STEM Resources for Parents &amp; Educators

Sesame Workshop — STEM Resource Kit

Free STEM activities from Sesame Workshop using beloved characters like Elmo and Abby. Covers rain science, plant growth, insect biology, sun and shadow experiments, and sensory discovery.

FreeAges 1–6SensoryVideo

FreeAges 3–5NSF-FundedBilingual

PEEP and the Big Wide World — Science Curriculum

Emmy Award-winning PBS series turned into a comprehensive NSF-funded preschool science curriculum. Six inquiry units on water, sound, plants, color, shadows, and ramps — plus free bilingual family science apps.

FreeAges 5–13NASABilingual

NASA Space Place

NASA's award-winning educational site for kids featuring interactive games, hands-on activities, and articles on space and Earth science. Available in English and Spanish.

National Geographic Kids — Science Lab

Experiments, articles, and videos from Nat Geo covering wildlife, earth science, and hands-on investigations. The Try This! video series builds STEM confidence in young learners.

FreeAges 6+VideoNature

FreeAges 3–5SmithsonianInquiry

Smithsonian Science in Pre-K

Inquiry-based science teaching methods for preschool environments, developed by the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum with DC Public Schools. Free educator sandbox and outdoor observation tools.

Free DIYAges 18mo–8OutdoorNature

Tinkergarten — Outdoor Learning Activities

Nature-based, play-focused outdoor STEM program from Highlights for Children. Free DIY activities weaving observation, engineering challenges, and social-emotional learning for families and teachers.

ScratchJr — Introductory Coding for Young Children

Free app from MIT Media Lab and Tufts University designed for ages 5–7. Children snap together graphical blocks to make characters move and tell stories — building sequencing skills without needing to read.

FreeAges 5–7CodingMIT

Head Start — Preschool STEAM Series

Federal Office of Head Start video series covering how to support STEAM learning for preschoolers. Episodes on exploring science, technology, and engineering with 3–5 year olds.

FreeAges 3–5FederalVideo

FreePreK–Early ElementaryMakerFamilies

NAEYC — Creating a Makerspace at Home

Free family guide from the National Association for the Education of Young Children on building a home makerspace using everyday materials — cardboard, fabric scraps, buttons, and loose parts.

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Neurodivergent

Resources designed for or highly suitable for autistic and neurodivergent learners — UDL frameworks, sensory-friendly tools, and evidence-based strategies.

STEMIE Center — Early Childhood STEM Inclusion

The premier federally funded center for early childhood STEM inclusion (birth–5) at UNC Chapel Hill. Extensive free guides on adapting STEM activities for children with disabilities.

FreeBirth–5InclusionUNC

CAST — UDL Guidelines

The Universal Design for Learning framework from CAST — the gold standard for inclusive education. UDL Guidelines 3.0 (2024) ensures all learners, including neurodivergent students, can access and engage with STEM content.

FreeAll AgesUDLFramework

FreeBirth–22Evidence-BasedUNC

AFIRM Modules — Evidence-Based Autism Practices

Free, step-by-step online modules from UNC for teaching autistic learners from birth to age 22. Covers visual supports, structured teaching, naturalistic intervention, and more.

FreeK–12VanderbiltFederal

IRIS Center — Autism Educator Modules

Free federally funded modules from Vanderbilt University providing STEM-specific strategies for teaching autistic learners. Covers accommodations, behavior supports, and instructional design.

FreeK–12+NSFUniversity of Washington

DO-IT AccessSTEM — University of Washington

NSF-funded program helping K–12 and postsecondary students with disabilities succeed in STEM. Shares promising practices for teachers, faculty, and employers to make STEM accessible.

FreeAll AgesFamiliesADHD/Autism

Understood.org — Learning Differences Hub

Free nonprofit resource hub for families and educators supporting children with learning differences including ADHD, dyslexia, and autism. Practical strategies for STEM learning at home and school.

ADDitude — STEM Strategies for ADHD & Autism

Practitioner-written articles on science learning strategies specifically for students with ADHD and autism. Covers hands-on experiments, interest-based learning, and classroom accommodations.

