Elementary Resources

A solid foundation of science education in grades K-5 is essential. Instilling a wonder and enthusiasm for science, as well as addressing the critical need for a well-informed citizenry is crucial during this time.

Featured Resources

Activating Learning with Phenomena

Journal Article

Uncovering Earth’s History, One Sample at a Time

Teaching Through Trade Books...

Journal Article

Advocating for Science from Within the Classroom

Journal Article

Phenomena-driven Science Instruction

Editor's Note...

Journal Article

Journal and Lesson Plans

Elementary Journal

Lesson Plans

Bestselling Elementary books

NSTA Press Book

Activating Students' Ideas: Linking Formative Assessment Probes to Instructional Sequence, K-5

Science teachers face an incredible challenging task of combining research on how students learn best, the three-dimensions of the Science Education Frameworks that in themselves are complicated to understand, and instructional sequences that lead to...

NSTA Press Book

Universal Design for Learning Science: Reframing Elementary Instruction in Physical Science

New in 2020! Download and read a sample chapter from this book to learn more.Here’s good news: With this practical book, you can learn from experienced elementary school educators about how to make physical science both challenging and accessible f...

NSTA Press Book

The NSTA Atlas of the Three Dimensions

New in 2020! Download and read a sample chapter from this book to learn more.A key aspect of learning in K–12 education is the idea that what students know and are able to do grows and evolves over time. Simple ideas learned in the early elementary...

NSTA Press Book

It's Still Debatable! Using Socioscientific Issues to Develop Scientific Literacy, K–5

It’s Still Debatable! encourages scientific literacy by showing you how to teach the content and thinking skills K–5 students need to explore real-world questions like these: • Is football too dangerous for kids? • Do we need zoos? �...

Latest Resources

Web Seminar

Web Seminar: FA25: Lab Safety Considerations for Pre-Service Elementary Science/STEM Teachers, September 29, 2025

Elementary Pre-service Teachers! Join us on Monday, September 29, 2025, from 7:00 – 8:15 PM ET to learn about safety considerations for the elementary classroom....

Reports Article

Freebies and Opportunities for Science and STEM Teachers: February 18, 2025

eBook

Science and STEM Education for Equity and Justice With Multilingual Learners in Elementary School (e-book)

Written for K–12 educators, this e-book brings together contemporary approaches in science, STEM, and language education, with a specific focus on multilingual learners. Incorporating learnings from studies like A Framework for K–12 Science Educa...

Reports Article

Freebies and Opportunities for Science and STEM Teachers, February 4, 2025

Web Seminar

Web Seminar: Navigating NSTA 2025 Spring Conference: A Guide for First-Time Attendees, March 12, 2025

Are you a first-time NSTA conference attendee?  Join us on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, from 7:00 PM ET to 8:00 PM ET, for a virtual orientation to help you navigate NSTA's Spring Conference. This seminar is a great opportunity for first-time att...

Reports Article

Freebies and Opportunities for Science and STEM Teachers, February 11, 2025

Web Seminar

Sponsored Web Seminar: Building Future-Ready STEM Programs with Data Collection Technology, March 6, 2025

Join us on Thursday, March 6, 2025, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM ET, for a panel discussion about data collection technology....

Web Seminar

NSTA/ASTE Web Seminar: Addressing Science Teacher Retention, April 7, 2025

Join us on Monday, April 7, 2025, from 7:00 PM to 8:15 PM ET, at the intersection of research and practice as we engage in a conversation about science teacher retention. In this web seminar, a panel of science teacher educators/researchers identify...

Reports Article

Freebies and Opportunities for Science and STEM Teachers, January 28, 2025

Reports Article

Freebies and Opportunities for Science and STEM Teachers, January 21, 2025

Web Seminar

IL: Introduction to OpenSciEd, for K-12 Educators, January 28, 2025

Join us on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM Central time, for an introduction to OpenSciEd. Get acquainted with the OpenSciEd K-12 curriculum! Learn how the research-based curriculum design makes it possible for all students to acc...

Web Seminar

2025 NSTA-DSEC Cohort Orientation

Join us on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM ET, to learn about NSTA's 2025 DSEC Cohort. Participants will learn about: Overview of the program goals and components. Get acquainted with the team! The program's unique features...

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