National Geographic Explorer Classroom - Explorer Classroom connects classrooms around the world with National Geographic Explorers, brining science, exploration, and conservation to life through live video events.
Skype a Scientist - This program connects classrooms around the world with scientists for 30-60 minute sessions for free. The program is free for any group with an internet connection.
Exploring by the Seat of Your Pants! - This Canadian-based program offers monthly webinars and chats with scientists and explorers from around the world.
JASON - JASON connects youth with inspiring science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) role models via a live, interactive webcast series.
NGSS Resources
NGSS Assessment Tools - This site is designed to facilitate development and sharing of classroom NGSS assessment items and item clusters (groups of items associated with same phenomenon)
NSTA NGSS Hub - The National Science Teachers Hub contains many videos, archived webinars, and resources for moving into NGSS. Many of the resources are free to all, some to members only.
NGSS Unit Planning Template - This unit planning template was developed in alignment with Stroupe and Windschitl’s (2015) framework for Ambitious Science Teaching that focuses on “1) planning a unit around a “big science idea”, 2) eliciting and activating students’ ideas about a puzzling phenomenon (for the purpose of adapting instruction), 3) helping students make sense of science activities, and 4) pressing students to construct evidence-based explanations” (p. 1).
Next Generation Science Storylines - Provides tools to support teachers in developing, adapting and teaching with strongly aligned NGSS materials.
Phenomena for NGSS - TJ McKenna's site that explains the reasons for phenomena and has many examples to use in the development of your lessons.
NGSS Lesson Screener - Users who are familiar with the EQuIP Rubric will recognize some familiar criteria. However, the NGSS Lesson Screener has fewer criteria because the intended purpose is different and smaller in scope—it is only for lessons and not for units, and it is not intended to fully evaluate and score lessons.
Connecticut Science Teachers Association