FreeK–12ADHDStrategies

Free TasterAges 4+LEGOSocial Skills

Brick-by-Brick — Play Included (LEGO Foundation)

RCT-evaluated program using LEGO-based activities to build social communication and collaboration skills in neurodivergent children. Supported by the LEGO Foundation with rigorous clinical evidence.

FreeK–12AutismPeer Education

Organization for Autism Research — Educator Resources

Free guides, fact sheets, and the Kit for Kids peer education materials from the Organization for Autism Research. Evidence-based resources for building inclusive classrooms.

FreeTeensMakerAssistive Tech

PACER Center — Tech for Teens & Assistive Technology

Federally funded parent center offering free STEM workshops for teens with disabilities — 3D modeling, LED projects, maker activities — plus assistive technology training and IEP navigation support.

FreeFamiliesEvidence-BasedMay Institute

National Autism Center — Evidence-Based Practice Library

Systematic reviews identifying which autism interventions are scientifically supported. The resource library includes parent guides, 100+ expert Q&As, and the free Pathways for Parents training series.

Free TrialAll AgesVisual ScheduleADHD/Autism

Tiimo — Visual Planning App for Neurodivergent Learners

Built specifically for autistic and ADHD learners, Tiimo replaces abstract to-do lists with a visual timeline using icons and countdowns. Helps manage transitions between STEM activities.

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Curriculum

Standards-aligned materials, frameworks, and open educational resources for homeschool and classroom STEM.

Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)

The national K–12 science standards framework used across most U.S. states. Essential reference for building any STEM curriculum — includes K–2 Engineering Design standards for youngest learners.

FreeK–12StandardsScience

FreeBirth–8PolicyEarly Childhood

NAEYC — STEM Position Statements & Resources

The foundational policy documents guiding developmentally appropriate STEM practice in PreK settings. Includes articles on STEM through play, equity in STEM, and project-based learning for young children.

FreeAges 3–5NSTAPosition Statement

NSTA — Early Childhood Science Education

NSTA position statement affirming that science learning in early childhood fosters curiosity and lays the K–12 foundation. Guides professional development and program design for ages 3 through preschool.

FreeK–12Instructional DesignUW

STEM Teaching Tools

Free practice briefs and instructional supports developed by the University of Washington to help educators improve STEM learning across all grade levels.

FreeAll GradesOpen SourceAdaptable

OER Commons — Open Educational Resources

Free, peer-reviewed open educational resources across all grades and subjects. A valuable repository for finding accessible, adaptable STEM materials including early childhood content.

FreeTextbooksHigher EdOpen Source

Open Textbook Library — University of Minnesota

1,789 free open textbooks including Foundations of Early Childhood Education and Family & Community Relationships. Freely downloadable and adaptable for any educational context.

PBLWorks — Project-Based Learning for Early Childhood

The leading national PBL nonprofit with specific guidance for PreK through Grade 2. Includes exemplar projects like Kitchen Chemists and Community Helpers, and templates on the myPBLWorks platform.

FreePreK–12PBLTemplates

FreeK–8InventionWhite Papers

National Inventors Hall of Fame — Educator Resources

Free STEM activity guides, the Ready Set STEM Handbook, and 30+ research white papers from the National Inventors Hall of Fame — including one on The Benefits of STEM Education at the Preschool Level.

FreeBirth–5FederalActivities

Head Start — STEAM Resource Hub

Federal portal aggregating practical STEAM activities for early childhood programs — math through play, emergent math thinking, 3D art, messy play, sensory science, and classroom planning guides.

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Biology

Life science resources — ecosystems, genetics, cell biology, and nature exploration for all ages.

FreeAges 6+ASUMulti-Modal

Ask A Biologist — Arizona State University

Games, comics, coloring pages, a podcast, and interactive activities covering cell biology, ecology, and animal behavior. Multiple modalities make it excellent for neurodivergent learners.

