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Happy Fall To You All!

The Foldscope workshops are full, but there is a waiting list.
Watch for additional Foldscope opportunities coming soon!

Weight Management: The State-of-the-Science,
Obesity, Weight Loss Medications and More

Friday, December 5, 2025
Duke University
Durham, N.C.

Rx for Science Literacy is partnering with Duke University to present Weight Management: The State-of-the-Science, Obesity, Weight Loss Medications and More, a one-day, in-person workshop featuring the updated and expanded Rx for Science Literacy curriculum at the Duke University School of Medicine in Durham.

About the Workshop: This workshop will provide an overview of the Rx for Science Literacy curriculum manual, and Duke scientists will address the latest weight management research with a focus on obesity and weight loss medications. Each attendee will receive a copy of the updated Rx for Science Literacy curriculum manual at no cost (a $178 value).

Register Now →

Funding for this workshop has been made possible by:

UNC Cancer Research and Clinical Pathology Day

Thursday, December 11, 2025
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, N.C.

Come step into medical school for a day with Rx for Science Literacy, which is partnering with The UNC School of Medicine to present UNC Cancer Research and Clinical Pathology Day, a one-day, in-person workshop at the UNC School of Medicine in Chapel Hill.

About the Workshop: UNC scientists will discuss:

Cancer Fundamentals:

• What is cancer and how do we define it?
• The importance of identifying specific subtypes of cancer
• Cancer categories: Hereditary, Chemical/environmental/radiation, Sporadic, Inflammatory/immunosuppression, Oncogenic virus, Hormone imbalances
• Therapy overview: Surgery, Chemotherapy, Immunotherapy, Hormone therapy, Targeted Therapy
• Examples: Solid tumor and hematologic malignancy

Novel Cancer Research Methodologies:

• Introduction to molecular/clinical genetics (diagnostic applications)
• Spatial analysis & proteomics (exciting new research methods, non-diagnostic)

Pathology Careers through a Panel Discussion, to Include:

• Veterinary Pathology
• Pathology PA
• Clinical Lab Scientist
• Pathologist
• Research

The workshop also will include small group, hands-on activities with scientists, and a brief overview of the updated Rx for Science Literacy curriculum manual, which will be provided to all attendees at no cost (a $178 value).

Register Now →

Funding for this workshop has been made possible by:

Promoting Innovation in Science and Mathematics

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STEM is as sweet as
pumpkin pie.

Discover the Hidden World of Mushrooms 

Ready for a fall adventure that’s equal parts science and fun? From October 11–19, join North Carolinians across the state in the NC Mushroom Quest, a community science event where YOU help map the incredible diversity of fungi right in your backyard or local park!

No experience needed — just bring your curiosity and a camera (or smartphone). Snap photos, upload them to iNaturalist, and help scientists learn more about our mysterious mushroom friends. Plus, find 7 different species to earn a special embroidered badge!

Get ready to explore, discover, and connect with nature like never before. Stay tuned for details and tips to make the most of your Mushroom Quest!

eCYBERMISSION’s free virtual STEM competition for 6th-9th graders promotes student teamwork and self-discovery. Students select a community problem to address and compete for state, regional, and national awards while teachers receive support through a wealth of resources. eCYBERMISSION is one of the many programs offered by the Army Educational Outreach Program and is administered by the National Science Teaching Association.

Here’s a brief look at why teachers and students enjoy eCYBERMISSION:

●      Teachers have access to:
○      assistance from the eCYBERMISSION team
○      standards-aligned lesson plans ready for the classroom
○      the chance to apply for grants

●      Students can:
○      have questions answered by eCYBERMISSION staff and STEM professionals
○      participate in live, online chats with professionals in STEM careers
○      compete to win thousands of dollars in awards

Interested in learning more? Contact Brian Kutsch at bkutsch@nsta.org.

PhET for Schools Network Guide (2025-2026)

Network Description

Overview and Application

What are PhET interactive simulations?

What is the PhET for Schools Network?

What is PhET Studio?

What is the PhET App?

What is PhET Teacher Professional Development?

