Constellations are learning communities focused on connecting teachers and scientists. Through a series of 5 workshops, we provide teachers an opportunity to do science the way scientists do science. Our goal is to build, support and connect local science teachers with scientists in real-world professional settings.  

We aim to create a sense of belonging for the community of scientists with the teachers and bridge the gap between traditional K-12 and professional science. In a Constellations world, the scientist in the classroom and scientist in the lab are the same person. 

The mission of Constellations is to develop a self-sustaining network of ongoing learning communities where scientists and teachers come together to do science. 

Our network is just getting started with one pilot site in the 2024-25 academic year, and is looking to expand in 2025 and beyond. Interested in joining the movement? Learn more about how you can start your own constellation. 

Constellations is currently running a pilot program in the greater San Francisco Bay Area. Run as a collaboration between the STAR Program at Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo and Ignited, the project is funded by the National Science Foundation, modeled after Math Teacher’s Circles, and based on education research. 

The goal of the 24/25 pilot program is for teachers to experience real science by working with scientists who are active in the research community and working in the field. The Constellation will meet for five Saturdays over the school year, with the goal of shifting teachers' beliefs about science, beliefs about themselves as scientists, and intentions to adopt classroom practices that align with authentic science practices. 

Teachers also receive personalized professional coaching to directly connect learnings from the Constellation to the classroom with relevant cross-cutting concepts, science content and skills.