FreeGrades 6–12UniversityGenetics

Learn.Genetics — University of Utah

University-backed site covering genetics, cell biology, evolution, and neuroscience with virtual labs and interactive simulations. The neuroscience section on memory and attention is directly relevant to neurodivergent education.

NGSS Life Science — Ecosystem Lesson Plans

Free downloadable ecosystem lesson plans organized by grade band and aligned to NGSS performance expectations. Covers how organisms interact with their environment.

FreeK–12NGSSEcosystems

FreeGrades 6+HarvardVirtual Labs

LabXchange — Virtual Biology Labs (Harvard)

100% free, ad-free virtual lab simulations from a Harvard-affiliated platform. Covers microscopy, gel electrophoresis, osmosis, and more — no physical lab required. Self-paced and accessible.

FreeMiddle/High SchoolGamesInteractive

BioMan Biology — Fun Biology Games

Free biology games, virtual labs, and quizzes covering cells, genetics, ecology, and physiology. Game-based format engages reluctant learners and makes abstract concepts concrete.

PBS LearningMedia — Life Science / Cell Structure

Curated collection of free videos, interactives, and teaching materials on cell biology. Includes Crash Course Biology, NOVA scienceNOW, and PBS NC Science — tagged by grade band and standards.

FreeGrades 3–12PBSVideo

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Chemistry

Safe experiments, visual simulations, and hands-on chemistry for curious minds of all ages.

FreeAges 8+Hands-OnExploratorium

Exploratorium Science Snacks — Chemistry

Hands-on, teacher-tested, low-cost chemistry activities from San Francisco's Exploratorium. Includes bubble suspension, aluminum-air batteries, and cell membrane modeling — all with clear instructions and safety notes.

FreeElementary–CollegeSimulationsAccessible

PhET Interactive Simulations — Chemistry

Award-winning free simulations from University of Colorado Boulder covering states of matter, molecule shapes, acid-base solutions, and balancing equations. Game-like drag-and-drop interface is ideal for visual and neurodivergent learners.

ACS Middle School Chemistry — Simulations

Free molecular-level simulations from the American Chemical Society for grades 6–8. Visualize states of matter, density, phase changes, and the periodic table at the particle level.

FreeGrades 6–8ACSVisual

Free/MembershipK–12ACSLesson Plans

AACT — Chemistry Teacher Resources & Simulations

K–12 chemistry teacher community from the American Chemical Society. Free unlocked simulations on gas laws, bonding, stoichiometry, and more. Full library requires membership.

FreeHigh School+SustainabilityGreen

Beyond Benign — Green Chemistry Education

Nonprofit focused on integrating green chemistry and sustainability into education. Free resources on safer chemistry practices, community events, and the Green Chemistry Commitment Summit.

FreeMiddle/High SchoolYouTubeVideo

Tyler DeWitt — Science YouTube Channel

Active YouTube chemistry educator known for making chemistry accessible through storytelling and humor. Clear, patient explanations targeted at beginners — excellent for middle and high school learners.

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Physics

Forces, motion, energy, and simple machines — interactive simulations and activities from trusted institutions.

FreeElementary–CollegeCU BoulderSimulations

PhET Interactive Simulations — Physics

Free physics simulations covering forces, motion, simple machines, energy, waves, and electricity. The 'Forces and Motion: Basics' and 'Energy Skate Park' sims are especially popular with younger learners.

FreeGrades 6–12SimulationsGames

The Physics Classroom — Interactives

Nearly 100 HTML5 physics simulations organized by topic — kinematics, dynamics, momentum, energy, waves, light, and circuits. Includes game-like challenges and concept builders that appeal to diverse learning styles.

FreeGrades 3–8PBSInteractive

PBS LearningMedia — Simple Machines

Interactive simulation from PBS Science Trek introducing levers, pulleys, inclined planes, and more. Students explore how simple machines reduce effort and change force direction.

PBS LearningMedia — Forces and Motion

Full subject collection of videos, interactive activities, and teaching materials covering Newton's Laws, friction, gravity, and momentum. Content from NOVA and Crash Course.

FreeGrades 3–12PBSVideo

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Space

Explore the cosmos — NASA resources, planetarium software, and astronomy learning for all ages.

NASA STEM — For Students Grades K–4

Dedicated NASA hub for the youngest learners with coloring pages, online games, storybooks, video animations, and craft activities on the Moon, black holes, Artemis, astronauts, and aviation.

FreeGrades K–4NASAGames

FreeAll AgesNASA3D Interactive

NASA Exoplanets — Interactive 3D Catalog

Explore 6,000+ confirmed exoplanets with NASA's interactive 3D catalog, the Exoplanet Travel Bureau with 360° surface visualizations, and citizen science projects like Exoplanet Watch.

FreeK–12NASA JPLLesson Plans

NASA JPL — K–12 Educator Resources

358+ searchable K–12 STEM resources from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory including Mars exploration lesson plans, spacecraft engineering projects, and pi-based math activities.

FreeAll AgesOpen SourceSelf-Directed

Stellarium — Free Planetarium Software

Free, open-source planetarium rendering a photorealistic 3D sky with 600,000+ stars, constellation illustrations from 40+ cultures, and eclipse simulation. The web version requires no download.

FreePreK–High SchoolSmithsonianVirtual

Smithsonian Air & Space — Educator Resources

Searchable database of classroom activities, lesson plans, and virtual planetarium shows from the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Includes Anytime Expeditions and hands-on experiments.

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Tools & Apps

Free and low-cost digital tools for interactive STEM learning — many with built-in accessibility and UDL features.

FreeK–12Self-PacedMath/Science

Khan Academy

Free K–12 math and science courses with mastery-based progression. Self-paced with no time pressure — widely used in special education IEP settings. Excellent for homeschool self-pacing.

FreeAll AgesSimulationsAccessible

PhET Interactive Simulations — University of Colorado

Free browser-based science and math simulations covering physics, chemistry, biology, earth science, and math. Award-winning accessibility, game-like interface — great for visual learners.

Scratch — MIT Media Lab

Block-based programming language for ages 8–16. One of the best entry points for computational thinking — rule-based environments match the cognitive strengths of many autistic learners.

FreeAges 8–16CodingMIT

Free TierPreK–6UDL-CertifiedPortfolio

Seesaw — Digital Learning Portfolio

UDL-certified PreK–6 learning platform with 25M+ users. Multi-modal responses (drawing, audio, text, video), ISTE Seal, and Digital Promise Research-Based Design certification. Specifically designed for learner variability.

Free TierK–12AI-PoweredAccessible

Wayground (formerly Quizizz)

AI-powered learning platform used in 90% of U.S. schools. Features dyslexia fonts, read-aloud, difficulty adjustments, and translation accommodations — one of the best tools for neurodivergent learners.

Free TierK–12InteractiveStandards-Aligned

Nearpod — Interactive Lesson Platform

Award-winning platform with 22,000+ standards-aligned lessons and 100% participation tools. AI literacy lessons with Common Sense Education. Free tier available for whole-class engagement.

Free TierAll AgesVisualUDL

Padlet — Visual Collaboration Boards

Visual collaboration tool supporting multiple means of expression — drawing, text, video, and images. 40M users. Highly flexible and accessible for early childhood and neurodivergent learners.

Free TierGrades 3+Real-TimeAnonymous Help

Classkick — Real-Time Student Feedback

Used by 10M+ students across 150+ countries. Anonymous help requests, real-time teacher view, and multiple response types (drawing, audio, typed). The anonymous help feature is invaluable for students who struggle asking for assistance.

Code.org — K–12 Computer Science

Free CS curricula for K–12 with Hour of Code activities for any skill level. WCAG AA compliant with AccessCSForAll partnership resources specifically supporting students with disabilities.

FreeK–12CodingAccessible

FreeK–12Digital CitizenshipReviews

Common Sense Education

140+ free K–12 digital citizenship lessons from the award-winning nonprofit. Research-backed edtech reviews, digital safety guidance, and accessibility ratings help educators choose the best tools.

