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

Uncovering Student Ideas in Life Science, Volume 2: 30 New Formative Assessment Probes

Click here to view video of Uncovering Student Ideas in Life Science, Volume 2...

NSTA Press Book

Leadership by and for Science Teachers

Imagine having the opportunity to hear from 21 colleagues about their personal leadership journeys—and to get their advice. Leadership by and for Science Teachers is just such an opportunity. Author Rodger Bybee provides the insights and inspiratio...

NSTA Press Book

Uncovering Student Ideas in Science, Volume 2, Second Edition: 25 More Formative Assessment Probes

“Leave no alternative science idea unchallenged!” could be the slogan of this second edition of Uncovering Student Ideas in Science, Volume 2. Like the others in the bestselling series, this book is loaded with classroom-friendly features to pinp...

NSTA Press Book

Novel Engineering, K–8: An Integrated Approach to Engineering and Literacy

New in 2020! Download and read a sample chapter from this book to learn more.With the Novel Engineering approach, “students become excited about what they are reading, writing, designing, and building! This excitement in turn helps them make stride...

Latest Resources

Reports Article

Freebies and Opportunities for Science and STEM Teachers: June 17, 2025

Web Seminar Series

Enhancing Instruction with the NSTA Sensemaking Tool

Join us for a dynamic four-part webinar series, scheduled on March 3, 10, 17, and 24, 2026, from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM ET, where educators will explore how to use the NSTA Sensemaking Tool to give actionable feedback on lessons, and support instructiona...

Member Web Seminar

Instructional Routines to Support Sensemaking, March 11, 2026

Helping students make sense of complex scientific ideas requires more than just content delivery, it requires purposeful, consistent opportunities for thinking, talking, and connecting ideas. Instructional routines are structured, repeatable strategi...

Web Seminar

Learn and Lead: How to Support Teachers Making the Shift to 3D Teaching and Learning, January 21, 2026

As science education evolves, the shift toward three-dimensional (3D) teaching and learning, integrating disciplinary core ideas, crosscutting concepts, and science and engineering practices, represents a transformative opportunity for educators and ...

Web Seminar

Learn and Lead: What is 3D Learning? Practical Guidance for Leaders, October 29, 2025

Three-dimensional (3D) learning is at the heart of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and science education reform, but what does it really look like in classrooms, and how can leaders support its implementation system wide?...

Member Web Seminar

Building a Culture of Sensemaking: Creating Classrooms Where Student Thinking Drives Learning, August 27, 2025

What does it take to create a science classroom where students feel empowered to share their ideas, ask questions, and figure things out together?...

Member Web Seminar

What Are High-Quality Instructional Materials? Understanding the Essentials for Effective Science Teaching, August 12, 2025

What makes instructional materials high quality and how can you tell the difference between a resource that simply covers content and one that truly supports deep, three-dimensional learning?...

Member Web Seminar

Why High-Quality Instructional Materials Are Not Enough: The Case for Curriculum-Based Professional Learning, November 20, 2025

Join us on Thursday, November 20, 2025, from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM ET, to learn how aligning professional learning with instructional materials creates the conditions for lasting instructional change leading to more coherent, and engaging science learni...

Member Web Seminar

Sensemaking in the Science Classroom: Building the Foundations for Deeper Learning, November 4, 2025

What does it really mean for students to make sense of science?...

Member Web Seminar

Elementary Classrooms: Demystifying the Practice of Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking, February 10, 2026

Join us on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM ET, to immerse yourself in a classroom-ready lesson that creates an authentic need for students to engage in Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking, a core science and engineering p...