Scheduled and Recent Events

Creating Inclusive Learning Experiences Through Authentic Assessment

Asynchronous Webinar
Length: 2 hours
View Event Video (members only)

This asynchronous session introduces authentic assessment (AA) as a framework for creating inclusive, real-world learning experiences in STEM classrooms. Drawing on educational research and disciplinary examples, participants will explore what makes an assessment “authentic,” how to scaffold inclusive assessment design, and how to respond to common concerns, such as rigor, knowledge retention, and additional grading responsibilities. Attendees will engage with the video, templates, and real authentic examples from across science disciplines.

Speakers:
Aradaryn Marsh, Ph.D. Candidate in Engineering and Science Education
Clemson University

Deena Warid, Undergraduate Student in Biochemistry and Genetics
Clemson University
 

Graduate Student Career Steps Webinar Series #4 

Friday, October 31 2025
2 pm – 3 pm ET

Registration Link: https://members.narst.org/event/Career-Steps-Series4

Navigating the transition from graduate studies to a fulfilling career can feel overwhelming. With countless possibilities - academia, industry, government, non-profits, and beyond - graduate students often find themselves uncertain about which path to pursue or how to begin.

The Graduate Student Committee recognizes this challenge and is proud to introduce the Career Steps Webinar Series, an engaging, monthly webinar series designed to illuminate multiple career trajectories, offer practical guidance, and foster meaningful connections within the NARST community.

This webinar series features accomplished PhDs and seasoned NARST members who have traversed the journey you are beginning. By sharing their personal stories - complete with challenges, pivotal moments, and unexpected opportunities - our speakers bring to life the myriad routes to career success.

More than mere inspiration, these sessions provide concrete strategies, resources, and networks you can leverage as you craft your own path. After all, one meaningful connection can be the spark that redefines your career trajectory.

Hosted by: Graduate Student Committee

Speaker: Dr. Uma Ganesan, Assistant Professor of STEM Education, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Primary Organizer: Collins Moga, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

Teacher Perspectives on Generative AI

Wednesday, November 12
4 pm - 5 pm ET

Registration Link: https://members.narst.org/event/TeacherPerspectives

Generative AI has led to a tumult in K12 education, as both students and their teachers experiment with the capabilities of these new AI tools.

Our team conducted over 100 interviews with students, teachers, and administrators from across the US focused on the impact of generative AI on schools. As part of this project, we created A Guide to AI in Schools: Perspectives for the Perplexed, a guidebook designed to share the experiences and perceptions of our interviewees, capturing sentiments ranging from AI skepticism to enthusiasm, exploring the landscape of AI use in schools alongside deep concerns about that use.

In this webinar, we will share our interview findings about the impact of generative AI on schools, including concerns about the impact of AI on learning, academic integrity in the age of AI, and what responsible AI use looks like in educational contexts.

Hosted by: 

• MIT Teaching Systems Lab
• Institute for Advancing Computing Education
• Diamond Shoals Productions

Primary Organizer: Dr. Julie M. Smith

Future of mechanistic reasoning in times of AI

Wednesday, November 26 

8 am – 11 am ET / 2 pm – 5 pm CET

Registration Link: https://members.narst.org/event/FutureofMechReasoninginTimesofAI

In this workshop, we will explore the future of mechanistic reasoning (MR) across different scientific disciplines, with particular attention to the role of AI. We will examine current research on MR, share our own ongoing work, and discuss how AI—both as a research tool and as a resource for students—shapes and influences the field. The workshop will also provide space to identify emerging challenges and opportunities, as well as to consider directions for future research on MR in the age of AI.

Program (in CET/ET):
2.00-2.05/ 8.00-8.05: Opening remarks 
2.05-2.35/ 8.05-8.35: Rayendra Bachtiar, The use of AI to support the research on mechanistic reasoning 
2.35-3.05/ 8.35-9.05 Michal Haskel-Ittah and Moriah Ariely, AI-generated mechanistic content and the search for explanatory black boxes: how AI can support students’ identification  
3.05-3.35/ 9.05-9.35 Nicole Graulich and Paul P. Martin, How mechanistic reasoning can contribute to a vision of science literacy in the twenty-first century 
3.35-3.40/ 9.35-9.40 Break 
3.40-4.10/ 9.40-10.10 Jennifer Doherty and Keenan Noyes, How do doctors-in-training use AI and mechanistic reasoning for clinical diagnosis 
4.10-4.40/ 10.10-10.40 Iris Tabak and Gur Arie Livni Alcasid, How Might Generative AI Shape the Public’s Engagement with Mechanistic Reasoning? 
4.40-5.00/ 10.40-11.00 Group discussion and concluding remarks 

Organizers: 
Michal Haskel-Ittahm, The Weizmann Institute of Science
Nicole Graulich, Justus Liebig University Gießen

Graduate Student Career Steps Webinar Series #5

Friday, November 28 
2 pm – 3 pm ET

Registration Link: https://members.narst.org/event/Career-Steps-Series5 

Navigating the transition from graduate studies to a fulfilling career can feel overwhelming. With countless possibilities - academia, industry, government, non-profits, and beyond - graduate students often find themselves uncertain about which path to pursue or how to begin.

