Sessions & Workshops
National Conference in Anaheim • April 15-18, 2026
Find Your Path, Fuel Your Passion at ANA26
Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, NSTA ANA26 is your space to learn, connect, and grow. With a wide range of sessions and experiences designed for every role in science and STEM education, you’ll leave inspired, equipped, and energized for what’s next.
Special Sessions

First-Timers Sessions
Wednesday, April 15 • 3:15-3:45 PM
Thursday, April 16 • 7:15-7:45 AM
New to NSTA conferences? You’re in the right place.
Whether you’re feeling curious, excited, or a little unsure, this high-energy session is your perfect launchpad into the NSTA ANA26 experience.
We'll help you:
- Get the lay of the land—what’s happening, where, and when
- Navigate the conference app like a pro
- Build your own learning path from hundreds of dynamic sessions
- Connect with other first-timers and veteran attendees
- And yes… laugh a little while you’re at it
Think of this session as your backstage pass to everything NSTA. You’ll leave with a game plan, new connections, and the confidence to make this conference your own.

High School Haven
NSTA’s High School Haven is a dedicated learning and connecting space for high school educators. Explore discipline-specific sessions, relax in our community space outfitted with cell phone charging stations, and refuel with daily afternoon snacks.
Session Types

Poster Sessions
Presenters will describe strategies or tools by referencing the various graphics, texts, and/or illustrations from a prepared poster and table space provided in a share-a-thon format.

Speed Sharing
Presenters will share a strategy or tool during a 10-minute presentation. Three presenters will be scheduled within a one-hour period of time and grouped by theme. The last 15 minutes will be dedicated to informal discussions and Q&A with the presenters led by a moderator.

Exhibitor Workshops
Explore cutting-edge science and STEM solutions in exhibitor-hosted sessions. Gain hands-on insights into product capabilities and learn practical strategies to elevate your teaching. Uncover new techniques to enhance your educational approach!

30-minute Presentation
Presenters can share innovative teaching ideas, present research findings, or discuss a topic of general or specific interest during a 30-minute presentation. Presentations are clustered and staggered by topic in adjacent rooms so attendees can explore a topic of interest in greater depth by hearing from multiple presenters.

30-minute Roundtable
A 30-minute roundtable discussion exists in one of two formats: 1) an organized and moderated discussion between panelists who bring expertise and varying perspectives to a topic and 2) a moderated discussion where participants in small groups organized in round tables share their expertise and experiences around a topic.

60-minute Presentation
A 60-minute opportunity where presenters share an innovative teaching idea, present research findings, or discuss a topic of general or specific interest.

60-minute Workshop
A 60-minute opportunity that engages the audience in immersive learning to experience a portion of a science activity, investigation, or strategy that focuses on supporting classroom teaching and learning. This session includes audience participation from a student’s perspective.

120-minute Professional Learning Workshop
A two-hour, interactive session that provides attendees with in-depth lessons, group activities and engaging experiences.