5 Simple Science Resources Teachers

Simple resources from NASA, NOAA, and the Smithsonian Science Education Center.

5 Simple Science Resources Teachers

by TeachThought Staff

K–12 Science Resources

K–12 Science Resources

Science is everywhere. Sometimes it’s beautiful, sometimes it amazes, and at times, it’s just plain weird. Science captivates children from the youngest ages—the more odd and off-beat, the more interesting. Schools are emphasizing all types of science learning with STEM programs, integrated technology, maker spaces, and good old-fashioned lab experiments. Truth is often stranger than fiction; global warming, natural disaster, cloning, invasive species, and medical ethics show science everywhere in news, politics, and world events. It’s exciting if you stop a moment for consideration.

Elementary

  1. Mystery Science — ready-to-teach, phenomenon-based lessons with short videos and hands-on activities.
  2. NASA Space Place — bite-size space and Earth science explainers, printables, and activities for younger learners.
  3. Smithsonian Science Education Center — elementary science lesson ideas, STEM challenges, and sustainability projects.

Middle School

  1. PhET Interactive Simulations — free, research-based simulations for physics, chemistry, math, and earth science.
  2. TeachEngineering — NGSS-aligned engineering design challenges and science lessons.
  3. NOAA Education — ocean, weather, climate, and environmental literacy lessons and classroom-ready activities.

High School

  1. HHMI BioInteractive — biology resources: short films, data activities, virtual labs, and case studies.
  2. NASA JPL Education — space and engineering lessons and build activities tied to real missions and data.
  3. CK-12 Foundation — free FlexBooks, simulations, and practice across biology, chemistry, physics, and math.
  4. ChemCollective — virtual labs and problem-based activities for chemistry.