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

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...

NSTA Press Book

The NSTA Atlas of the Three Dimensions

New in 2020! Download and read a sample chapter from this book to learn more.A key aspect of learning in K–12 education is the idea that what students know and are able to do grows and evolves over time. Simple ideas learned in the early elementary...

NSTA Press Book

It's Still Debatable! Using Socioscientific Issues to Develop Scientific Literacy, K–5

It’s Still Debatable! encourages scientific literacy by showing you how to teach the content and thinking skills K–5 students need to explore real-world questions like these: • Is football too dangerous for kids? • Do we need zoos? �...

Latest Resources

Member Web Seminar

Data-Driven Instruction with OpenSciEd: Using Student Insights to Improve Learning, January 22, 2026

Join us on Thursday, January 22, 2026, from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM ET, for a dynamic web seminar designed to empower education leaders and data professionals with practical strategies for leveraging student assessment data to improve teaching and learnin...

Member Web Seminar

Teacher Leadership and OpenSciEd: How to Build a Community of Science Educators, December 3, 2025

Great science teaching grows stronger through collaboration, leadership, and shared vision. Join us on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM ET, for a dynamic, stakeholder-led web seminar designed for science educators, leaders and pro...

Member Web Seminar

Engaging Parents & Communities in OpenSciEd Science Learning, November 18, 2025

Strong science instruction doesn’t stop at the classroom door—it thrives when families and communities are engaged in the learning journey....

Web Seminar

Learn and Lead: Supporting Teachers in an OpenSciEd Classroom – Tools, Strategies, and Solutions, September 16, 2025

Implementing OpenSciEd transforms science teaching but it also comes with a learning curve for educators. Join us on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM ET, for Supporting Teachers in an OpenSciEd Classroom, a practical web seminar f...

Web Seminar

Learn and Lead - Lunch Edition: Supporting Teachers in an OpenSciEd Classroom – Tools, Strategies, and Solutions, September 16, 2025

Implementing OpenSciEd transforms science teaching but it also comes with a learning curve for educators. Join us on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM ET, for this lunch edition of Supporting Teachers in an OpenSciEd Classroom, a ...

Member Web Seminar

Supporting Teachers in an OpenSciEd Classroom – Tools, Strategies, and Solutions, September 9, 2025

Implementing OpenSciEd transforms science teaching but it also comes with a learning curve for educators. Join us on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM ET, for Supporting Teachers in an OpenSciEd Classroom, a practical web seminar fo...

Web Seminar Series

Science Notebooks in Student-Centered Classrooms: A Professional Book Study for K-8 Teachers

This web seminar series, scheduled on February 4, 11, 18, and 25, 2026, from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM Eastern Time, offers an opportunity to K-8 teachers to learn about the use of science notebooks in the classroom....

Reports Article

Freebies and Opportunities for Science and STEM Teachers, May 20, 2025

Reports Article

Freebies and Opportunities for Science and STEM Teachers, May 13, 2025

Web Seminar Series

Making Sense of Meaningful STEM: A Topic Study for K-12 STEM Educators

This web seminar series, scheduled on September 3, 10, 17, and 24 from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM Eastern Time, offers an opportunity to develop or deepen your understanding of how phenomenon-driven, three-dimensional teaching and learning form the foundatio...

Reports Article

Freebies and Opportunities for Science and STEM Teachers, May 6, 2025

Web Seminar

Your Voice, Your Impact: NSTA Nominations Information Session, September 17, 2025

Join us on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM ET, to learn about the leadership opportunities available on the NSTA Board of Directors and Leadership Council.This session will provide an overview of open positions, eligibility req...

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