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2026 Colorado Science Conference Location


CSU SPUR GPS Address:

4777 National Western Dr., Denver, CO 80216 

 Driving Directions




About the Conference

The Colorado Science Conference (CSC) is a one-day conference that supports science education through high-quality professional learning in science content, instructional strategies, and current research.

The conference features over 50 presentations spanning biology, chemistry, earth and space science, physics, and environmental science, with sessions designed for educators across Early Childhood, K–12, higher education, and informal learning settings.

CSC attracts nearly 400 attendees passionate about science education, including K–12 teachers, college instructors, informal educators, administrators, pre-service teachers, retired educators, and science education service providers. Participants are eligible to earn re-licensure credit for their time and work learning and connecting with the science leaders and resources across our beautiful state!

The CSC is an independent organization, separate from CAST, and is brought to life each year by a dedicated team of volunteers. The CSC Board meets monthly throughout the year to plan and coordinate the conference. Board membership has historically included representatives from sponsoring organizations such as the American Association of Physics Teachers – Colorado-Wyoming Section (AAPT-Co/Wyo), the Colorado Association of Science Teachers (CAST), the Colorado Biology Teachers Association (CBTA), the Colorado Chemistry Teachers’ Association (CCTA), and the Colorado Earth Science Network (CESN).

The 2026 CSC Board includes:

  • Kristina Stem – CSC Chair, Exhibitors/Sponsor Co-Chair, Website/App Manager
  • Amy Hill – CSC Secretary, Exhibitor Co-Chair, CSC Continuing Education Instructor
  • Teresa Higgins – CSC Treasurer
  • Kathryn Venzor – CSC Site Coordinator
  • Amy Bekins – Registration Chair
  • Zach Armstrong – Presentation and Programming Chair
  • Molly Dunn - Keynote Chair
  • DeLene Hoffner – Volunteer Chair

We are grateful for the many additional past and present contributors who help make CSC possible, including Matt Leach, Pete Modreski, Katie Navin, Yajaira Fuentes-Tauber, Jess Noffsinger, Autumn Rivera, Greta Glugoski-Sharp, Linda Cummings, Janelle Johnson, Elnore Grow, Theresa Hemming, Emily Meyer, Jami Seabolt, Cindy Gay, Cheryl Mosier, Robert Reinsvold, Emily Snode-Brenneman, and many MANY other volunteers who are deeply committed to supporting science education across Colorado.

If you are interested in becoming involved with CSC, please fill out the form at this link. We would love to have you on our team!


Colorado Science Conference 2026 — Attendee FAQ

Peaks of the Past, Frontiers of the Future: 150 Years of Colorado Curiosity

🕗 General Information
  • Date: Friday, November 6, 2026
  • Location: CSU Spur, Denver, Colorado
  • Address: 4777 National Western Dr., Denver, CO 80216
  • Theme: Peaks of the Past, Frontiers of the Future: 150 Years of Colorado Curiosity
  • Check-in opens at 8:00 AM.
  • First sessions begin at 9:00 AM.
  • Conference concludes at 4:30 PM.
  • Pick up your badge and conference materials in the Hydro Building Lobby.
  • Parking: Event parking in the large lot north of CSU Spur is managed by the National Western Center and requires a $15 parking fee for the day.
  • Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the venue.
🚀 Keynote Experience
  • We are excited to welcome Dottie Metcalf-Lindenburger as our CSC 2026 keynote speaker!
  • Dottie is a Colorado native, current science teacher, and NASA astronaut who has dedicated her career to inspiring curiosity, exploration, and STEM learning.
  • As an educator and astronaut, Dottie brings a unique perspective on the power of science education and the opportunities that come from following curiosity and exploring new frontiers.
  • Her keynote connects beautifully with this year’s theme, Peaks of the Past, Frontiers of the Future: 150 Years of Colorado Curiosity, celebrating Colorado’s legacy of discovery while looking toward the future of science and innovation.
☕ Food & Beverages
  • Lunch will be provided for all registered participants.
  • To help alleviate crowds and create a better experience for attendees, lunch service will be organized into two separate lunch periods that coincide with two separate keynote presentations.
  • Both lunch periods and keynote presentations will be the same—attendees will not miss any conference content regardless of which lunch/keynote time they attend.
  • Additional details about lunch timing will be shared closer to the conference.
  • Morning beverages and additional beverage stations will be available throughout the conference.
  • Special dietary meals will be available for attendees who indicated dietary needs during registration.
🎓 Continuing Education Credit & Graduate Credit
  • Continuing education credit and graduate credit opportunities will be available through Adams State University.
  • Attendees seeking credit must:
    • Register for the credit option.
    • Complete required paperwork/reflections (as applicable).
    • Scan QR codes during sessions and while visiting exhibitors to verify attendance.
  • Visit the CEU/graduate credit information table during the conference for additional details.
📱 Sessions, Schedule & Exhibitors
  • The full conference schedule, session descriptions, maps, and exhibitor information will be available through the 2026 CSC Sched App.
  • Use the app to:
    • Build your personal schedule.
    • View session locations.
    • Explore exhibitors.
    • Access conference updates.
  • Session rooms and locations will be listed in the app and on-site signage.
  • Sessions are first-come, first-served.
  • Exhibitors are located throughout all three CSU Spur buildings. We invite you to explore the beautiful campus and connect with the incredible resources, programs, and opportunities our exhibitors have available.
🏆 Science Awards Celebration
  • Join us as we celebrate outstanding science educators, programs, and contributions to science education across Colorado.
  • Enjoy recognition, community, and moments of celebration with fellow science educators.
  • All CSC attendees are invited!
🎁 Exhibitors & Prizes
  • Visit exhibitors throughout the day to discover new resources, programs, and opportunities.
  • Great times to connect with exhibitors include:
    • Before the first sessions (8:00–9:00 AM)
    • During breaks
  • Taking breaks from sessions to make meaningful connections, explore resources, and engage with exhibitors is encouraged!
  • Attendees may have opportunities to participate in door prizes and exhibitor engagement activities.
  • Door prizes will be announced at the conclusion of the Science Awards Celebration.
  • Additional details about exhibitor activities and awards will be shared closer to the conference.
💬 Helpful Information
  • Questions? Email ColoSciConf@gmail.com or stop by the information table in the Hydro Building Lobby.
  • Lost & Found will be located at the information table.
  • Photography is welcome—please be respectful of presenters and participants.
  • Bring:
    • A notebook or device for sessions
    • A refillable water bottle
    • A charger
    • Your curiosity and enthusiasm for science!



Contact colosciconf@gmail.com with questions.


 Colorado Association of Science Teachers is a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization

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