“Students at the Center” Professional Learning Series

We’re excited to continue the VAST Professional Learning Series into its second year, building on the strong foundation and positive impact of our inaugural offerings. This dynamic series is designed to support science educators at every level through interactive webinars and engaging sessions that emphasize practical strategies, innovative ideas, and hands-on tools to enhance science teaching and learning.

Whether you’re returning to deepen your practice or joining us for the first time, the Professional Learning Series offers opportunities to expand content knowledge, explore emerging instructional approaches, and connect with a vibrant community of science educators. Together, we’ll continue to navigate the evolving landscape of science education and empower educators to create meaningful, student-centered learning experiences.

Check back soon for additional professional learning opportunities to be shared throughout the year!

Upcoming Events for April

The last day to register for ANY event is the DAY BEFORE the event is scheduled to begin.

Be sure to check for your ZOOM LINK on the morning of the event.  

IF you do not see the LINK contact pdi.registrar@vast.org before 4pm on the day of the event.

Physics Content Primer: Fluid Dynamics (Fluids Part 2)

Presenters: Tatsu Takeuchi, Physics Professor (VA Tech) and CeeCee Bishop, Physics Instructor (CBGS)

Whether you've been teaching physics for decades or this is your first year, a refresher on the physics content can be super helpful in preparing you to teach your next unit, especially for AP and dual enrollment courses. In this webinar, we will get a conceptual primer on topics related to fluid dynamics (continuity, Bernoulli's equation, etc), with emphasis on teaching strategies for tricky concepts, real-world applications, and what students need to be successful for their next physics class.

• When: April 15, 2026 | 4:15-6:15 (Zoom)
• Focus: Making sense of concepts related to fluid dynamics, with emphasis on effective teaching strategies for tricky topics and real-world applications
• Registration: Click here to register. (Members - $0, Nonmembers - $25 for all sessions and 1-year VAST membership)

Using the Flora of Virginia App in the Classroom and for Projects

Description: This session will introduce participants to the Flora of Virginia App and tips on using this App to identify local native and introduced species. Ideas for student projects, school gardens, nature trail development, and other ways to use in and out of the classroom will be covered.

Presenter: Marion Lobstein - Professor Emeritus NVCC, Emeritus Board of Directors Flora of Virginia Project

When: April 28, 2026 | 4:15-6:15 (Zoom)

Looking Ahead

• April: PhET Hacks for Student-Centered Science – Learn to customize simulations.

• May & September: Special sessions on writing and creating your VAST PDI proposals!