digital resource library

DIGITAL RESOURCES FOR EDUCATORS AND STUDENTS

Driven by our belief in the transformative power of education, we scaled, digitized and provided greater access to our award-winning STEM curricula and college-access programs in an effort to reach millions of underrepresented students worldwide.

Use these interactive resources, designed for students in grades 6–12, to develop problem-solving and decision-making skills with real-world applications in college access, STEM learning, language arts, and more.

  • Lesson Plan
  • |
  • 1-2 class sessions
6 - 12

Academic Résumé

This lesson will help students reflect on leadership and community service, and how they play an important role in the college application process. Students will then develop their own academic...
  • Career Readiness
  • College Access
  • English Language Arts
  • Social Emotional Learning
  • Lesson Plan
  • |
  • 180-200 Minutes (3-4 class sessions)
9 – 12

Beating Mosquitoes at Their Own Game

Students will use science and inquiry to study disease transmission and treatments, then learn mapping techniques using GIS. After learning how biotechnology can play a role in limiting disease outbreak,...
  • English Language Arts
  • Life Science
  • STEM
  • Technology
  • Lesson Plan
  • |
  • 120-150 Minutes (2-3 class sessions)
6 – 12

Body Systems and Biomimicry

Students will explore the field of biomimicry via a squid dissection, comparing a squid’s body systems to that of mammals. They will then design and prototype a mechanical arm that...
  • Engineering
  • Life Science
  • STEM
  • Technology
  • STEM Unplugged Video
  • |
  • 4.5 minutes
K – 12

Breaking the Force to Explore Surface Tension

Are you ready to break the force – the intermolecular force, that is?! With a few common household items, this episode of STEM Unplugged will explore the chemistry concept of...
  • Chemistry
  • STEM
  • STEM Unplugged Video
  • |
  • 3 minutes
K – 12

How to Build a Moon Model to Study Lunar Phases

This episode of STEM Unplugged shows students how to build a model of the moon to understand lunar phases using just a few items found around the house.
  • Astronomy
  • STEM
  • STEM Unplugged Video
  • |
  • 2 minutes
K – 12

How to Calculate the Volume of a Clubhead

This episode of STEM Unplugged shows students how to measure volume using something called the Archimedes Principle. Using only a container and water, learn how mathematics connects to the sport...
  • Golf
  • Math
  • STEM
  • Lesson Plan
  • |
  • 45-90 Minutes (1-2 class sessions)
6 – 12

Career Path

In this lesson, students will learn about career clusters and pathways available to them after high school graduation. After taking a career interest survey, students will interview individuals in their...
  • Career Readiness
  • English Language Arts
  • Social Emotional Learning
  • Lesson Plan
  • |
  • 120-150 Minutes (2-3 class sessions)
6 – 12

City Planning for Biodiversity and Our Future

In this lesson, students will learn about biodiversity and the benefits it has, even in more urban areas. After doing a hands-on activity to calculate a biodiversity index, students will...
  • Engineering
  • Life Science
  • STEM
  • Lesson Plan
  • |
  • 180-200 Minutes (3-4 class sessions)
9-12

Digital Transmission

Students in this lesson will learn the science behind photography as they explore manipulating shutter speed to capture light motion trails. Throughout, students will learn about the properties of light...
  • Engineering
  • Physical Science
  • STEM
  • Technology
  • Lesson Plan
  • |
  • 120-150 Minutes (2-3 class sessions)
6 – 12

Entomology Explorations

Students in this lesson will learn how insects are classified as well as collection techniques. They will then collect data about insect species in their local environment, before being introduced...
  • Life Science
  • Math
  • STEM
  • STEM Unplugged Video
  • |
  • 2 minutes
K-12

How to Experiment with Pharmaceutical Engineering

In this episode of STEM Unplugged, students will learn how engineers design pill casings for medicines to deliver a desired effect in the human body through a step-by-step experiment that...
  • Engineering
  • STEM
  • Family Activity
  • |
  • 30-45 minutes
K-12

Family Design Challenges

These family-friendly activities for all ages will unlock your creativity to explore, design and test solutions for real-world problems. The challenges use everyday household items but you can switch them...
  • Engineering
  • STEM
  • Lesson Plan
  • |
  • 45-90 Minutes (1-2 class sessions)
6-12

