STEMonstrations: Friction 

STEMonstrations is a NASA video series that presents videos of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) demonstrations created and filmed by astronauts living and working on the International Space Station. In this episode, Friction, students in grades 5–8 learn about shooting stars and friction from NASA astronaut Jasmin Moghbeli. Moghbeli describes the three main types of friction and discusses how static, kinetic, and fluid friction are used in the microgravity environment of the International Space Station. An accompanying lesson plan guides learners through a related classroom exploration investigating the differences between static and kinetic friction. The lesson plan includes a link to the STEMonstrations video episode and transcript, information for facilitating the activity in the classroom, extension ideas for further learning, student worksheets, and connections to relevant learning standards.

Future Foods: Can we reduce the carbon footprint of our favorite meals?  

Food and climate are deeply connected. In this four-lesson unit, students in grades 6–8 will dig into data to discover how our food choices impact greenhouse gas emissions. They will propose solutions to reduce their carbon “foodprint,” both as current consumers and as future food engineers. Videos connected with this lesson are

•    How sustainable is your favorite food?  This video discusses the carbon footprint of everyday foods and explores how our food choices contribute to climate change. The presenter examines the environmental impacts of different ingredients, from beef and cheese to vegetables and grains, using data from OurWorldInData.org. 

•    The Surprising Science Making Food More Sustainable! Meet the science and engineering innovators at FoodID tackling climate change with future-forward food. 

•    Test your food carbon footprint knowledge 
Students can test their food's carbon footprint in the Carbon Kitchen. Have them guess which ingredient creates the most greenhouse gases, then play along and find out.

Personal Genetics Resource Hub

Personal Genetics Education and Dialogue’s (PGED) resources are designed to raise awareness and spark dialogue about personal genetics and encourage teachers and students to consider how genetic technologies can impact people’s lives now and in the future. Most appropriate for high school and college levels, the resources include lesson plans, videos, and conversation guides. Introduction to Personal Genetics is a primer describing recent advances in genetics, genetic testing, and personal genome sequencing and the decisions and ethical challenges an individual may face regarding the use of this technology. The lesson also highlights some likely benefits of personal genetics, such as gaining the ability to act on one’s genetic risks, tailoring medicines and interventions, and becoming more active and engaged healthcare consumers. How Does Ancestry Testing Work?, another resource likely of interest to high school audiences, explores the science of genetic ancestry testing through a series of videos and accompanying discussion questions.

ORISE STEM Competitions 

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) is holding two competitions this month. 

Career Connections Social Media Contest ORISE wants to know how you incorporate career awareness into your classroom. Three randomly selected teachers will receive Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation and Live Translation. (Deadline October 31)

Elemental Science Lesson Plan Competition. In celebration of Nuclear Science Week (October 20–24), ORISE encourages K–12 educators to submit an original lesson plan. The lesson can cover topics ranging from atomic structure and interactions to nuclear energy. Submit your lesson plan for a chance to win a lab prize pack. (Deadline October 31)

Air and Space Forces Association (AFA) Educator Grants
 
The Educator Grant program promotes aerospace education activities in K–12 classrooms. AFA awards $20,000 in grants to 40 educators. The program encourages development of innovative aerospace activities within the prescribed curriculum. AFA selects projects that best serve our nation’s students and support their mission. (Deadline December 15)

Planting Science

PlantingScience is a Student-Teacher-Scientist partnership founded by the Botanical Society of America. The program facilitates mentoring relationships with real plant scientists and teams of 3–5 students in grades 6–12 classrooms. Through asynchronous online conversations, the partner scientists provide support and encouragement as students design and carry out a plant-focused scientific investigation in the classroom.

PlantingScience is a free online resource for teachers and schools. The program provides volunteer scientists, resources, and activities to support innovation in teaching, learning, and mentoring. Open Education Resources are shared for student-centered plant investigations that integrate scientific practices and big ideas in biology that meet the guidelines in the Next Generation Science Standards and other education standards.

The next session will run from February through April 2026. Early bird applications are due by December 15; applications will be accepted until January 15, 2026.