Over the past decade, TeachEngineering has compiled an impressive digital library of more than 1,400 free, engaging, teacher-tested engineering lessons and activities for use in science, engineering, technology, and math classrooms.

Based at the Integrated Teaching and Learning Lab at the University of Colorado, Boulder’s College of Engineering, the searchable collection recently got a makeover. Recent improvements include videos of popular activities on TeachEngineering’s YouTube channel, aligning activities with the Common Core mathematics and Next Generation science standards, a roster of Maker Challenges, such as snazzy sneakers, based on the engineering design process, and a section called “Sprinkles,” with abbreviated versions of TeachEngineering’s most popular activities streamlined for use in after-school programs or other informal education settings.

Activities and curricular units can be browsed by subject area,  standard, and key word, with a featured activity each month. There is no fee to join or to use the site.

Initially funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation, TeachEngineering has evolved from five original partner schools to include contributors from more than 60 universities, including Duke, Worcester Polytechnical Institute, and Tufts. Volunteers are invited to submit lesson plans and review contributions.

Photo: The TeachEngineering team

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Tags: afterschool activities, Class Activities, Common Core mathematics, Design, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12, Grades K-5, hands-on activities, Internet Resources, Lesson Plan, maker challenges, Next Generation Science Standards, Resources for Teachers, searchable STEM library, standards, teachengineering, Videos, Web Resources