Find Your Passion

Students in this activity will identify the things they love doing and brainstorm future pathways that align with their passions. Along the way they will create mind maps and written...
  • Career Readiness
  • College Access
  • English Language Arts
  • Social Emotional Learning
  • Family Activity
  • |
  • 30 - 45 minutes
9-12

Finding the Right College Fit

As a family, learn how to approach the college application process with this interactive activity. Understand the factors to consider – such as tuition cost, location, and college fit –...
  • College Access
  • Lesson Plan
  • |
  • 120-180 Minutes (2-3 class sessions)
6 – 8

Geometric Building Design

In this lesson, students will use mapping software to visualize the relationship between two-dimensional and three-dimensional shapes. They will then create 2-D and 3-D scale building models before they present...
  • Engineering
  • Math
  • STEM
  • Technology
  • College Tidbit Video
  • |
  • 4 minutes
9-12

Higher Education FAQs

In this episode of College Tidbits we're answering questions from high school students across the country pursuing higher education.
  • College Access
  • Lesson Plan
  • |
  • 120-150 Minutes (2-3 class sessions)
6-8

Magnetic Migration

In this lesson, students will build their understanding of magnetic properties, then explore Earth’s magnetic fields and build a working compass. They will then participate in research teams and explore...
  • Life Science
  • STEM
  • STEM Unplugged Video
  • |
  • 4 minutes
K-12

Making Rock Candy Crystals

In this episode of STEM Unplugged, students will uncover the chemistry behind rocky candy crystals through a hands-on at-home experiment.
  • Chemistry
  • STEM
  • STEM Unplugged Video
  • |
  • 4 minutes
K-12

Mind Jar: A Simple Tool for Calm

In this episode of STEM Unplugged, we’ll highlight how our brain reacts when we’re feeling overwhelmed and stressed. Following five easy steps, students will leave the lesson with a mind...
  • Social Emotional Learning
  • STEM
  • College Tidbit Video
  • |
  • 3 minutes

How to navigate making a college decision

In this episode of #CollegeTidbit, we share the story of a student transitioning to higher education and factors for students to consider as they decide the best college for their...
  • College Access
  • Family Activity
  • |
  • 30 - 45 minutes
9-12

Navigating Financial Aid

In this family activity, learn why paying for college is within reach. Discover the various financial aid options available to students and families, and how a college education really can...
  • College Access
  • STEM Unplugged Video
  • |
  • 3 minutes
K-12

No Pressure with this Easy Barometer

Do you ever wonder how meteorologists predict the weather? With a few common household items, this episode of STEM Unplugged will show you how to make a tool that can...
  • Meteorology
  • STEM
  • STEM Unplugged Video
  • |
  • 2 minutes
K-12

Outdoor Exploration

In this episode of STEM Unplugged, students will go on an outdoor exploration of their backyards or neighborhoods and investigate with their senses to dive deeper into the natural environment.
  • STEM
  • Lesson Plan
  • |
  • 45-90 Minutes (1-2 class sessions)
9-12

Personal Statement

Students in this activity will learn how to develop a strong and engaging Personal Statement for college admissions. They will analyze a sample essay before writing early drafts of their...
  • College Access
  • English Language Arts
  • Social Emotional Learning
  • Lesson Plan
  • |
  • 60-90 Minutes (1-2 class sessions)
6 – 8

Project Pipeline

In this lesson, students will use the engineering design process to design and construct a model pipeline that can carry water from one location to another. Along the way, students...
  • Earth Science
  • Engineering
  • Physical Science
  • STEM
  • Lesson Plan
  • |
  • 120-180 Minutes (2-3 class sessions)
6-12

Rethinking Failure

Students in this engaging activity will learn how failure is a critical step along the pathway to accomplishing goals and achieving growth. Through hands-on activities and active reflection, students will...
  • Career Readiness
  • College Access
  • English Language Arts
  • Social Emotional Learning
  • Lesson Plan
  • |
  • 120-150 Minutes (2-3 class sessions)
9 – 12

Scholarship Case Study: Reducing the Gap

Students in this activity will review three sample applications, deciding which one will be selected by a mock committee. Along the way, students will learn ways they can best highlight...
  • College Access
  • English Language Arts
  • Social Emotional Learning
  • STEM Unplugged Video
  • |
  • 4 minutes
K – 12

