Some of the best resources for information and inspiration come from US government agencies. Many of these agencies make that information available to teachers through artifacts, background documents, and lesson plans to better inform the instruction going on across the country. You’ve already paid for it through your taxes, so take full advantage of these free teacher resources!
Library of Congress
Looking for primary sources? Why not go to the greatest library in the country? The Library of Congress not only makes a wealth of teacher resources available on its website, but it has also organized its wares into thematic units, lessons, and ready-made presentations and activities. The Library’s work is as close to turnkey as it gets in education.
National Archives
Speaking of source materials, another great resource is the National Archives educator resources page. This is the home of DocsTeach, a comprehensive organizational tool that makes sources easy to find and use in the classroom.
Environmental Protection Agency
This should be an environment teacher’s homepage. The EPA, realizing just how important outreach is to its mission, might be the government’s best resource for science materials. There are games, quizzes, and great resources for science project ideas. No more “I can’t think of a project” moans from students!
National Park Service
Don’t have a national park nearby? You can still use their resources to teach a wide range of subjects (not just science). Lesson plans, sources, and educational opportunities like workshops and fellowships are made available to teachers every year.
While School Specialty may not be affiliated with the government, our Schoolyard Connect hub features diverse teacher resources that offer lesson ideas, classroom inspiration, our growing podcast collection, and various resources grouped by topic.
Ideas & Resources from Schoolyard Connect
And just like the other free teacher resources mentioned here, Schoolyard Connect is free! What are some of your favorite free teacher resources? Have you encouraged your students with these or other online tools to prevent learning loss over the summer or other times they’re out of school? Let us know in the comments below!
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