Five teachers from the School District of Washington recently joined more than 100 educators from across the St. Louis region to strengthen their science instruction through Washington University's mySci Summer Institute.

Held June 23 on Washington University's Danforth Campus, the professional learning event brought together 110 educators to explore innovative, hands-on approaches to science education.

Representing the School District of Washington were Marthasville Elementary teachers Dani Kimminau, Michelle Ming, Darcie Rogala, and Tammy Buse, and South Point Elementary teacher Alyssa Warnecke.

The mySci Summer Institute is designed and administered by Washington University's Institute for School Partnership (ISP). The mySci program is a comprehensive, high-quality, kit-based science curriculum for students in kindergarten through eighth grade that emphasizes experiential learning, scientific inquiry, and critical thinking.

Each year, the Institute for School Partnership distributes more than 13,000 mySci instructional kits to more than 245 schools throughout the St. Louis region, providing educators with engaging resources that encourage students to explore scientific concepts through hands-on learning experiences.

By participating in the Summer Institute, Washington School District educators gained valuable instructional strategies, collaborated with fellow educators from across the region, and enhanced their knowledge of the mySci curriculum. The professional development experience will help bring engaging, inquiry-based science lessons into classrooms, benefiting students throughout the upcoming school year.

Five teachers from the School District of Washington recently attended Washington University's mySci Summer Institute. From left are Alyssa Warnecke, Michelle Ming, Tammy Buse, Darcie Rogala and Dani Kimminau.