K-12 STEM Resources

A Compendium of Best Practice K-12 STEM Education Programs

All 38 K-12 STEM programs included in this report provide challenging content/curriculum, an inquiry-learning environment, defined outcomes/assessment, and sustained commitment/community support. Each program entry gives an overview, defines target population and learning environment, and presents highlights of results. Contact information is provided.

National STEM Video Game Challenge

Middle school (5-8), high school students (9-12), and educators are invited to design games that incorporate STEM content or STEM themes in innovative and engaging ways. Home schoolers are eligible to enter as well.

Stem Education Coalition

The Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education Coalition works to support STEM programs for teachers and students at the U. S. Department of Education, the National Science Foundation, and other agencies that offer STEM related programs.

Engineer Your Life

This guide introduces girls in grades 9-12 to young women engineers and highlights careers. A section for parent and counselors furnishes background in engineering to better advise students. The site has a link to a companion site for girls in grades 5-8.

NanoHUB.org

This website provides simulations, modules, and interactive tools for learning about nanotechnology-the design and production of structures, devices, and systems one atom or one molecule at a time.

Master Tools

Eight interactive math and science tools and simulations for students in grades 6-12. All simulations and curriculum materials meet the new National Science Education Standards and National Math Education Standards.

National Science Digital Library's K-12 Science Refreshers

As a science teacher, do you ever wish you could get a quick review of a scientific concept? Check out these science refreshers from the National Science Digital Library.

International Society for Technology in Education

ISTE is the premier membership association for educators and education leaders engaged in improving learning and teaching by advancing the effective use of technology in PK-12 and higher education.

National Science Foundation

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1950 "to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense..."

National Science Teachers Association

The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) is the largest organization in the world committed to promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all. NSTA's current membership of 60,000 includes science teachers, science supervisors, administrators, scientists, business and industry representatives, and others involved in and committed to science education.

NASA Webcasts

NASA's Digital Learning Network presents a series of videoconferences to assist educators in staying current on NASA education resources and related products. Topics to include: Exploring Space Through Math, Robotics, NASA Fit Explorers, NASA eProfessional Development Network -- Robotics Course, MoonWorld, and On the Moon.

Whyville

Whyville is an interactive website and part of a larger research project. In Whyville, millions of "citizens" come from all over to learn, create, and have fun together.

Connecting With Mathematics: Ideas Behind Techniques

The Education Developoment Center (EDC) is developing, field-testing, and disseminating professional development materials for mathematics teachers in grades 6-12.

Universal Design in Science Education

The Universal Design in Science Education project develops technology-rich science curriculum modules for grades 3-6.

Understanding Science

The mission of Understanding Science is to provide a fun, accessible, and free resource that accurately communicates what science is and how it really works.

Intel Education's Design and Discovery Curriculum

Intel's Design and Discovery Curriculum is a free, inquiry-based and interdisciplinary curriculum for students ages 11-15 that allows them to explore engineering by engaging in hands-on design activities.