Eligibility Guidelines for Participation in the PhET for Schools Network

Overview of the PhET for Schools Network

Informational Session

Application Guide

Components

Selection Process

Notification and Acceptance of Program Offer

Frequently Asked Questions

Dr. Debra Lester from Iredell County Schools and the Mars surface simulator in the Iredell County School warehouse

K-12 Math Standard Course of Study Standards Writing Team

The NCDPI K-12 Math team is excited to share that during the April 2, 2025, State Board of Education meeting, the Board voted to initiate the revision process for NC K-12 Math Standards. This process is guided by State Board policy as detailed in the Internal Standards Manual.

During their September meeting, the State Board of Education discussed potential changes to the standards revision timeline for all standards, including math, which would shift the timeline for installation of new standards to a two-year period. For the K-12 math standards process, this shift would maintain the goal of adopting new standards during the summer of 2026 while supporting the installation of new standards over the course of the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 school years. Implementation of the new K-12 Math standards would start with the 2028-2029 school year.

The K-12 Math Standards Writing Team began reviewing the recommendations from the Data Review Committee last July with the goal of releasing a first draft of potential revisions to the K-12 Math standards later this Fall.

Please contact Dr. Charles Aiken (charles.aiken@dpi.nc.gov), Section Chief for Math, Science, and STEM, with any questions

As you are creating lesson plans and preparing for the year ahead, what better way to get your students involved in REAL WORLD learning AND introduce a new PROJECT-BASED activity than a STATEWIDE CONTEST that meets the North Carolina Science Standards! 

Each year the North Carolina Division of Air Quality invites 7^th grade students to participate in the AQ-IQ Contest which combines S.T.E.A.M. education and project-based learning with student creativity to teach air pollution science to students across the state. The contest gives these students an opportunity to learn about air quality and think about solutions to air pollution and put THEM in charge of creating a project to educate others about an air quality problem.

The AQ-IQ contest allows students to explore their interests and strengths while engaging with the material and learning about air quality. Students are asked to think creatively while designing their projects.  Past projects have been posters, videos, Minecraft creations, games, and artistic projects off all sorts!

Each year the AQ-IQ Contest highlights special topic areas with additional recognition because they highlight current air quality challenges, successes, and educational goals. The topics for 2025-2026 contest are:

From the Directors Office: Open Burning – Open burning refers to different types of controlled outdoor fires, such as small residential fires to burn yard waste or commercial land-clearing fires. In North Carolina, state law limits what can be burned outdoors, and when. Investigate some of the open burning challenges like storm debris, man-made material, safety, and health.

Celebrating Ten Years of Success: North Carolina has been in attainment of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ten years. Investigate: What does this mean? How does North Carolina’s Air Compare? How did we get here? And other questions and challenges we faced and might face in the future.

Adventures of the Air Avenger: July 19, 2025, The Air Expo, NC Transportation Museum, AP (Air Press) “During the Annual Recognition Program of the AQ-IQ contest the Smog Queen attacked the room of student and their family with the goal of making them cough and wheeze. A superhero. The Air Avenger appeared, and a battle of wits followed. The Air Avenger caused the Smog Queen to flee – saving the day.” We’re looking for projects that bring to life thrilling untold stories and new adventures of the Air Avenger, showing how courage, creativity, and work help keep the air clean air for all.

Winners will be recognized at a REGIONAL and STATEWIDE level and will receive AWESOME prizes!

This year, projects are due to the NC Division of Air Quality by March 9, 2026! So, PLENTY of time for students to make the most amazing project!

For details about how to enter, general information and past project examples, please visit the NC Environmental Education webpage. This is a great resource to utilize as your students are starting to work on their projects (“How To” Guide for Teachers and Students, examples of past projects, Submission link, AND SO MUCH MORE!)

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Keith Bamberger at keith.bamberger@deq.nc.gov, or Janina Millis at janina.millis@deq.nc.gov.
Please share with other 7^th grade science teachers!!!!!!

We are excited to share this opportunity with 7^th grade students again this year and we look forward to seeing what they create!

Best,
NC Division of Air Quality Education Team

Why are pumpkins orange?

Source:  Mystery Science at https://www.youtube.com/live/rNEV8v0VNSw