Teachers First - Thinking Teachers Teaching Thinkers

The SimBucket collection on PBS LearningMedia (WQED) offers interactive science and math simulations designed to engage students in hands-on virtual experiments. These simulations cover physics, chemistry, and earth science, allowing students to manipulate variables, observe outcomes, and deepen their conceptual understanding. Teachers can integrate these simulations into lessons to support inquiry-based learning, reinforce key concepts, and allow students to explore scientific principles in a dynamic, visual format.

tag(s): circuits (20), density (18), rockets (12), simulations (25)

Inspire Creativity with Graphic Design & Art Careers! View this rich collection of videos, lesson plans, interactive activities, and articles to introduce students to the exciting world of graphic design and art careers. From exploring design principles and digital illustration to learning about career pathways in the creative industry, these resources help students develop artistic skills while making real-world connections. Whether you're teaching visual arts, technology, or career exploration, these engaging, standards-aligned materials will spark creativity and prepare students for future opportunities in the design and media industries.

tag(s): careers (183), design (80), graphic design (50), STEM (312)

"Use, Understand & Engage: A Digital Media Literacy Framework for Canadian Schools" is a comprehensive guide designed to help educators teach critical thinking, digital citizenship, and media literacy in today's technology-driven world. The framework focuses on three key areas: "Use" (developing technical skills for digital tools), "Understand" (analyzing and evaluating digital content), and "Engage" (responsible and ethical participation in digital spaces). It provides lesson ideas, discussion prompts, and assessment tools to help students navigate online information, recognize misinformation, and become responsible digital citizens. This resource is ideal for integrating media literacy into various subject areas across K-12 classrooms.

tag(s): critical thinking (137), digital citizenship (93), digital literacy (18), media literacy (113)

The DART (Developmental Activities for Repeated Practice) Lessons from TCALL (Texas Center for the Advancement of Literacy & Learning) is an ESL curriculum designed to help adult learners develop essential English language and digital literacy skills. The lessons provide step-by-step guidance on fundamental computer tasks, such as recognizing and typing letters, numbers, and symbols, turning on and shutting down a computer, and connecting to a wireless network. Learners also practice navigating applications, performing internet searches, managing browser functions, and using digital security measures like avoiding suspicious links and ads. Additionally, the curriculum includes lessons on creating and securing a Gmail account, logging in and out, and recognizing phishing attempts. These structured activities support ESL/multilingual learners in building confidence and independence in using technology for communication, work, and daily life.

tag(s): digital literacy (18), STEM (312)

Explore this collection of engaging lessons, videos, and activities to find resources that help students develop essential digital citizenship skills. Covering topics such as online safety, media literacy, and responsible technology use, this resource equips educators with tools to teach students how to navigate the digital world responsibly. It is ideal for elementary, middle, and high school classrooms, providing age-appropriate content to foster critical thinking, ethical online behavior, and digital problem-solving skills.

tag(s): digital literacy (18), internet safety (116), media literacy (113), STEM (312)

The Asian American History 101 podcast provides educators with insightful discussions on the history, culture, and contributions of Asian Americans. Covering topics such as immigration, activism, historical events, and representation in media, the podcast offers an engaging way to incorporate Asian American perspectives into the classroom. Teachers can use episodes to spark discussions, supplement history lessons, or provide students with diverse narratives that connect past and present. With its accessible format and wide range of topics, this resource helps foster a deeper understanding of Asian American heritage and experiences.

tag(s): asia (136), canada (25), comics and cartoons (56), cooking (33), courts (24), cultures (226), immigrants (48), immigration (84), japan (62), japanese (54), podcasts (118)

This digital exhibit from the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center (APAC) is an interactive platform highlighting the diverse histories, cultures, and contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities. The exhibit provides an immersive learning experience that fosters understanding and appreciation of AAPI experiences through multimedia storytelling, artwork, historical artifacts, and personal narratives. Educators can use this resource to engage students in discussions about identity, resilience, and cultural heritage while integrating primary sources and creative expressions into their lessons. The videos are hosted on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube, then they may not be viewable.

tag(s): artists (87), asia (136), authors (108), cultures (226), famous people (28), japan (62), japanese (54), multimedia (55), scientists (71)

The AAPI History Hub is a valuable educational resource that provides lesson plans, primary sources, and interactive materials to help teachers incorporate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) history into their curriculum. The site offers engaging content for various grade levels, including biographies, historical events, and cultural contributions that highlight the rich and diverse experiences of AAPI communities. With classroom-ready resources and discussion prompts, the AAPI History Hub supports educators in fostering a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of U.S. history.

tag(s): asia (136), biographies (94), courts (24), cultures (226), diversity (46), famous people (28), japan (62), japanese (54), scientists (71), women (154)

Discover this collection of engaging video resources that introduce students to various STEM careers. Each video features real professionals discussing their jobs, skills, and career paths in fields like engineering, robotics, healthcare, and environmental science. The resources aim to inspire students by showcasing diverse career opportunities and the real-world applications of STEM concepts. Teachers can use these videos to spark career exploration discussions, connect lessons to real-world professions, and encourage students to consider future STEM pathways.

tag(s): engineering (137), environment (251), robotics (26), STEM (312)

The Video and Animation Production Jobs Collection features thousands of searchable resources, including videos, audio, documents, lesson plans, and collections for grades kindergarten through twelfth. Videos on the animation process, favorite animation projects, production roles, common audio mistakes, and many more are available. Lesson plans include pre-, during, and post-production, video editing, telling a story, using a storyboard, and more. Lesson plans contain a summary, time allotted, learning objectives, preparation, procedure, and standards. Filters are available to sort by grade level, subject, resource type, length of video/audio, language, accessibility, and additional features. Everything in the collection can be shared via Google Classroom, a link to students, and social sharing. Lessons can also be built upon once you log into the site.

