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

Picture-Perfect STEM Lessons, Second Grade, 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 appealing lessons that are just right for your second-grade students. Also, reading comprehension strategies are em...

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

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

NSTA Kids

Dear Ms. Guadalupe: Letters to my Librarian

Web Seminar

Bringing Quantum Science to the K-12 Classroom, November 6, 2025

This year has been designated as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. Join us on Thursday, November 6, 2025, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM ET, to celebrate the 100 Years of Quantum. ...

Reports Article

Freebies and Opportunities for Science and STEM Teachers, July 15, 2025

Member Web Seminar

Encores and Premieres, September 15, 2025

Join us on Monday, September 15, 2025, from 7:00 PM to 8:15 PM ET, for another installment of Book Beat Live!...

Reports Article

Freebies and Opportunities for Science and STEM Teachers, July 8, 2025

Web Seminar

Unlocking Success: A Step-by-Step Guide to NSTA Proposal Submissions, August 19, 2025

Ready to share your best ideas with the science education community? Join us on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM ET, for a dynamic web seminar where we will guide you through the process of submitting a successful proposal for the NS...

NSTA Press Book

The Explore-Before-Explain Guidebook for Science Education: Creating High Quality Lessons for the Classroom and Professional Learning

This guidebook uses an Explore-before-Explain instructional sequence to help you facilitate the design of active meaning-making lessons in science....

Reports Article

Freebies and Opportunities for Science and STEM Teachers, July 1, 2025

Reports Article

Freebies and Opportunities for Science and STEM Teachers: June 24, 2025

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...

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