The Graduate Student Committee recognizes this challenge and is proud to introduce the Career Steps Webinar Series, an engaging, monthly webinar series designed to illuminate multiple career trajectories, offer practical guidance, and foster meaningful connections within the NARST community.

This webinar series features accomplished PhDs and seasoned NARST members who have traversed the journey you are beginning. By sharing their personal stories - complete with challenges, pivotal moments, and unexpected opportunities - our speakers bring to life the myriad routes to career success.

More than mere inspiration, these sessions provide concrete strategies, resources, and networks you can leverage as you craft your own path. After all, one meaningful connection can be the spark that redefines your career trajectory.

Hosted by: Graduate Student Committee

Primary Organizer: Collins Moga, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

Speaker: Dr. Mary M Atwater, Professor Emerita, University of Georgia; NARST Past President

How Do Intercultural Dimensions Shape International Research and Education Projects?

Tuesday, December 2 
10 – 11 am ET / 4 – 5 PM Germany

Registration Link: https://members.narst.org/event/InterculturalDimensionsShapeResearchandEd

Join us for an exploration of how intercultural dimensions drive success in international research and education.

Discover how: 

• Differences in norms, values, and styles can hinder or spark collaboration
• Cultural competence builds trust, innovation, and equitable knowledge exchange
• Intercultural dynamics intersect with research practices

Hear from two international teams and join an open discussion on the intercultural dimensions of projects.

Hosted by: International Committee

Primary Organizers: Tim Hartelt and Sahar Alameh

Speakers: 

• Dr. Hui Yang, SRI International
• Barbara Scharfbillig, University of Trier
• Elizabeth Shekupe Kashango, Otjivero Combined School
• Dr. Tim Hartelt, University of Kassel

Data for Policy Research: Accessing and Leveraging NWEA’s MAP Growth Science

Thursday, December 4
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm ET

Registration Link: https://members.narst.org/event/NWEAs-MAP-Growth-Science

Since 2016, NWEA has offered science assessments aligned to the Framework for K–12 Science Education. Administered nationwide to partner schools and districts, MAP Growth Science and End-of-Course Biology assessments now provide longitudinal data for many long-term partner schools.

Join us for this webinar on accessing and using NWEA science data for research.

Learn about MAP Growth Science and End-of-Course Biology exams, the types of data they provide, how to access the data for research, and the kinds of questions the data can help answer.

Speakers:

• Susan M. Kowalski, NWEA
• Susan Berg, NWEA
• Scott Peters, NWEA

Primary Organizer: Susan M. Kowalski, NWEA.org

Raíces y Agua: High School Science Teachers Address Water Quality in the Rio Grande Valley Through Culturally Sustaining Environmental STEM Lessons

Friday, December 12 
7 pm – 8:30 pm ET

Registration Link: https://members.narst.org/event/RaicesyAgua-WaterQualityintheRioGrandeValley

Join LARIG for an interactive webinar featuring a dynamic panel of high school teachers from the Rio Grande Valley who will share their experiences implementing culturally sustaining environmental STEM curricula in response to longstanding water quality issues affecting their communities.

This session showcases innovative approaches to environmental STEM education that honor and sustain Hispanic students' cultural and linguistic assets while addressing critical local environmental challenges.

Participants will: 

• Explore practical strategies for developing culturally sustaining environmental STEM curricula
• Learn about successful teacher-student partnerships in addressing local environmental challenges
• Discover how connecting students' raíces (roots) with scientific inquiry about their agua (water) creates powerful pathways for STEM engagement and environmental stewardship

Hosted by: Latino/a RIG (LARIG)

Primary Organizer and facilitator: Uma Ganesan, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Panelists:

• Evelyn Alejandro, Veterans Memorial Early College High School, Brownsville Independent School District, Brownsville, TX
• Beatriz Escobedo, Veterans Memorial Early College High School, Brownsville Independent School District, Brownsville, TX
• Susan De Pau, San Benito High School, San Benito Consolidated Independent School District, San Benito, TX
• Selene Becerra, San Benito High School, San Benito Consolidated Independent School District, San Benito, TX

Graduate Student Career Steps Webinar Series #6

Friday, December 26 
2 pm – 3 pm ET / 1 pm – 2 pm CT

Registration Link: https://members.narst.org/event/Career-Steps-Series6

Navigating the transition from graduate studies to a fulfilling career can feel overwhelming. With countless possibilities - academia, industry, government, non-profits, and beyond - graduate students often find themselves uncertain about which path to pursue or how to begin.

The Graduate Student Committee recognizes this challenge and is proud to introduce the Career Steps Webinar Series, an engaging, monthly webinar series designed to illuminate multiple career trajectories, offer practical guidance, and foster meaningful connections within the NARST community.

This webinar series features accomplished PhDs and seasoned NARST members who have traversed the journey you are beginning. By sharing their personal stories - complete with challenges, pivotal moments, and unexpected opportunities - our speakers bring to life the myriad routes to career success.

More than mere inspiration, these sessions provide concrete strategies, resources, and networks you can leverage as you craft your own path. After all, one meaningful connection can be the spark that redefines your career trajectory.

Hosted by: Graduate Student Committee

Primary Organizer: Collins Moga, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth