This video segment adapted from NOVA/FRONTLINE looks at American energy consumption and the resulting production of greenhouse gases.

This article provides an overview of social bookmarking and how educators can use Diigo, a free social bookmarking tool, to organize, annotate, and share web sites.

Students learn how the innovative engineering of photovoltaics enables us to transform the sun’s energy into usable power—electricity—through the use of photovoltaic cells. Watching a short video clip from “The Martian” movie shows the importance of photovoltaics in powering space exploration at extreme distances from the Earth. Then students learn that the photovoltaic technologies designed to excel in the harsh environment of space have the potential to be just as beneficial on Earth—providing electricity-generating systems based on renewable energy sources is important for our electricity-gobbling society. Two student journaling sheets assist with vocabulary and concepts.

Students use a simple seesaw to visualize solving a two- or three-step mathematics equation, while solving a basic structural engineering weight balance problem in the process. They solve two-step equations on a worksheet and attempt to solve the challenge of "balancing a beam" through hands-on problems. The use of sensor equipment for correct position monitoring aids students in balancing the structure, as well as balancing the equation as they solve it on paper.

In 2005, FRONTLINE/World featured the PlayPump, a promising new technology that pumped fresh water when children played on a merry-go-round. The story appealed to the good intentions of politicians, celebrities, and funders, who gave support to installing thousands of these devices in Africa. In this video, reporter Amy Costello continues her investigation into what happened to those communities as the promise of the PlayPump fell short, villages were left with non-working PlayPumps for months, and the device's biggest American boosters began to back away from a technology they had once championed. [23:42]

This unit begins by introducing students to the historical motivation for space exploration. They learn about the International Space Station, including current and futuristic ideas that engineers are designing to propel space research. Then they learn about the physical properties of the Moon, and think about what types of products engineers would need to design in order for humans to live on the Moon. Lastly, students learn some descriptive facts about asteroids, such as their sizes and how that relates to the potential danger of an asteroid colliding with the Earth.

Lesson 5 is about exploring the future and the possibilities it holds. Students listen to Sun Ra's "Space is the Place" and research recent Jupiter or Saturn-related discoveries from various sources. They then make a prediction about the future and describe a future they would like. The lesson concludes with a design challenge where students weave together their prediction with their desired future. Students are encouraged to share their ideas and discuss what inspires them to envision the future. An optional extension allows students to engage in discussion and publish/submit their predictions and futures on social media.

Estimated time required: 1-2 class periods.

Technology required for this lesson: Augmented Reality, Internet Connectivity, Laptop/Desktop, Smartphone, Tablet, Tablet or Smartphone.

In this lesson, students are introduced to the historical motivation for space exploration. They learn about the International Space Station as an example of recent space travel innovation and are introduced to new and futuristic ideas that space engineers are currently working on to propel space research far into the future!

Various listening examples of native speakers in different dialects describing their favorite radio station and what time of programming it has. Advanced examples. Provides a transcript as well so you can read along. Great way to bring native speakers into the classroom and increase vocabulary!

Students explore the connection between spirituals and Afrofuturism through the themes found in the "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" and examine the flier for an event called "The Gospel According to Nikki Giovanni." Students discuss the intersection of Afrofuturism and spirituals and the significance of the spiritual in Black literature and culture. Explore how new technology can impact an artist like Nikki Giovanni, or how she impacts it. The final discussion will focus on Black Love Day and the "I Will Protect Black People" contract, and how these topics contribute to a deeper understanding of Afrofuturism and Nikki Giovanni's work. Students will have 20+ minutes to give feedback on Kinfolk’s Nikki Giovanni project and/ or send love to her.

Estimated time required: 1-2 class periods.

Technology required for this lesson: Augmented Reality, Internet Connectivity, Laptop/Desktop, Smartphone, Tablet, Tablet or Smartphone.

An article which attempts to explain how science has influenced society. Traces the history of scientific progress and how this has influenced societal behavior.

Students act as chemical engineers and use LEGO® MINDSTORMS® NXT robotics to record temperatures and learn about the three states of matter. Properties of matter can be measured in various ways, including volume, mass, density and temperature. Students measure the temperature of water in its solid state (ice) as it is melted and then evaporated.

This activity models the states of matter and students investigate those states with a balloon/straw rocket.

Students learn about stem cells, and how these cells are used in medical research and treatments. Find out scientific facts, read several case studies, and participate in a group debate activity to explore the ethics of this topic. A self-check quiz follows the learning activity.

The goal of this K-5 learning experience, developed by Project Lead The Way (PLTW), is for the learner to develop a STEM Mindset while learning the concepts of animation, with a focus on stop-motion animation.

Estimated time required: 1 class period.

Technology required for this lesson: Laptop/Desktop, Smartphone, Tablet.

This article discusses how to use digital storytelling in the classroom while keeping the focus on the story itself, not the technology.

Studying life on the seafloor beneath Antarctica's thick ice is a major challenge for ecologists. Learn about a new device that can reach those icy depths in this video segment adapted from WomenInAntarctica.com.

Students learn about the life and influences of Sun Ra through a series of clips, artifacts, and texts. They engage in a 4-minute video viewing and a 15-minute examination of artifacts, including books and music. After wrapping up the lesson, students will discuss their takeaways about Sun Ra and preview the next lesson, where they will learn about his cosmic sound and his connection to other artists.

Estimated time required: 1-2 class periods.

Technology required for this lesson: Augmented Reality, Internet Connectivity, Laptop/Desktop, Smartphone, Tablet, Tablet or Smartphone.

This nonprofit organization is dedicated to making government information available to the public through digitization.