Many other universities and institutions have been working to promote science education and outreach with classroom teachers, helping to make even the youngest North Carolinians more aware of environmental health topics. Some existing resources include:
Air Quality
AirNow Air Quality Index Toolkit for Teachers
Compiled by the U.S. EPA, this Toolkit provides engaging lesson plans and resources to teach students about the connections between air quality, health, and other related science topics, as well as actions students can take to protect their health and reduce air pollution.
Museum of Natural Sciences
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
NCMNS provides multiple Resources for Educators including Nature Treks, school workshops, travel opportunities, an email subscription list, and more to provide information and ideas in the classroom. The museum is free to visit and offers multiple exhibitions and research opportunities.
SciREN
The Scientific Research and Education Network
SciREN works to connect researchers to educators across the Triangle and Coast to help improve science literacy amongst today’s youth. By providing Lesson Plan Kits for NC teachers to holding networking events to organizing community outreach, SciREN works to keep educators up-to-date with the latest scientific research findings.
Environmental Education
Project Learning Tree
PLT is an award-winning environmental education program designed for teachers and educators, parents, and community leaders working with youth from preschool through grade 12. The program advances environmental literacy and promotes stewardship through excellence in environmental education, professional development, and curriculum resources.
Water Quality
Project WET
Project Wet develops and delivers the world’s best water education resources, organizes special water events, manages a worldwide network of local implementing partners and advocates for the role of water education in solving the world’s most pressing water issues. Discover Water is an interactive, online learning tool for students to further learn about the importance of water, as action-oriented education enables every child to understand and value water, ensuring a sustainable future.
Citizen Science
SciStarter
SciStarter is the place to find, join, and contribute to science through more than 3,000 recreational activities and citizen science research projects. Their project directory of citizen science projects enables discovery, organization, and greater participation in citizen science.
Middle School Science
Students Discover
Students Discover offers free, high-quality curriculum to middle school science teachers around the world. These curriculum modules were created in partnership between scientists and educators to support student participation in a broad range of citizen science projects, ranging from measuring fossilized shark teeth to observing bird nests on school grounds.
Mathematics and Science Partnership Grant
Mathematics and Science Partnership Grant
The Mathematics and Science Partnership (MSP) program aims to increase the academic achievement of K-12 students in mathematics and science by supporting classroom educators as they improve their teaching skills and content knowledge. Click here for more information and resources about the grant, and send direct questions to Nina Barrett.
It’s Our Air
High School Air Quality Curriculum
This high school level curriculum is both free and specific to North Carolina. Engage your classroom with hands-on activities and complementary videos.