Getting Started with STEM
NSTEM is an amazing STEM resource for parents, students, and educators. These school- based chapters provide an extensive library of STEM resources; including curriculum, scholarships, grants, events and much more. NSTEM wants to create a lifelong passion for STEM with project- based learning. Some benefits of joining NSTEM include building a community and culture focused on STEM, an easy to use web- based collection of tools, and motivating students to do their best in STEM subjects and awards and scholarships.
The U.S. Department of Energy’s STEM rising resource inspires, educates, and sparks success in STEM. Resources and events from the National Labs, National Nuclear Security Administration, and program offices, promoting STEM at a governmental level. There are resources for everyone from k-12 students, university and continued learning individuals, teachers, and those in the STEM workforce. The U.S. Department of energy has an array of other STEM resources that are useful in STEM education.
Virtual Learning
This website is a great science resource and can easily be used at home for students. With a wide variety of “try it at home” activities for a wide range from Easy-for-all to challenging. The Greenbank Observatory also provides downloadable family science labs that include printable materials and instructions. In response to Covid-19 they offer virtual tours of the Radio Astronomy and Greenbank Telescopes, and at a variety of time lengths.
Take a code break! This site has dozens of episodes lead by Founder Hadi Partovi, with guests such as Mark Cuban and Ashton Kutcher, mini- lessons on computer science concepts, and weekly challenges that cater to everyone. To keep the fun going with online learning, they provide projects and activities that can be done at home. Full courses for students from k-12 as well as beyond teaches computer science at home. Hour of Code is hour long tutorials designed for all ages if full courses are too long.
Encouraging Girls in STEM
This website is a great resource encouraging girls to pursue STEM. There are many resources showcasing women who have careers in STEM and more STEM careers. They provide a program called “Tour Your Future”, which provides opportunities for middle and high school girls to explore STEM careers with immersive , hands-on experience and site tours with female STEM professionals. There is so much more to explore on this site.
This resource has the goal of changing how girls look at STEM. Included in this website is a collection of videos and other documents, also included are resources in Spanish. The videos show the process of middle school girls who design their own investigations on a variety of topics. SciGirls created a set of strategies to engage girls in STEM and all the activities on the site incorporate these strategies.
Written by Olivia Kirven
March 22, 2021
