3 can be found using the link below:
The K-12 Math team developed an FAQ to help answer some questions about the draft standards. Please use the link below to learn more.
If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Charles Aiken, Section Chief for Math, Science, and STEM at charles.aiken@dpi.nc.gov.
Thank you for being a vital part of the review and revision of the North Carolina K-12 Math standards.
Do you deserve to be among the next NC STEM Schools of Distinction?
Intent to Apply due by Friday, October 9th. Communicating your Intent takes only minutes to complete!
Many schools across our state deliver high-quality STEM engagement, maximizing community partnerships and driving opportunities for students that develop the skills necessary for future success. NC DPI and the NC State Board of Education want to recognize each and every school that exemplifies the qualities associated with STEM success.
The STEM School Progress Rubric serves as an incredible tool for self-assessment and school improvement and is the key to achievement for STEM schools in North Carolina.
Schools that self-assess at the Prepared or Model level of achievement, based on the Rubric, are encouraged to complete an Intent to Apply with NC DPI. This intent does not obligate the school, but instead allows the opportunity for receiving additional information and resources toward becoming recognized as one of North Carolina's finest in STEM education.
Interested schools should complete their Intent to Apply no later than COB Friday, October 9, 2026. Please contact Howard Ginsburg at howard.ginsburg@dpi.nc.gov should you have further questions.
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2026-2027 Multilingual Learner Teacher Network (MLTN)
Strengthen Your Co-teaching, Expand Your Impact
Applications are open for the 2026–27 Multilingual Learner Teacher Network (MLTN)!
The NCDPI ML/Title III Team invites current content teachers who are co-teaching with ML teachers to apply for this statewide community of practice. Individual educators are also welcome and may be matched with another participant.
Approximately 10 selected pairs will:
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Strengthen co-teaching practices using evidence-based guidance.
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Collaborate with educators from across North Carolina.
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Develop classroom-ready resources to share statewide.
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Grow as teacher leaders supporting multilingual learners.
Commitment: November 2026–June 2027, including three MLTN meetings, the Summer Conference, and approximately one hour per week for collaboration, reading, and resource development.
Selected participants will receive sponsorship for approved costs associated with required in-person convenings.
First meeting: One day during the week of November 16–20, 2026
Apply by Thursday, October 15, 2026
Questions: email ESLTitleIII@dpi.nc.gov
ML/Title III Webinar Series
The ML/Title III team is offering a PD Series Unpacking Language Demands in Content Standards to deepen understanding of language development and its role in content-area instruction for multilingual learners (MLs). Participants will explore connections between language and academic standards, analyze language demands in classroom tasks, and develop collaborative planning and instructional strategies. This series supports Principle #2: Strengthen Core Instruction, Priority 1 Key Action for the Classroom in the ML/Title III Strategic Framework.
The first webinar in the series will take place on September 2 from 3:30 to 5:00 pm, Understanding Second Language Acquisition. Build your foundational knowledge of second language acquisition and examine how multilingual learners develop language across listening, speaking, reading, and writing domains. The session will explore factors that influence language development and implications for classroom instruction. Participants will engage in learning that advances Principle 2: Strengthen Core Instruction Priority 1 - Key Action for the Classroom identified in the ML/Title III Framework.
Register for upcoming webinars:
Update on Ensuring ADA Accessibility
On April 20, the U.S. Department of Justice extended the compliance deadline for the ADA Title II web and mobile application accessibility rule. NCDPI's new deadline is April 26, 2027, giving approximately one additional year to meet the requirements.
The extension does not change the work to ensure we meet obligations under the ADA to make documents, websites, and materials accessible. In the short term, the Science Resource Hub will remain available, as will all of the documents currently posted. Over the next year, the team will continue working to address and remediate previously published documents, presentations, and videos.
To appropriately address ADA requirements, the format and structure of some documents may need to be altered. The K-12 Science team has already addressed the accessibility of the following resources:
- K-12 Standard Course of Study (English and Spanish)
- Support Documents for all grades/courses and the Formative Assessment examples
- 2023 K-12 Science Standards crosswalks to 2009 Standards
- NC K-12 Science Domains and Standards spreadsheet
- NC Science Formative Assessment Probe Alignment Guide
These resources have been posted on the K-12 Science Landing page, which can be accessed by clicking on the following link: K-12 Science Standards and Supports
If you need access to a document that is currently unavailable, please contact the corresponding person and content area below. We will provide the requested materials as quickly as possible.
Thank you for your understanding and support as we continue to enhance our website’s accessibility for all users.
Office of Teaching and Learning General Information, Global Education - kelly.schultz@dpi.nc.gov
Science, Math, and STEM - charles.aiken@dpi.nc.gov
Social Studies, Arts Education, Character Education, Gizella Abramson Holocaust Education Act - lori.carlin@dpi.nc.gov
English Language Arts, English Language Development, Literacy Instruction Standards, World Languages, Dual Language/Immersion - stacy.daniel@dpi.nc.gov
Healthy Schools - ellen.essick@dpi.nc.gov
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
Disclaimer Statement
The links on this page will bring you to third party websites, owned and operated by independent parties over which NCDPI has no control. Any link you make to or from these 3rd party websites will be at your own risk. Any use of these 3rd party websites and any information you provide will be subject to and governed by the terms of the 3rd party website, including those relating to confidentiality, data privacy, and security.
Unless otherwise expressly agreed in writing, NCDPI is not in any way associated with the owner or operator of any of the 3rd party websites or responsible or liable for the goods and services offered by them or for anything in connection with such 3rd party websites. NCDPI does not endorse and makes no warranties, representations or undertakings relating to the content of any 3rd party website.
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