K-12 Science Resources

Science Content/Careers Resources - Science Content/Instructional Resources
Local Geology Resources - Earth and Space Science Resources
Earth Science Resources - Data Collection Resources
Connecting Students with Real Scientists - Instructional Resources

Science Content & Careers Resource

• Science News For Students: EUREKA! Lab; EUREKA! Lab on Twitter
  This site provides many short videos, articles, and podcasts about investigations conducted by student scientists and professional scientists. Content is made understandable for students of a wide range of ages. This organization also maintains a Twitter account that regularly shares links to exciting new innovations and research.

Science Content / Instructional Resources​

• Annenberg Learner: Science
  ​This site includes a wide variety of thoughtfully crafted science resources spanning K-12. These include, but are not limited to: PD opportunities, current science news, interactive online engagements, and lesson plans that capture NOS goals. Topics: astronomy, chemistry, biology, earth sciences, and more.

• Smithsonian: Science Education Center
  ​​The Smithsonian site provides multiple free curricular resources and guides. Instructional resources include educational games that simulate scientific investigations as well as videos to explain key scientific practices and content. Hands-on inquiry and student-driven learning are emphasized in all materials.

• Tools for Ambitious Science Teaching
  ​This site aims to share ambitious science teaching practices with educators K-12. “Ambitious teaching deliberately aims to support students of all backgrounds to deeply understand science ideas, participate in the activities of the discipline, and solve authentic problems.”

Earth and Space Science Resources

• The Digital Atlas of Ordovician Life
  ​​This resource provides information about local geology, mainly fossils, within the southwest regions of Ohio. A related app offers a user-friendly index of common local fossils appropriate for a wide range of ages. Online lesson plans and units are downloadable for free.

• EarthSky

        The page includes great images, videos, and stories!

• NASA for Educators
  ​​​The NASA page for educators provides a database of inquiry-centered, multi-modal lessons to teach students about the earth, space, engineering, and more. The site also includes video and articles for students of a variety of ages/levels.

• Environmental Science Journal for Kids
  ​This resource collects current and accurate environmental research and adapts to fit the needs of students. There are many topics and resources to choose from. You can even submit inquiries to real scientists! Its safe and child-friendly nature makes it a great place to start students' research or even explore during individual reading time on computers.

• Globe Program​

• Nature’s Notebook
  ​National Phenology Network’s website allows students and community members to share their observations in nature in this national journal. This website provides many educational resources related to observation, educational activities, and connections to local phenology organizations.

• The Virtual Cave​​

• SeaPerch
  SeaPerch is an innovative underwater robotics program that equips teachers and students with the resources they need to build an underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) in an in-school or out-of-school setting.​

Data Collection Resource

• Desmos
  ​This online portal operates similarly to a Google Classroom, but is centered around math and quantitative data. You can graph class data, compare results, and look for trends through this virtual classroom resource.

Connecting Students with Real Scientists

• Purdue University's e-Learning Resources
  Includes Superheroes of Science: Videos of interviews with scientists and worksheets​

• National Ocean Service
  ​​This resource allows you to learn about what large bodies of water near you might be affected by algal blooms or other water quality issues.

• The Water Education Foundation
  ​This California-based organization supplies resources on bodies of water across the United States. Their website explores how changes in water quality occur.

• National Center for Science Education: Scientist in the Classroom
  ​​This organization helps to connect teachers with early career scientists who study a variety of environmental issues. Teachers are partnered with a local scientist to teach current and engaging scientific content.

• International Society for Technology in Education: 5 Resources to Connect Your Students to Real Scientists
  ​​​This article provides links to 5 nationally relevant science resources. These organizations offer the opportunity to connect with real scientists virtually who research a broad range of topics.

• Skype a Scientist
  ​This site allows you to connect to a real scientist. Your students can engage in 30-60 minute Skype sessions to learn more about what it’s like to be a scientist. By sharing your class's current content, the site will connect you with a researcher that supports your students’ current interests and inquires.

• Soph Talks Science - Scientist in the Spotlight
  The blog of a "scientist turned science communicator" who loves sharing the stories of inspiring scientists from around the world and highlighting the incredible things they are doing.

• Denver Museum of Nature & Science: Scientists in Action
  Scientists in Action connects students directly with scientists during a live, interactive broadcast from field sites or research labs. During these free, 45 minute Q&A sessions, scientists demonstrate research techniques, share new discoveries, demystify the scientific process, and open a window into science careers. (Recommended for grades 4-12)

Instructional Resources

• Essential Lens: Analyzing Photographs Across the Curriculum
  One way to do inquiry with students is to have them answer inquiry questions by analyzing photos. Check out this short Annenberg Learner video for ideas.

• Inquiry-Based Learning in the Science Classroom
  ​​This video provides a high quality example of what inquiry-based science instruction looks like in practice. This earth science-based lesson engages the students in active inquiry and allows the students to construct their own conclusions using data they collected.