National Youth Science Academy

05/27/2026

Monday nights = science in action!

So many experiments. So many ideas. So much fun! From Star Wars science to seed balls for bees, we've been having a blast!

A big thanks to Dr. Jerod Caligiuri from Davis & Elkins College and Mat Cloak for leading these recent sessions.

05/26/2026

Did you know we have a wetland on our campus? Since May is American Wetlands Month, we couldn't pass up the opportunity to highlight ours!

These two have been enjoying our wetland, and for good reason! Wetlands play an important role in our environment. They help filter water, reduce flooding, store carbon, and provide habitat for a wide variety of species.

It’s a living example of science in action, right here on campus!

05/25/2026

Earlier this spring, NYSA was proud to partner with Dominion Energy and the NEED Project to host the Dominion Energy Workshop for Teachers.

Educators from across the region came together to explore hands-on energy education, classroom resources, and new ways to bring science concepts into everyday learning.

From discussions on energy’s impact on our environment and economy to practical teaching tools educators can use in their classrooms, the workshop was a great opportunity for collaboration, discovery, and professional growth.

Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the event a success!

05/22/2026

Science helps us see the connections that aren’t always obvious:

How forests support clean air.
How oceans regulate climate.
How even the smallest organisms play a critical role in sustaining life.

On International Day for Biological Diversity, we celebrate the complexity of our natural world and the curiosity that drives us to understand it!

05/21/2026

Today is World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, and we are celebrating the diversity of our industries!

Science is stronger when diverse perspectives come together. Different backgrounds, experiences, and ideas lead to deeper understanding, stronger collaboration, and more meaningful innovation.

Progress begins with connection, and discovery grows through dialogue.

Thursday’s World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development is an opportunity to celebrate the richness of the world’s cultures and the essential role of intercultural dialogue in fostering peace and sustainable development.

More from UNESCO: https://www.unesco.org/en/days/cultural-diversity-dialogue-development

05/20/2026

Have you experienced the National Youth Science Academy?

From hands-on learning to lifelong connections, NYSA is built on experiences that make a lasting impact. Your voice helps share that story.

If you have attended one of our programs or partnered with us, we would truly appreciate it if you could take a moment to leave us a review on Google to share your experience:
https://g.page/r/CTcRPou7XhWIEBM/review

Thank you for being part of the NYSA community.

05/19/2026

We’re proud to partner with organizations making a meaningful impact in their communities.

The Tucker County Family Support Center supports children and families through programs that promote healthy development, education, and connection.

At the end of this month, their team will be joining us for training, helping bring even more hands-on science learning opportunities into the communities they serve.

Partnerships like this help expand access to science and create opportunities that reach beyond the classroom.

Together, we’re building stronger communities and inspiring the next generation.

📸: Tucker County Family Support Center

05/15/2026

The Virginia big-eared bat is one of West Virginia’s rarest and most important mammals.

With oversized ears and a wingspan of nearly a foot, this bat is built for precision. It navigates dark caves and forests using echolocation, helping control insect populations by eating thousands of bugs in a single night.

Despite its impact, the Virginia big-eared bat faces serious challenges. Habitat loss and disturbances in cave environments have made it one of the most endangered bat species in the United States, with the largest population living in West Virginia.

Healthy bat populations support balanced ecosystems and even benefit agriculture by naturally reducing pests. Protecting species like this highlights how interconnected science, conservation, and everyday life truly are.

With ears ¼ the length of its body, the Virginia big-eared bat is a marvelous moth eater that graces the summer skies of West Virginia. But where are they now? 🦇✨

Hibernating, of course! Hibernation is a winter survival strategy for many animals. During the winter, food is often scarce and staying warm uses up a lot of precious energy. Their solution: sleeping it off! While they are hibernating, the metabolism and heart rate of these animals drop to help them conserve energy. In the spring, they wake up hungry and ready to take on the world!

Want to learn more about hibernating animals? Stop by the Visitor Center this Saturday to make a FREE hibernation-themed craft! We hope to see you there!

📸: Hibernating Virginia big-eared bats (Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus) by Craig Stihler/WV DNR.

05/13/2026

Strong communities don’t happen by chance. They’re built by people and organizations who invest in them every day.

The Tucker Community Foundation is a powerful example of that work in action, supporting local ideas, strengthening nonprofits, and helping communities grow in meaningful ways.

We’re proud to partner with organizations like The Tucker Community Foundation that share our belief in creating opportunities for the next generation and expanding access to impactful learning experiences.

When communities are supported, students are empowered.