Utah Science Teaching Association upcoming events

Reading, Writing & Thinking Like Scientists: K–5 Classrooms in Action - 9/12/2026 (12 Sep 2026)

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 14:00:00 GMT

This Professional Learning Day is for all K-5 teachers. Funding provided by the Meta Data Center Community Action Grant, Lakeshore Learning and UVU Science College.

Reading, Writing & Thinking Like Scientists: K–5 Classrooms in Action. Help young learners do more than read about science. In this one-day conference, explore how students can engage deeply with science through literacy, inquiry, and innovation. This conference focuses on practical ways to use reading, writing, and discussion as tools for sensemaking and integrating emerging tools like AI to support student thinking and discovery. Walk away with ready-to-use strategies and lessons that build strong readers while developing curious, capable young scientists. Join us as we collaborate, connect, and empower K–5 students to read, write, and think like scientists every day.
Join us at John Hancock CS (2890 Scarlet Rd, Eagle Mountain, UT 84005) for a one day professional learning that will transform your classroom. Two Sessions for specific grade level (K-5) in two hour sessions where presenters will take the participants through the learning sequence so they can experience the full sequence of using science as the lens for literacy and building the scientist in each of your students.
You have the option of receiving .5 SUU Graduate Credit for only $11.50 OR 1 SUU Credit for $23.00 OR 7 relicensure points. Click links above for the SUU credits
Donations of prizes provided by Lakeshore Learning
Each attendee received the book Rise & Thrive with Science - National Academies - Kober, Nancy

#Keynote by Melissa Mendenhall

#Lunch included

#Prizes & Swag & Materials

#Limit of 100 registrants.

#supersaturdayscience

#nosubplansneeded

2026 Fall: Astronomy for Teachers - Online Endorsement Course (24 Sep 2026)

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Course Description

Explore our place in the universe and the evidence astronomers use to understand the cosmos. Topics include the solar system, stars, galaxies, cosmology, and current discoveries in astronomy, culminating in the question: Are we alone in the universe?

This college-level course meets Utah Science Endorsement requirements for:

Earth Science 1
Physics 2
Grades 6–8 Core Science

The course integrates astronomy content with the Utah SEEd Standards and NGSS, emphasizing Science and Engineering Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Disciplinary Core Ideas. Participants will deepen their content knowledge while developing effective instructional strategies through lesson plan development.

Time Commitment: Approximately 6–8 hours per week.

Note: This course does not satisfy Utah's separate Three-Dimensional Science and Engineering Pedagogical Knowledge course requirement.

Course Format

12-week online course
Fixed schedule (not self-paced)
Weekly modules must be completed on time
Earn 3 semester credits through Southern Utah University (SUU) upon successful completion

Registration, Costs & Reimbursement Important Notice

The Utah State Endorsement Incentive Program is currently scheduled to end after Spring 2029. Beginning then, UtSTA endorsement courses will cost $1,500, with no reimbursement provided by the State or UtSTA.

Course Cost

Contracted Utah public school educators who are current UtSTA members: $50 registration fee (refundable upon successful completion).
All other participants: $700 non-refundable course fee.

Participants seeking university credit must also register with Southern Utah University (SUU). The $69 SUU credit fee is reimbursed for eligible participants who successfully complete the course with a C (74%) or higher. Registration instructions will be emailed after enrollment.

Reimbursement

Contracted Utah public school educators who earn a C (74%) or higher will receive reimbursement for:

The $50 UtSTA registration fee
The $69 SUU credit fee

Participants who are not contracted Utah public school educators are not eligible for reimbursement.

Membership Requirement

Current membership in the Utah Science Teachers Association (UtSTA) is required to enroll.

Grading

A minimum grade of C (74%) is required to successfully complete the course and qualify for reimbursement (if eligible).

Cancellation & Withdrawal

If you cancel or withdraw 14 days or more after the course begins:

You are responsible for the remaining course balance of $650.
Registration and university credit fees are non-refundable.
A Withdrawal (W) will appear on your SUU transcript.

2026 Fall: Biology for Teachers - Online Endorsement Course (24 Sep 2026)

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Course Description

Develop a deeper understanding of the fundamental concepts of biology while exploring the living world from the cellular level to entire ecosystems. Topics include ecology, cell structure and function, genetics, evolution, and other core principles of modern biology.

This college-level course meets the Utah State Science Endorsement requirements for:

Secondary Science Core

The course integrates biology content with the Utah SEEd Standards and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), emphasizing Science and Engineering Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Disciplinary Core Ideas. Participants will strengthen both their biology content knowledge and instructional practices through lesson plan development.

Time Commitment: Approximately 6–8 hours per week.

Note: This course does not satisfy Utah's separate Three-Dimensional Science and Engineering Pedagogical Knowledge requirement.

