Virtual Workshop

This is Option 1. OpenSciEd Middle School Unit 8.5 Unit Launch Workshop Series

NSTA is providing an OpenSciEd Unit Launch Workshop series for educators who plan to implement the Middle School Unit 8.5 Genetics in their classrooms. Five live sessions are scheduled on November 17, 20, 24, and December 1, and 4, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM Eastern time.

This dynamic professional learning experience will immerse you in OpenSciEd’s Unit 8.5 through a compelling phenomenon to answer the question: Why are living things different from one another?

In this virtual workshop series, you’ll experience key lessons just as your students would through hands-on investigations, data analysis, and modeling that reveal how both genetics and environment interact to influence traits. You’ll uncover the story behind genetic mutations, inheritance patterns, and the role of selective breeding.

Whether you’re new to OpenSciEd or looking to deepen your implementation, this session will equip you with tools and insights to guide students in making sense of genetics through authentic, phenomenon-driven learning.

This virtual workshop series will prepare you to implement this OpenSciEd unit successfully by:

• Providing practical strategies to support student thinking, sensemaking, and engagement
• Letting you experience lessons through a student lens to better understand the learning process
• Showcasing real classroom examples through student work, videos, and discussions
• Sharing insights, tools, and best practices from experienced OpenSciEd educators

Let’s make science meaningful and connected to the world around us—join us!

Program dates and times:

The five live sessions are scheduled on Mondays and Thursdays from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM Eastern time. Specific program dates are below: 

• November 17, 20, 24, and December 1, and 4, 2025

During the program participants have access to:

• Digital resources and all NSTA online community tools (My Library, My Profile, Community Forums)
• All archive versions of the live sessions to watch on-demand.

Participants will receive a certificate from NSTA for attending the live sessions.

Note about Option 2 of the OpenSciEd Middle School Unit 8.5 Unit Launch AND Facilitator Workshop Series:

You may instead register to attend Option 2 of this workshop, the Unit Launch AND Facilitator Workshop Series, which includes the five live sessions from Option 1, plus two additional sessions on Saturdays November 22 and December 13, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM Eastern time.  

The Unit Launch and Facilitator Workshop Series will extend your virtual professional learning experience, empowering you to confidently lead and support genetics-focused learning in your school and beyond.