Resource for teaching science

Thanks to Kim Lightle and the NSTA Science Matters newsletter for the following information about science teaching resources:

K-12 Science Resources from NSF

K–12 science lessons and web resources for teachers, students, and families are available at this website. Choose from subject areas ranging from the Arctic to Physics, and then use the materials to create lesson plans or at-home activities. For example, among the Biology resources you’ll find Cornell University’s Bird sleuth program for elementary and middle level students, and CellsAlive.com, which has cell-related animations and videos for use in high school and college classrooms.

The Balanced Equation Curriculum

This standards-aligned curriculum introduces students in grades 9–12 to global sustainability and chemistry’s role in developing long-lasting solutions. It features 10 interdisciplinary lessons that involve students in discussions about the importance of considering people, their needs, and their environment. For example, in The Sustainability Corps, students explore the chemistry of healthy water through role play and experimentation with different water filtration techniques.

Spider in Space

In April 2011, an orb weaver spider joined the STS-134 astronaut crew aboard space shuttle Endeavour for a trip to the International Space Station. Now scientists are observing the spider’s behaviors in microgravity. With the Spiders in Space Teachers Guide, K–12 students can also participate in this real-life research, comparing ground spiders with the one in space. The guide contains instructions for setting up spider habitats in the classroom and helping students design their own “spider” investigations. Registration is required to download the guide.

Bill Nye’s Climate Laboratory

Emmy-award-winning science educator Bill Nye has become Bill Nye the Climate Guy—complete with his own Climate Lab—courtesy of Chabot Space & Science Center of Oakland, California. To accompany its new permanent exhibition, Bill Nye’s Climate Laboratory, the center has created an educational website for elementary and middle school teachers, students, and families. Join Nye on fun missions and activities to reduce energy consumption and thwart climate change. You'll hunt down energy vampires, design a “green” home, grow a virtual garden—and compete to become a climate champion!

Ten80 Student Racing Challenge

The Ten80 Student Racing Challenge features an integrated science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) curriculum for students in grades 6–12. Student teams work collaboratively to design, build, and race model remote-controlled cars against those of other student teams across the country. The curriculum teaches students about aerodynamic design, chassis setup, mechanical engineering, and math modeling (collecting data and making graphs). Preview a sample activity from the curriculum and learn more here.