tag(s): animation (66), video (267)

Learn about Media and Video Game jobs at this collection that includes various resources, including videos, audio, documents, lesson plans, webpages, and collections for grades kindergarten through twelfth. There are thousands of resources available to search. Videos are available for future jobs, such as how to make a video game, lighting technicians, and more. Lesson plans on video editing, pre-production, during, and post-production, microphone tips, and more. Lessons plans featured contain a summary, time allotted, learning objectives, preparation, procedure, and standards. Filters are available to sort by grade level, subject, resource type, length of video/audio, language, accessibility, and additional features.

tag(s): careers (183), coding (87)

The PBS Mechanics collection features various resources, including videos, audio, documents, lesson plans, and collections for all grades. There are over one thousand resources available to search. Videos are available on exploring jet engine mechanics, aircraft mechanics, career connections, mechanical engineer manager, and many more. There are also mechanics featured that answer questions such as "Why did you become a mechanical engineer?" and "Why did you become a scientist?" Along with individuals discussing their jobs. Lesson plans on communication, history, math, science, and more are posted. Lesson plans contain a summary, time allotted, learning objectives, preparation, procedure, and standards. Filters are available to sort by grade level, subject, resource type, length of video/audio, language, accessibility, and additional features.

tag(s): careers (183), engineering (137)

Engineering a Better Airplane Lesson Plan allows students to create their paper planes using the engineering design process. Students have to follow a specific list of steps to create the finished product and design, test, evaluate, and redesign to make the most efficient plane. The lesson plan includes the learning objectives, supplies, videos, procedure, guiding questions, and culminating activity. This lesson addresses the NGSS, ISTE, Benchmarks for Science Literacy, and National Core Art Standards.

tag(s): aeronautics (12), engineering (137)

"PBS Media: Engineering Building Activity: Lesson Plan" allows students to create a housing structure with various materials. For example, in manufacturing, students must follow a specific list of steps to make their finished product. The lesson plan includes the learning objectives, supplies, videos, procedure, guiding questions, and culminating activity. Everything in the collection can be shared via Google Classroom, with a link to students and social sharing. This lesson addresses the NGSS, ISTE, Benchmarks for Science Literacy, and National Core Art Standards.

tag(s): architecture (84), engineering (137)

View this engineering collection, which includes various resources, including videos, audio, documents, lesson plans, webpages, and collections for kindergarten through twelfth grade. There are over two thousand resources available to search. Videos on robotic and biochemical engineering, parachute design, engineering for the red planet, the reality of plastic, and more are available. Lesson plans range from introducing the engineering process to communicating the solution to magnetic train engineering and more. Lesson plans contain a summary, time allotted, learning objectives, preparation, procedure, and standards. Filters are available to sort by grade level, subject, resource type, length of video/audio, language, accessibility, and additional features. Everything in the collection can be shared via Google Classroom, a link to students, and social sharing. Lessons can also be built upon once you log into the site.

tag(s): careers (183), engineering (137)

Discover this Automotive collection provides a wide range of resources for grades K-12, including videos, audio clips, documents, lesson plans, webpages, and curated collections. With over a thousand materials to explore, topics cover areas such as automotive technology instruction, the history of cars, NASCAR, and careers in transportation. Each lesson plan includes a summary, estimated time, learning objectives, preparation guidelines, step-by-step procedures, and alignment to standards. Resources can be easily filtered by grade level, subject, type, media length, language, accessibility, and additional features. Materials are easily shareable via Google Classroom, direct student links, and social media, and registered users have the option to modify and expand upon existing lessons.

tag(s): careers (183)

PBS LearningMedia's Architecture collection offers a wide range of resources for grades K-12, including videos, audio clips, documents, lesson plans, webpages, and curated collections. Topics cover architectural styles, famous landmarks, geometric and organic shapes, careers in architecture, Black history, and more. Lesson plans feature clear summaries, time requirements, learning objectives, preparation steps, procedures, and alignment with standards. Educators can easily filter materials by grade level, subject, resource type, media length, language, accessibility options, and other features. Resources can be shared through Google Classroom, direct links, or social media, and registered users can customize and build upon existing lessons.

tag(s): architecture (84), careers (183)

"I Can Be What?" gives a sneak peek into the world of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) careers. Careers highlighted include diesel mechanic, helicopter pilot, wildlife technician, chocolatier, athletic trainer, and more. Each career contains a video explaining it and additional information. Some of the additional information includes links to jobs, related careers, and discussion questions.

tag(s): careers (183), engineering (137)

The African American Innovation and Invention guide from the Library of Congress highlights the significant contributions of African Americans in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This resource provides access to primary sources, including patents, photographs, and historical documents, showcasing groundbreaking achievements in medicine, agriculture, and transportation. Teachers can use this collection to introduce students to influential inventors, start discussions on perseverance and creativity, and encourage research projects on African American innovators. The site supports cross-curricular learning by connecting history, science, and social studies, making it a valuable tool for exploring both historical and modern advancements.

tag(s): african american (121), agriculture (52), photography (131), STEM (312), transportation (30)

NASA's official website is a rich educational resource for teachers, offering a vast collection of space-related content, lesson plans, videos, and interactive activities. Educators can access STEM-focused classroom materials, student challenges, and real-time NASA mission updates to engage students in space exploration and scientific discovery. The site includes sections on astronomy, engineering, Earth science, and robotics, with resources tailored for different grade levels. Teachers can also find virtual field trips, citizen science projects, and career insights to inspire students interested in space and technology. The videos are hosted on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube, then they may not be viewable.

tag(s): moon (72), planets (113), solar system (108), space (220), stars (71), STEM (312)