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
 

Virtual Town Hall: Supporting Early-Career NARST Researchers in Uncertain Times

Wednesday, October 15 2025
4-5 pm EDT

Registration Link: https://members.narst.org/event/VirtualTownHall-Oct2025

The NARST Ad Hoc Committee to Protect Science Education Research (PSERC) invites pre-tenure and early-career scholars to join a virtual town hall focused on community-building, sharing resources, and identifying strategies to support professional growth.

This interactive event will involve panelists, including journal editors, professional organizations, and NARST leadership. Through both large-group and breakout discussions, participants will have the opportunity to voice their concerns, share experiences, and help shape future NARST initiatives.

Hosted by: NARST PSER Committee

Welcome to NARST

Friday, October 17 2025
2:00-3:00 PM EDT

Registration Link: https://members.narst.org/event/WelcometoNARSTOct2025

Join us for "Welcome to NARST," an orientation designed to introduce incoming graduate students and newly joined members to the resources, communities, and opportunities available through NARST.

This session will clarify membership benefits, committee structures, and practical pathways for engagement within the NARST community. Committee leaders will outline opportunities including awards and scholarship, the Graduate Student Forum, the Graduate Student Research Symposium, and regular networking and communications initiatives.

Webinar hosts will propose conference sessions to attend, provide concreate guidance on how to get involved, how to submit and present research, and where to find mentoring and community support.

Hosted by: Graduate Student Committee

Using GenAI Simulations as Teacher Practice Spaces for Eliciting Student Thinking in Science

Tuesday, October 21 2025
5 pm – 7 pm ET

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

We invite you to learn more about how to support K-5 science teachers in learning about the practice of eliciting student ideas using a generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) digital teaching simulation.

In this virtual event, participants will learn about the key aspects of this teaching practice, engage in one GenAI teaching simulation firsthand, and understand how our research team developed the GenAI teaching simulation. They will examine written records of previous pilot participants engaging in the GenAI teaching simulation and identify productive teaching moves that participants used to elicit the GenAI student’s thinking about a science topic.

Participants will consider how to use and adapt these written records in their own professional contexts to support preservice or in-service teacher learning and will generate ideas for future research using these records.

As part of this virtual event, participants will receive free access to some of the transcripts from pilot study participants’ GenAI simulation sessions. Participants will be able to use those records in their own teaching and research following this virtual event.

Speakers:
Tricia Maxwell, ETS
Shreyashi Halder, ETS 
Kasish Behl, ETS 
Indira VMD, ETS 
Jamie N. Mikeska, ETS

Primary Organizer: Tricia Maxwell

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