Need a list of the ultimate STEM resources for back to school? Looking for science activities to boost student engagement and understanding? You’ve come to the right place! As kids return to school for the new year, it is always a good idea to refresh your teaching toolbox and bolster the STEM resources you already have in your portfolio. This post will help you do just that. Welcome to the ultimate list of STEM resources for back to school
We have grouped these STEM resources according to grade levels so that you can easily access what you need and when you need it. With quick skimming-and-scanning, you’ll be able to easily find the most helpful resources for your students’ STEM learning needs. Happy STEM-ing, everyone—AND have a GREAT school year, too!
Ultimate STEM Resources List for Back to School
STEM Resources List for PreK & Up
5 Back-to-School STEM Activities Your Students Will Love (PreK-Gr. 5)
It’s back to school time! That means it’s time to start planning your amazingly fun STEM activities for the beginning of the year. Whether you are new to STEM or a seasoned pro, getting a plan in place for the beginning of the school year will help you and your students have the best start to the school year. Here are 5 favorite back-to-school STEM activities to help you begin!
20 Back-to-School STEM Activities – The Educators’ Spin on It (PreK-Gr. 6)
Get into that creative mindset with your child as they head back to school with these 20 Back to School STEM activities for kids. Explore hands-on fun with science, technology, engineering and math to start off a great new school year.
For Grades K-8
Back-to-School STEM – iheartSTEAM.com (Gr. 1-6)
Back to school STEM or STE(A)M is a crucial time for all elementary teachers. Why? Well, during the first weeks of school, THIS is when the foundations and fundamentals for a STE(A)M culture can be laid that will benefit all of the core subjects. Yes… all of the core subjects! FREE posters included to help you start your STE(A)M year off right, too!
5 EASY Back-to-School STEM Activities That Are Low-Prep – (Gr. K-5)
Back to school is an exciting time for both teachers and students, but it can certainly get overwhelming with assessing each child. It’s important to have some fun activities on hand so that there’s a balance of assessments and play. Consider using these STEM activities for this purpose because they feel like play. Yet, in reality, students engage and learn to problem solve, persevere, and collaborate with their new peers.
FREE Back-to-School Science Toolkit – from Amplify (Gr. K-8)
Welcome to the 2022–23 school year! Gear up for STEM this year with a survey that will help you get to know your new students. In addition, discover a zero-prep student activity, an on-demand webinar with FREE CE credits, and a chance to win $500, too!
For Grades 9-12
The Ultimate Guide to STEM Competitions & Events for 2022-2023 – from idtech.com (Gr. 9-12)
Competition has a way of making us better. And no matter your interest or hobby, there are usually a number of ways to compete. STEM is no different, offering local, statewide, and even national events for beginner to advanced students across a number of related disciplines.
Update: This list includes some events in 2023 and others who have yet to announce their 2022 plans. We recommend bookmarking competitions that look like a good fit and signing up for updates directly from the competition websites. Also included is a separate online math competitions post and plans to cover additional subjects soon!
For ALL Grades K-12
FREE Downloadable STEM Posters: Embed STEM in the School Culture – from CTSA
A FREE and easy way to get started with a STEM program is by printing and displaying these posters throughout your school. Here is a list of where to go for FREE downloadable posters.
NGSS STEM Lesson Plans – from Mars Space Flight Facility, Arizona State University
Need a ready-to-use STEM lesson plan? The Mars Education lesson plans section is here to serve as a resource for educators, grades K-12 to download and utilize in formal classroom settings. These lessons are FREE and made to be fully accessible and downloadable PDF documents that can be saved or printed.
Ready-to-Use STEM Lesson Plans & Books – from STEM-apalooza!®
Teacher-designed STEM lesson plans and hands-on activities are provided here by a company founded and owned by STEM educators. Also included are favorite STEM books ready to enhance your classroom library and engage your students in interactive ways!