Supporting Teachers
We give science teachers the tools and skills to help students overcome misconceptions and misinformation about climate change, evolution, and the nature of science.
We give science teachers the tools and skills to help students overcome misconceptions and misinformation about climate change, evolution, and the nature of science.
National surveys show that 40% to 60% of U.S. public school science teachers hedge, equivocate, or send a mixed message when they teach evolution or climate change. NCSE aims to help all of them improve their teaching practices.
Read our surveysClick on the icons to learn more.
Key:
Teacher Ambassadors
Curriculum Study Field Testers
At the heart of our model are our Teacher Ambassadors and the lessons on the nature of science, evolution, and climate change they helped develop. We are currently field-testing those lessons in 32 middle and high school classrooms around the country to ensure that they help students resolve misconceptions — and inoculate them against future encounters with misconceptions.
Learn More About Our Curriculum StudyOur goal is to reach those teachers who don't have the content expertise or confidence required to teach climate change, evolution, and the nature of science. Our surveys tell us that there is high demand for professional development on these topics. We know that if we can help these teachers, we'll have a great impact on young people all across the country.
Find out more about our impactSince the inception of our Teacher Ambassador initiative, we have counted 47 teachers from across the country among its ranks and many are still guiding our work today. They are master teachers who are adept at navigating the challenges of teaching climate change and evolution in regions where those topics are socially controversial.
Meet our AmbassadorsOur Teacher Ambassadors have developed freely available, adaptable units on climate change, evolution, and the nature of science. Check out these lessons, as well as other valuable teaching resources.
What I do when students have opposition to climate change is try not to impose my viewpoints. Instead, I have several simulations that we run in class and they come to their own conclusions.
Each month, you'll get in your inbox links to vetted classroom-ready teaching resources, as well as the latest developments at NCSE from Director of Teacher Support Lin Andrews. It's easy to sign up and stay informed!
I feel both excited and humbled that I now get the chance to share my knowledge, experiences, and passion for teaching evolution with my fellow science teachers.
These talented educators are science content experts who utilize the best - and innovative - teaching practices. They also understand how to communicate effectively with students, families, and administrators about the teaching of climate change and evolution in a non-confrontational manner. Each Teacher Ambassador is experienced in incorporating understanding of the nature of science, a critical element of successful evolution and climate change education.