Free TierAll AgesAI-AdaptiveStudy Tools

Quizlet — Adaptive Flashcards & Study Tools

60M+ users with AI-powered adaptive flashcards and multiple study modes. Self-paced learning reduces test anxiety. Free tier available for vocabulary and concept reinforcement across all ages.

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General Science

Multi-subject science platforms, video libraries, and mixed-discipline resources from top institutions.

FreeGrades 3–AdultPBSVideo

PBS NOVA — America's #1 Science Series

Full episodes, science articles, and educator resources spanning physics, biology, astronomy, and technology. NOVA scienceNOW provides curriculum-aligned video and interactive materials for classroom use.

FreePreK–12PBSAll Subjects

PBS LearningMedia — National Digital Library

PreK–12 national digital library aggregating curriculum-aligned videos, interactives, and lessons from NOVA, Frontline, and local PBS stations. All STEM subjects, free with a free account.

FreePreK–12Nat GeoExplorer Classroom

National Geographic Education

Free maps, videos, interactives, and the Explorer Classroom — live sessions connecting students with National Geographic Explorers. PreK–12 resources across biology, geography, and environmental science.

Free/PaidK–12Virtual Field TripsMultimedia

Discovery Education — Free Classroom Resources

Free classroom resources including puzzlemakers, virtual field trips, and STEM Careers Coalition content from the global edtech leader serving 45M students. Additional content available with school subscription.

FreeGrades 6–12VideoAP Courses

Bozeman Science

Hundreds of high-quality video lessons by veteran teacher Paul Andersen covering AP Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Earth Science. Short, structured format with clear visual explanations — good for varied attention spans.

FreeAges 2–7PBLPractical Guide

Edutopia — PBL for Pre-K Through Grade 2

Practitioner guide from the George Lucas Educational Foundation on project-based learning with children ages 2–7. Includes documented preschool project examples and age-appropriate research tools.

FreeMiddle/High SchoolOERMultimedia

HippoCampus — Free Homework Help

Free multimedia homework help covering algebra, biology, environmental science, physics, and history from The NROC Project. Supports open educational resources for secondary students.

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Professional Dev

Conferences, camps, certifications, and training — including autism-specific educator PD and UDL implementation.

$45–70/yrK–12ConferenceJournals

NSTA — National Science Teaching Association

World's largest science educator organization (40,000+ members). Membership includes four peer-reviewed journals, Daily Do lesson plans, live web seminars, and the annual National Conference.

FreeK–12AutismGraduate Credit

Autism Internet Modules (AIM) — OCALI

50+ free, self-paced online modules covering evidence-based autism strategies — discrete trial training, structured teaching, AAC, and more. Earn PD certificates and optional graduate credit.

Free/PaidPreK–12UDLInclusive

CAST — UDL Professional Development

The originators of Universal Design for Learning offer PreK–12 PD partnerships including keynotes, multi-year implementation projects, coaching, and online courses on UDL Guidelines 3.0.

FreeSecondaryMITMaterials Science

ASM Materials Camp — Including MIT Materials Genome Camp

Free week-long hands-on camp for STEM teachers working with metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites. The MIT specialty camp covers computational materials design. Valued at $1,250 — 99% of participants gain new teaching ideas.

PBS LearningMedia — Teacher Professional Development

Free suite of STEM-specific PD modules including video-based content, NGSS-aligned materials, and occasional live learning events. Self-paced and flexible — no conference travel needed.

FreeK–12Self-PacedNGSS

Free/Low CostPreK–8EngineeringNGSS

Museum of Science Boston — YES/EiE Professional Learning

Engineering is Elementary reaches 4M youth annually across all 50 states. Free webinars, in-person workshops, and Teacher Educator Institutes for PreK–8 educators. Curricula available free online.

Free/Low CostPreK–TransitionAutismVideo

OCALI — ASD Training & Professional Development

OCALI's Autism Center provides high-quality PD and consultation for schools serving autistic students. Includes the ASD Strategies in Action video course filmed in real school settings, covering toddler through transition age.

