Resource Database

Did you know there are STEM jobs other than scientist, mathematician, and engineer? The National Air and Space Museum’s webcast STEM in 30 has released an episode titled "Unexpected Careers in STEM." This episode discusses how career interests such as writing or cooking can lead to a career in the aerospace industry.

Are you looking to incorporate more diverse historical narratives into your curriculum? The National Women’s History Museum has curated several lesson plans, biographies, posters, and primary sources focused on female historical figures. Educators can use these resources to teach their students about renowned women such as Shirley Chisolm and events such as the 1977 National Women’s Conference.

Strong literacy skills are important to a child’s foundation for success. The Spring 2022 edition of Afterschool Matters, the National Institute for Out-of-School Time’s journal, is dedicated to promoting literacy and literacy-rich environments. Articles address topics such as coaching to improve out-of-school time literacy programming and using museum and community-based organization partnerships to support family literacy.

Do you have students that are interested in the engineering field? Do you want to incorporate more engineering activities into your out-of-school time program? Then make sure you go to click2engineering.org. This brand-new website provides engineering resources for students and educators. Resources include a description of learning activities such as an egg drop activity, professional development resources, and tips for staff members.

Research shows that food insecurities and food system struggles are disproportionately felt by people of color and people with low incomes. In response to this and other concerns, Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences created Project SOW (Seeds of Wonder): Food Gardening with Justice in Mind. The project provides a food gardening curriculum program for educators who work with youth ages 13–19. The curriculum covers topics such as introducing the concept of land, stewardship in gardening, and having youth reflect on their values.

Field trips are often one of the most exciting events in a student’s education. Research from the Journal of Human Resources found that students who go on field trips experience exhibit fewer behavioral problems, have higher attendance rates, and perform better on end-of-year tests. Edutopia has released an article summarizing the study, explaining how students benefit from field trips and offering ways that educators can create low-stakes yet meaningful trips outside the classroom.

Music is a part of everyone’s lives. But can music also be part of the classroom? The National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments has released an article explaining how music can assist student learning and development. It also provides strategies that educators can use, such as using songs to help students remember math formulas and having students use color-coded cards to help map their emotions onto songs.

The arts are an essential outlet where students can express themselves. They also offer a way to enhance brain development. Edutopia has released an article describing the cognitive benefits of music and music education and how to use music to improve language learning.

Many educators teach students what they should learn but not how to learn. Edutopia has released an article describing metacognition, or a student’s knowledge of their own thought process. The article offers planning, monitoring, and evaluative strategies that educators can use to help students develop their metacognitive processes. This practice will help youth create self-regulation techniques and establish more concrete goals.

Many youths are facing significant trauma, but educators are unsure of how to help these students. The American Youth Policy Forum has released a report detailing how educators can use trauma-informed educational practices with students. Practices include a positive behavior approach, equity practices, and a commitment to instructional methods that do not re-traumatize the students.