Inquiry Series

The Northwest Ohio Center for Excellence in STEM Education (NWO) at Bowling Green State University’s College of Education and Human Development invites educators to the STEM Inquiry Series, a series of STEM professional development workshops to engage educators in quality STEM education to learn skills and concepts in STEM teaching and learning to bring to their classrooms. The STEM Inquiry Series offers free registration and is open to in-service and pre-service teachers, higher education faculty, and business/community partners in the region. 

The STEM Inquiry Series features four inquiry-based sessions highlighting current, innovative trends in STEM education research and professional development during the Spring of 2026. The series is sponsored by Bowling Green State University’s College of Education and Human Development, NWO, and the Ohio STEM Learning Network.  

Session ONE:

Educator of Color Panel

March 11, 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m ~ BGSU, BTSU (Theater)

Local educators of color will share their teaching experiences in a panel discussion format. This free, optional event is open to all, including students at all levels, with opportunities to submit questions before and during the event.

Register at: https://forms.gle/JyexiPQwLehk9Zo26

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Session TWO:

Spring AI Café (Putnam County ESC) 

March 25, 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Putnam County ESC, 124 Putnam Pkwy, Ottawa, OH

Educators and administrators are invited to engage in collaborative brainstorming sessions focused on the evolving role of artificial intelligence in education. Attendees will rotate through a series of 30-minute, small-group discussions centered on key topics such as AI tools in the classroom, responsible AI usage, prompt engineering, using AI to Enhance Creative Thinking, and others. Come share ideas, gain insights, and connect with fellow professionals as we explore the potential and challenges of integrating AI in education.

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Session THREE:

STEAM Starts Here: Integrating Math, Science, and Inquiry in Early Childhood

April 13, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ~ BGSU, BTSU (Ballroom)

Get ready for a hands-on, minds-on STEAM adventure designed especially for early childhood educators! This engaging professional development session will spark curiosity and creativity as participants discover how math and science naturally live in everyday classroom moments, from routines and transitions to sensory play and storytime. Through interactive mini-workshops and center explorations, educators will practice using math talk, dive into inquiry-based science, and design playful provocations using mystery materials.

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Session FOUR:

AI Café (BGSU Levis Commons)

April 21, 4:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. ~ BGSU, BTSU (Ballroom)

Educators and administrators are invited to engage in collaborative brainstorming sessions focused on the evolving role of artificial intelligence in education. Attendees will rotate through a series of 30-minute, small-group discussions centered on key topics such as AI tools in the classroom, responsible AI usage, prompt engineering, using AI to Enhance Creative Thinking, and others. Come share ideas, gain insights, and connect with fellow professionals as we explore the potential and challenges of integrating AI in education.