STEM Education Program

In partnership with the Southern Nevada Water Authority, the Desert Research Institute STEM Education Program has created two new middle school Green Boxes to help students learn about water in their community! This professional development will lead educators through hands-on activities that help students to learn about the Colorado River watershed, water sources, water quality testing, […]

In partnership with the Truckee Meadows Water Authority, the Desert Research Institute STEM Education Program has created two new middle school Green Boxes to help students learn about water in their community! This professional development will lead educators through hands-on activities that help students to learn about the Truckee River watershed, water sources, water quality […]

Join us for a FREE professional development session on our middle school Green Box unit, Solar Homes! This Green Box provides three weeks of curriculum and all necessary supplies to teach students about solar energy and sustainable home design. You'll explore solar radiation’s impact on homes and discover strategies to reduce its effects through smart design. Learn how to engage students in hands-on activities that empower them to create their own solar-powered homes. Don’t miss this chance to make sustainability an exciting part of your classroom!

Join us for a FREE professional development session on our middle school Green Box unit, Solar Homes! This Green Box provides three weeks of curriculum and all necessary supplies to teach students about solar energy and sustainable home design. You'll explore solar radiation’s impact on homes and discover strategies to reduce its effects through smart design. Learn how to engage students in hands-on activities that empower them to create their own solar-powered homes.

Have you ever heard of milk plastics? Or wanted to learn what happens when a plastic cup sinks to the bottom of a lake? Join us for the Microplastics professional development training where we will explore these topics and more! In this training, you will gain expertise in identifying, analyzing, and addressing the pervasive issue of microplastic pollution. Equip yourself with hands-on activities and resources to empower students with the knowledge and skills to make a positive impact on our planet's health! 

Unlock innovative teaching methods with DRI’s STEM Education Program’s FREE educator professional development training on 3D printers! In the training, educators will gain hands-on experience designing 3D objects in Tinkercad, operating Prusa MK3S+ printers, and resources to transform the classroom into a hub of creativity and exploration! This training is open to K-12th grade Educators. 

Learn how to operate and integrate hydroponic systems into your classroom in DRI’s STEM Education Program FREE educator professional development training! In the training, educators will gain hands-on experience germinating seeds, transplanting seedlings, mixing nutrient solution, programming lights, assembling and operating hydroponic systems, and integrating hydroponics into the classroom. This training is open to K-12th grade educators. 

Discover the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in education with our three-hour professional development session tailored for educators. Gain foundational insights into AI and explore innovative tools to personalize learning and streamline tasks.

Are you interested in learning how to use nature journaling as a tool for STEM education? Not only can nature journaling help people hone their powers of observation, the practice also improves language, critical thinking, STEM, and artistic skills. Nature journaling has also been shown to increase nature connectivity and awareness of one's local environment. Come to this training and learn the basics of teaching nature journaling through hands-on activities and guided prompts.