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

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

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

The NSTA Atlas of the Three Dimensions

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 grades gain...

Latest Resources

Member Web Seminar

A Decade of Discovery: Celebrating 10 Years of Best STEM Books, February 3, 2027

Join us on Wednesday, February 3, 2027, from 7:00 PM to 8:15 PM ET, for another installment of Book Beat Live!...

Member Web Seminar

Building Wonder with Text Sets: Tools for Inquiry Rich Classrooms, September 16, 2026

Join us on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, from 7:00 PM to 8:15 PM ET, for another installment of Book Beat Live!...

NSTA Kids

The STEM Kids Make a Robot (Hardcover)

Click here to access online extras for The STEM Kids Make a Robot A diverse and curious group of classmates builds a robot to speed up the tray return line in the school cafeteria. Follow along as the invention takes these students on an adventure...

Web Seminar

Explore Leadership Opportunities: 2027 NSTA Nominations Session, September 23, 2026

Join us on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, 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.Curious about serving in an NSTA leadership role? Join us for an overvie...

Web Seminar

Don’t Hide Your Passion: Let It Shine with an NSTA Teacher Award, October 14, 2026

Join us on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM ET, to learn about learn about the various NSTA award categories, eligibility criteria, and the application process. Your passion for teaching deserves to be recognized. In this session...

Web Seminar

Lab Safety Considerations for Pre-Service and In-Service Elementary Science/STEM Teachers, September 28, 2026

Elementary Pre-Service and In-Service Teachers! Join us on Monday, September 28, 2026, from 7:00 – 8:15 PM ET to learn about safety considerations for the elementary classroom....

NSTA Kids

Next Time You See a Star (Hardcover)

Invite readers to step outside, look up, and rediscover the wonder of the night sky. With poetic language and vivid imagery, Next Time You See a Star transforms the science of stars into an inspiring journey of discovery. Readers learn how light trav...

Web Seminar

Sponsored Archive: Web Seminar: Solve the Case: Bring Forensic Science into Your Chemistry Class, April 29, 2026

What if your students could identify an arsonist, investigate a poisoning, and analyze crime scene evidence—all using chemistry techniques they're already learning? Join Vernier chemistry expert Nüs Hisim and Trendsetter educators Anne Lav...

Web Seminar

Archive: Presenter Essentials: Your Guide to Conference Success, March 4, 2026

This webinar is designed to help conference presenters feel prepared, confident, and ready to succeed while aligning with NSTA’s learner-centered, evidence-based approach to professional learning. The session will address essential conference l...

Member Web Seminar

Archive: Using Best STEM Books to Launch Authentic STEM Learning, March 25, 2026

Reading STEM trade books is more than a literacy experience—it is an invitation into authentic problem-solving, creative thinking, and real-world innovation. In this dynamic Book Beat Live!...

Web Seminar

Archive: January is for Advocacy: NSTA Legislative Initiatives for 2026

Topics to be discussed:...

Web Seminar

Archive: Making the Most of Attending an NSTA Conference - Anaheim 2026, March 24, 2026

In this web seminar participants will learn:...

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