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, 2024
Teacher’s Night Out is our way of saying thank you for being loyal friends of McWane Science Center; while also 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 17, 4:00PM -7:00 PM. Explore the Adventure Halls, enjoy refreshments, see T.Rex 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 competition for 3rd-5th grade students to work together to design a prototype of an exhibit that would fit in right here at the McWane Science Center! Every year, we have up to 20 schools join us for a year of incredibly creative engineering, which includes a free field trip in the fall to learn about the exhibit design process as well as a free outreach in the spring where a McWane educator will visit the school to work with the students on the next steps of their prototype. This culminates in an award ceremony in April where we announce winners and display all of the entries.
Applicants may enter a classroom or mixed class such as a club or team for the competition, but the maximum class size is 30 students, and only one class may be accepted from a school if multiple apply.
If you are excited about the opportunity to explore the creative, scientific ability of your students and take advantage of some complimentary visits, you are encouraged to apply now! Applications for 2023-2024 are closed. If you’re interested in participating in Celebrate Science for 2024-2025, please contact Norman Schmitz, [email protected].
Educator Advisory Committee
Applications for the 2023-2024 season are now closed. If you’re interested in joining the Educator Advisory Committee for the 2024-2025 school year, please contact Peggy Chowning, [email protected].
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.
