Modeling Instruction provides professional development in secondary science through a research-based, reform-oriented pedagogy. Modeling helps correct the many weaknesses of the lecture-demonstration method found in many classrooms, including the fragmentation of knowledge, student passivity, and the persistence of naive beliefs about the physical world. Scientists learn by doing; they construct and deploy models of the real world and test their ability to predict new phenomena. The student-centered Modeling classroom focuses on turning students into scientists to replicate this process. This course will introduce teachers to the Modeling pedagogy and the conceptual models and units in Modeling Biology. To learn more about Modeling Instruction, please visit the American Modeling Teachers Association.

Modeling Biology

Attendance is required at all three days of the professional development. Two workshop locations are available at The Science House offices in Raleigh, NC, and Morehead City, NC.

Dates:

July 14-16, 2026 - Raleigh, NC

Time: The anticipated workshop hours are 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM each day.

Eligible Participants: This course is intended for High School Biology teachers. Grant partner districts have selection priority. Please visit the project website linked below for a list of partner districts. Selected participants will be notified after the initial application period has closed.

Costs: These workshops are free, but do NOT provide a stipend.

Travel: Participants are responsible for their travel expenses.

Hours and Credits: The workshops will include 18 hours of instruction for 1.8 CEU credits.

Additional information about this professional development opportunity may be found at https://sciencehouse.ncsu.edu/modeling-simirs/

The application links for the courses are below. Please make sure you use the link for the week and location you wish to attend. Applications are collected using NC State University’s REPORTER system. The system is free to use but requires registration. Space is limited, and selected participants will be notified by May 22, 2026.