Read With NASA: Books and More to Inspire Young Explorers

Looking for resources to engage students in grades preK–12 in space exploration? Check out Read With NASA: Books and More to Inspire Young Explorers, a list of annotated links of space-themed publications and other resources (many of which are available in English, Spanish, and other languages) culled from NASA Education. The list includes books highlighting NASA’s Artemis missions, such as Hooray for SLS (grades K–4), which introduces students to the SLS rocket and the components of the Artemis missions, and You Are Going (grades K–4 and 5–8), which explores the elements of the Artemis campaign in more depth. Other notable resources include two graphic novel series for older students: First Woman Graphic Novels (grades 5–8, 9–12, and higher education), which explores the world of fictional astronaut Callie Rodriguez, the first woman to explore the Moon, and Astrobiology: The Story of Our Search for Life in the Universe (grades 5–12), which examines many facets of astrobiology from the study of the origin, evolution, and distribution of life in the universe to how to become an astrobiologist.

Amplify Education’s Science Webinars

Amplify Education offers a comprehensive collection of professional development webinars to support K–8 science instruction. Available for live or on-demand viewing, the approximately hour-long programs address various topics of interest, including student engagement in science, using simulations in science class, uncovering synergies between science and literacy, connections between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and science instruction, evaluating and selecting high quality K–8 materials for science, and accelerating K–8 science learning with the science of reading. Teachers can view the library of archived webinars on demand; teachers interested in participating live in an upcoming webinar can receive continuing education (CE) credit for their participation. (Free e-mail registration is required to view the archived programs.)

Yale Program on Climate Change Communication Resources

The Yale Program on Climate Change Communication (YPCCC) has developed a collection of climate change resources for grades 6–12. The resources incorporate authentic climate science research and literature from the YPCCC and include both background materials for educators and interactive classroom activities for students. The background materials explore climate science basics and important climate issues, while the classroom activities provide opportunities for students to complete data interpretation exercises based on the Yale Climate Opinion Maps tool and learn how to communicate effectively about climate science issues with people of differing opinions on the topic.

Summer STEM Workshop for K–12 Educators

On July 17, the University of Texas at Austin will hold a free professional workshop led by the Nuclear Science and Research Reactor Outreach Program in the Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering. The workshop is designed to encourage educators to promote nuclear science in their classrooms and empower students to pursue further education in STEM fields such as nuclear science, engineering, chemistry, and physics. Teachers of physics, math, chemistry, engineering, and general science are especially encouraged to register. The workshop will include the following:
•    a tour of the university’s nuclear research reactor and three introductory lectures in nuclear science and engineering;
•    demonstration of three experiments in radiation statistics, half-life measurements, and simple radiation shield; and
•    take-home and classroom activities for K –12 students

Teachers will receive
•    Eight hours of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credit,
•    A personalized workshop certificate, and
•    Lunch and free parking

Register by completing this survey and visit the website to learn more. E-mail Mary Cantu with any questions at mary.cantugarcia@austin.utexas.edu.

Geoscience Experiences for Teachers Out in the Field 

American Geosciences Institute (AGI) is holding a new program called Geoscience Experiences for Teachers Out in the Field (GET-Out). These workshops offer a unique opportunity for educators to engage directly with the geoscience community. Three upcoming GET-Out programs will be held in Seattle (July 23–25), Chicago (September 22–23), and San Antonio (October 18–19), where selected teachers will participate in a hands-on teacher workshop, join a field excursion with geoscientists, and attend a professional science conference. 

For all GET-Out programs, participants will be provided with conference registration and room and board for the duration of the workshop, and will be reimbursed for a portion of their travel expenses. Visit the GET-Out website for more information about each experience, including application details. Contact outreach@americangeosciences.org with any questions.  

E4USA + FIRST Robotics Program

E4USA (engineering 4 us all) + FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a National Science Foundation–sponsored initiative that aims to broaden participation in engineering by bringing robotics into high school classrooms. This program is a collaboration among Ohio State University, Arizona State University, Purdue University, and Experiential Robotics. It provides teachers with hands-on robotics curricula, professional learning, and a supportive educator community. Participants will receive a $4,500 stipend per year and $4,000 for robotics supplies. 

Equip your students with problem-solving and teamwork skills through robotics. No prior engineering experience is required. Register by May 18.