Archives: Resources

Throughout Jack London’s relatively short lifetime he wrestled with the environment in extreme climates.

Particle physics is the prime topic at the Lawrence Berkeley Library. While many physics resources can be found on the Web, the interesting feature of this site is … learn more

NASA has so much fun with Toys In Space, they created a sequel. Gravity (or a lack thereof) can effect rotation, force, acceleration, magnetism, magnetic fields, center of … learn more

Lawrence Livermore National Lab has programs for both teachers and students. The Teacher Research Academy is a professional development program where middle school, high school, and community college … learn more

What is next in human spaceflight?  

With our interactive apps and activities, learners of all ages can unlock science concepts anytime, anywhere. Explore the surface of the sun from your living room. All of … learn more

NASA had fun, taking a number of children’s toys into space. Check out what they found. Things behave very differently in Zero-G. Younger students will enjoy their favorite … learn more

Children can make a positive difference in the lives of other kids in need. It’s important to talk children about hunger, and inspire them to take action against … learn more

The U.S. Department of Education tracks a number of international collaboration projects. Find current information using this link.

PH International was founded in 1985 for the purpose of cultural and educational exchanges between the then-USSR and the United States. Over the past twenty-eight years, more than … learn more

For quick access to all of the UN organizations (including the NGOs) check the Directory of United Nations System Organizations.

The iEARN project has encouraged on-line communications between students in the US, Eastern Europe and Latin America through over 100 active global projects. For example, as a result … learn more

Maxis (now Electronic Arts) pioneered environmental simulation software for students. The series includes SimEarth, SimCity and, recently, the Sims (probably not appropriate for students). Each involves constructing a … learn more

This project facilitated by U.C. Santa Barbra and the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis provides an inquiry-based approach to science that is fun and meaningful. Ecologists … learn more

Computer games allow players to be stakeholders in the events that occur on the screen. Here are examples of games being developed that help people learn about the … learn more

Project MAC at the Concord Consortium has launched a $7 million project, sponsored by NSF, DOE and NIH and Harvard, Northwestern,and local schools etc., to build on modeling … learn more

Molecular modeling (mathmol)takes advantage of the Web to display 3D models at the intersection of math and biology/chemistry and to mount a series for K-12 of hypermedia textbooks. … learn more

Tree of Life depicts modeling by showing all of life. The Tree of Life Web Project is a collaborative effort of biologists and nature enthusiasts from around the … learn more

StarLogo TNG is a downloadable programming environment that lets students and teachers create 3D simulations (and games!) for understanding complex systems. Create different classes of objects (Boids) and … learn more

This non-technical article looks at Professor Ian Couzin’s work on how a group of individuals make decisions about how to move and where to go all at once? … learn more

How do schools of fish swim in harmony? How do the tiny cells in your brain give rise to the complex thoughts, memories, and consciousness that are you? … learn more

Bill Nye, the Science Guy, has assembled 40+ simple & fun experiments you can do at home or in the classroom. Create everything from a simple stethoscope or … learn more

CHECK OUT OUR FAVORITE EXPERIMENTS AND ACTIVITIES At Steve Spangler Science, we’re on a mission to inspire a new generation of scientists and engineers. A subscription to the Steve Spangler … learn more

Learn how you can make a solar powered hot air balloon with just tape and black plastic trash bags. An interesting project for a sunny day.

Think maker spaces are just for older kids and tech nerds? This video was created in one of Einstein’s Workshop’s stop motion animation classes, by Sophie and Allanna, … learn more

Marek Baczynski made a self driving potato. And then named him “Pontus” and adopted him as a pet. This video is part how-to-build, and lament on how adopting … learn more

Here is another maker space aimed at students and adults (big kids?). They encourage education through exploration, providing toys and tools to help students learn first-hand how science … learn more

Jennifer Turliuk and Andy Forest outline their recipe for success in this Make Magazine article: dedicated space, real tools, process and interest driven, kids teaching kids, exhibition and … learn more

A good way to see what all the excitement is about is to visit a nearby maker space. This map locates maker spaces in every part of the … learn more

Manurewa High School is one of the largest multicultural high school secondary schools in New Zealand, with an enrollment of about 2,000 students. After their new maker space … learn more

The makerspace (also referred to as hackerspace) concept is simple and as such it can take many forms. Give people tools, space and community and you get a … learn more

Here’s an easy way to get started. Have your students create a roller coaster out of nothing but construction paper, tape, glue and string. The objective: have a … learn more

This book by Nic Penny offers a wealth of ideas for making satisfying musical instruments from everyday and junk materials. It is aimed at children aged eight and … learn more

Sugru is a mouldable silicone rubber glue or clay that sticks to almost anything, moulds like play-dough, then cures overnight. You can create an inexpensive alternative using just … learn more

This resource provides simple experiments to ask questions and get answers, allowing your students to become scientists. Here are a set of experiments with ingredients you can find … learn more

Transform your smartphone into a powerful digital microscope with a stand you can build for for about $10.

