Kansas Association of Teachers of Science (KATS)

Call for KATS Awards Nominations!

As you enjoy your summer break, please click on the link below and take a few minutes to nominate your colleagues from around the state who are doing great things in their classroom, region, and at the state level in supporting science education.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdE03CsLx-ZoEoiWZJIwSKR6KUH-HzGyeXejalzh080CMzVUQ/viewform

This is a great opportunity to recognize these leaders and applaud their efforts! Thank you for taking the time to recognize your peers for their innovation and leadership.

Award recipients will be recognized at our annual KATS Kamp to be hosted in Emporia on Saturday, September 19.

Deadline for nominations is midnight on July 1!

KATS Award Nominations 2026 This Google Form was created to collect names of individuals and organizations that benefit science education. Complete as many of the lines down below as you deem appropriate.

Exciting opportunity for educators passionate about STEM: Applications are now open for the 2026–2027 DoW STEM Ambassador Program.

Managed by TGR Foundation, this year-long program brings together passionate educators to expand access to STEM learning and inspire the next generation of innovators. Participants lead impactful projects, collaborate with a national network, and build skills through professional learning and real-world application.

Applications open now! Apply by June 14: https://tgrfoundation.tfaforms.net/f/DSAP_Application_2026-2027

Greetings, KATS members!

I know you are racing to the finish line with the last day of school rapidly approaching, so there’s one short task I would like you to add to your check-out list before heading out to start your summer break! Please click on the link in the comments and take a few minutes to nominate your colleagues from around the state who are doing great things in their classroom, region, and at the state level in supporting science education. This is a great opportunity to recognize these leaders and applaud their efforts! Thank you for taking the time to recognize your peers for their innovation and leadership.



Award recipients will be recognized at our annual KATS Kamp to be hosted in Emporia on Saturday, September 19.

Deadline for nominations is midnight on July 1.



BTW – I know there are great ideas and activities happening in classrooms across the state, so if you haven’t already submitted a proposal for presenting at KATS Kamp I would encourage you to consider doing this, too. Haven’t presented at KATS Kamp yet? Maybe consider teaming up with a colleague and share one of the new ideas/activities you are using successfully with students. It is a great opportunity to get involved! Link to submit a proposal is in the comments.

Best wishes for a smooth finish to your school year and enjoy your much-deserved summer break!

I look forward to seeing you in Emporia in September!

Dan Whisler
Educator in Residence
Trane
KATS Executive Committee

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AvqxQQXyX/?mibextid=wwXIfr

https://www.gcccks.edu/academics/title_iii/2026_gccc_stem_teacher_summit.aspx
This is your last chance to register for the 2026 STEM for All Teacher Summit on June 1 at Garden City Community College.

Join educators from across the region for a high energy day of collaboration, innovation, and classroom ready STEM ideas.

Featuring Keynote Speaker Steve Spangler
Best known for his unforgettable science demonstrations and engaging teaching style, Steve Spangler’s keynote, The Best Day Ever, will leave educators energized and inspired to create unforgettable learning experiences for students.

Sessions are filling quickly, and several workshops include interactive, hands-on participation.

Don’t Miss Sessions Like:
® Learn How to Make Gemini Gems for Instructional and Student Support - Learn how educators are using AI tools to save time, personalize learning, and support student success.
® Coding, Creativity, and Critical Thinking with micro:bit - Get hands-on experience with one of today’s most engaging classroom coding tools and leave with practical ideas you can use immediately.
® From Space Jumps to Soda Bottles: Choosing Classroom Materials for Innovative STEM Teaching - Discover innovative STEM teaching strategies inspired by NASA and built around real-world classroom engagement.
® Planning Intentional STEM Centers: A Make and Take Event - Build ready-to-use STEM centers and walk away with practical activities for your classroom.

Summit Schedule
® Registration begins at 8:00 AM
® Steve Spangler keynote begins at 8:30 AM
® Breakout sessions begin at 9:45 AM

Registration is only $25 and professional development points are available.

If you have been considering attending, now is the time to reserve your spot.
Register Here: 2026 GCCC STEM Teacher Summit

Questions? Contact Misty Wren at [email protected] or 620.275.3288.

We hope to see you on June 1.

Free Daily Graph Warm-Ups for Science Class

The power of teachers!

Earth Day started as a US 'teach-in' 56 years ago. Now it's a global event Millions of people around the world will pause, at least for a moment, to mark Earth Day. The annual event is Wednesday.

Happy Earth Day! Check out these resources for the classroom and beyond!

Earth Hub | Earth Day The Earth Hub is your ultimate multimedia destination for all things Earth Day! Explore a wealth of resources, from news and stories, to toolkits, fact sheets, quizzes, and more.

The NASA Artemis II launch is just around the corner!🚀

Join this historic mission around the Moon by signing up to be a virtual guest at the launch. Be sure to select the Artemis II STEM Learning Pathway add-on to get the mission resource newsletter!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nasas-artemis-ii-mission-launch-registration-1074571685839