The Science Behind Bubbling Lava Lamps

Curious about what causes those mesmerizing bubbles in lava lamps? In this episode of STEM Unplugged, students will make their own lava lamp using a few common household items while...
  • Chemistry
  • STEM
  • STEM Unplugged Video
  • |
  • 4 minutes
K – 12

The Scientific Secret of Fluffy Pancakes

Do you want to learn a little chemistry while cooking? In this episode of STEM Unplugged we'll walk students through a quick at-home experiment to show how a simple chemical...
  • Chemistry
  • Food Science
  • STEM
  • Lesson Plan
  • |
  • 120-150 Minutes (2-3 class sessions)
6 – 8

Sensitive Delivery

In this lesson, students will be presented with a real-world program and apply learned science and engineering concepts and practices to design a package that utilizes self-heating and self-cooling technology.
  • Engineering
  • Math
  • Physical Science
  • STEM
  • College Tidbit Video
  • |
  • 4 minutes
6-12

How to set personal and academic goals

In this episode of College Tidbit, we share tips for setting academic personal goals, tracking and measuring progress and welcome current Earl Woods Scholars to share their goals and strategies. 
  • Career Readiness
  • College Access
  • College Tidbit Video
  • |
  • 6 minutes
9-12

Student Life at UCLA

In this episode of College Tidbit our host, Denisse Jover, visits UCLA to catch up with Earl Woods Scholar Andy Ho as he shares insight into life at UCLA and...
  • College Access
  • Student Life
  • College Tidbit Video
  • |
  • 3 minutes
9-12

How to Succeed in Virtual Interviews

In this episode of College Tidbit we shares tips to help students master virtual interviews for all occasions. Whether you're preparing for an upcoming job, volunteer opportunity or scholarships, these...
  • Career Readiness
  • College Access
  • Teaching Tidbit Video
  • |
  • 1 class session
K-12

Teaching Tidbit: Collaboration in the Digital Space

Learn how to drive collaboration with teaching practices that ensure active student engagement and steps to get started.
  • Educator Professional Development
  • Teaching Tidbit Video
  • |
  • 1 Class Session
K-12

Teaching Tidbit: How to engage students with three dimensions of student engagement

Explore the three dimensions of student engagement and how to implement them with your students.
  • Educator Professional Development
  • Student Engagement
  • Teaching Tidbit Video
  • |
  • 1 class session
K-12

Teaching Tidbit: How to practice gratitude and celebrate student achievement

Learn the importance of student recognition with tips and best practices to get started today.
  • Educator Professional Development
  • Student Engagement
  • Teaching Tidbit Video
  • |
  • 1 Class Session
6-12

Teaching Tidbit: How to use digital learning portfolios

Check out methods of tracking student projects and celebrating milestones through digital learning protfolios.
  • Educator Professional Development
  • Student Engagement
  • Teaching Tidbit Video
  • |
  • 1-2 class sessions
6-12

Teaching Tidbit: How to use digital simulations to enhance learning

Learn how digital simulations can better engage students and enhance learning outcomes through free interactive simulations.
  • Robotics
  • STEM
  • STEM Unplugged Video
  • |
  • 4 minutes
K-12

Testing Methods to Clean an Oil Spill

In this episode of STEM Unplugged, students will explore the science behind an oil spill and perform household experiments to understand the various solutions to this real-world environmental hazard.
  • STEM
  • STEM Unplugged Video
  • |
  • 3 minutes
K – 12

How to Use the Engineering Design Process to Solve Problems

In this episode of STEM Unplugged, students will learn about a five-step engineering design process that they can use to find solutions to real-world problems using a few simple supplies.
  • Engineering
  • STEM
  • Lesson Plan
  • |
  • 150-180 Minutes (3-4 class sessions)
6 – 8

Video Game Design

In this lesson, students will learn about the fundamental principles of game design, then learn basic logic and coding concepts before collaborating with peers to storyboard and practice building their...
  • Computer Science
  • English Language Arts
  • STEM
  • Technology
  • Lesson Plan
  • |
  • 2-3 class sessions
6 – 8

What’s Lurking in Your Fast Food?

In this lesson, students will learn about the building blocks of life – carbohydrates, lipids and proteins – by conducting a series of chemical tests. They will then conduct research...
  • English Language Arts
  • Life Science
  • STEM