Course Format

12-week online course
Fixed schedule (not self-paced)
Weekly modules must be completed on time
Earn 3 semester credits through Southern Utah University (SUU) upon successful completion

Registration, Costs & Reimbursement

Important Notice

Course Cost

Contracted Utah public school educators who are current UtSTA members: $50 registration fee (refundable upon successful completion).
All other participants: $700 non-refundable course fee.

Reimbursement

Contracted Utah public school educators who earn a C (74%) or higher will receive reimbursement for:

The $50 UtSTA registration fee
The $69 SUU credit fee

Participants who are not contracted Utah public school educators are not eligible for reimbursement.

Membership Requirement

Current membership in the Utah Science Teachers Association (UtSTA) is required to enroll.

Grading

A minimum grade of C (74%) is required to successfully complete the course and qualify for reimbursement (if eligible).

Cancellation & Withdrawal

If you cancel or withdraw 14 days or more after the course begins:

You are responsible for the remaining course balance of $650.
Registration and university credit fees are non-refundable.
A Withdrawal (W) will appear on your SUU transcript.

Please refer to the Refund Policy for complete details.

2026 Fall: Earth Systems for Teachers - Online Endorsement Course (24 Sep 2026)

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Course Description

Explore Earth as an interconnected system by examining the dynamic interactions among the atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, and biosphere. Topics include geology, weather, climate, oceanography, Earth's history, and the physical processes that shape our planet. Participants will apply scientific and mathematical concepts to better understand Earth systems and contemporary issues such as climate change.

This college-level course meets the Utah State Science Endorsement requirements for:

Grades 6–8 Core Science

The course integrates Earth systems content with the Utah SEEd Standards and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), emphasizing Science and Engineering Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Disciplinary Core Ideas. Participants will strengthen both their Earth science content knowledge and instructional practices through lesson plan development.

Time Commitment: Approximately 6–8 hours per week.

Note: This course does not satisfy Utah's separate Three-Dimensional Science and Engineering Pedagogical Knowledge requirement.

Course Format

12-week online course
Fixed schedule (not self-paced)
Weekly modules must be completed on time
Earn 3 semester credits through Southern Utah University (SUU) upon successful completion

Registration, Costs & Reimbursement

Important Notice

Course Cost

Contracted Utah public school educators who are current UtSTA members: $50 registration fee (refundable upon successful completion).
All other participants: $900 non-refundable course fee.

Reimbursement

Contracted Utah public school educators who earn a C (74%) or higher will receive reimbursement for:

The $50 UtSTA registration fee
The $69 SUU credit fee

Participants who are not contracted Utah public school educators are not eligible for reimbursement.

Membership Requirement

Current membership in the Utah Science Teachers Association (UtSTA) is required to enroll.

Grading

A minimum grade of C (74%) is required to successfully complete the course and qualify for reimbursement (if eligible).

Cancellation & Withdrawal

If you cancel or withdraw 14 days or more after the course begins:

You are responsible for the remaining course balance.
Registration and university credit fees are non-refundable.
A Withdrawal (W) will appear on your SUU transcript.

Please refer to the Refund Policy for complete details.

2026 FALL: Lab Safety Certification Online Course (24 Sep 2026)

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Course Description

This course fulfills the laboratory safety certification requirement for all Utah secondary science endorsements. Participants will explore laboratory safety practices, risk management, chemical handling and storage, emergency procedures, and strategies for creating safe and effective learning environments.

This college-level course prepares science teachers to implement current safety standards and best practices in secondary science classrooms and laboratories.

Time Commitment: Approximately 3–5 hours per week.

Course Format

4-week online course
Fixed schedule (not self-paced)
Weekly modules must be completed on time
Earn 0.5 semester credits through Southern Utah University (SUU) upon successful completion

Registration, Costs & Reimbursement

Course Cost

Contracted Utah public school educators who are current UtSTA members: $50 registration fee (refundable upon successful completion).
All other participants: $150 non-refundable course fee.

All participants seeking university credit must also register for 0.5 semester credits through Southern Utah University (SUU). The $11.50 SUU credit fee is reimbursed for eligible participants who successfully complete the course with a C (74%) or higher. Registration instructions will be emailed after enrollment.

Reimbursement

Contracted Utah public school educators who earn a C (74%) or higher will receive reimbursement for:

The $50 UtSTA registration fee
The $11.50 SUU credit fee

Participants who are not contracted Utah public school educators are not eligible for reimbursement.

Membership Requirement

Current membership in the Utah Science Teachers Association (UtSTA) is required to enroll.

Grading

A minimum grade of C (74%) is required to successfully complete the course and qualify for reimbursement (if eligible).

Cancellation & Withdrawal

If you cancel or withdraw 14 days or more after the course begins:

You are responsible for the remaining course balance.
Registration and university credit fees are non-refundable.
A Withdrawal (W) will appear on your SUU transcript.

