Teaching Resource Collections

The following are links out to outside resources that we have found helpful.

General Resources:

  • Smithsonian X3D: Explore items from the Smithsonian in 3D, for free. Includes resources beyond STEM, such as a mask of Abraham Lincoln. Files available for download include files that can be used with a 3D printer.
  • National Science Digital Library: Despite the name, this resource covers STEM and English Language Arts. Search by subject, grade level (preK through graduate-level, including adult education), or standard (Common Core, NGSS).
  • The Brain Scoop: YouTube channel that has videos featuring museum collections (especially the Field Museum) and a wide range of educational topics. Content is largely based around natural history, but there are also videos about history, social studies, physics, and anthropology.

General Resources for Science Education:

  • SERC K12 Science: A portal for K-12 science education, run by the Science Education Resource Center (SERC) at Carleton College. Includes resources on pedagogy, how students learn, and a searchable database by grade level and topic.
  • National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science: A database of case studies supported by NSF. For middle and high school classrooms, as well as undergraduate and graduate studies.
  • USGS Resources for Teachers: A database of K-12 and undergraduate teaching resources maintained by the US Geological Survey. This resource covers more than geology/earth sciences.
  • NSF: The National Science Foundation maintains a database of teaching resources in a large number of STEM disciplines, including specific items on People & Society (how science intersects with people & society).
  • How to Identify Effective STEAM Activities for Children:  This resource published by Baylor University’s online EdD program includes information on how starting STEM education at a young age can impact critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity. Guidelines are provided for educators regarding what makes an effective STEM lesson and how to use real-world applications to tie the lesson together. The resource also highlights trusted online STEM resources where teachers can learn more about this topic.

Earth & Planetary Science:

  • Teach the Earth: A portal for earth science education, run by SERC
  • NASA Space Place: Teaching activities on earth and planetary science from NASA. Activities align with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).
  • Paleontology Education: Database of resources related to teaching paleontology.

Biology:

  • SICB Research and Education Resources (RER): Database aimed at undergraduate education, but activities could be modified for high school or middle school. Maintained by the Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology.
  • SSE Resources for Teachers and Students: Clearinghouse of resources for teaching evolution, maintained by the Society for the Study of Evolution
  • CourseSource: Open-access journal of peer-reviewed teaching resources for undergraduate biological sciences. Some of these activities can be adapted for grades 9-12.
  • Life Science Teaching Resource Community (LifeSciTRC): Database of science teaching resources and activities for K-12 and undergraduates. Activities come from a consortium of life science organizations.
  • BioEd Online: Resources for K-12 put together by the Baylor College of Medicine
  • oVert: Free 3D models, including STL files for 3D printing, of various vertebrates
  • HHMI: Free teaching resources from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Covers physiology, evolution, genetics, anatomy, and general biology.

Chemistry:

Physics:

Computer Science: