Who: Open to all grades 6-12 science teachers (e.g., life science, physical science, Earth & space science, biology, chemistry, physics, etc. in middle school or high school)

When: December 15, 2025, January 20, and February 3, 2026

Where: In-person at the Allegheny Intermediate Unit

Price: Free to Allegheny Intermediate Unit (AIU)districts; Non-AIU districts: $450 (School district will be invoiced.)

Administrators are strongly encouraged to attend with the teacher(s) from their district/building

Attendees will develop a shared understanding of phenomenon-based and problem-driven science teaching and learning that effectively incorporates all three dimensions of the science standards (disciplinary core ideas, science and engineering practices, & crosscutting concepts) and provides equitable, inclusive instruction.

Participants will engage, as learners and as teachers, with the pedagogical practices that foster reasoning and sense-making in the science classroom and support equity and access for all students. They will also gain access to tools and resources for the teaching and learning of science at their grade band as they become familiar with what instruction in science looks and feels like when implementing the science standards from PA STEELS.

Over the course of the three days, participants will explore the science standards from the PA Science, Technology & Engineering, Environmental Literacy & Sustainability (STEELS) standards within the middle school and high school grade bands.

Act 48 hours will be awarded pending approval by PDE for those who attend all sessions and complete all related assignments.

If you previously attended the Physical Science Institute or the Life Science Institute during SY 2022-23 or 2023-24, this institute will be repetitive for you. Instead, register for the Course 2; K-12 Science Institute offered in Fall, 2026

Questions? Contact Dr. Corinne Murawski, corinne.murawski@aiu3.net, 412-394-4629

Secondary Science Institute (Course 1/Introductory), Winter 2025-26