Project Playbook: Educator Edition

Use this resource to inspire the next generation of K–5 problem solvers! The Annenberg Learner’s Project Playbook: Educators Guide offers teacher support for more than 40 video-based exploratory science projects to inspire student investigation. The lessons provided are a basic demonstration of how teachers can use the projects to demonstrate a particular science standard. Each project includes an approximately hour-long video that shows the project in action, as well as a lesson plan for teachers in the 5E format (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate). 

Educational Resources From Scholastic
When using these resources, ask students to share memorable things they’ve observed in the night sky (like an orange moon) or anything special they’ve experienced during the day (like an eclipse). Then read one of the articles below aloud, pausing to make observations and asking questions about the images. Discuss which facts students thought were most important and questions they still have about our spectacular skies. Use their ideas and questions to connect with your future lessons.

SuperSTEM, “What You Need to Know About the Moon” (Grades 3–6) The article and a video offer an introduction about the NASA Gateway project, which seeks to answer decades-long questions about the Moon.

ScienceWorld, "Puzzling Light Show" (Grades 6–10) 
This article explores a celestial phenomenon in Canada’s night sky and what causes auroras to occur.

ScienceWorld, "Numbers in the News: Northern Lights" (Grades 6–10) 
This article shares facts and figures about auroras, colorful bands of light which can be seen dancing across the Arctic sky during fall and winter.

ScienceWorld, "Solar Explosion!" (Grades 6–10):  
This article takes a closer look at how the Sun releases massive bursts of energy, which can include solar flares, and the impacts these can have on our planet.

ScienceWorld, “Saturn’s Vanishing Rings” (Grades 6–10)
This article discusses one of the solar system’s most iconic planets, Saturn, and the strange disintegration of its rings. 

ScienceWorld, "Saturn Stats" (Grades 6–10) This infographic provides fascinating facts and additional context about planet Saturn and the solar system.

OperationPrevention: Counterfeit Drugs
 
Discovery Education and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) have collaborated to produce digital resources addressing the dangers of counterfeit drugs. Part of the OperationPrevention initiative, the resources include video-based lessons and accompanying educator guides to teach students in grades 9–12 about counterfeit drugs and why they are harmful to individuals and communities. Through the lessons, students consider how an individual’s decisions can impact an entire community, investigate real-world data, and learn how to create an effective community awareness campaign.

AI Essentials for Educators: Free Online Workshop

In this workshop on November 14 at 7:30–9 p.m. Eastern Time, you’ll discover how AI can enhance your teaching practice. You’ll explore practical applications of AI tools that can support both classroom instruction and behind-the-scenes tasks like lesson planning. The instructors will provide hands-on opportunities to engage with AI and consider how it can be adapted to your specific teaching context. Whether you’re a beginner or have had some experience with AI, you’ll leave equipped with tools and strategies to confidently incorporate AI into your teaching. (This workshop will also be held on February 12, 2025.)

2025 Trailblazing STEM Educator Award

Challenger Center and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) present this award, which honors K–12 teachers who go above and beyond to inspire the next generation of STEM explorers and innovators. Three winners will be chosen. Each winner and their respective school or organization will each receive $5,000 and free access to Challenger Center’s STEM education programs. In addition, they will receive a trip to Washington, D.C., to be honored at the 2025 AIAA Awards Gala, as well as a special presentation ceremony at their school. The awardees also will have the opportunity to attend a space launch experience and/or a VIP tour of an aerospace facility.

Nominations can be submitted online at https://www.aiaa.org/get-involved/educators/trailblazing-stem-educator-award through December 1. Winners will be announced in February or March 2025.

Next Generation Science Educators Network

Education nonprofit Leading Educators partners with school systems and states to nurture excellent teaching in every classroom. Leading Educators seeks 30 science leads, school leaders, or school system leaders to participate in its Next Generation Science Educators Network. Participants in this cohort will receive free, ongoing professional development opportunities. Enrollment is open until January 31, 2025.