Free Science Teacher Resources Freebies Guides And Classroom Materials

Nov. 9, 2025, 12:32 p.m.

Tags: teacher science

Introduction

Teachers across the United States can access a wide range of free materials designed to support science instruction, from printed magazines and classroom kits to digital guides and activity resources. The sources provide a mix of science-focused freebies—covering topics such as insect life cycles, lunar exploration, scientific literacy, and hands-on STEM activities—alongside broader classroom resources that support general instruction and student engagement. Many of these programs are available to prekindergarten through grade 12 educators, with specific eligibility requirements and request processes that vary by provider. This overview consolidates the available information from the referenced sources, focusing on what is offered, who can qualify, and how to obtain each resource.

Print Resources for Science Classrooms

Findings Magazine

Findings Magazine is positioned as a valuable free resource for science teachers because it highlights innovative research and profiles scientists leading cutting-edge work. The magazine is designed for high school students and can be accessed in two ways: digital versions are available through the National Institutes of Health (NIH) official website, and teachers can order up to 50 free print magazine back issues. This dual format allows educators to incorporate contemporary science narratives into classroom discussions while giving students access to real-world examples of scientific inquiry and discovery.[^1]

Richard C. Owen Publishers: Free Book Samples

Richard C. Owen Publishers offers free book samples by mail for pre-K through fifth grade classrooms. The publisher requires teachers to call the number listed on the provider’s website to initiate the request. Samples are mailed exclusively to the school address, not to home addresses. This program is well suited for early elementary educators seeking high-quality literature or informational texts to support reading and science integration, particularly in units that connect to life science or environmental topics.[^1]

T.A. Barron: Educator Packet

The T.A. Barron educator packet provides a comprehensive set of classroom materials centered on the author’s works and themes related to exploration, leadership, and environmental stewardship. The packet includes maps and posters from the novels, bookmarks, a video collection, book discussion guides, articles by T.A. Barron, inspirational quotes from The Hero’s Trail, an information brochure from the Barron Prize, a Young Heroes activity and discussion guide, and informational flyers about the Dream Big Video Collection. Teachers can request the packet by completing the form provided by the publisher. The packet’s contents support cross-curricular lessons that connect science topics—such as ecology, conservation, and human impact on the environment—with literacy and character education.[^1]

Hands-On STEM Kits and Classroom Samples

Speed Stacks (Physical Education)

Speed Stacks is a stacking game designed to develop cognitive skills and hand-eye coordination through timed stacking and collapsing activities. Physical education teachers at qualified schools can request a complimentary set of Speed Stacks by completing the provider’s form. While not a science kit per se, the resource supports motor skills development and can be integrated into broader wellness or human body units that explore physiology, reaction time, or measurement and data concepts.[^1]

Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures Classroom Kit

The Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures classroom kit includes easy-to-use materials for kindergarten or first-grade classrooms, along with Colgate toothpaste and toothbrush samples for 24 students. The kit supports health education and can be used to introduce topics related to human biology, hygiene, and community health. It is designed for classroom use and is most appropriate for early elementary educators looking to incorporate health science content into their instruction.[^3]

Lysol Minilabs Science Kits

Lysol offers free Minilabs Science Kits designed primarily for first and second grade teachers, although any teacher can apply for a chance to receive a kit. The kits are intended to support basic science exploration and hygiene education in the classroom. Teachers should review the application process and eligibility criteria on the provider’s site before submitting a request.[^3]

Zolli Million Smiles Initiative

The Zolli Million Smiles Initiative aims to reduce tooth decay among children by providing Zollipops to schools and qualified organizations. The program is integrated into school curriculum and community education initiatives and includes family-oriented events. Educators and administrators can apply through the provider’s site; if approved, Zollipops are donated to support educational messaging about oral health and wellness.[^3]

NASA and National Geographic Resources

NASA Exploration Experience: Educator and Student Guides

NASA’s Exploration Experience guides engage students in grades 5–12 in activities related to the Artemis mission. The educator guide contains two sections—an exploration section and an experience section—supported by videos. In the exploration section, students examine constraints in spacesuit design and test a glove intended for lunar work. The experience section guides students through three phases to create and modify a geological tool for collecting rock samples on the Moon’s surface. The supporting videos show real astronauts performing the activities modeled in the lessons. The student guide provides explanatory information and student handouts for recording data, making it a strong fit for middle and high school STEM classes focusing on engineering design, materials science, and space exploration.[^2]

National Geographic’s Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship

National Geographic’s Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship is listed as an opportunity for pre-K–12 educators. While the source indicates the fellowship exists and is available to teachers across grade levels, detailed eligibility requirements, application procedures, and timelines are not provided in the referenced material. Educators interested in field-based or expeditionary learning experiences should consult the National Geographic site for the most current information.[^2]

Library of Congress Activities for Science and Literacy

Primary Sources in Three-Dimensional Science Learning: Insect Life Cycles

This activity uses the work of Maria Sibylla Merian, a 17th-century Dutch scientist, explorer, and painter, to introduce students to insect life cycles. The activity is aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards for third grade (3-LS1-1) but can be adapted for various elementary and early childhood grade levels. For younger learners, teachers may simplify the analysis by focusing on scientists’ activities and identifying crosscutting concepts such as patterns rather than asking students to generate practices independently. The activity description includes implementation suggestions for K–12 classrooms and is posted in the Library of Congress blog Teaching With the Library, which offers guidance on using primary sources to support instruction across subjects.[^2]

