Calling all K-12 educators! We’re pleased to announce that Yerkes will once again be hosting a series of educator professional development workshops during Summer 2025. Join us at the observatory for a half-day workshop focused on incorporating NGSS-inspired activities into your curriculum. Participants in this event will tour the observatory, learn how to facilitate and receive materials for a hands-on activity, and attend a lunch-and-learn session that explores techniques for engaging your students through astronomy and the Next Generation Science Standards. This workshop is perfect for both formal and informal educators.

The workshops will take place on the following dates from 10:30am – 1:30pm at Yerkes Observatory. Note that each session is scaffolded for a particular age range:

• June 18 – K-5 educators
• June 25 – Middle school educators
• July 9 – High school educators

Reservations are required, and the cost for this workshop is $50 per educator. There are a set number of fee waivers available, so please reach out to Mallory Conlon (mconlon@yerkesobservatory.org) if you need financial assistance. To reserve tickets, please visit our ticketing website!

Schedule of Events

• Educator arrival begins – 10am
• Tour begins – 10:30am
• Activity demonstration – 11:30am – 12pm
• Lunch and Learn – 12pm – 1pm
• Q&A and gift shop – 1pm – 1:30pm
• Educator departure – 1:30pm

Please direct any questions about the program to Mallory Conlon (mconlon@yerkesobservatory.org).