skip to Main Content
We Support Alabama EducatorsOur programs support your curriculum and meet the Alabama Course of Study Standards & National Science Education Standards.
ResourcesResources

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 Workshops
a group of people sitting at a table

Teacher's Night Out

September, 2024

Every fall, McWane presents Teacher’s Night Out! This event is our way of saying thank you for being loyal friends to McWane Science Center while also helping you discover all of the educational resources that are 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. Explore the Adventure Halls, see the documentary film, Secrets of the Sea in the all-new, digital IMAX® Dome Theater, enjoy refreshments, and enter to win great door prizes, including a one-year family membership to McWane!

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, nschmitz@mcwane.org.

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, pchowning@mcwane.org.

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.

Other Questions? Reach Out!

If you have questions about scheduling a field trip or McWane on the Move program, joining our Educator Advisory Committee, or finding other resources, reach out to Peggy Chowning.

Contact Us
Back To Top