University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Professional Development

While Project NEURON was active, we offered a variety of different professional development opportunities for educators. Our opportunities ranged from sessions at national conferences to more intensive week-long workshops at the University of Illinois. 

NGSS Posters

Because of high demand from teachers, we've provided a set of three posters that highlight the three NGSS strands: Science and Engineering Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and the Disciplinary Core Ideas. Feel free to print and laminate the posters! Each poster is 24 by 36 inches (61 by 91.5 cm).

View and print free posters

Conference Workshops

Project NEURON frequently held short hour-long workshops at national conferences held by professional organizations such as the National Science Teacher Association (NSTA) and the National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT). These workshops typically included hands-on experience with selected activities, samples of our free materials, and discussions on integrating our lessons into existing curricula and education standards.

View our publications and past workshop materials

Summer NEURON Teachers' Institute (NTI)

teachers interacting with each other

While active, Project NEURON hosted a series of week-long summer NTI workshops that addressed core neuroscience and biology concepts in the National Science Education Standards and the new Framework for K-12 Science Education. A core group of Project NEURON teachers piloted our materials in their classrooms and generated essential feedback that we used to inform revisions of our curriculum materials, as well as ideas for new materials. These teachers received a stipend, CPDUs, free materials and resources, and a strong support community for their participation.

Saturday Institutes

During the school year, our lead pilot teachers came to the University of Illinois campus in Champaign-Urbana for four Saturday Institutes. Attendees shared their enactment experiences, discussed revisions, and continued to develop community.