Changing Course: The River, The Science, The People

June 15–17, 2026 | New Roads, Louisiana

Complimentary lodging, meals, and activities
Participation stipend available upon completion

Calling all educators! Join a three-day journey of exploration along the Mississippi River in Pointe Coupee Parish. The Mississippi River has shaped Louisiana geologically, culturally, and economically. Yet much of the river’s history, science, and management remains unfamiliar to many educators and communities. This immersive, place-based professional development experience connects river science, history,  and people, equipping educators with meaningful, classroom-ready learning experiences rooted in Louisiana’s landscape.

Program Highlights

Participants will:

• Learn about river management at the Old River Control Structure
• Engage in hands-on activities exploring the Great Flood of 1927
• Explore environmental habitats and floodplain systems in central Louisiana
• Investigate river dynamics, sediment processes, and hydrologic change
• Examine the impacts of engineered river systems on communities and ecosystems
• Develop professional contacts for future collaborations and field trips
• Receive complimentary lodging, meals and program activities
• Earn a participation stipend upon completion

From River to Classroom

Indoor sessions will support educators in translating field experiences into impactful instruction. Participants will:

• Develop standards-aligned, inquiry-based lesson frameworks
• Adapt activities for diverse grade levels and subject areas
• Integrate environmental literacy, STEM, and Louisiana history
• Design place-responsive learning experiences grounded in current science

Educators will leave with adaptable, classroom-ready materials rooted in local context.

Share Your Work

Participants will have the opportunity to further develop and present their curriculum adaptations at the Louisiana Science Teachers Association conference in November, extending the impact of their work statewide.

Who Should Attend

Grade 3–12 educators interested in:

• Place-based education
• Environmental literacy
• STEM integration
• Louisiana river systems

Applications are due May 1. Link to register: https://shorturl.at/Wf1qw 

For more information, contact: ddiiullo@lsu.edu