Virtual Resource Bundles

Morton Arboretum in Illinois offers Virtual Resource Bundles to build preK–12 students’ understandings about nature and the environment. The thematic digital resources are organized by grade level and feature cross-curricular lessons and activities that support Next Generation Science Standards. Bundles explore topics such as Arbor Day (versioned for grades K–5, 6–8, and 9–10), Climate Change (versioned for grades 4–5, 6–8, and 9–12), Photosynthesis and Respiration (grades 9–12), Plant Growth and Reproduction (grades 7–8); Energy and Ecosystems (grades 5–6), Life Cycles and Adaptation (grades 3–4); Seed Growth and Different Habitats (grades 1–2), and Plants, Seasons, and Pollinators (grades preK–K). Teachers can also complete a Virtual Outreach Form to sign up for a guided virtual field trip with their class. 

WonderLab Learning Resources

Check out National Geographic Education’s WonderLab Learning Resources for materials and activities to spark curiosity and strengthen students’ skills in scientific experimentation and storytelling. Targeted for upper-elementary to high school levels (grades 4–12), the collection features online activities, learning tools, learning modules, and videos inspired by the work of National Geographic Explorer and photographer Anand Varma. The resources are designed to encourage students to slow down their interactions with phenomena in the world to view familiar things from new perspectives. Students can participate in activities such as Seeing a Tree from Multiple Viewpoints, Making the Familiar Unfamiliar, Meaning-Making Through Slow-Motion Video, and more. 

Photon Engineers: Tinkering with Light

In this recently revised unit for grades 6–9, you and your students will take a journey through time and space to understand what light really is and how humans use it in their daily lives: from starting fires with sunlight, to sending messages to other planets, to current research in photonics. In the newly added fifth lesson, students create a model to explain the behavior of light inside materials, then use a PHeT simulation to explore reflection and refraction properties. Video links accompanying the unit are a new trailer at https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Lh2L_LBIsAU  and Lesson 5:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3TvNc-F2Cg&list=PLz-D3xOC0d89JWk0NTpQP1FISGz63bRrk&index=3.

Association of American Educators Foundation Teacher Scholarships and Classroom Grants 
 
Teacher scholarships and classroom grants are competitive awards available to all full-time educators. Apply online for up to $500 for professional development or classroom materials. The application deadline for both is March 1.

Complete the scholarship application if you are applying for professional development opportunities such as conferences, inservices, and materials for Professional Learning Communities. Use the grant application if you’re applying for classroom materials including, but not limited to, lab materials, books, software, calculators, math manipulatives, audio-visual equipment, and art supplies.

Discovering, Exploring, and Sharing Climate Resources Webinar Series

This series of interactive webinars in March and April is designed to increase knowledge of climate literacy and support the open sharing of resources and the adaptations that educators make for their local students. Hosted by Climate Literacy and Energy Awareness Network (CLEAN) and Institute for the Study of Knowledge Management in Education (ISKME), this interactive series will connect K–12 educators with top climate experts, hands-on teaching resources, and a supportive community dedicated to climate literacy. Each session will delve into key climate topics with expert speakers, engaging discussions, and practical tools you can use immediately. The following webinars will be held at 4–5:30 p.m. Mountain Time.

•    March 3, Where Americans Are at on Climate Change 
•    March 19, The State of Climate Science in the United States 
•    April 1, Climate Adaptation and Mitigation 
•    April 14, Hope and Transformative Climate Action

Eye on the Future Teen Video Contest

The National Eye Institute has launched its annual Eye on the Future Teen Video Contest, open to U.S. high school students (grades 9–12) with an eye on a career in science. The contest encourages high school students from all backgrounds to explore science through creative, short videos. Students can create a short video by themselves or in a small group (three maximum) in one of these categories: Science in Your World, Science in Action, or Science in Your Future. Submissions are due by April 20. 

Winners will receive cash prizes and a trip to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) campus in Maryland for a day of science, networking, and fun. For more information, including the complete rules and eligibility requirements, visit https://www.nei.nih.gov/EyeOnTheFuture.