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 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

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

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

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 strides in enginee...

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

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

Join us on Thursday, July 23, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM ET, for a first look at four new professional learning offerings designed to support science and STEM educators.  NSTA’s newest offerings include:...

Web Seminar

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

Join us on Thursday, July 9, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM ET, for a first look at four new professional learning offerings designed to support science and STEM educators.  NSTA’s newest offerings include:...

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....

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....

View All