Experiential Learning Resources From National Geographic Society

Check out this collection of “Idea Sets” from National Geographic Education to spark excitement about experiential learning with K–12 students. Organized by theme and spanning a wide range of interests from citizen science opportunities to outdoor explorations with families, each set features 5–10 simple ideas that encourage students to interact with nature in engaging and meaningful ways. For example, the set Finding Urban Nature includes ideas such as volunteering at community gardens, photographing flowerpots around the neighborhood, viewing Bird Cams to learn about birds in the area, creating a collage of daily sky photos, and more. Additional sets address themes such as Citizen Science Projects, Fun with Geography, Going Green, Interact with Animals, and Outdoor Family Fun.

Ocean Exploration Activity

Increase students’ ocean literacy with an interdisciplinary activity from National Geographic Education that celebrates ocean exploration, science discovery, and world maps. In this activity, which is most appropriate for grades 3–8, students brainstorm what it means to be an explorer, watch a short video, and record on a world map what they would like to explore in the ocean. Listen in and watch as Robert Ballard, an ocean researcher famous for his discovery of the sunken ship the Titanic and for his discovery of hydrothermal vents in the deep sea, discusses the challenges and thrills of ocean research and science discovery. An accompanying map activity helps students envision themselves as ocean researchers and reinforces the idea that much of the ocean remains largely unexplored. The lesson plan includes standards information as well as links to the video and printable ocean and world maps from National Geographic.

Lessons on the Science of Food and Fuel

Nourish the Future (NTF) is a national education initiative developed by science teachers for teachers at the middle and high school levels to foster students’ critical thinking and connections to modern agriculture. The phenomena-based units teach students about the science of food and fuel. The unit Growing America (middle level) contains lessons exploring various aspects of corn and soybean production from basic plant anatomy to investigations analyzing soil, water, and land use data to minimize land use impacts. Water Quality (middle level) contains lessons exploring topics such as watersheds, soil profiles and erosion, the effects of water on nutrient sources, chemical and physical testing of water, and more. Biotechnology (high school) contains lessons exploring genetic modifications of the corn plant and their impacts.

McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation Academic Enrichment Grants

These grants aim to develop in-class and extracurricular programs that improve student learning. The foundation considers proposals that foster understanding, deepen students’ knowledge, and provide opportunities to expand awareness of the world around them. The foundation awards grants to individuals in amounts of up to $10,000 per year for a maximum of $20,000 over two years, provided the eligibility requirements continue to be met. (Deadline April 15)

McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation Teacher Development Grants

These grants support small teams of teachers in the formation and implementation of groundbreaking K–12 classroom instruction. The grants provide opportunities for teachers to integrate fresh strategies that encourage critical inquiry and to observe their effects on students. Teachers have an opportunity to reflect and write about their projects, as well as to share their results with other teachers. The foundation awards grants to individuals in amounts of up to $10,000 per year for a maximum of $20,000 over two years, provided the eligibility requirements continue to be met. (Deadline April 15)
 

Engaging Students in Environmental Action Through Music: For Earth Day and Beyond

Join TeachRock for this March 27 edWebinar to discuss the connections among education, environmental activism, and music, featuring unique perspectives from Indigenous musicians, politicians, and activists. This session will prepare teachers to foster their students’ collaborative exploration of Earth’s most pressing environmental issues while discovering how music can inspire awareness and change using TeachRock’s Environmental Jukebox lesson collection. This edWebinar will be of interest to middle and high school teachers, librarians, school leaders, and district leaders. Continuing Education certificates will be awarded to participants.

Knowles Teacher Initiative Teaching Fellowship Informational Webinars

The fellowship is designed for early-career high school mathematics and science teachers to support their efforts to develop teaching expertise and lead from the classroom. Fellows receive financial support, coaching and mentorship, community membership, and lifelong connections to the Knowles Community. Two informational webinars will be held: one on April 3 at 12 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) and one on April 7 at 7 p.m. ET. Learn more about the fellowship at https://knowlesteachers.org/teaching-fellowship/teaching-fellows-program.