Hydroponic Gardening With Young Learners

Do you want to grow plants with young learners, but feel stumped on how to begin? The Kratky Method offers a fuss-free hydroponic plant-growing experience that’s interesting for students and teachers alike. Developed in the 1990s by Bernard Kratky, then a horticulture scientist from the University of Hawaii, the Kratky Method requires only a container for the seeds and growing medium, a container to hold water and seeds, and a sunny location. Once the system is set up, no maintenance is required until the plants are ready to be harvested, making it a perfect choice for the classroom. The simple hydroponic setup works well for plants such as basil, cilantro, dill, mint, and other fast-growing, soft-stemmed herbs. Learn more and find details on how to set up a Kratky garden on the North American Association for Environmental Education website. 

Reset Earth: Apollo’s Edition

This set of interactive lessons and accompanying simulator activity from the United Nations Environment Programme engage students in learning about climate change issues. In the scenario, Apollo and her robot companion, Remi, are working to raise awareness about how to combat climate change and protect Earth’s environment. Students visit Apollo’s lab to glean insight on climate change. Students learn about the Montreal Protocol, the difference between HFCs and CFCs, and what actions we can take action to save our planet. The lessons teach students key concepts regarding the ozone layer and climate change (Lesson One), the environmental challenges we face and how protecting the ozone layer can save life on Earth (Lesson Two), and what measures can be taken to help the ozone layer recover? (Lesson Three). The lesson plans include discussion questions and links to relevant websites with information about the ozone layer.  

Organic Chemistry Textbook on OpenStax 

OpenStax—Rice University’s educational initiative offering free college textbooks online for students and faculty—has released a digital version of Organic Chemistry: A Tenth Edition. The textbook, which is used in Organic Chemistry courses at colleges and universities nationwide, features 31 chapters covering fundamental organic chemistry concepts along with supplemental resources for teachers and students, including lecture slides, test items, and a solution manual. OpenStax provides teachers and students unlimited access to the book and materials on their website at no cost. 

Global Teaching Dialogue

The U.S. Department of State will hold its 10th annual Global Teaching Dialogue, a free online event, during July 22–23. Advance registration is required. Alumni of Fulbright Teacher Exchanges and other education experts will conduct workshops and share innovative approaches to a range of topics, including these: 

• Utilizing Technology and Artificial Intelligence in the Classroom
• STEAM Education in Action
• Preparing Students for 21st-Century Careers
• Advancing Literacy
• Fostering Interest in the Humanities
• Leadership for Global Educators

Create Your Own Interactive Digital Learning Activities

During this free training from Infiniscope, a NASA-funded project from Arizona State University’s Center for Education through Exploration, you’ll discover how you can create dynamic, interactive digital learning activities your students will love. Infiniscope’s free Simple Author lets you add interactive multimedia content, customize feedback, and design learning pathways that support all students. Upload or link videos and bring in external media like simulations and websites to enhance your activities and extend learning. The training and tool are free for educators, and you can earn a stipend for creating and sharing NASA-aligned lessons.

In Simple Author 101, you'll start with the basics and get hands-on experience with interactive components, customized feedback, and learning pathways. Attend on either June 18 or July 9. 

Take your digital learning activities to the next level with Simple Author 102. Learn best practices for planning and designing engaging lessons, incorporating media, and styling your lesson for accessibility, clarity, and engagement. This training will take place on July 10. 

Earn up to 10 contact hours for completing both 101 and 102 and sharing your completed activity with the Infiniscope community.

Teaching Students to Evaluate Evidence and Claims Summer Institute 

The Lateral Reading-Model-Evidence Link Diagrams (LR-MEL) Project is hosting this event in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, during June 25–28. The institute will explore and connect two types of curricular materials that deepen students' understanding of how to evaluate socioscientific issues—such as the climate crisis, energy use, and food security—using instructional scaffolds called Lateral Reading and Model-Evidence Link Diagrams. Science, social studies, and English language arts (ELA) teachers are invited to attend. Applications that include teams of one science teacher and one social studies or ELA teacher will receive priority, but solo applications from any of these areas are also welcome.