Elementary Resources

A solid foundation of science education in grades K-5 is essential. Instilling a wonder and enthusiasm for science, as well as addressing the critical need for a well-informed citizenry is crucial during this time.

Featured Resources

Activating Learning with Phenomena

Journal Article

Uncovering Earth’s History, One Sample at a Time

Teaching Through Trade Books...

Journal Article

Advocating for Science from Within the Classroom

Journal Article

Phenomena-driven Science Instruction

Editor's Note...

Journal Article

Journal and Lesson Plans

Elementary Journal

Lesson Plans

Bestselling Elementary books

NSTA Press Book

Activating Students' Ideas: Linking Formative Assessment Probes to Instructional Sequence, K-5

Science teachers face an incredible challenging task of combining research on how students learn best, the three dimensions of the Science Education Frameworks that in themselves are complicated to understand, and instructional sequences that lead to...

NSTA Press Book

Picture-Perfect STEM Lessons, Kindergarten, Expanded Edition: Using Children’s Books for Three-Dimensional Learning

There’s a lot to love about this newly expanded book in the Picture-Perfect Science series: You can combine STEM and reading through lively lessons that are just right for your kindergarten students. Also, reading-comprehension strategies are embed...

NSTA Press Book

The NSTA Quick-Reference Guide to the Three Dimensions

Since its release in 2014, the NSTA Quick-Reference Guide has become an essential tool for educators across the country to explore the complex structure of three-dimensional standards, including the performance expectations (PEs) that integrate parti...

NSTA Press Book

Universal Design for Learning Science: Reframing Elementary Instruction in Physical Science

New in 2020! Download and read a sample chapter from this book to learn more.Here’s good news: With this practical book, you can learn from experienced elementary school educators about how to make physical science both challenging and accessible f...

Latest Resources

Member Web Seminar

Leveraging Anchoring Phenomena for Sensemaking, September 22, 2026

Compelling phenomena have the power to spark curiosity, inspire questions, and create a purpose for science learning....

Web Seminar Series

Designing 3D Assessments with Generative AI: A Four-Part Professional Learning Series for Science Educators

Are your assessments capturing the rich science sensemaking already happening in your classroom? Join us on October 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th from 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm ET, to build your skills in designing 3D assessments with generative AI....

Member Web Seminar

Who's Doing the Talking? Starting School with Effective Discourse Strategies, September 1, 2026

Spark deeper science learning through student talk. Discover strategies that turn classroom conversations into opportunities for students to collaborate, share ideas, and make sense of science together. Join us on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, from 7:0...

Member Web Seminar

OpenSciEd Best Practices for Success: Starting Strong: Lessons from Experienced Teachers, August 26, 2026

Ready to kick off your OpenSciEd year with confidence? Join us on Wednesday, August 26, from 7:00–8:30 PM ET for a live panel discussion featuring veteran OpenSciEd educators who have been where you are and are ready to share what they've learn...

Member Web Seminar

Starting Strong: Creating Classroom Norms that Foster Sensemaking from Day One, August 20, 2026

How do you create a classroom where every student’s ideas, questions, and experiences are valued from the very first day?...

Web Seminar

What is El Niño and How Might It Affect Our Weather This Year, September 10, 2026

Join us on Thursday, September 10, 2026, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM ET, to learn about El Niño....

Web Seminar Series

Learning that Lasts: Meaningful STEM Experiences that Build Durable Skills: A Topic Study for K-12 Educators

Join us for a four-part webinar series, scheduled on September 10, 17, 24 and October 1, from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM ET, to deepen your understanding of STEM learning experiences that build durable skills....

Web Seminar

First Look at NSTA’s Newest Professional Learning Experiences, July 23, 2026

Four new workshops. Four powerful ways to elevate science teaching. Be the first to discover NSTA's newest professional learning experiences and find the right fit for your educators. Join us on Thursday, July 23, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM ET, for a fi...

Web Seminar

Archive: First Look at NSTA’s Newest Professional Learning Experiences, July 9, 2026

Web Seminar

Snowfall Measurement Science: In Support of Aviation Winter Operations, November 12, 2026

Join us on Thursday, November 12, 2026, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM ET, to learn about snow measurement science....

Web Seminar

Lab Safety Considerations for Pre-Service and In-Service Elementary Science/STEM Teachers, February 22, 2027

Elementary Pre-Service and In-Service Teachers! Join us on Monday, February 22, 2027, from 7:00 PM to 8:15 PM ET to learn about safety considerations for the elementary classroom....

Web Seminar

Developing a Competitive Application for the Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge, February 1, 2027

Are you a K-12 teacher that works near a Shell asset? If so, you could win a science classroom makeover. Join us on Monday, February 1, 2027, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM ET, to learn about the Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge....

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