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NGSS and STEM Resources

Nurturing a Natural Curiosity Inside the Outdoors logo with tree, bird, stream 714-708-3885 insidetheoutdoors@ocde.us

To better support the Next Generation Science Standards, our programs underwent some changes starting in the 2017-2018 school year.  Some of the Traveling Scientist programs have moved to a more appropriate grade level. 

For our Field Trips, some of the stations have been changed or updated to best support these new standards.

More information on the state standards...

If you are teaching NGSS then you are teaching STEM!

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)

Inside the Outdoors is uniquely positioned to combine STEM-related curriculum with environmental education concepts and Service Learning to provide our students with an opportunity we call Green STEM.
Inside the Outdoors students:

  • Become “scientists” on the Field Trips
  • Learn science concepts and how they apply to their lives through hands–on activities
  • Are exposed to careers in science such as Wildlife Biologist, Ecologist or Geologist
  • Connect environmental problems and solutions to science concepts

These websites are current as of July 2019.  Inside the Outdoors does not manage these sites and is not responsible for the content on them.

OCDE STEM - Resources, trainings, and events

STEM Resources

California Department of Education
OC STEM
National Science Foundation Classroom Resources
NASA Education Programs

Activities - Elementary Science Focus

kitchenpantryscientist.com - Simple recipes for real science, some video clips
Nat Geo Kids - Many ideas, activities, lessons, images and video clips
Reeko's Mad Science Labs - Great science experiments, reference information, and fun stuff
PBS Kids - Science projects sent in by kids with comments and reviews
NASA - Great resource for information, images, and lesson ideas
Mystery Science – K-5 lessons that help support NGSS, many districts have a subscription to this site!
Science Bob - Science projects, experiments, and information
Science Buddies - Science projects and lessons
Science Kids - Lessons, experiments, projects, facts, videos and images
Science is Fun - Some experiments and projects, a lot of information and resources
Steve Spangler Science - Many great science projects and demonstrations with video clips. Also has a store for supplies.

Citizen Science Projects

Citizen Science is when science research and data is collected by non-professional scientists.  Some of these projects happen during a specific time of year and others are ongoing.  Below are some links to help you and your school to become involved in these science project.

Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, & Snow Network (CoCoRaHS)
Cornell Labs - Bird Projects
Christmas Bird Count - Audubon
Lost Ladybug Project
National Wildlife Federation​ - Climate Focused
Natural History Museum
NASA
Project Budburst
Scientific American
Scistarter
Zooniverse

Additional Online Resources

Return to Lessons, Curriculum and Background Information

Nurturing a Natural Curiosity Inside the Outdoors logo with tree, bird, stream 714-708-3885 insidetheoutdoors@ocde.us