Modeling Science Workshop Series 2026
Cal Poly’s Center for Engineering, Science, and Mathematics Education (CESAME), in partnership with the Western Regional Noyce Network, is pleased to offer one-week and two-week summer professional development workshops for high school biology, chemistry, and physics teachers.
The science workshops are based on the Modeling Method, a structured inquiry approach to science teaching that emphasizes student sense-making, scientific discourse, and evidence-based reasoning. Participants will engage in hands-on investigations, use computer technology, and explore insights from current science content and education research. Teachers will develop skills in fostering classroom discussion, supporting student presentations, and assessing student learning through modeling-based instruction.
Workshops are offered in two consecutive weeks. Participants may enroll in one week or both weeks.
Dates & Workshops Offered
Week A: June 22–26
• Biology 1A
• Chemistry 1A
• Chemistry 2A
• Physics 1A
Week B: June 29–July 3
• Biology 1B
• Chemistry 1B
• Chemistry 2B
• Physics 1B
Cost
Weeks A & B (two weeks):
• $700 (before May 1)
• $750 (after May 1)
Week A or Week B only:
• $400 (before May 1)
• $450 (after May 1)
Includes:
• Modeling instructional materials
• Daily lunch
• Parking
Location
Cal Poly
San Luis Obispo, CA
Optional Housing
We have partnered with La Quinta Inn & Suites to offer a special workshop rate of $215 per night (except July 3, which will be $290). This does not include 13.7% tax and $15/day parking fee). The hotel is within walking distance of Cal Poly and downtown San Luis Obispo and includes complimentary breakfast and wi-fi.
Rooms must be booked by May 21.
Reservations can be made using the link below or by calling (###) ###-####.
Participants are also welcome to arrange their own accommodations.
Hotel Link (will be updated soon)
If you are interested in sharing a room with another participant to reduce costs, please indicate this on the registration application or email cesame@calpoly.edu.
Continuing Education Units
CEUs are available through Cal Poly for an additional fee.
Registration
General Registration
[Registration Link]
Noyce Scholar Registration
[Registration Link]
Special Groups & Registration Support
Selected Noyce Scholars/Alumni receive:
• Paid registration (use the Noyce Scholar Registration link above)
• Complimentary shared room
•$125/week stipend
Cal Poly–Affiliated Teachers
(San Luis Obispo County and surrounding local areas) receive:
• Paid registration
• $125/week stipend
Cal Poly Credential Candidates
(incoming and current) receive:
• Paid registration
• $500/week scholarship/stipend
Workshop Descriptions – Summer 2026
Chemistry I
The Modeling Chemistry I workshop is a structured inquiry approach to high school chemistry teaching that incorporates computer technology and insights from the Common Core State Standards, Next Generation Science Standards, and current education research.
Instructor: Ryan Casey
Chemistry II
The Modeling Chemistry II workshop builds on the concepts and practices introduced in Chemistry I. Participants continue exploring structured inquiry instruction in chemistry using computer technology and insights from the Common Core State Standards, Next Generation Science Standards, and current education research.
Instructor: Brenda Royce
Biology I
The Biology I Modeling Instruction workshop is designed to equip secondary biology teachers with the tools, experiences, and background needed to improve instruction through a proven, award-winning approach known as the Modeling Method.
Instructor: Frank Novakowski
Physics I
The Physics I Modeling Instruction workshop introduces participants to a structured inquiry approach to high school physics teaching that incorporates computer technology and insights from physics education research.
Instructor: Jon Anderson
Contact Information
For questions or additional information, please contact:
cesame@calpoly.edu