Kansas Association of Teachers of Science (KATS)

09/29/2026

Sternberg Museum in Hays, KS, is in the news recently.
Kansas teachers, check out this educational gem in our state before it's too late!

Explore Great Plains natural history at the Sternberg Museum (Hays, KS): fossils, rotating exhibits, educational programs, tours, and camps.

09/19/2026

We are honored to have Fred Haise and Logan Jaeren with us today at KATS Kamp!
13 Haise

09/18/2026

What? You didn't sign up for KATS Kamp Social Event? So sad...

09/18/2026

Breaking news! Scientists have described the first new wild cat species in over a century: Leopardus tilcayo (the Tilcayo cat). 🐾

Found in Bolivia’s Yungas cloud forest by an international research team — including Paola Nogales Ascarrunz — this elusive, 3-pound feline is smaller than the average domestic cat.

Long thought to belong to a single widespread species, DNA analysis revealed five distinct wild cats — including L. tilcayo, defined by its slender frame, muted fur and extra-large spot markings. "We chose to name the species 'Tilcayo' — the name local communities use to describe the cat," shares Nogales Ascarrunz. "It’s our way of honoring their ancestral knowledge and connection to this animal."

Scientists are now deploying camera traps across the cloud forest to find L. tilcayo in the wild and build targeted conservation plans to protect them from habitat loss. “Describing a new cat species after more than 100 years shows how much we still have to learn about the biodiversity around us. But it also reminds us that we need to protect the Yungas forests, which are home to so many species — including some we are only beginning to understand.”

Photos by fellow Explorer Fernando Faciole

09/08/2026

KATS Kamp is less than 2 weeks away. Register TODAY! And join us Friday evening for the Mission Orbit: Libation's Launch social event!
Register at https://kats.org/event-6777706

09/03/2026

Quick Reminder and Request: Nominate your colleague(s) who deserves recognition!!

KATS Award Nominations are still open, including:
- Distinguished KATS Member
- Outstanding Contribution to Science Award
- Regional Awards

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.

09/02/2026

Come be inspired by Capt. Fred Haise, a retired fighter pilot, aeronautical engineer, NASA research pilot, NASA astronaut, Apollo 8 & 11 Backup Lunar Module Pilot, Apollo 13 Lunar Module Pilot, Apollo 16 Backup Commander, Technical Assistant on the design and development of the Space Shuttle orbiter Enterprise, first person to test fly Enterprise as its Commander, and Grumman Corporation executive leading Space Shuttle service operations and notable projects such as Space Station Freedom (predecessor to the International Space Station) — an extraordinary aerospace career spanning 45 years.

Register at https://kats.org/event-6777706

08/29/2026

The Foundation believes that one of the most significant means to inspire and advance the future of Aerospace is to fund grants to meet the unmet and unfunded educational need of students. Each school year, AIAA awards grants of up to $500 to worthy projects that significantly influence studen...

08/27/2026

Sneak preview of dynamic breakout sessions at the upcoming KATS Kamp! Saturday, Sept. 19., at Emporia State University!

Learn more and Register at https://www.kats.org/ !