It's back to school time! There is nothing like the excitement and chaos of the first few days of a new school year for a teacher. I was always excited to begin the year with a few new ideas to add into my old favorites. Here are 10 resources and teaching ideas to add to your toolbox for this school year!
Mystery Science
Is this your first time teaching science? Or, have you taught science, but want some new lesson or unit ideas? Mystery Science is an "open and go" science curriculum for elementary aged students. Each lesson includes videos, discussions and an activity. You might even be eligible to get a FREE trial membership for the year. These are available to teachers and homeschool families.
Learn more by watching the guided tour of a lesson here.
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howtosmile.org
How to Smile is a fabulous website to have at your fingertips when searching for a new, engaging activity. Search through a collection of the best science and math activities from museums, universities and other educational organizations. How to Smile is a project of the National Science Foundation and the University of California Berkley's Lawrence Hall of Science.
I have used this site frequently and highly recommend it, the lessons and activities have been vetted for you through a reputable education program. It's much more productive than a Google search in terms of finding what you want quickly!
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Ask Dr. Universe
Have a burning science question you need answered? Visit the Washington State University's Ask Dr. Universe page. Dr. Universe is a very scientific cat that answers questions submitted by you in an understandable way. Use this page to find the answers to interesting questions, have students learn new facts and as a place to ask things you aren't 100% sure about.
With Dr. Universe it's easy to create a classroom culture where researching and asking questions is the best way to find out what you need to know.
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NSTA Forums
Becoming a member of the National Science Teacher's Association (NSTA) has essentially an infinity of benefits. In my opinion, one of the most beneficial perks of an NSTA membership is the ability to take part in the community forums. This is a place where teachers can present challenges they are having, ask for resources, share resources and pose thought-provoking questions.
In your school, or homeschool, you may not have a wide range of people who specialize in science education to bounce ideas off of, or to ask questions. The forums are great because these are educators just like you, sharing the collective intelligence of a huge community of like minded people.
I'm certainly not being compensated by NSTA to refer new members, but I would highly recommend you look into this as a resource. You might even be able to convince your school to provide you with professional development funds to do so. You won't regret it!
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Letters to a Pre-Scientist
Introduce your students to real-world science through the Letters to a Pre-Scientist program. Through this program, classrooms are connected with professional scientists. Students and scientists exchange letters throughout the year. This is an awesome way to introduce your kids to what a scientist actually does. Science goes beyond beakers and lab coats!
This is a growing program, and they are working to accommodate as many classrooms as possible. If Letters to a Pre-Scientist is not available to you, consider contacting your local college or university to see if there are professors, researchers, or graduate students who might be willing to exchange letters with your students.
Subscribe to Share it! Science News
If you don't already subscribe to Share it! Science News by e-mail, you should get on board. It's the best way to be sure you never miss any of the fun science activities, news, teaching resources and more that we share weekly. Never any spam, we promise!
Sign up for e-mail here:
You can also follow us on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Bloglovin' and Google+
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Picture-Perfect Science
If you teach elementary science, this is a must-have book series. Standards linked lessons use children's books as a focal point. The hands-on inquiry based activities are great, and the lessons are laid out in a way that accommodates veteran teachers and rookies alike. To read a review and get a sense of a sample lesson, check out my post: "Flight of the Pollinators: A Picture-Perfect Science Lesson"
Twitter for STEM Educators
You might be a Twitter fanatic, or you might be avoiding the social media craze. If you know the right places to look, Twitter can be an excellent resource for science teachers. Scientists, researchers, astronauts and writers share all sorts of interesting and current information on their feeds.
You can skip the pop culture and celebrity gossip and stack your twitter feed with science! Explore this list of 50 Essential Twitter Feeds for STEM Educators to get you started.
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DOGOnews Science
DOGOnews is a kid's news website. Used by schools internationally, it offers current events in a kid-friendly way. Articles are written with classrooms in mind, from highlighted vocabulary to comprehension and discussion questions.
I strongly believe that to really engage students in science you need to provide some real-world context for them. Integrating current science news into the curriculum is one way to do that. Peruse current science news on DOGO here.
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Zooniverse
Looking for some enrichment, or a way to fill in those moments when your highest achievers are looking for something extra to do? Get involved with citizen science on Zooniverse.
From identifying penguins to looking for objects in space, there are dozens of projects that a student can participate in, just a few minutes at a time. Set up a computer or tablet with Zooniverse and have kids who need a little something extra lend a hand to science.
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Here are some other posts that you might find inspiring as you plan your school year:
- What is Inquiry Based Science Curriculum?
- Children's STEAM Festival
- Over 70 of the Best Science Web Resources
- Pathways to Science Series
- Girl Power! Getting (and keeping) Girls Interested in Science
- ABC's of Earth Science
- Learning Science through Music
- 5 Must-Have Books for Teaching Preschool Science
- Engaging Students with Science Mysteries
- 10 Tried and True Videos for Teaching Science
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