National Science Teaching Association Conference – Anaheim 2026
That’s a wrap on the 2026 NSTA National Conference in Anaheim, bringing together science and STEM educators across K–20 from all over the country.
The Esri Education team was honored to be there, sharing no-cost resources and lessons using National Geographic MapMaker, ArcGIS Map Viewer, and other Esri GIS tools. We shared a curated set of standards-based lessons across many topics that use maps to engage students. These activities enable students to build a deeper understanding of their subject by exploring interactive maps, data, and other media. At the same time, they are learning GIS and cartographic skills, a science in its own right.
Esri was honored to present two workshops and two presentations in the Exhibits:
Workshop: Add GIS Mapping Tools to Enhance Learning
Presented by Tom Baker – Friday at 10:40 a.m.
Geographic maps (GIS) are powerful tools for visualizing and analyzing scientific data, from the schoolyard to the planet. Educators explored how to use no-cost, no-login tools from Esri, including National Geographic MapMaker, along with 3D data and sketching tools to enhance the map experience.
Workshop: Enhance Field Studies with Location, Analysis, and Storytelling
Presented by Kylie Donia – Saturday at 9:00 a.m.
Ready to set up a new outdoor data collection project for your students? This workshop showed how to use GIS tools in the ArcGIS school bundle to collect, map, analyze, and report on data. StoryMaps and Survey123 were highlighted to support project-based learning and field studies instruction.
Both sessions were well attended, with teachers engaged and asking questions throughout. It’s part of the Esri Education mission to help teachers and students adopt these easy-to-use resources to enhance learning in the classroom.
In addition to the workshops, Anita Palmer, on behalf of Esri, presented in the National Geographic Learning/Cengage Group booth, showcasing co-published learning materials. Eager teachers filled the space and beyond, excited to bring fresh lessons back to their students.
NSTA Highlights
NSTA was keynoted by Erin Stafford and Mark Rober.
Some notable companies present included Discovery Education, Disney Imagination Campus, Carolina Science, Pasco Scientific, Pearson, and more.
If you were there, you might have picked up a kind frog (a silicone dissectible frog), bumped into an active and playful robot, and maybe, if you were lucky, had the chance to pet puppies in the puppy area.
It was a great time of learning with a vibrant community shaping curriculum while driving innovation in the classroom, so students can learn more and learn better. And really, isn’t that what it’s all about?
Until next year!
Please let us know in the comments about your experience at NSTA 2026!
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