ICEF Teachers' Resources

July 2023

15 Free STEM Tools and Resources for Teachers

Recommended STEM Tools for Teachers

1. Campus Ties: Campus Ties offers micro-courses and built-in tests devised by trusted professionals. Micro-certificates are also given to learners who have completed a course.
2. CLEAN: This website offers a collection of more than 600 free resources created and verified by esteemed scientists and teachers.
3. Energy.gov: Featured in this US government-based website are free energy literacy videos that educators can pull out and show their students. For more videos, you can also check out their Youtube channel.
4. Exxon Mobil: Exxon Mobil offers a variety of programs and information particularly related to maths and sciences, as well as real-world applications. It also includes useful tools for STEM teachers.
5. MIT Blossoms: MIT Blossoms offers math and science videos for high school learners.
6. NASA Digital Learning Network: They aren’t only discovering new planets and galaxies.NASA’s free-for-all digital learning network offers premium lessons about space technology and other STEM-related careers. They feature only the most capable experts and guest speakers for their lessons.
7. National Science Board: The National Science Board is a government-backed website that offers standardized action plans and regularly updated STEM educational opportunities.
8. National Science Digital Library: The National Science Digital Library is an extensive collection of educational materials for educators and learners of all levels, including STEM. These materials are curated by teaching experts that serve as digital librarians.
9. PhET: This free interactive website is filled with fun and enjoyable simulations that pertain to the four core subjects of STEM education. It has delivered over 360 million simulations since it started in the year 2002.
10. Planetarium: This website lets you explore the heavenly bodies in your browser. You can also add this as an extension for Google Chrome users.
11. Save on Energy: Save on Energy is a fun and free way to make your students learn about the science of electricity. It features animated infographics that demonstratethe principles and movements of electricity.
12. Science Fair Projects: This website is a treasure chest of ideas for science experiments and projects.
13. Space School: Space School is a Canadian educational initiative that aims to provide premium online training for students in the following key areas–STEM, Coding, Space Technology, Robotics, and Problem Solving.
14. Teacher Challenge: This website contains a list of more than 20 STEM educational tools that teachers may find helpful and interesting.
15. Tinkercad: A website that offers free 3D models for printing and teaching.

November 2022

Department Launches “YOU Belong in STEM” Initiative to Enhance STEM Education for All Young People

The U.S. Department of Education (Department) launched "YOU Belong in STEM," an initiative to galvanize the broad STEM education ecosystem to implement and scale equitable and high-quality STEM education for all young people from Pre-K to higher education. U.S. Deputy Secretary of Education Cindy Marten discussed the initiative today at the STEMconnector and Million Women Mentors Summit in Washington, D.C.

"With the YOU Belong in STEM initiative, we are helping districts and schools redesign systems and learning spaces to ensure students get the well-rounded education they need," said Deputy Secretary Marten. "We are also challenging narratives about who belongs in STEM learning and careers that, over generations, left out millions of girls and young women, students of color, students living in poverty, Native American and Alaska Native students, students with disabilities, and other marginalized students. Every student, no matter their background or zip code can meet and exceed their unique potential to learn and thrive in STEM education."

YOU Belong in STEM will focus on improving student outcomes by promoting positive conditions for STEM learning and development. Research shows a direct correlation between a sense of belonging in the classroom and a student's focus and academic content retention. Through the new initiative the Department seeks to show both teachers and students that they have a place in the STEM field and in the pathways to long-term success that STEM has to offer in a 21st century economy.

In the coming weeks, the Department will provide guidance and other technical assistance to elevate STEM teaching and learning, convene STEM partners and thought leaders, elevate bright spots and evidenced-based practices that engender belonging in STEM, and partner with public and private entities to leverage our best efforts and reach.

Email us at [email protected] to get involved!

October 2022

Dept. of Homeland Security - Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)

CISA’s K – 12 Cybersecurity Education Training Assistance Program (CETAP) and CYBER.ORG: Through CISA’s CETAP grantee, CYBER.ORG, CISA offers K-12 teachers with cybersecurity curricula and education tools. CYBER.ORG develops and distributes free cybersecurity, STEM, and computer science curricula to K-12 educators across the country. Below are upcoming training events through CYBER.ORG.

October 27- Elementary and Middle Schoolers

Cybersecurity Awareness for Elementary and Middle School (Virtual Event): In this 60-minute workshop, dive into age-appropriate cybersecurity activities that can be integrated into any classroom. These simple lessons help students understand basic cybersecurity concepts such as privacy policies, digital footprints, website credibility, encryption, and more. Learn how to facilitate conversations that will empower students to navigate in the digital age. No prior experience or knowledge is necessary! To learn more or sign up, visit https://cyber.org/events or contact us at education.cisa.dhs.gov.