Museum-Sponsored Workshops & Courses
Making Physics Real: Interactive Activities in Soft Matter, Climate, and Beyond
For Teachers Grades 6-12
Join us for a FREE, fun, hands-on professional development workshop designed to bring cutting-edge physics to life in your classroom! Explore the “squishy” world of soft condensed matter, dive into the physics of climate, and experiment with engaging activities that go beyond the textbook. Participants will receive free classroom materials and ready-to-use lessons to take home. Come discover new ways to make physics real, relevant, and exciting for your students! No prior experience with these topics is necessary. Open to STEM, physics, and physical science middle and high school educators.
March 15, 2026
What is Computational Thinking in Science?
For Teachers Grades 3-12
In this session, we will:
- Propose a definition of computational thinking specific to science.
- Explore and Practice using a framework for its operationalization in K–12 science education.
- Model and deconstruct specific exemplar lessons, grounded in Mind and Brain learning theory as well as Research into Computational Thinking in the Science Classroom
- Provide time to apply your new learning to your specific lessons and units
April 11, 2026
Field Course: Currents, Castles, and Canyons - An Immersive Natural History River Journey For The Heart and Mind
Field Course for K-12 educators, and adult friends and family members age 12 and older
Get a head start on a memorable summer. Spend three days and two nights rafting along the Colorado River Scenic Byway in eastern Utah. We will use the call of the canyon wren, the eddies of the river, and the clear dark skies of the Colorado Plateau to enchant us. Part professional development and part educator retreat, we will learn the lessons that the canyons and river can teach us about natural history and being present to, and in right relationship with, our students and colleagues.
June 18-June 20
Conservate and Educate: An Outdoor Learning Retreat
For ECE-5th Grade Teachers
This one-day experience will bring educators to an urban nature preserve to explore an abundance of plants and animals thriving in various habitats concentrated in the heart of Denver. With the NGSS as our guide, participants will delve into hands-on, science-based, and content-integrated activities that can easily be replicated both inside and outside of the classroom.
July 15, 2026