Modeling the Molecular World
Offered in partnership with the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology
July 12th - July 16th, 2027
Dothan, AL
See It. Model It. Question It. Explain It.
A five-day, professional learning course for educators ready to make molecular learning stick.
Modeling Molecular World equips biology and chemistry educators to make invisible molecular processes visible, tangible, and explainable. Bring your experience and leave with practical modeling strategies, 12 modeling kits, a community of fellow educators, and a plan to put it all into practice—so your students can touch, question, explore, revise, and explain the molecular world.
.jpg?width=563&height=450&name=CELL_MII2026%20(1%20of%201).jpg)
"I did not expect to come away with a strong understanding of the mechanics behind many of the processes modeled in your kits, but I not only know how to use the kits, but I also have a good understanding as a learner and as a teacher of how to implement them. More importantly, I came away with a great idea for how to "tell a molecular story" to both engage and entertain students as we learn."
- 2026 Modeling the Molecular World Participant
mmw.png?width=615&height=815&name=FGIK%20(1)mmw.png "FGIK (1)mmw")
Course Registration Fees
Course Hours: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Monday to Friday. An optional welcome event is hosted on Sunday evening before the course.
|
Registration Type |
Regular Rate |
Early Bird Rate |
Title I Scholarship Rate |
Scholarship Rate |
|
Single Registration |
$900 |
$750 |
$225 |
$450 |
|
Co-registration |
$675 |
$600 |
See discounts, bundled pricing, and scholarship information below!
-
I'm a Newer Educator
Build the molecular-teaching toolkit you wish you’d had in year one, and will use for years to come! Explore strategies for guiding your students to question, revise, and explain models, then take home 12 foundational kits and models valued at over $1,000 to put your learning into practice.
-
I'm an Experienced Educator
Deepen your practice and rediscover molecular biology through your students’ sensemaking. Explore ways to move beyond diagrams and help students use models to investigate structure, function, and molecular interactions.
-
I'm Familiar with 3DMD Kits & Models
You have the models. Now explore the teaching moves that turn them into opportunities for student sensemaking. Practice guiding your students to ask questions, test ideas, revise their thinking, and build explanations with the materials you already know.
-
I'm Interested in PL for My Whole Team
Bring a colleague—or come as a team—and return with shared language, materials, and an implementation plan. Learn together, exchange perspectives, and develop a shared approach to molecular modeling that you can put into practice across your classrooms.
-
I've Attended This Course in the Past
Attend Modeling the Molecular World again at no course tuition cost. Return with your classroom experience and explore new possibilities through the WE² Model framework.
"You exceeded my expectations. Not only did I learn how to use the models and ways to use them in the classroom, but I deepened my understanding of the science. I have so many ideas for implementing the models!"
- 2026 Modeling the Molecular World Participant
Discounts & Bundled Rates
Plan Ahead and Save with Early-Bird Pricing
Register and pay by March 1, 2027, to save on your summer professional learning.
Unlock Exclusive Discounts by Attending Together!
Co-register with a colleague to save while discovering practical ways to bring molecular modeling into your classrooms. Attend together. Return with shared language, materials, and an implementation plan.
Participants are responsible for booking their own lodging for the course.
Course Address
Wiregrass Innovation Center
122 Museum Avenue
Dothan, AL 36303
Free on-site parking available.
"I thought we would use individual kits in the course. I was blown away by the integration of different kits to tell a story. I knew we would get some stories, but I am amazed at the depth of connection with stories, models, and inquiry."
- 2026 Modeling the Molecular World Participant
Scholarship Opportunities
Teachers must apply and be accepted into the course.
Title I Scholarships: Registrants will receive a $675 scholarship award, making the MMW Registration cost $225/person.
(Non-Title I) Scholarships: Registrants will receive a $450 scholarship award, making the MMW Registration cost $450/person.
Teachers who receive a scholarship are not eligible for additional discounts.
To apply for the scholarship, send a letter of support from your principal or other administrator explaining the following:
- The need for the fee reduction
- The district’s awareness and support of the teacher attending this course
- The educator’s prior use of modeling in the classroom
- Include 3D Molecular Designs’ models or other types of modeling. Please specify.
- This letter can be emailed to the course coordinator, Lauren Koepsel, at Lauren.Koepsel@3dmoleculardesigns.com
Preference will be given to Title I schools, and will attend the course for a $225 course fee. Schools not named as Title I schools that still have financial need will attend the course for $450. All teachers are responsible for their travel arrangements.
Earn Graduate Credit for Attending
-
Earn 3 Graduate Credits
-
$95/credit payable to the TCSJ
-
Additional Assignments: A lesson plan on incorporating one of the kits into your class(es).
To Apply:
-
Submit your lesson to contactus@3dmoleculardesigns.com to get an updated Certificate of Completion (reflection 45 hours)
-
Complete form at www.forms.teacherscollegesj.edu//3dmd
-
Pay $285 to TCSJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need prior modeling experience?
No! You don’t need prior experience with molecular modeling or 3D Molecular Designs’ kits to participate. Whether you’re new to hands-on modeling or already use models in your classroom, this course offers an opportunity to build your confidence and explore ways to bring molecular concepts to life for your students.
I already own 3D Molecular Designs kits—will this still help?
Yes! Owning the kits is a great starting point. Modeling the Molecular World gives you time to explore how you can use them more intentionally in your teaching, discover new approaches, and build on what you’re already doing. You’ll also have opportunities to exchange ideas with other educators and consider new ways to incorporate modeling into your classroom.
Can my district pay by purchase order?
Yes! Select “Purchase Order” at checkout to pay through your school or district. If you or your purchasing department need help with the process, contact us at customerservice@3dmoleculardesigns.com.
What is included?
Your registration includes five days of professional development focused on hands-on molecular modeling and classroom applications. You’ll also take home 12 kits and models valued at approximately $1,000, giving you resources to put your learning into practice with your students.
How do scholarships work?
Educators at both Title I and non–Title I schools may qualify for assistance.
Who is eligible?
- Educators at Title I schools may receive up to a 75% reduction in course fees.
- Educators at non–Title I schools who demonstrate financial need are eligible for a 50% reduction in course fees.
Scholarships are awarded per person, and no additional discounts apply.
How do I apply for a scholarship?
- Apply to Modeling the Molecular World. You must be accepted into the course before completing the remaining scholarship steps.
- Complete the scholarship intake form after you’re accepted.
- Obtain a brief letter of support from your principal or another administrator. The letter should explain:
- Your need for a reduction in course fees.
- Your school or district’s awareness of and support for your attendance.
- Your prior experience with classroom modeling, including whether you’ve used 3D Molecular Designs’ models or other modeling approaches. If you’re new to modeling, simply note that.
- Email your letter of support to the lauren.koepsel@3dmoleculardesigns.com.
Not sure whether you qualify? We encourage you to apply. We’re happy to review your situation and answer questions about the process.
What if I need to cancel?
If your plans change and you need to cancel, please email customerservice@3dmoleculardesigns.com. Our team can help you with the cancellation process and answer questions about your registration.
Can I earn graduate credit?
Yes! You can earn three graduate credits through Teachers College of San Joaquin in connection with Modeling the Molecular World. If you’re interested in pursuing credit, review the graduate-credit registration details and requirements as you plan your participation.
What grade levels and subjects is this course best suited for?
Modeling the Molecular World is designed primarily for high school and college educators teaching molecular concepts. Middle school teachers may also find value in the experience, but should expect content geared toward high school and college instruction and consider how they would adapt it for their students.
If you’re unsure whether the course fits your teaching responsibilities, contact us to discuss your grade level, subject area, and goals.