~$1,495All LevelsCertificationCareer

National Board Certification (NBPTS)

The highest professional certification for U.S. teachers. Relevant certificates include Early Childhood Generalist, Science, and Mathematics. Many states offer salary bumps upon certification.

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Field Trips

Virtual and in-person experiential learning — museums, national parks, NASA programs, and sensory-friendly options.

FreeAll AgesVirtualSmithsonian

Smithsonian Natural History — Virtual Tour

Free 360° room-by-room virtual tours of the National Museum of Natural History including the Sant Ocean Hall, FossiLab, and Q?rius Science Education Center. No account needed — works on any device.

FreeAll AgesVirtualNo Account

Google Arts & Culture — Virtual Expeditions

Hundreds of free virtual field trips covering science, natural history, and geography. STEM exhibits include photosynthesis, the periodic table, Mars 2020, and expeditions to Antarctica.

FreeK–12Virtual & In-PersonNature

National Park Service — Education Programs

Free virtual and in-person programs across 420+ national parks. Includes the Teacher-Ranger-Teacher summer program (stipend + 3 graduate credits) and the Every Kid Outdoors program for 4th graders.

PaidMiddle/High SchoolTravelSTEM Tours

EF Educational Tours — STEM Tours

Guided student travel with curriculum-aligned STEM itineraries to MIT, San Francisco tech campuses, and international destinations. Teachers lead groups and earn PD credits. Financial aid available.

FreeGrades 5–12NASAEngineering

NASA HUNCH — Students Create Hardware for NASA

Free project-based program where students design and build real products for NASA and the ISS. Project tracks include design, hardware, software, culinary, and the Video & Media track open to elementary and middle school.

Free/ReducedPreK–12In-Person & VirtualInquiry

Exploratorium — Educator Programs & Virtual Resources

World-renowned San Francisco science museum offering PD workshops, digital teaching tools, and field trips. Free or reduced-cost admission for Title I schools. Inquiry-based approach ideal for early childhood educators.

Free–$10K–12In-Person & VirtualEngineering

Museum of Science Boston — Field Trips & Digital Guide

K–12 field trips with live presentations and exhibits. Educators visit free, students from $5–$10, and free for qualifying low-income schools. Free digital guide via Bloomberg Connects app with 20+ interactive experiences.

Free/VariesAll AgesSensory-FriendlyNature

AZA Zoos & Aquariums — STEM Education Programs

240+ accredited zoos and aquariums offering school field trips, virtual programs, and curriculum resources. Many facilities offer sensory-friendly mornings and quiet hours for neurodivergent students.

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Scholarships

Grants, fellowships, and funding opportunities for STEM educators — including autism-inclusive classroom grants.

FreePublic SchoolsCrowdfundingInclusive

DonorsChoose — Crowdfund Your STEM Classroom

Free crowdfunding platform for public school teachers. Over 70% of projects get funded. Has a specific 'Students with Disabilities' category — ideal for inclusive STEM classrooms.

FreeK–12 STEMFellowshipDept. of Energy

Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship

11-month fellowship placing accomplished K–12 STEM teachers in a federal agency in Washington, D.C. $8,200/month stipend plus travel, education, and relocation allowances. Exclusively for STEM teachers.

Up to $10KK–12AutismInclusion

OAR Peer Education Grant — Autism Inclusion

Up to $10,000 for K–12 autism awareness and acceptance initiatives in schools and districts. Funds peer education programs using OAR's Kit for Kids materials. Low-income communities encouraged.

NSTA Awards & Grants for Science Teachers

Over $72,000 annually in awards including the Shell Science Teaching Award ($10,000), Shugrue Elementary Award ($1,000), and Urban Science Educators Development Award ($1,800).

$1K–$10KK–12NSTAAwards

FreeK–12InternationalFellowship

Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms

Fully funded yearlong professional learning opportunity and short-term international exchange for K–12 educators. Covers airfare, lodging, meals, and travel abroad. Open to all subjects including STEM.

