This article features children's literature about weather, climate, and climate change. What���s the difference between weather and climate? How do scientists observe, measure, and predict weather phenomena? How is Earth���s climate changing, and why? This month���s bookshelf will help students develop a solid grasp of weather-related concepts. It will also introduce students to global warming and climate change and inspire them to do what they can to combat the problem.

This article assembles free resources from the Climate Change and the Polar Regions issue of the Beyond Penguins and Polar Bears cyberzine into a unit outline based on the 5E learning cycle framework. Outlines are provided for Grades K-2 and Grades 3-5.

This article provides five strategies for building the foundation for climate science literacy in the elementary grades.

In this lesson, students continue their education on cells in the human body. They discuss stem cells and how engineers are involved in the research of stem cell behavior. They learn about possible applications of stem cell research and associated technologies, such as fluorescent dyes for tracking the replication of specific cells.

Students explore the definition of a function by playing an interactive game called "Club Function." The goal of the game is to be in the club! With students each assigned to be either a zebra or a rhinoceros, they group themselves according to the "rules" of the club function. After two minutes, students freeze in their groups, and if they are not correctly following the rules of the club function, then they are not allowed into the "club." Through this activity students come to understand that one x-coordinate can only have one corresponding y-coordinate while y-coordinates can have many x-coordinates that correspond to it.

Students will learn the basic constructs of a video game using the Scratch interface. Students use Scratch to learn about algorithms and event-driven programming. Object-oriented concepts are introduced through the use of sprites and the stage. Students use critical thinking and creativity to complete and enhance Hungry Mouse, a game that they develop using Scratch.

Estimated time required: 2 class periods.

Technology required for this lesson: Design Software, Laptop/Desktop.

In this lesson, students learn how to use computer programming (coding) to control the BBC Micro:bit! They will be able to define computer programming and coding, write their first program for the BBC Micro:bit, and watch their ideas come to life.

Estimated time required: 1-2 class periods.

Technology required for this lesson: Code Editor, Electronics Kit, Laptop/Desktop, Tablet.

In this lesson, students learn to how to program different inputs and outputs on the Micro:bit. Students will define inputs and outputs by viewing an educational video. Then, they will program inputs and outputs on the Micro:bit, such as buttons, lights, shake sensor, and pins.

Estimated time required: 1-2 class periods.

Technology required for this lesson: Code Editor, Electronics Kit, Laptop/Desktop, Tablet.

In this lesson, students learn how to make two Micro:bits "talk" to each other wirelessly by using the radio feature. In addition, they will learn how to use “IF” statements to encrypt information in order to create a wireless communication device for VilBot.

Estimated time required: 1-2 class periods.

Technology required for this lesson: Code Editor, Electronics Kit, Laptop/Desktop, Tablet.

In this lesson, students learn how to design and code a custom Micro:bit Game by using advanced coding features like if statements, while loops, and variables.

Estimated time required: 1-2 class periods.

Technology required for this lesson: Code Editor, Electronics Kit, Laptop/Desktop, Tablet.

The NOVA collection on PBS LearningMedia contains over 1500 resources from NOVA's broadcast and digital productions that educators can use in their lessons to spark and enrich student knowledge of STEM (Science Technology Engineering Mathematics). NOVA's resources are primarily designed for use in middle and high school STEM classrooms. This Collection includes: Video (1121), Document (181), Media Gallery (129), Interactive (72), Audio (4), Lesson Plan (55), Interactive Lesson (24) for Grades All , Resources in Spanish (328).

This video from NASA describes the detailed computer modeling used to predict that colliding neutron stars can produce gamma-ray bursts similar to those associated with black holes.

This is a laboratory exercise designed to allow students to further investigate the light spectrum. This lab is used to have students view the light spectrum first hand as opposed to using lecture alone.

Watch the ZOOM cast find out how many balloons filled with air and then with water are required to support the weight of a cast member.

In this video segment, members of the ZOOM cast experiment by bending and folding sheets of paper into various shapes to see which shape will support the weight of a heavy book.

In this video segment from ZOOM, Hillary, from Randolph, MA, takes us on a tour of the columns in her neighborhood.

This article describes common misconceptions held by elementary students about the history of the polar regions, fossils, and geologic time. The article provides ideas for formative assessment, teaching strategies, and the National Science Education Standards.

This article describes some common misconceptions that elementary students may have about oceans. It also includes suggestions for formative assessment and teaching for conceptual change.

This article describes some common misconceptions that elementary students may have about plants. It also includes suggestions for formative assessment and teaching for conceptual change.

This article lists common misconceptions about states and changes of matter and the water cycle. It provides formative assessment probes and information about teaching for conceptual change.