Classroom Ready K–12 Biology and Ocean Science Toolkits 

The U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) Association and its Regional Associations have created turnkey lesson packets that integrate NGSS practices, biology/ecology, and data literacy—anchored in real time ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes observations. IOOS makes ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes data accessible and usable. These "pick-up-and-teach" lessons feature teacher guides, student sheets, embedded data tools, and more to equip biology and science teachers with ocean-powered lessons that are classroom ready.

The National Curriculum, available in English and Spanish, is a curated collection developed to help students learn about ocean observation, particularly in the contexts of coastal hazards, ecosystem changes, and food from the ocean. And IOOS Regional Associations, located across the United States, work directly with K–12 educators to co design lessons, provide real time data tools, and build classroom activities that connect biology, Earth science, and data literacy to local waters. Toolkits are available for the following regions.

•    Southeast. Classroom Activities 
•    Pacific Northwest. Lesson Plans 
•    Caribbean. Education Manual (Spanish) 
•    Pacific Islands. Education Resources 
•    Gulf. Resources for Educators 

Lesson Planning With Augmented Reality

Developed by Discovery Education and Verizon as part of suite of professional development resources focused on the use of immersive technology in the classroom, Lesson Planning With Augmented Reality is a self-paced e-learning module and educator guide designed to help K–12 teachers empower students to become citizen scientists in their own communities. The course presents techniques and teaching strategies for using immersive technology to engage students at all levels in science learning and shows teachers how to use these immersive technologies to engage students in a collaborative challenge that helps solve a conservation problem in their local community.

Star Party Simulation and Lesson Plan

Infiniscope—a NASA-funded project that provides educators with high-quality adaptive digital learning experiences about Earth and space science—has developed a simulation for students to explore stellar evolution. In the simulation, students model stellar life cycles by creating stars of varying masses and following them through their life cycles. The simulation tracks the stars as they evolve on an Hertzsprung–Russell (H-R) diagram—a scatter plot of stars showing the relationship between the stars' absolute magnitudes or luminosities versus their stellar classifications—and charts the stars’ changes in chemical composition. An accompanying online lesson plan guides teachers in using the simulation effectively in instruction. 

Teachers can also access links to documents describing how the simulation and lesson plan support various learning standards (Next Generation Science Standards, National Research Council’s Framework for High School Science Education, and Common Core State Standards).

American Horticultural Society’s Jane L. Taylor Award

Named for Jane L. Taylor—youth advocate, horticulturist, and educator—this prestigious award honors those who cultivate future generations. It is presented to an individual, organization, or program that has inspired and nurtured future horticulturists through efforts in children’s and youth gardening. Nominations are due by September 26.

Help Shape Future Science Resources

The Smithsonian Science Education Center is seeking middle school teachers who are interested in testing instructional materials between January 12 and May 15, 2026. If interested, complete the online form by September 1.

NSHSS School Club Cash

To support outstanding educators and the clubs they oversee, the National Society of High School Scholars is giving two high school educators a $500 grant to help provide additional opportunities to their student clubs. Register for free as an NSHSS educator and apply by October 28.