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Online Summer Courses for Science Teachers
Want to improve your teaching by examining science in new ways? Interested in expanding your knowledge of science this summer? Enroll in one of our summer courses today!
Our courses are fully online, self-paced and run for five weeks during the summer. The Core Ideas series of courses described below focus on the disciplinary core ideas from the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Rich in practical examples, curricula, and phenomena, they are designed to be refresher courses on the content relevant for K-12 science teachers. Each week you will explore a new DCI through examining new science in that area, searching out relevant phenomena to use in your classroom, evaluating existing curricular resources, and looking at possible engineering connections to the DCI. Enrollment for summer courses begins in March. See below for details on how to sign up today!
Summer Online Course Offerings
SCI 550: Core Ideas in the Life Sciences
Class Number: (1975) (3 Credits)
Interested in refreshing your knowledge of the life sciences? In this course, we will take a phenomena-based approach to our study of the four NGSS disciplinary core ideas in the life sciences. Beyond deepening knowledge, you will come away with ideas and resources for more effectively teaching the life sciences in your classroom!
Online course available Summer 2025.
5-week course from 6/2/25
SCI 551: Core Ideas in the Physical Sciences
Class Number: (1976) (3 Credits)
Interested in refreshing your knowledge of the physical sciences? In this course, we will take a phenomena-based approach to our study of the three NGSS disciplinary core ideas in chemistry and physics. Beyond deepening knowledge, you will come away with ideas and resources for more effectively teaching the physical sciences in your classroom!
Online course available Summer 2025.
5-week course from 7/7/25
SCI 552: Core Ideas in the Earth and Space Sciences
Class Number: (1977) (3 Credits)
Interested in refreshing your knowledge of the Earth and space sciences? In this course, we will take a phenomena-based approach to our study of the three NGSS disciplinary core ideas in the geosciences and astronomy. Beyond deepening knowledge, you will come away with ideas and resources for more effectively teaching the Earth and space sciences in your classroom!
Online course available Summer 2025.
5-week course from 6/2/25
Ready to sign up?
NAU Student? You can register once summer term registration opens in March.
Not an NAU student? You must register as a non-degree seeking student with the university to take up to 8 credits of our online summer courses. This is a short and easy process. No transcripts required! Once admitted, you can sign up for courses in Louie.
Are you in Arizona? If so, you may be eligible for $2,000 from the Arizona Department of Education Get Set for STEM! scholarship.
Contact Ron Gray at ron.gray@nau.edu or 928-523-3618 for more information.
Summer graduate tuition and fee information can be found here (select Graduate, Online Campus).