Science Series: Teek and Tom Explore Planet Earth

Join Teek from planet Queloz and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) climate scientist Tom Di Liberto as they explore the ocean-weather-climate connection together. This five-part animated science series targeted for grades 4–6 covers a range of scientific topics, including how the ocean influences weather and climate on Earth, and the technologies scientists use to gather information about our planet and its changing climate. Each approximately 15-minute episode is accompanied by two lesson plans that support the Next Generation Science Standards, extend students’ understanding of various Earth science concepts, and provide opportunities for students to work with authentic NOAA data, visualizations, and content. An Educator’s Guide features all of the series’ lesson plans.

The Living Earth

In this collection of digital resources developed by educators at Infiniscope, a collaborative effort between NASA and Arizona State University, learners from middle level to college investigate the central question: How are Earth’s living and non-living systems interrelated and interdependent and what does it tell us about the search for life? The lessons—Search for Life (grades 6–8); Dino Doom (grades 9–12); and Nitrogen Tales (grades 9–12 and college)—help students connect biological concepts like natural selection, evolution, and mass extinction with Earth's systems and explore how this interdependence relates to the search for life beyond our planet. Each lesson includes a lesson plan with relevant links and learning standards, a Teacher Guide, and a Student Guide.

Science Modeling Talks

Science Modeling Talks is a monthly podcast series supporting middle level through college educators using the modeling method of instruction in their science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) teaching. Produced by the American Modeling Teachers Association, the podcast series features education experts discussing topics relating to the use of the modeling method of instruction in science. Each approximately 30-minute episode addresses a different topic and includes a transcript of the program. Past episodes have explored topics such as Models Are the Functional Units of Scientific Thought, Modeling and Engineering, Modeling at the College Level, and Training and Equipping Teachers for STEM.

2026 Gerhard Salinger Award for Enhancing STEM Education Through Technological/Engineering Design-Based Instruction

This prestigious science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) educator award honors Dr. Gerhard Salinger, program officer at the National Science Foundation from 1989 to 2014, whose work to promote the use of engineering design activity and whose advocacy for technology and engineering education has widely influenced STEM education. The award is presented annually to an individual or team of collaborators whose work has exemplified, promoted, investigated, and/or enhanced teaching and learning in STEM through the effective application of technological/engineering design activity. The award is open to classroom teachers, university educators, school administrators, and others whose contributions are consistent with the selection criteria.

Awardees will be announced at the annual International Technology and Engineering Educators Association (ITEEA) conference and receive individual plaques and recognition at the Council on Technology and Engineering Teacher Education Business Meeting. Nominations and applications are due by December 31.

#MySciJourney Challenge

Peek behind the curtain of cutting-edge research and help decide the winners of the 2025 #MySciJourney Challenge, held by education studio Galactic Polymath. The goal is to give students a window into how real scientists navigate, repeat, and remix key scientific processes to create new knowledge. The #MySciJourney playlist contains short (~3 min.), engaging videos in which scientists use the SciJourneys World Map to show what "doing science" looks like for them. Links to additional resources, including some free lesson ideas for teachers to incorporate this competition into their classrooms, are included.

It’s up to you and your classes to help decide the winners of the challenge. Have your students watch, like, and comment on their favorite #MySciJourney videos by November 15 (and be sure to check back between now and November 3 for new additions to the playlist). 

Winners will be announced on November 18 on Galactic Polymath's Instagram, BlueSky, and LinkedIn accounts The three scientists whose videos have the highest engagement will receive cash prizes and acclaim.

Toshiba America Foundation Grants
 
Teachers of grades 6–12 can apply online for a Toshiba America Foundation grant of less than $5,000 to help bring an innovative project into their own classroom. If you have a unique idea for improving STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) learning in your classroom, and if your idea involves project-based learning with measurable outcomes, apply by December 1. Grant decisions will be made by January 15, 2026.