Just as children are enjoying summer sessions, teachers of all types can register for Summer Educator Workshops at Sci-Quest Hands-on Science Center. (CONTRIBUTED)

HUNTSVILLE – While on summer break, teachers looking for options in professional development can check out Summer Educator Workshops at Sci-Quest Hands-on Science Center.

“During our Summer Educator Workshops, adults will learn new techniques, hands-on activities and get materials to take back to their classroom,” Sci-Quest Development and Marketing Director Jennifer Deermer said. “Whether you are a school teacher, after-school instructor, home-school teacher or a scout leader, these workshops were designed with you in mind.”

The “3-D Printers (and more) in the Classroom” workshop will meet July 10. Participants will learn about three-dimensional printers and other devices used in manufacturing and in schools. The session will include hands-on activities and take-to-classroom materials.

On July 17, “Tech for the Non-Tech Teacher” will inform instructors about using technical tools and resources to expand their understanding and range in the classroom. The workshop will benefit teachers of any grade to incorporate technology in studies.

In this tech workshop, participants will explore the usefulness of apps, social media and video games to engage students and assist in evaluating their retention and understanding of lessons, Deermer said.

“Fear Geology No More” on July 24 will involve Sci-Quest staff and members of the Huntsville Gem and Mineral Society “as we take the ‘hard stuff’ out of geology instruction,” Deermer said.

Participants will learn how to identify rocks and minerals, create student-centered projects and learn locations of local fossil beds. Each participant will take a starter collection of rocks and minerals for use in the classroom.

The fee for each workshop is $25. Sci-Quest members receive a ten-percent discount. All workshops meet from 9 a.m. to noon. To register for a workshop, visit sci-quest.org/learn-us/summer-educator-workshops.

Sci-Quest’s address is 1435 Paramount Drive in Huntsville. For more information, call 256-837-0606.