For more than 100 years, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) has united and supported educators in their efforts to educate and care for American schoolchildren. While you likely know about AFT, you may not be familiar with one of their most valuable resources: Share My Lesson. Share My Lesson is the premier digital platform where educators can collaborate and share standards-aligned learning resources such as lesson plans, classroom strategies and professional development webinars—at no cost.
Science, Naturally wants to do what we can to support early childhood education and literacy efforts. As such, we thought it would be helpful to share resources that assist parents and educators with early education and literacy initiatives. This is the first article of a series of posts we will do on some of our favorites!
Share My Lesson
Children demonstrate a clear readiness to engage in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) learning early in life. And, just as with language and literacy, STEM education should start early in order to maximize its benefits and effectiveness.
Share My Lesson is a destination for educators who dedicate their time and professional expertise to provide the best education for students everywhere. Share My Lesson members contribute content, share ideas, get educated on the topics that matter, online, 24/7. On Share My Lesson parents and educators can search more than 420,000 FREE lesson plans and activities, including curated collections!
Here is what people are saying about Share My Lesson:
"[Uploading lessons] is a great, cathartic and productive process, and it has helped me see where I used to be as a teacher and where I am now." ~Teacher
"I would love my son's teacher to use this--that's how good it is!" ~ Parent
Science, Naturally is pleased to be a a Partner of Share My Lesson, and offer resources through their site, including:
Roll of the Dice: Grades 4-8
This activity challenges students to apply their math skills to solve a real-world challenge. Students will practice probability as they help kids just like themselves resolve a familiar sibling dispute: who has to set the table tonight? More mysteries just like this one can be found in One Minute Mysteries: 65 Short Mysteries You Solve with Math. This book is available at a discounted price for Title 1 schools through the First Book Marketplace. Not your ordinary math book, these mysteries make math fun! Short literature-based brainteasers are a great way to get kids engaged in math!
Double Dealing: Grades 3-7
This activity prompts students to explore the physics of light, mirrors, and perception. Students will experiment using mirrors and their own reflections to solve a mystery introduced in a short, easily relatable brainteaser. This activity encourages participants to use trial and error to interrogate basic physics concepts. More challenges just like this one can be found in One Minute Mysteries: 65 Short Mysteries You Solve With Science. This book is available at a discounted price for Title 1 schools through the First Book Marketplace. Not your ordinary science book, these mysteries make science fun! Short literature-based brainteasers are a great way to get kids engaged in science.