SciJourneys: Building Resilience in Science

SciJourneys showcases the impact of women in science and STEM. In this three-lesson unit, students will collaborate to enhance their science skills by creating questions, forming hypotheses, and planning investigations. Each lesson features innovative women in STEM and is supported by an engaging presentation, editable worksheets, and practical teacher tips. 
Unit link: https://www.galacticpolymath.com/lessons/en-US/10
Video playlist link: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLz-D3xOC0d8_ZzRy4it2_ZDR6ypzJxbNM&si=nSFrwKEAdkPCfZJD  

Heard That Bird: A Pop Culture Intro to Birding by Ear

As a class, students will play an interactive video game show alongside researchers to identify birds by their songs. This activity focuses on observation and data skills, and the lesson timing is flexible, ranging from 15 minutes to a full class period and an option to take learning outdoors. The lesson is complemented by a guiding presentation with embedded videos, student worksheets, and teacher tips.
Unit link: https://www.galacticpolymath.com/lessons/en-US/11
Video link: https://youtu.be/3pjrOB1cwqo

Bioinspired Design: Looking to Biology for Better Solutions

Start the engineering design process with a bioinspired twist. Students will explore problems with existing products and use insights from nature to spark innovative redesigns. Videos and a printable design canvas, along with teacher tips, will guide students through the journey of bioinspired design. This unit is appropriate for grades 8 through university level.
Unit link: https://www.galacticpolymath.com/lessons/en-US/8
Video link: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLz-D3xOC0d8_meNbvlV-Luqxop11b1iXO&si=bjbiYIhnnLvLQz-c 

ORISE August Social Media Contest
 
Throughout the month of August, Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) wants to know your dream piece of technology and how you would use it in your classroom. To enter the contest, follow ORISE on social media, complete a short survey, and comment your answer on the post. Three randomly selected teachers will receive a Kindle Scribe. (Deadline August 31)

Toshiba America Foundation Grants for Grades K–5
 
Teachers of grades K–5 may apply online for a Toshiba America Foundation grant of not more than $1,000 to help introduce an innovative STEM project into their classrooms. Applications must be for project-based learning, and grants will not be awarded to individual educators. (Deadline October 1)

National Society of High School Scholars Grants

National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) grants are open to teachers, administrators, school social workers, counselors, homeschool educators, and test prep professionals. Register as an NSHSS Educator at no charge and apply by October 3 for the following grants.

• School Supplies Grant. Fifteen $500 awards
• NSHSS Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Teaching Grant. Three $1,500 awards
• Higher Education Grant. Four $2,500 awards
  These grants are awarded to help educators achieve their professional development goals, NSHSS is providing grants to help with the costs of tuition and course-related expenses for teachers and counselors who are enrolling in university courses in  Fall 2024 or Spring 2025.
• School Club Cash. Ten $500 awards
• NSHSS Educator of the Year Awards
  Deadline: November 5
  One top award of $5,000, and nine finalist awards of $1,000
  These awards are presented annually to exemplary educators who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to preparing students for success in college and in life. Awardees model best practices in teaching or administration inside and outside of the classroom, are peer role models, and demonstrate outstanding leadership and excellence in education.