Web Seminar Series

Web Seminar 1: Introduction to the NSTA Sensemaking Tool

Discover the purpose, design, and structure of the NSTA Sensemaking Tool and how it reflects current research on the instructional shifts needed to teach three-dimensional science. Participants will explore how the tool supports lesson development using a single-point rubric design. Participants will also consider how using research-based criteria to identify opportunities to strengthen student sensemaking supports professional learning.  

Web Seminar 2: Using the Tool to Review and Revise Lessons

Gain experience applying the NSTA Sensemaking Tool to real science lessons in your grade band. Learn how to provide criteria-based feedback and revise instructional materials to better support student engagement in science practices, crosscutting concepts, and core ideas to explain phenomena.

Web Seminar 3: Facilitating Criteria-Based Conversations with Colleagues

Learn how to lead collaborative, evidence-based discussions about instructional materials using the Sensemaking Tool. This session focuses on building consensus among reviewers—raising productive questions and navigating differences in interpretation using third-point references—to support team growth and shared understanding.

Web Seminar 4: Applying the Tool to Classroom Practice and Observation

Use lesson evaluation and feedback to inform instructional practice and reflection using the Sensemaking Tool. Learn how to use the tool to identify teacher and student successes, address challenges, and guide ongoing shifts in instruction toward sensemaking. Participants will leave with strategies to support peer collaboration and professional learning communities by using the tool to determine “look and listen fors” in classroom observations.

Who should attend:

This series supports both individuals and teams who are committed to improving science education through collaborative, evidence-based practices.

• K–12 Science Educators looking to strengthen their instruction and align lessons with the vision of the NGSS and other three-dimensional standards.
• Instructional Coaches and Curriculum Leaders who support teachers in designing, reviewing, or improving science instruction and want a straightforward, research-based tool to guide that work.
• Professional Learning Facilitators and Administrators seeking strategies to foster productive, criteria-based conversations about science teaching and learning.
• Science Department Chairs and PLC Leaders aiming to build a shared understanding of quality science instruction and support collaborative lesson analysis.
• Pre-service and New Teachers who want a solid foundation in identifying and implementing effective, sensemaking-focused science instruction.

Program dates and times:

The four live web seminars are scheduled on Tuesdays, from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM Eastern time. Specific program dates are below:  

• March 3, 10, 17, and 24, 2026.

During the topic study participants have access to:

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

Program certificates:

Participants will receive a certificate from NSTA after each live web seminar for attending the live program AND completing the post-program survey. No certificates will be awarded for watching the recorded version of the program.

Groups of teachers:

Science Leaders Can Sponsor Groups of Educators!  Are you a state, district, or school leader working to enhance your teachers' professional learning?  Please consider sponsoring a cohort of teachers to participate in the Enhancing Instruction with the NSTA Sensemaking Tool Topic Study!  

Cost to groups:

• $1,500 flat fee per cohort of 25 participants, regardless of their NSTA membership status. Additional participants (beyond 25) will be charged $60 per person.

If you are interested in sponsoring a group of at least 25 individuals, please contact Flavio Mendez via email ([email protected]) for a quote.

Send your questions about the program to ([email protected]).

Final note: The rates below are for individual registration only and include all four web seminars in the series.