Scientific Literacy and Folk Medicine

This high school activity investigates folk medicine remedies used in history to spark discussions about the meaning of science, pseudoscience, and scientific literacy. The lesson—“Teaching Scientific Literacy: The Case of Medicinal Teas”—guides teachers and students through classifying information about medicinal remedies shared through the Slave Narrative Project, part of the Federal Writers’ Project in the 1930s. The post provides definitions to help students distinguish science from pseudoscience and links to interview excerpts and other primary source documents about the medicinal properties of plants and their historical uses. The activity supports critical thinking, classroom discussions about bias in science, and the social impacts of scientific claims.[^2]

Classroom Supplies and General Teacher Resources

National School Supply

National School Supply offers free downloadable teacher resources covering a broad range of subjects and classroom needs. The free printables include cut-out letters, maps of all 50 states, teaching cursive, counting numbers, science lessons about climate, earth, recycling, math lessons, telling time, seasonal and holiday artwork, Mother’s Day cards, Thanksgiving mazes, and posters. These materials are suitable for elementary classrooms and can support science units on earth systems, climate, and recycling while reinforcing foundational literacy and numeracy skills.[^1]

Crayola

Crayola provides free DIY craft ideas and coloring sheets along with art technique resources such as metallic and neon crayon activities. While primarily an art-focused resource, these materials can be integrated into science instruction through projects that explore properties of materials, color theory, and scientific observation. The activities are appropriate for elementary students and can support cross-curricular lessons that combine art and science.[^1]

Staples $5 Gift Card

High school teachers can sign up as classroom rewards recipients, and Staples sends a $5 gift card upon enrollment. Parents can direct rewards from their purchases to select classrooms once the teacher is enrolled. This program supports general classroom needs and may be used to purchase basic supplies for science labs or classroom organization. Teachers complete the enrollment form on the provider’s site to participate.[^1]

C-SPAN Teacher Resources

C-SPAN Teacher Resources hosts a large collection of videos for social studies instruction, including US Constitution video clips and other materials suitable for high school classrooms. While not science-specific, these resources can support interdisciplinary units that connect civics, history, and science policy—such as discussions about environmental regulation, public health policy, or the role of scientific evidence in governance.[^1]

Entertainment and Field Trip Opportunities for Teachers

Legoland Passes for Florida Teachers

Florida teachers can obtain a free Legoland pass that lasts for one year. Teachers must show their teacher ID and teaching certificate to gain entry. This free pass provides an opportunity for informal science learning through exhibits and attractions that may support engineering, physics, and design thinking themes. Eligibility is limited to Florida educators, and verification requires standard teacher credentials.[^1]

SeaWorld Tickets

SeaWorld tickets are listed as a free entertainment option for teachers. The source does not provide detailed eligibility requirements, geographic restrictions, or redemption procedures. Teachers interested in this offer should consult the SeaWorld site directly for current availability and requirements.[^1]

How to Access and Request Free Resources

The providers in the referenced sources generally use online forms or direct contact to process requests. Some programs ship only to school addresses, while others require proof of teacher status or grade-level focus. To streamline the request process:

Confirm eligibility before applying. Many kits and packets specify target grade levels or educator roles (e.g., physical education, kindergarten, or high school).
Prepare school verification details. Some programs require a school address or teacher ID for approval.
Request early in the school year. Popular kits and limited-quantity resources may have caps or periodic availability windows.
Check provider websites for updates. Programs may change availability, quantities, or eligibility criteria over time.

Program Availability, Eligibility, and Reliability Notes

The sources include a mix of official provider pages and curated lists. Where an offer appears in a curated list, the most reliable path to confirmation is the provider’s own website or official application form. In several cases, the sources do not specify geographic limits, quantities, or expiration dates. Teachers should review each provider’s terms before submitting requests. For example:

Findings Magazine specifies both digital access via NIH and a cap of 50 print back issues.[^1]
Richard C. Owen Publishers requires a phone call to initiate the sample request and ships only to school addresses.[^1]
Speed Stacks specifies that requests are for qualified schools and processed via an online form.[^1]
The Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures kit is designed for kindergarten or first-grade classes and includes materials and samples for 24 students.[^3]
Lysol Minilabs Science Kits target first and second grade teachers but allow any teacher to apply.[^3]
NASA Exploration Experience guides are explicitly for grades 5–12 and include both educator and student components.[^2]
National Geographic’s Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship is listed as an opportunity for pre-K–12 educators, but the source does not provide detailed eligibility or application steps.[^2]

Conclusion

Science teachers in the United States can access a diverse set of free resources that support classroom instruction, student engagement, and interdisciplinary learning. Print resources such as Findings Magazine and publisher-provided book samples bring scientific research and literature into the classroom, while hands-on kits from Colgate, Lysol, and Speed Stacks enable experiential learning. NASA and National Geographic materials extend opportunities for advanced STEM exploration and field-based experiences, and Library of Congress activities provide high-quality primary sources that connect science content with literacy and critical thinking. Classroom supply resources from National School Supply, Crayola, Staples, and C-SPAN complement science instruction by reinforcing foundational skills and supporting broader educational goals. Entertainment offers like Legoland passes for Florida teachers and SeaWorld tickets add optional enrichment opportunities.

Teachers should verify eligibility requirements, prepare necessary documentation, and submit requests through official channels to ensure successful access. Because program details can change, checking provider websites for current terms remains the best practice.