Teacher Resources for Alabama Science Education
Like you, McWane Science Center strives to make science exciting and inspire exploration in each of the young minds that enter our doors. That’s why we do everything we can to partner with our state’s educators and share ideas. Explore our resources below for professional development workshops, curriculum planning, and more!
Teacher's Night Out
September 9, 2025
Teacher’s Night Out is our way of saying thank you for being loyal friends of McWane Science Center and helping you discover all the educational resources available when you partner with your science center. You and an adult guest (18+) are invited to join us for a special evening at the museum, Tuesday, September 9, 4:30 PM -7:30 PM. Explore the Adventure Halls, enjoy refreshments, see Jane Goodall: Reasons for Hope in the IMAX® Dome Theater, and enter to win great door prizes, including a one-year family membership to McWane! $5 per person.
Celebrate Science
Celebrate Science is a year-long exhibit design competition for 3rd-5th grade students focusing on developing skills in engineering design, teamwork, and creativity. Students will work together to identify a STEM concept they find interesting and, based on that concept, design and build a prototype of an exhibit that would fit in at the McWane Science Center!
This experience includes:
- 2 free field trips* (one in the fall and an award ceremony in the spring). *Transportation not included.
- 1 free outreach to your school
Participating groups will receive funding to aid in building the final prototype, and the winning groups will be awarded cash prizes to be used in the classroom. Applicants may enter a classroom or mixed class (such as a club or team) for the competition with a maximum group size of 30 students. 20 groups will be accepted, and only one group per school will be accepted.
Applications due Sept. 19th, 2025
For questions or more information e-mail [email protected].
Educator Advisory Committee
Applications for the 2025-2026 season are now open! If you’re interested in joining the Educator Advisory Committee for the 2025-2026 school year, please contact Peggy Chowning, [email protected]. The deadline to register is September 26, 2025.
Join our committee to foster collaboration and learning among teachers and advocate for our mission to spark wonder and curiosity about our world through hands-on science experiences. Members are involved in evaluating, piloting, and developing programs produced by McWane’s Education Department. Educators must be willing to serve on the Advisory Committee and meet three times per year, for a two-year term. Teachers will receive one free McWane on the Move classroom program and a one-year family membership to McWane Science Center.
The Educator Advisory Committee is open to all classroom teachers, PreK to 12th grade, college professors, informal educators with teaching experience, and community representatives working directly with children ages 0-18.
Education Guide
We’ve compiled an up-to-date guide on all the educational resources available at McWane Science Center. Use this guide to help you plan your next field trip and become our partner in changing lives through science and wonder.
E-Verify Affidavit
If your school or organization requires a copy of this form, you can download a certified copy of McWane Science Center’s Affidavit and Memorandum of Understanding for E-Verify.
