Privacy Policy
Who We Are
VST is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to support science teachers and create knowledge and skill-building resources that help all students develop a strong foundation in science. We partner with teachers to build a scientifically literate society, equipping students with the skills to thrive in an ever-changing world. We believe everyone deserves access to engaging resources that help them grow in their understanding of science.
We don’t require logins, collect student information, or sell data. The only analytics cookie we use is Google Analytics 4, which provides anonymous, aggregate usage data to help us improve our site. If you donate or sign up for events, that’s handled securely by our partner, Zeffy. You can read the full policy below.
How to Contact Us
You can contact us at our main business address:
Virtual Science Teachers
1500 Shipyard Rd Suite D #1014, Chesapeake, VA 23323, USA
United States
We can also be contacted by email at: admin@virtualscienceteachers.com.
What Personal Data Do We Collect?
Personal Information You Provide
You may share personal information with us if you contact Virtual Science Teachers directly (for example, by email) or if you make a donation or register for an event. The information you provide may include your name and email address. For donations or event sign-ups, our third-party provider Zeffy may also collect payment details; VST does not see or store this information. See Zeffy’s Privacy Policy.
Information We Collect Automatically
We collect limited technical information automatically to help us understand how our website is used, improve functionality, and maintain security. This may include:
the page you came from and the page you go to next,
your browser and operating system,
your general location (such as city or zip code), and
how you move through our site (pages visited, time spent, clicks).
Some pages may include embedded content (such as Canva or Genially presentations). These services may collect basic usage data (like IP address and device type) as soon as the content loads, even without interaction.
We use Google Analytics 4 (GA4) to help us understand usage trends. Our GA4 settings are configured so that GA4 does not log or store full IP addresses. Instead, only approximate geolocation (e.g., city or region) is derived before the IP is discarded. Advertising and remarketing features (such as Google Signals) are disabled in our configuration. GA4 does not collect personally identifiable information and does not track users across other websites.
Cookies and similar technologies (like small data files stored in your browser) help us recognize returning devices and remember preferences. You can manage or delete cookies through your browser settings.
Personal Information Received from Third Parties
We may receive aggregated, non-identifiable information from social media platforms (for example, overall demographics of followers or engagement statistics).
Why Do We Use Personal Data?
We process (use) Personal Information for the following purposes:
To request feedback and communicate with you.
To provide and/or protect our Services.
To identify usage trends.
To resolve disputes and enforce Terms of Use.
To comply with legal obligations and prevent harmful activities.
We do not sell the Personal Information of our users.
Virtual Science Teachers does not require students to sign in, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under the age of 13. Our website is designed so that students can use resources without providing identifying information.
The only data collected is anonymous usage information through Google Analytics 4 (GA4), which is configured not to store full IP addresses or collect personally identifiable information.
If we ever become aware that we have inadvertently collected personal information from a child under 13, we will promptly delete it. If you believe this has occurred, please contact us at admin@virtualscienceteachers.com.
Who Can See Your Personal Data
We only share limited personal information in specific circumstances:
Third-party service providers (hosting, analytics, donation processing, event management).
Professional advisors (lawyers, auditors, insurers).
Legal requirements (court orders, valid legal processes).
Protecting services/users (to ensure safety and security).
With your consent (if explicitly given).
We may also share aggregated or anonymized information that does not identify any individual, for research, reporting, or other purposes allowed by law.
How Do We Look After Your Personal Data?
We use reasonable organizational, technical, and administrative safeguards to protect the Personal Information we collect and process. In the event of a data breach, we will assess scope and impact, notify affected parties and regulators as required, and take corrective measures.
How Long Is Your Personal Data Kept?
We retain Personal Information as long as legally permitted and only for the purposes collected. Once no longer needed, we delete it. De-identified, aggregate data may be kept for lawful purposes.
Do You Have A Say In What Happens To Your Personal Data?
Depending on your state of residence, you may have rights such as:
Access, correction, and deletion of Personal Information.
Objection to processing under certain conditions.
Opt-out of targeted advertising or sale of data (not applicable here since VST does not engage in these practices).
Withdrawal of consent at any time.
To exercise your rights, contact us at admin@virtualscienceteachers.com.
Cookie Notice
Types of Cookies We Use
We may use both session and persistent cookies. Session cookies last while your browser is open; persistent cookies remain for longer, depending on your browser settings.
Third-Party Embedded Content
Some pages include embedded content from third-party platforms (such as Canva or Genially).
Canva (nonprofit account): Our settings disable advertising, personalization, and AI training. Only essential cookies are active. Canva may receive limited technical data (IP address, device type), but this is not used for student identification, advertising, or remarketing.
Genially (Author plan): These embeds do not require logins or personal information. Genially may receive limited technical data (IP address, device type). We do not enable or use features that track individual student data. Use is strictly instructional, not for advertising or remarketing.
How We Use Cookies
We use cookies to support site performance and analytics. GA4 helps us understand visitor interactions using first-party cookies. Our GA4 settings are configured so that GA4 does not log or store full IP addresses (only approximate location is derived before discarding them). Advertising and remarketing features are disabled. GA4 does not track users across websites and does not collect personally identifiable information by default.
You can opt out of Google Analytics by installing Google’s browser add-on.
Disabling, Deleting, or Opting Out of Cookies
Visitors can adjust cookie settings using our “Consent Preferences” link or through their browser.
Privacy Policies of Other Websites We Link To
Our Services may link to third-party websites or apps. Their privacy practices may differ from ours. You should review their policies for details about personal data they may collect.
This includes not only linked sites but also embedded services such as Canva or Genially. These may load content from external servers and use cookies or similar technologies to function.
Updates to this Policy
We review and update this Privacy Policy periodically. If material changes are made, we will post the revised version and, where appropriate, notify users.
Last updated: September 7, 2025