Please refer to the Refund Policy for complete details.

2026 Fall: Physics 1 for Teachers - Online Endorsement Course (24 Sep 2026)

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 06:00:00 GMT

UtSTA 2026 Annual Conference "Sustain the Spark" (23 Oct 2026)

Fri, 23 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Early Bird Rates (until Oct 1, 2026)

Member $130
Non Member $190
Student/Student Teacher/1st year Teacher= $80

Rates Starting Oct 2-Oct 22nd

Member $150
Non Member $210
Student/Student Teacher/1st year Teacher=$90

Rates Day of Conference (Oct 23rd)

Member $200
Non Member 240
Student/Student Teacher/1st year Teacher=$100

Registration codes will be sent to accepted presenters

Vendor for profit: $800

Vendor for nonprofit: $325 (501C3)

Log into your account for member options or

BECOME A MEMBER TODAY

Watch for information about the awards dinner the evening of October 23rd

Keynote speaker Dr. Scott Tinker! In addition to the keynote, there will be 13 different themed strands throughout the day and 4 different breakout session for each to help you with your teaching curriculum with ideas, demos, lessons, etc. We hope you can join us for a great day that will help you and your students better appreciate science and science education.

Teacher Awards will be given before the Keynote.

Refund: full refund until September 23, 2026 for Teachers. Vendors please see specific info on registration.

Dinner at WSU for 2026 UtSTA Award Winners - Richard Tolman Scholarship 2026 (23 Oct 2026)

Fri, 23 Oct 2026 23:30:00 GMT

- WSU is sponsoring a dinner for all 2026 UtSTA Science Award Winners. Limited to 20 attendees.
  - Space is limited to the 2026 UtSTA Award Winners
  - - Please register by October 1st!
    - If you have additional family members that would like to attend please register them at this link . There will be a $5.00 per ticket donation request. All funds go toward the Richard Tolman Scholarship for preservice science teachers.
  - Dinner will be in the Weber State University Campus, Tracy Hall is 1369 Edvalson St, Ogden UT 84408 Click Here for a map of the Building
  - Agenda
  - - 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
    - - Menu:
        
        Lemon and Thyme Seared Chicken Breast: Grilled chicken breast marinated with lemon, olive oil and garlic served with a cream sauce.
        
        Garden Salad: Romaine and spring mix topped with grape tomatoes, cucumbers and carrots, Ranch Dressing or Balsamic Vinaigrette
        
        Simply Roasted Red Bliss Potatoes: Red bliss potatoes, extra virgin olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper
        
        Charred Tri Color Baby Carrots: Tri color carrots charred and tossed with a carrot top vinaigrette
        
        Sliced Fresh Fruit: Platter of fresh sliced cantaloupe, honeydew melon, pineapple and blueberries
        
        Devil`s Food Cake
        
        Lemonade and Iced Water
      - Keynote
- End by 7:00 pm
Parking details and maps will be sent to registered guests. Parking instructions are HERE

Dinner at WSU - Friends and Family of 2026 UtSTA Award Winners (23 Oct 2026)

Fri, 23 Oct 2026 23:30:00 GMT

- WSU is sponsoring a dinner for all science educators and their families. This ticket is for friends and family of the award winners. Limited to 70 attendees. If you are the award winner go to this link to receive your free ticket.
  - Space is limited to the 70 guests
  - - Please register by October 1st 2026
    - $5.00 per person ALL Proceeds go toward next years Richard Tolman Scholarship
  - Dinner will be in the Weber State University Campus, Tracy Atrium Hall is 1369 Edvalson St, Ogden UT 84408 click HERE for a map of the Building
  - Agenda
  - - 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
    - - Menu
      - Lemon and Thyme Seared Chicken Breast: Grilled chicken breast marinated with lemon, olive oil and garlic served with a cream sauce.
        
        Garden Salad: Romaine and spring mix topped with grape tomatoes, cucumbers and carrots, Ranch Dressing or Balsamic Vinaigrette
        
        Simply Roasted Red Bliss Potatoes: Red bliss potatoes, extra virgin olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper
        
        Charred Tri Color Baby Carrots: Tri color carrots charred and tossed with a carrot top vinaigrette
        
        Sliced Fresh Fruit: Platter of fresh sliced cantaloupe, honeydew melon, pineapple and blueberries
        
        Devil`s Food Cake. Lemonade and Iced Water
    - Keynote
  - End by 7:00 pm
- Parking details and maps will be sent to registered guests. Parking instructions are HERE
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO DONATE MORE PLEASE GO TO THE DONATIONS SECTION AT THE BOTTOM OF UTSTA.ORG AND MAKE A DONATION. IN THE COMMENTS SECTION ADD TOLMAN SCHOLARSHIP.