Nebraska Association of Teachers of Science

10/15/2026

NATS Fall Conference attendees—we want to hear from you! Help us make next year’s conference in Hastings even better by sharing your feedback. Take a few minutes to complete our survey!

https://forms.gle/

Thank you for attending the NATS Fall Conference at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium! Please provide us feedback for the conference as well as for our 2027 conference.

10/15/2026

What are you thankful for? We are thankful for EOSCoR and their support for Nebraska Science educator!

10/11/2026

🔬✨ Know a student who loves science, discovery, and hands-on learning?!

Young Nebraska Scientist summer camps are a fantastic opportunity for students to explore STEM, make new friends, ask big questions, and have some FUN along the way! 🧪🧬🚀

👉 Know a student who might love it? SHARE this information with them! You could help connect a young scientist with an unforgettable summer experience! 💡

10/09/2026

NATS Fall Conference attendees: it’s time to shift out of session mode and into social mode! 🧬✨

After a packed day of learning, join us this evening for our exclusive attendee social at the Kiewit Luminarium. It's the perfect chance to unwind, explore the interactive exhibits, and catch up with your fellow science educators before tomorrow's events.

📍 Where: Kiewit Luminarium
⏰ When: Tonight

See you there!

10/09/2026

The sign says CLOSED… but we have the inside scoop!

The Kiewit Luminarium is closed to the public because they’re hosting a PRIVATE EVENT… and that event is US! 🥳

NATS friends, your Friday night plans are SET! Join us tonight from 6–8 PM at the Kiewit Luminarium for our conference social. Come explore, connect, and have some fun with your fellow science educators!

You’re not just invited… you’re the reason they’re closed!

Sponsored by Lab-Aids

10/09/2026

🏆 Let's hear it for our next NATS Catalyst Award winner: Dr. Mindi Searls!

Dr. Searls, a Research Professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Dept. of Earth & Atmospheric Sciences and Center for Science, Math, and Computer Education), has dedicated decades to providing impactful, high-quality professional development for science educators across the state.

Her visionary leadership shines through her work directing the NSF-supported GeoNet program, which builds a collaborative network of teachers to weave real-world geoscience phenomena into Chemistry, Physics, Biology, and Geoscience courses. From leading an immersive 16-day inquiry-based summer field course across Wyoming, South Dakota, and Nebraska, to supporting the Noyce Program and coordinating UNL’s Discipline-Based Science Education Seminar series, Dr. Searls is deeply invested in empowering teachers and advancing best practices in science instruction.

As her nominator, Dr. David Harwood, beautifully stated: Mindi’s "spark" into this growing community network will have a lasting impact on science education in Nebraska.

Congratulations, Dr. Searls, and thank you for your generous and comprehensive contributions to our community! 👏🌍⛰️

10/09/2026

🏆 Join us in celebrating the winner of the NATS Catalyst Award: Christine (Chris) Gustafson!

As a chemistry teacher at Millard South High School, Chris is a true catalyst for meaningful change in Nebraska’s science education community. She is renowned for her inclusive, inquiry-based instruction, creating authentic learning experiences that connect chemistry to real-world issues like local water quality and climate change.

Beyond her classroom, Chris’s leadership is unmatched. As a Past President of NATS, she guided our organization through the pandemic to ensure teachers still received high-quality professional development. She continues to elevate science literacy through her work with the Nebraska Academy of Sciences Teach-In series, connecting scientists directly with the public.

A passionate advocate for equity, Chris has successfully challenged systemic barriers to advanced science coursework, ensuring all students have opportunities to succeed—all while pursuing her doctorate through the UNL Noyce Master Teaching Fellows program to further enhance inclusion in Nebraska science education!

Thank you, Chris, for your courage, innovation, and unwavering dedication to Nebraska students and educators. Congratulations! 👏🧪✨

10/09/2026

It was such an honor to have Dr. Donna Governor, the 2026-2027 NSTA President, join us at the NATS Fall Conference!

Her message to us was an inspiring and powerful call to action: "We are the leaders of science education. We need to step up and volunteer."

Whether it is serving on the Board of Directors, stepping into a Division or District role on the Leadership Council, or lending your expertise to one of the many NSTA Committees (such as Rural, Professional Learning, or Best STEM Books), there is a place for your voice. Let's represent Nebraska science educators on the national stage!

Ready to answer the call? Explore the opportunities she shared here: https://www.nsta.org/get-involved
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEwh-6NKSCI