The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) serves as a central hub for science educators, offering a variety of resources designed to support teaching and professional growth. While the organization provides high-quality instructional materials and professional learning opportunities, the specific "freebies" available through NSTA and its associated networks generally consist of educational content, lesson plans, and digital resources rather than physical consumer products. Educators seeking no-cost materials for their classrooms can access a range of supplements, guides, and activity plans through NSTA-affiliated programs and recommended supplier partnerships.
Understanding NSTA’s Mission and Resource Offerings
The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) is a professional community dedicated to promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching. According to the organization's profile, its mission focuses on supporting science educators through high-quality resources and continuous learning opportunities. NSTA aims to help educators grow professionally and excel in their careers by providing access to a network of peers, mentors, and leading researchers in the field.
While NSTA does not appear to operate a traditional "free sample" program for consumer goods, it facilitates access to educational freebies through its various initiatives and partnerships. These resources are primarily digital or instructional materials intended for use in classroom settings. The organization emphasizes supporting equitable science instruction and helping educators design learning experiences that cater to all students.
Educational Supplements and Publications
One of the primary types of free resources available to educators are specialized publications and supplements. For example, an Astrobiology Supplement article is available as a PDF download. Originally published in January 2001 in Research Penn State magazine, this article was based on lectures from the Frontiers of Science Lecture series. Written at a high school level, it is appropriate for educators, students, researchers, and the community at large.
Additionally, the Bright Ideas online publication is available free of charge to professionals in the fields of technology, science, and mathematics. This quarterly publication, offered by the International Technology Education Association, is accessible to any teacher, supervisor, or teacher educator. To receive it, interested parties are directed to visit the ITEA connect website. The publication includes free activities, program spotlights, and other relevant information, with four issues distributed each school year.
Classroom Kits and Activity Guides
Teachers can also find physical materials and activity guides designed for classroom use. The Consumer Aerosol Products Council (CAPCO) offers a free resource for science teachers known as the CAPCO Science Class Challenge Kit. This kit contains all necessary materials to teach students about the earth’s protective ozone layer, CFCs, and aerosol products. While distributed through an external organization, it is categorized as a free resource for educators.
For those teaching astronomy, The Universe in the Classroom provides newsletters on teaching astronomy for grades 3–12. These archives are published by the Astronomical Society of the Pacific, which is identified as an NSTA Associated Group.
Furthermore, the Environmental Research and Education Foundation (EREF) provides Educational Activities for Secondary Schools. These activities, accessible via the EREF website, cover topics such as landfills and the packaging and transporting of municipal solid waste and hazardous waste. Classes that complete these activities are eligible to receive a Certificate of Completion from EREF.
Supplier Discounts and Deals
While not strictly free samples, NSTA facilitates access to cost-saving measures through its Suppliers Guide. Educators can utilize this guide to obtain coupons and deals from various suppliers. This resource is hosted at the ecommerce.nsta.org/suppliers/ URL, offering a practical way to reduce costs for classroom materials.
Professional Development and Community Support
Beyond tangible materials, NSTA provides significant support through professional development and community programs. The organization offers an extensive menu of supporting materials for OpenSciEd, including virtual and in-person workshops, web seminar series, mentoring services, and instructional coaching services. These curriculum-based professional learning services are designed to support the sustained implementation of high-quality instructional materials.
The National Middle Level Science Teachers Association (NMLSTA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering middle level science educators, also contributes to the resource landscape. NMLSTA hosts webinar series, such as "Teaching Energy & Creating an Energy Team - Kids Teaching Kids!" which showcases hands-on demonstrations and discusses ways to engage students in leadership and stewardship. While NMLSTA solicits donations to support its mission, the educational content provided through its webinars serves as a valuable resource for teachers.
External Educational Resources
Various external organizations offer free STEM resources that align with NSTA's goals. The Delaware STEM Council, for instance, provides a wide range of educator and parent resources to engage K-12 students in STEM. Their collection includes lesson plans and information designed to prepare students for STEM careers.
Additional free resources available to science teachers include: - National Science Digital Library – Search and Browse Collections (PreK-12) - Young Scientist Lab – Lesson Plans (K-2, 3-5, 6-8) - STEM Collaborative – STEM Resources (K-12) - Government Information for Children – Federal STEM Resources (K-12) - Library of Congress – Teachers Resources (K-12) - StudentGuide.org – 50 Fantastic Resources for New Teachers (K-12)
Conclusion
The National Science Teaching Association and its affiliated networks provide a robust ecosystem of free educational resources for science teachers. Rather than offering consumer product samples, these programs focus on delivering high-value instructional materials, such as the Astrobiology Supplement, CAPCO Science Class Challenge Kit, and Bright Ideas publication. Educators can also benefit from supplier discounts, professional development workshops via OpenSciEd, and webinar series hosted by organizations like NMLSTA. By leveraging these resources, science teachers can access a wealth of no-cost tools and content to enhance classroom instruction and professional growth.