Encompassing science, technology, engineering and math, STEM instruction brings together four subjects that share common skills necessary for academic success. Resources across the Internet provide teachers with tools that make it easier to provide a comprehensive STEM curriculum that engages and excites students at every grade level.
1. CK-12
CK-12 is an online platform for students and teachers that provides information on a multitude of subjects and disciplines. The educator version of the site offers a range of math resources from elementary principles to calculus. Science categories include Earth science, biology, chemistry and physics. Using CK-12’s FlexBook feature, teachers can put together chapters from textbooks in any of these subjects to create customized lesson plans. All textbook content is free and written to comply with state standards. By providing all this, CK-12 aims to give teachers a platform that can be used to tailor individual lessons and teach kids at their own pace.
2. Lesson Planet
Available to teachers for a small monthly fee, the content at Lesson Planet ranges from prepared lesson plans to educational apps meant to enhance classroom instruction. Everything offered on the site is reviewed by a team of certified teachers to ensure that it meets current common core and state standards guidelines. The Lesson Planet resource directory offers comprehensive teaching resources for math and science to make planning STEM lessons easier. EdTech PD courses for educators help explain how to benefit from integrating more technology into the classroom. An online community brings teachers together to support each other and share ideas.
3. NASA’s Educational Resources
When it comes to science education, it’s hard to do better than NASA. Teachers can search all resources to find specific lesson plans, videos, publications and websites to enhance traditional science lessons. Science subjects include Earth science, life science, physical science and space. Math and technology are also covered, and grade levels range from kindergarten to college. For hands-on learners, NASA provides educational games that help kids apply and remember core STEM concepts. A directory of special opportunities for students and educators offers the chance to get involved with NASA projects and learn more about current scientific developments.
4. National Science Foundation
Educators looking for all the latest news in science, including current research, can find it on the National Science Foundation’s website. A special Classroom Resources section includes lessons, websites and multimedia tools to augment STEM education. Educators can choose from astronomy, biology, chemistry, engineering, math, physics and other topics to create classroom lesson plans that cover a broad range of important STEM concepts. Links to helpful films, television programs, radio shows and museum exhibits provide supplemental content that helps keep kids interested when dealing with difficult or complicated subjects.
5. STEM-Works
The tools from STEM-Works make STEM education more fun for teachers and students. With subjects like extreme weather, medical innovations, the animal kingdom and under the sea, this online resource takes STEM beyond traditional textbook learning. Articles from a multitude of Internet resources present new information in accessible ways. Unique activities, such as “make your own deep sea vent,” give kids the chance to get hands on as they learn. With STEM-Works, teachers have a variety of useful online tools right at their fingertips and can use them to turn a standard STEM lesson into an experience kids will never forget.
Building a solid foundation in core STEM concepts equips students to handle the demands of higher education and opens them up to a wide variety of career opportunities. With these resources, educators can provide that foundation through comprehensive lesson plans and memorable activities.
