Virtual Field Trip: Animal Adaptations

Explore animal adaptations with elementary learners through a virtual field trip and accompanying activities from the American Museum of Natural History. Targeted for grades 3–5, the virtual field trip engages students in exploring three habitat dioramas featured in the museum’s Bernard Family Hall of North American Mammals: Black-Tailed and Antelope Jackrabbits, North American Beaver, and Dall Sheep. Students learn about each diorama online, completing accompanying worksheets that encourage close examination of each diorama and help students understand how each of these animals adapts to its environment to survive it. Extension activities, such as a nonfiction reading assignment on animal adaptations in winter and related writing prompts including guidelines and rubrics, are also available.

Penrose Magazine

Named in honor of Sir Roger Penrose, British physicist, mathematician, and Nobel laureate in physics, this student-led computer science, engineering, and physics magazine aims to encourage high school students to explore and research STEM topics in depth. The founders hope to establish a community of young people who are passionate about STEM and want to share with their peers and further their knowledge beyond their curriculum. The latest issue features articles on a range of topics, from the inner workings of game engines to the effects of supernovae on our universe. To celebrate Women's History Month, the issue includes articles about talented women who have made outstanding accomplishments in STEM: Hedy Lamarr and Radia Perlman. The founders also seek articles written by students.

Open Education Resources (OER) for Astronomy 

The nonprofit OpenStax project based at Rice University in Texas offers the free, open-source textbook Astronomy, by A. Fraknoi, S. Wolff, and D. Morrison, which is now the most-adopted introductory astronomy textbook in America, having been used by more than 1.3 million students at 2,100 universities, colleges, and high schools. OpenStax estimates that the book has saved astronomy students about $92 million in textbook costs already. The book, which can be read online or downloaded via the free OpenStax app, has also been used by more than 100,000 independent readers. Instructors can register to adopt the book as well. 

Confirmed registrants will have access to the answers to the end-of-chapter questions, and other instructional materials such as key terms, a summary, resources for further exploration, suggested collaborative group activities, and exercises for student review and thought. The book is updated every six months to ensure students have access to the most recent data and research.

In addition, the OpenStax Astronomy OER Hub offers a collection of 50 free astronomy-themed materials supporting the textbook. Noteworthy materials include an annotated subject index for astronomy lab exercises, an introductory guide on the history of women in astronomy, and lecture slides for many chapters. 

Churchill Polar Bear Scholarship Grant

Natural Habitat Adventures is offering this grant to two educators who will be selected to join them on their Ultimate Churchill: Tundra Lodge and Town tour, October 7–13, 2025. to Churchill, Canada, to observe polar bears in the wild. This all-expenses-paid adventure offers a rare opportunity to witness the King of the Arctic in Churchill, Canada, the "Polar Bear Capital of the World."

Applicants must be environmental educators, which include, but are not limited to, preschool, elementary, middle level, and high school teachers; college professors or faculty; outdoor educators; museum curators; nonprofit outreach specialists; and anyone working in the field of environmental education. The Churchill Polar Bear Scholarship is open to legal residents of the United States of America, Canada, and the United Kingdom who are at least 18 years old at the time of entry (residents of Puerto Rico and U.S. territories are not eligible). (Deadline May 14)

National Weather Association Foundation’s Sol Hirsch Education Fund Grants 

The NWA Foundation will provide up to four grants, worth $750 each, to help improve the education of K–12 students in meteorology and related sciences. Teachers, program directors, school district supervisors, and other individuals or groups proposing to improve the education of K–12 students in meteorology may apply. The school or organization must be publicly recognized and/or accredited in the United States. (Deadline June 5) 

Nanoscience Summer Institute for Middle School Teachers (NanoSIMST)

nano@stanford will offer two NanoSIMST professional development workshops in nanoscience for middle school teachers this summer: virtual and in-person. 

In the virtual workshop, you’ll delve into the nanoworld as a learner and discover resources about high-demand STEM careers for your students—all while getting paid! Teacher kits are provided so you can engage in hands-on activities during the workshop that can be implemented directly into your classroom. In addition, the workshop features talks and demonstrations from staff scientists, and offers the opportunity to remotely use a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The virtual option will take place during July 14–18. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until April 26.  

In the in-person workshop, you’ll learn and play with nanotechnology while getting paid (travel stipends available). Delve into the nanoworld as a learner and discover resources about high-demand STEM careers for your students. Teacher kits are provided so you can engage in hands-on activities during the workshop that can be implemented directly into your classroom. In addition, the workshop features talks, facility tours, and demonstrations from staff scientists, and offers the opportunity to use a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The in-person option will take place at Stanford during June 23–26. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until April 19.