Teaching Tornadoes

These education resources from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) cover the past, present, and future of tornado science and forecasting. Targeted for elementary and middle levels, but applicable to learners of all ages interested in storms and storm safety, the website explains the science of how tornados form, types of tornadoes, and tornado detection and prediction. Teachers can also access links to tornado-related videos, data resources from NOAA (e.g., U.S. tornado statistics, severe weather probabilities map, storm event database), background information, and career resources. A Tornado Simulator activity (middle level) defines key terms (funnel width and pressure difference), then challenges students to adjust the parameters on the simulator and observe the different levels of wind damage tornadoes produce.

Physics of the Universe

Developed by Infiniscope, a collaborative effort between NASA and Arizona State University, this collection of digital resources for middle and high school levels explores physics as it applies to Earth and the cosmos. Through four digital lessons—Star Party (grades 9–12), Celestial Jukebox (grades 9–12), Kingdom in Peril (grades 6–8), and Phases of the Moon (grades 6–8)—students investigate the central question, “What fundamental physics processes take place on Earth and in the universe?” Students study how forces, matter, and energy interact in the natural and designed world and the impacts of human activities in these systems. The lessons support the Next Generation Science Standards and are available in both English and Spanish versions. Each lesson includes an online lesson plan, Teacher Guide, and Student Guide.

STEM Career Resources for Students

The USA Science and Engineering Festival’s Student Career Resources web page offers information and internship opportunities for high school and undergraduate learners interested in exploring potential careers in dynamic science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields such as 3D Printing, Advanced Manufacturing, Hyper Sonics, Materials Science, Metallurgy and Welding, Nuclear Engineering, Optics and Lasers, and Robotics. From the page, which is organized by STEM industry, students select a field of interest to view examples of positions in that field, university programs that offer degrees in the topic, industry organizations, and internship and apprenticeship opportunities. In addition, each industry’s page features a selection of related videos to give students a close look at current developments in the field.

AGI/ExxonMobil Teaching and Learning Academy
 
American Geosciences Institute (AGI) invites K–8 teachers to attend the AGI/ExxonMobil Geoscience and STEM Teaching and Learning Academy (TLA), taking place this summer in Alexandria, Virginia. This academy will build on AGI’s long-standing expertise and extensive resources in geoscience education and is designed for teachers who are recently entering Earth and space science teaching roles.

Two sessions will be held this year: an Elementary School Level TLA for K–4 teachers on July 13–16 and a Middle School Level TLA for teachers of grades 5–8 on July 16–19. Travel costs (up to $200) for travel to and from Alexandria will be reimbursed to participants. Room and board in Alexandria during the academy will also be provided. Along with the face-to-face academy, participants will take part in webinars throughout the following academic year to support them, build their professional networks, and enhance the impact of the overall experience. 

Review of applications will begin on June 1 and will continue until the academy is filled. Questions about the academy can be sent to tla@americangeosciences.org. 

Planting Science

PlantingScience is a Student-Teacher-Scientist partnership founded by the Botanical Society of America. The program facilitates mentoring relationships with real plant scientists and teams of 3–5 students in grades 6–12 classrooms. Through asynchronous online conversations, the scientists provide support and encouragement as students design and carry out a plant-focused scientific investigation in the classroom.

PlantingScience is a free online resource to teachers and schools. The program provides volunteer scientists, resources, and activities to support innovation in teaching, learning, and mentoring. Open education resources are shared for student-centered plant investigations that integrate scientific practices and big ideas in biology that meet the guidelines in the Next Generation Science Standards and other 21st-century education standards.

Applications are open for the fall session (September through November). The early bird application deadline is July 15, and the final deadline is August 15.