A video showing the steps to build the platform and the gorgeous results. Check out Smartphone to Microscope for $10 on this page.

Styrofoam is a great material and can be used for many things like prototyping, prop making and even RC airplanes. Cutting Styrofoam can be very tricky though. The … learn more

Nick Penny makes an stringed guitar like instrument from simple junk materials, including a soda bottle (hence the name). One of the projects from his book.

FIRST sponsors a series of competitions each school year, including a robotics challenge. Dean Kamen, founder of FIRST, feels that “FIRST is more than robots. The robots are … learn more

So, looking for a cheaper rover platform, say under $500? Roger Cheng was inspired by JPL’s Open Source Rover project and created a much cheaper alternative, Sawppy. Most … learn more

This video shows what it takes to make a simple autonomous robot using an ultrasound sensor and Arduino computer board. The parts list, code, and written instructions can … learn more

Using recycled boxes from cereal boxes and other household items, maybe some construction paper, and paper fasteners your younger students can build their own “robots”. When the robots … learn more

Learn how to make your own soft robotic tentacle using silicone rubber and some ball point pens! This project is an easy and affordable way to demonstrate soft … learn more

Not all projects require soldering or electronics. This simple hand explores many of the concepts of robotics, but is created from cardboard, drinking straws, string and a hot … learn more

If you’re a beginner just starting out these eight projects will help hone your skills. Could be the basis for a class or after-school project lab.

John Park builds some lively and inexpensive miniature robots. Starting with a simple vibrabot made from a scrub brush, John assembles a solar junkbot and a slightly more … learn more

Howtoons is what happens when you combine a comic book artist, an inventor, and a toy designer. Howtoons provides engaging content that teaches kids how to build things, … learn more

Purple Plow Challenge, from the American Farm Bureau, encourages students to research scenarios related to food, hunger and sustainability and build their own prototypes to solve the defined … learn more

It’s fun to build toy-like projects. It’s educational to learn through applied physics. It’s invaluable to know that you are someone who can make something from nothing, and … learn more

This hands-on experiment and lesson plan from TeachEngineering provides students with an understanding of the issues that surround environmental cleanup. Student teams create their own oil spills, try … learn more

OK, now you have your PVC pipe bent, how do you make it looks like something other than PVC pipe? This video shows you how to remove the … learn more

PVC can be a cheap building material. But it’s not easy to bend into different shapes … until now. Heating sand on a portable induction cook top or … learn more

This maker challenge from TeachEngeneering challenges students to design or improve an existing passenger compartment so that it better withstands front-end collisions, protecting riders from injury and resulting … learn more

The problem with STEM is that teachers often have to purchase the materials at their own expense. Sarah has assembled this collection of STEM engineering challenges that are … learn more

Instructables has created a collection of 100 STEAM Projects created for teachers and educators to do with youth. Each project encourages exploration, modification, and students to pursue their … learn more

Look to sites like STEM Grants for information on educational grants for K-12 and educational non-profits. Other sources for funding and support can be found by contacting your … learn more

In an ever-changing, increasingly complex world, it’s more important than ever that our nation’s youth are prepared to bring knowledge and skills to solve problems, make sense of … learn more

Underwriters Laboratories’ XplorLabs is a free resource designed to encourage students to “solve through science.” Aimed at middle school students, the site uses interactive videos, instructional experiences, hands-on … learn more

This video looks at Westfield Vocational High School and shows how their teachers and students are reinventing vocational education to be relevant for today’s students. This school is … learn more

JASON’s goal is to provide curriculum and learning experiences in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) for K-12 students, and provide high-quality professional development for teachers. In addition … learn more

A growing body of research suggests that creating video games can be a highly engaging way for children to learn a range of STEM skills. Moreover, it encourages … learn more

This site, a National Science Foundation initiative, provides information, events, and resources that highlight promising practices and tools in support of effective K-12 STEM education. The site highlights … learn more

To prepare for the STEM adventure, PBS station KEQD offers this checklist of five questions your school needs to consider.

This post defines six characteristics of a great STEM lesson. Our favorite is: STEM lessons allow for multiple right answers and reframe failure as a necessary part of … learn more

This 16 minute film looks at STEM education at the STEM Magnet Lab School in Northglenn, CO. Some quotes include, “I’ve taught insects before, and I’ve never taught … learn more

Anne Jolly reviews how PLCs (Professional Learning Communities) were implemented, or not, and how STEM programs need a higher level of accountability. What, exactly, makes a particular curriculum … learn more

Aimed at educators, this introductory video defines STEM (integrating Science, Technology, Engineering & Math), outlines the benefits, and identifies areas like school organization, teacher preparation, and student assessment.