Charge Into Reading Nonfiction Decodable Science Reader Set 

Decodable books help young readers practice and reinforce their phonics skills. Charge into Reading Nonfiction Decodable Science Reader set, a new set of decodable science books developed in collaboration with scientists and elementary educators, can spark curiosity in science while reinforcing reading fundamentals. The set immerses students in grades 1–5 in engaging, real-world science topics while ensuring they build essential reading skills. Each book features controlled vocabulary aligned to a structured phonics progression, making it accessible for early readers while introducing foundational science concepts. 

The first 300 educators to visit https://shop.chargemommybooks.com/checkouts/cn/Z2NwLXVzLWVhc3QxOjAxSlFQVEZFUFZHMlhUU1g3SEY5QkM3MjQy?locale=en&skip_shop_pay=true will receive a free copy of one book from the six-book set.

Tectonic Explorer 

Tectonic Explorer—a plate tectonics simulator developed by scientists and educators from the Concord Consortium for the middle and high school levels—guides teachers and students in uncovering the connection between rock formations and the environments and processes that generate them. With this dynamic Earth-like model, students set up plate tectonic simulations, explore emergent phenomena, and develop explanations about the distribution and types of rocks forming in various tectonic environments. The article “All About Basalt” describes how to work with the tool, from navigating the tool’s various components to using the tool to draw a cross section, dig deeper, and discuss students’ developing understandings about how tectonic plates work. Read the article to learn more and access the Tectonic Explorer tool.

Expanding the Definition of Science Notebooks 

How can scientific notebooks enrich high school students’ experience in the science classroom? A post from the Library of Congress (LOC) blog Teaching with the Library offers ideas for helping students use science notebooks as a tool beyond experimental record. Written by Jacqueline Katz, 2022–2023 Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow at the LOC, the post discusses unexpected entries from three famous scientists’ journals: a 1955 journal entry from Carl Sagan’s University of Chicago undergraduate days, in which he recounts a dream and ends the entry by asking questions and proposing connections; an undated notebook of Alexander Graham Bell, which was seemingly an alphabetized scrapbook of bits of information from newspapers and the writings of others; and aviation pioneer Wilbur Wright’s notebooks, which contained detailed observations of birds in his environment. Reading these journal entries can spark questions like these: How did these nuggets of information contribute to the scientists’ scientific process? What connections about science might students make when reflecting on journals in this way? 

By framing science notebooks as sources of wonder, students may begin to make interdisciplinary connections and view their science journal as a living document that helps them construct knowledge. Read the blog post for additional ideas about using the scientists’ journal entries in the classroom.

The Great Virtual Field Trip Lesson Plan Competition

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) invites teachers to submit their best lesson plan that incorporates a virtual field trip. Teachers of any grade level or subject can share a STEM lesson plan that brings the world to their students through technology. Two teachers will be selected to win these prizes: Oculus Quest 2 headset, VR World Atlas activity kit, VR World Oceans activity kit, three sets of The World Geography Card Game, VR headset charging station, and VR headset hard carrying case. (Deadline April 30)

Institute for the Study of Resilience in Youth’s DoS-MiddLES Summer Training
 
ISRY will hold free summer professional learning on its strengths-based classroom observation system, the Dimensions of Success for Middle Grades Learning Engineering and Science (DoS-MiddLES), which integrates learning and doing science and engineering with building resilience and thriving skills (developed under National Science Foundation Award #2101554). Through ISRY’s Certification-Based Training, you will learn how to conduct standardized classroom observations using the DoS-MiddLES system. You can also receive a copy of the DoS-MiddLES observation tool, a certificate for up to 20 hours of professional learning, and $50 for sharing feedback about your learning experience. 

ISRY will hold Summer 2025 live training sessions on June 24 and July 17. Learn more about the DoS-MiddLES strengths-based approach to continuous professional learning during an introductory webinar on April 10 at 3–4:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Register on https://redcap.partners.org/redcap/surveys/?s=XX973N3KN4JKR4WW. Contact Virginia Andrews, ISRY’s Research Project Manager, at vandrews2@mclean.harvard.edu to learn more.

Toshiba America Foundation Grants

Teachers of grades 6–12 can apply online for a Toshiba America Foundation grant of more than $5,000 to help bring an innovative project into their own classroom. If you have an innovative 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 May 1.

Stories of Women in STEM: Good Health and Well-Being

In this interview-style webinar on April 9, teachers and students will learn more about how exploring their interests can lead to diverse career opportunities in STEM. They’ll hear inspiring personal histories from trailblazing women featured in the recently released Stories of Women in STEM: Good Health and Well-Being eBook who turned their passions into a profession. The session will be a moderated Q&A, and audience members will also have the opportunity to ask questions directly.
Featured guests include
-Katherine Ott, Division of Medicine and Science, National Museum of American History
-Yvonne Linton, Research Entomologist & Curator of Diptera, National Museum of Natural History
-Sofia Alemar, Scientist Self-Care R&D, Kenvue