The National Science Teacher Association provides a database with an array of free resources for you and your classroom. Find these free resources on NSTA's Freebies for Science Teachers website.
Recently added freebies:
Where Are the Small Worlds?
Added: Nov 9, 2017
This game-style exploration of our solar system uses real NASA data and the relative motion of objects in the solar system. Developed for NASA by Arizona State University, the game enables students in grades 6–8 to explore our solar system from the perspective of the Sun and collect data on small worlds. Learners observe the motion of different worlds to determine their location in the solar system, then launch probes to search these small worlds to find the hidden caches and collect astrocoins. By doing so, students develop understandings about the use and limitations of a solar system model as well as insight into the relationship between relative speed versus distance of the object in the solar system. Where Are the Small Worlds? supports the NGSS and Common Core learning standards and is appropriate for use in both formal and informal learning settings. Visit the website to access the game and accompanying educator resources, such as lesson plans and documents with specific connections to learning standards.
Grades of Green
Added: Nov 7, 2017
Educators can access more than 40 activities and projects to inspire environmental stewardship and involve K–8 students in a hands-on way in protecting the environment. Projects involve improving air quality (No Idle Zone), conserving energy (Energy Audit), reducing waste (Trash-Free Lunch Challenge), limiting water consumption (School-Wide Water Reduction), eliminating toxins (Green Cleaning Supplies), or emphasizing ways that promote a healthy planet Earth (Meatless Meals). Participating schools earn badges for each green project completed; schools completing five or more projects earn a Grades of Green Certification. (Note: Free registration is required to access the projects.)
ClimateSim
Added: Nov 1, 2017
A web-based climate change simulator for advanced high school and undergraduate students can be used as a virtual lab in physics and environmental science courses. The app allows users to model scenarios of greenhouse gas emissions in the current century and simulates the first-order response of the Earth system. Instructors can use ClimateSim to illustrate climate change concepts, demonstrate dynamic relationships among climate variables, and assign simulation-based exercises for enhanced learning.The app is also useful for teachers interested in developing a better understanding of climate science basics.
Sustainable Agriculture Lessons
Added: Oct 30, 2017
This set of five lessons from the American Farm Bureau Foundation explores the social, economic, environmental, and production components of sustainable farming and ranching in the 21st century. Targeted for high school students, the lessons teach key terms relating to sustainable agriculture and agricultural history; explore business concepts of farming and how agriculture contributes to local, national, and global economies; describe how farmers care for the environment; highlight the four major categories of agriculture use (food, fiber, fuel, and shelter) and biological and technological advancements impacting agriculture production; and demonstrate the role agriculture plays in society. Each lesson includes a downloadable PDF, a PowerPoint, and an online learning component with videos and extra resources.