Professional Development

As partners in science, technology, and engineering education, we provide ongoing programs for educators as adult learners and as teaching professionals. A Massachusetts Department of Education approved Professional Development Provider, we award PDP certificates for programs 10 or more hours in length. Certificates of attendance are provided for shorter workshops.

Summer Teacher-in-Residence Opportunity

This summer, put your vacation to work by immersing yourself in the Museum's rich learning environment!

Learn about our upcoming Teacher-in-Residence program

Programs for Educators, by Appointment

Field Trip Planning

Would you like to focus your next field trip to make it a valuable learning experience for your students? Museum educators can help you integrate your objectives and make connections to your educational standards in science, technology, and engineering.

Make an appointment and bring a colleague or a PTO member! Support can also take place via phone and/or email conversations. To schedule an appointment, email library@mos.org at least one week in advance.

Learn more about field trips

Engineering the Future® Teacher Sessions

Engineering the Future: Science, Technology, and the Design Process™ is a full-year course designed to introduce high school students to the world of technology and engineering. Throughout the year, we provide a variety of dynamic, hands-on sessions to teachers who are making this course part of their curriculum.

Get an overview with our half-day informational session, or delve deeper with a three-day institute or topic-focused session. An online course is also available.

In-district workshops are available; learn more

Team Professional Days

Teams of five to eight educators are encouraged to schedule professional development time in the Educator Resource Center. Half- or full-day sessions are available at no cost. Group size, date, and program focus are negotiable. Teams have access to our print and media resources, exhibits, educational programs, and talented staff in support of their learning goals. We offer wireless Internet and photocopy resources, and parking is included.

Appointments are required. To make an appointment, contact library@mos.org.

Example topics of focus (feel free to suggest your own):

  • Resource and Curriculum Review

    Looking for excellent, teacher-reviewed, K – 12 science, technology, and engineering resources all in one location? Our staff will introduce you to our collection and get you started in reviewing materials that might support your classroom or district needs.

  • Imagining Engineering in the Classroom

    Our staff will introduce you to the Museum's engineering curriculum and our Design Challenges program in order to kick off a discussion about engineering education. Ample time will be allowed to explore a variety of engineering education materials.

  • Inquiry Science Refresher

    Scientific inquiry provides an underpinning of many Museum of Science exhibits and programs. Our staff will immerse you in several inquiry learning experiences as a catalyst to your group's discussions about inquiry in your learning environment.

  • Connecting Science and Language Arts

    Learn how to maximize your time in the classroom by utilizing cross-curricular methodologies that highlight science skills through literature. Our staff will show you how inquiry is the perfect launching pad to incorporate science into reading and writing activities.

  • Connecting Math and Science

    Examine how Museum exhibits provide opportunities for developing mathematical skills. Measure, collect, and interpret data, explore graphs, find geometric patterns in nature, and discuss connections to school-based math and science lessons.

  • Take time as a team to familiarize yourselves with our "classroom" and work with our staff to plan a Museum field trip that supports your curriculum and learning goals.

Pre-Service Teacher Program

University professors are encouraged to bring their pre-service education classes to the Museum for an introduction to learning in informal education settings.

Our staff provide an overview of the Educator Resource Center services and programs, emphasizing support for teachers as learners. Following a mini-lesson on inquiry science or engineering design, students have time to interact with our print and media resources. They also visit our Exhibit Halls in support of a discussion on planning effective field trips. Course professors are involved in program planning and co-facilitate to ensure that the lessons support overall course goals.

Appointments are required. To make an appointment, contact library@mos.org.

Workshops and Programs for Educators

  • Engaging in Science Practices: Constructing and Using Models

    Identify, use, analyze, and create models so you can help your students appreciate the value and the challenges of using these tools.

  • Hacking the Computer Clubhouse Learning Model for Classrooms

    A series of immersion activities allow teachers to be active learners and explore how authentic questions can help drive student learning.

  • More Science Fun for Early Childhood and Primary Teachers

    Join us for a fun-filled morning highlighting three new science and engineering programs aimed at learners in pre-kindergarten through grade 2.