STEM Activities and Resources for K-12 Teachers and Students
For All Grades (K-12)
From AAAS
BEN (BiosciEdNet)
Digital Library Portal for Teaching and Learning in the Biological Sciences
Teaching and learning resources for undergraduate and graduate students from collaborating organizations in the biological sciences
Science NetLinks
Standards-based lesson plans for teachers that incorporate reviewed Internet resources and that are searchable by Project 2061 Benchmarks
Science Update
A daily, 60-second feature radio show covering the latest discoveries in science, technology and medicine since 1988. Science Update answers listeners’ science questions, phoned in to our toll-free answer line, 1-800-WHY-ISIT (949-4748), or submitted to our online form. A week’s worth of Science Update news briefs is available for download as the Science Update Podcast
From National Science Foundation (NSF)
The Secret Lives of Wild Animals
Fascinating website for children (and the kid in all of us) that features special creature cams—videos from the animal’s viewpoint. Modern technologies like global tracking systems and ultraminiaturized sensors now provide researchers with intimate glimpses of rarely seen behaviors of wild animals
From Other Organizations
Practical Uses of Math and Science (PUMAS)
A collection of one-page examples of how math and science topics taught in K-12 classes can be used in interesting settings. The examples are written primarily by scientists and engineers.
Treasures in the Sea
A new resource book, available online, provides teachers of students in grades 3-6 with scientific information and engaging, hands-on activities related to marine conservation. These resources will help students understand life cycles, critical habitats, cultural and economic connections and the urgency of marine wildlife conservation and management. Produced by the American Museum of Natural History Center for Biodiversity and Conservation; the Bahamas National Trust; and the Bahamas Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture. Funded in part by NSF.
From NSF GK-12 Projects
Idaho State University
Physical and life sciences, and robotics activities for grades 5-12
Kent State
Geoscience activities and lesson plans developed by Fellows, and links to and reviews of activities from the Digital Library for Earth System Education (DLESE)
Michigan State University
Lessons in general science, biology, ecology, earth science, chemistry, and physics. Arranged by grade level.
North Carolina State University
Hands-on lessons with engineering applications
Penn State University
Multi-day standards-aligned instructional modules using the theme of advanced transportation technologies. Topics, for grades 6-12, include air bags, fuel cells, hybrid electric vehicles, and memory metals
University of Colorado
Lessons and activities on the TeachEngineering.org Digital Library Collection that use engineering as a vehicle for hands-on integration of science and math learning. Engineering GK-12 programs are encouraged to utilize this mechanism to publish and disseminate curriculum
University of Montana
Ecological inquiries for K-12 and natural history guide for teachers and students
For Elementary Grades (K-5)
From NSF GK-12 Projects
Ohio State University
Science investigations for grades 3-5
St. Joseph’s University
Natural science units for grades K-5
University of Alaska
Activities focused on earth, life, and physical sciences developed by GK12 fellows
University of South Carolina
Inquiry-based engineering, science and math activities for elementary and middle school classroom
University of South Florida
Lessons, experiments, and modules (genetic engineering, biosensors, robotics, nanotechnology) based on Sunshine State Standards for grades 3-5
For Middle Grades (6-8)
From NSF GK-12 Projects
Colorado School of Mines
Hands-on middle school mathematics and science activities with connections to engineering
Cornell University
Resources for science projects developed by graduate and undergraduate students in collaboration with middle and high school teachers
Emory
Problem-based lessons for middle and high school science and math
Illinois State University
Biology, chemistry, and math lessons
Texas A&M
Curriculum materials that support students in grades 6-12 in their use of spatial thinking, GIS, and remote sensing
University of Alaska
Activities focused on earth, life, and physical sciences developed by GK12 fellows
University of Arkansas
Math and science lessons for middle school students (primarily grades 6 & 7)
University of Central Florida
Inquiry-based and geared for upper middle and lower high school students
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Inquiries involving water; and geology units featuring visualization of earthquakes and plate tectonics
For High School
From NSF GK-12 Projects
California State University Northridge
Mathematics activities for middle school and high school studetns
Cornell University
Resources for science projects developed by graduate and undergraduate students in collaboration with middle and high school teachers
Emory
Problem-based lessons for middle and high school science and math
Illinois State University
Biology, chemistry, and math lessons
Texas A&M
Curriculum materials that support students in grades 6-12 in their use of spatial thinking, GIS, and remote sensing
University of Central Florida
Inquiry-based and geared for upper middle and lower high school students
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Chemistry units featuring visualization and models; American history units; and geology units featuring visualization of earthquakes and plate tectonics
From Other Organizations
Environmental Health Perspectives Journal
This publication of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences provides curricula and materials for students in grades 9-12 that are aligned with national science standards. The lessons are based on selected news and research articles in the Journal and can be downloaded for free.
