Did you know November 8 is National STEM Day? Take this opportunity to help students investigate all aspects of science, technology, engineering and math—from life and Earth sciences to the study of physics and space.
Here are Share My Lesson’s five picks to help students hone the STEM skills that will serve them well in the future and get them interested in STEM-related careers. For more resources on National STEM Day, check out Share My Lesson’s Celebrate Elementary Science and Science Lessons for Middle and High School collections.
Chien-Shiung Wu: The First Lady of Physics (Untold History)
Go beyond Marie Curie and Albert Einstein to introduce and inspire your students with the lesser-known story of Chien-Shiung Wu, a Chinese American woman who broke gender barriers, winning awards later in her career for essential physics discoveries.
Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Math Educators' Guide (Random House Children’s Books)
Looking to add an “A” to STEM and find your STEAM? This mega reading list has books that provide not only background knowledge but also context and inspiration to readers. Look inside this brochure to find books designed to challenge students to go beyond their limits.
Lessons from The Aeronauts (Amazon Studios and AFT Science Cadre)
We’re cheating a bit on this entry as one of five, as it’s actually a collection of 17 hands-on lessons and activities for grades 3-12, inspired by the science behind the film The Aeronauts. Students will become experts on weather, atmosphere and density, and even figure out how to design a hot air balloon.
17-Year-Old Invents Color Changing Sutures That Detect Infection (PBS NewsHour Extra)
All over the world, infections at the site of surgical incisions are a major cause of new illnesses, extended hospital stays and even death. With this video discussion lesson, have students learn about one 17-year-old Iowa scientist, Dasia Taylor, who’s working on a more affordable way to detect infections early.
From College to Jobs: Pathways in STEM (Statistics in Schools)
Would your students in grades 6-12 consider a STEM career? Workers who majored in a STEM field in college make more money annually. Pique your students’ curiosity with this interactive data activity to explore the characteristics and educational attainment level of STEM-related workers.
Bonus: Inventing Tomorrow: STEM Lessons from Around the World (Blueshift Education Inc.)
You and your students will thoroughly enjoy watching this documentary about kids who travel to the International Science and Engineering Fair in Los Angeles to share their inventions. This resource includes four Next Generation Science Standards-aligned lessons to accompany existing science courses from around the globe.
What are your favorite resources to help students celebrate National STEM Day? Let us know in the comments!