FreeHigh SchoolFellowshipMath/Science

Knowles Teacher Initiative Fellowship

Multi-year fellowship for early-career high school math and science teachers providing grants, stipends, mentoring, and membership in a national network of 600+ Fellows across 42 states.

Up to $5KNEA MembersGrantPD

NEA Foundation Learning & Leadership Grants

Up to $5,000 grants for NEA members pursuing professional learning — summer institutes, conferences, action research, and STEM-related PD activities. About 120 grants awarded per year.

Up to $5KGrades 6–12ResearchGrant

Society for Science — STEM Research Grants

Up to $5,000 for middle and high school teachers engaging students in authentic STEM research. Priority given to schools lacking research funding. Since 2017, $775,000 awarded to 367 teachers.

$25K–$750KInstitutionalNSFResearch

NSF STEM K-12 Program

NSF's flagship program for advancing K–12 STEM education, covering PreK through informal learning. Awards $25K–$750K for research institutions — best pursued through university or nonprofit partnerships.

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Research

Peer-reviewed journals, research centers, and organizations advancing STEM education and neurodiversity research.

FreeDatabasePeer-ReviewedFederal

ERIC — Education Resources Information Center

U.S. Department of Education's free database of education research. Search for peer-reviewed studies on STEM pedagogy, early childhood development, and neurodivergent learning.

FreeK–12SmithsonianCurriculum

Smithsonian Science Education Center

Research-backed curriculum materials and professional learning resources directly from the Smithsonian. Free K–12 materials grounded in education research and museum-based learning.

FreeEarly ChildhoodUNCDisability Research

UNC Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute

Home institution of both STEMIE and AFIRM — one of the leading U.S. research centers for early childhood development, disability inclusion, and STEM education. Produces systematic reviews and evidence-based practice guides.

NSFEngineeringResearchSTEM Applications

POETS Engineering Research Center

NSF-funded center driving power-efficiency research. A great primary source for real-world engineering applications to bring into lessons.

ResearchAutismGrantsNonprofit

Autism Science Foundation — Research Pipeline

Funds autism research and pairs early-career researchers with established mentors. Creates knowledge about autistic learning, communication, and development that informs STEM education practices.

FreePostsecondaryAutismNSF

College Autism Network — Postsecondary STEM Research

NSF-supported research on autistic students in college STEM. Resources include 40 Study Tips for Neurodivergent Students, faculty training case studies, and the insight that autistic students may be 'particularly well-suited for STEM fields.'

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At-Home

Parent-friendly resources for doing STEM at home — invention kits, maker guides, family science, and homeschool support.

FreeAges 5–12InventionFamilies

National Inventors Hall of Fame — At-Home Learning

Free STEM activities, four volumes of the Ready Set STEM family handbook, STEM in the Kitchen cooking science series, and inductee-inspired family activities from the National Inventors Hall of Fame.

FreeAges 2–8PBSActivities

PBS Kids for Parents — STEM Tips

STEM tips and activities tied to PBS shows like Elinor Wonders Why and Ready Jet Go! Covers engineering (ramp-building, patterns), math, and coding concepts using everyday materials.

FreeAges 5–10MakerPlaybook

Maker Ed — Youth Makerspace Playbook

Free playbook from the Maker Education Initiative on planning maker spaces for youth. Includes the Cultivating a Repair Mindset Toolkit (ages 5–10) and resources focused on Title I communities.

Paid (~$285)Grades K–6SummerInvention

Camp Invention — Summer STEM Program (K–6)

Week-long summer STEM program at 1,500+ locations nationwide from the National Inventors Hall of Fame. Four hands-on experience stations per day covering cryptography, forensic science, entrepreneurship, and rocket design.

NAEYC — Family STEM Resources

Free, research-based articles for parents on math learning, outdoor science, maker activities at home, and how technology can support STEM learning — all tied to NAEYC's developmentally appropriate practice framework.

FreeBirth–8FamiliesNAEYC