FREE Online/Digital Resources 
We know this is a tough time for teachers, parents, and students, which is why we have compiled this comprehensive list of FREE online and digital resources to help supplement learning. This list includes STEAM resources from all over the U.S. that are either adapted for or can be adapted for home learning. If you have questions on the resources listed, please email the respective contact person associated with that program with virtual learning, digital lessons and support info. Look at the best rated tv mount for your home or business and to supplement learning from home.
Inwater Research Group
Type: Digital Curricula
Audience: Homeschool, Virtual Learning
Grade Level(s): K-12
Standards: NGSSS (FL)
Description: STEM-based digital lesson plans that require little to no additional resources. Students will learn all about sea turtles, the biologists who study them, and what it’s like to be a real biologist.
Website
Contact: rmott@inwater.org
EarthEcho International
Type: Virtual Learning, Digital Lesson Plans, Middle School STEM Competition
Audience: Homeschool Parents, Teachers Using Virtual Learning, Families
Grade Level(s): 3-12
Standards: NGSS
Description: In the wake of this global pandemic many of us are working to create new routines and new normals for our children, students, coworkers, and friends. In an effort to support our community, EarthEcho has created a list of activities that you can do on your own or with your family as we continue to follow the appropriate social distancing guidelines.
Website
Contact: kasey@earthecho.org
Unity Learn
Type: Virtual Learning (Free 3-month trial)
Audience: ALL
Grade Level(s): 6-12, Lifelong learners
Standards:
Description: Learn Coding and Game Design by developing 3-D games through Unity software.
Website
Contact: stauffer.greg@brevardschools.org
Bridge Ocean Science Education
Audience: Homeschool Parents, Teachers Using Virtual Learning, High school students Investigating College/careers
Grade Level(s): 6-12
Standards: NGSS for some lessons
Description: The Bridge is an ever-growing collection of the best marine education materials available online. Gathered through partnerships with state and federal agencies, research institutions, and respected non-profits, our vetted collection of lesson plans and support materials is organized by subject and searchable by topic and grade level.
Website
Contact: ccackowski@vims.edu
Mote Marine Laboratory
Type: Virtual Learning, Digital Lesson Plans, Flipgrids, Webinars
Audience: Homeschool Parents, Teachers Using Virtual Learning, Lifelong Learners
Grade Level(s): Pre-K-Adult
Standards: SEAtrek programs align with NGSS, Ocean Literacy Principle, NGSSS, Common Core
Description: We offer a variety of marine science lessons and STEM activities for all ages. Our virtual learning opportunities are expanding on a daily basis.
Website
Contact: educationonline@mote.org
Youth Making Ripples
Type: Digital Lesson Plans
Audience: Homeschool Parents, Teachers Using Virtual Learning
Grade Level(s): 6-8, 9-12, Introductory College Level
Standards: NGSSS (FL), Climate Literacy Standards
Description: Youth Making Ripples created 2-3 guided inquiry lessons that are available for FREE download on our website. The lessons focus on the impacts of climate change and ocean acidification on coral reefs. These lessons integrate topics in biology, geology, climatology, ecology and basic statistics.
Website
Contact: youthmakingripples@gmail.com
Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies
Type: Virtual Learning, Digital Lesson Plans, digital copies of simple scavenger hunts, bingo sheets, etc. for outdoor activities with younger students
Audience: Homeschool Parents, Teachers Using Virtual Learning
Grade Level(s): K-2, 3-5, 6-8, digital learning/presentations available for 9-12 upon request
Standards: Alaska State Science standards, relevant to Next Generation Science Standards
Description: We are offering a Down By The Bay Educational Series every Tuesday and Thursday (2:00 pm Alaska time) via Zoom for 4th-8th grade students. It features 10-15 minutes of a virtual field trip, some time for live Q&A and discussion, and then a guided STEAM activity. We also have a number of lesson plans and simple activities for younger students available on our website.
Down By The Bay Educational Series — Zoom link
Videos from series
Contact: katieg@akcoastalstudies.org
Schoolyard Films
Type: Nature films with study guides, in Spanish, and DCMP available for visually and hearing impaired.
Audience: Homeschool Parents, Teachers Using Virtual Learning
Grade Level(s): K-12
Standards: NGSS
Description: We offer FREE high-end natural history films for K-12 audience. Films are between 15-30 mins in length, can be downloaded or streamed from our site, PBS Learning Media, or Apple Podcast.
Website
Contact: amy.giannotti@schoolyardfilms.org
Hawai'i Sea Grant
Type: Digital Lesson Plans, Educational Videos
Audience: Homeschool Parents, Teachers Using Virtual Learning, Families
Grade Level(s): 3-12, Lifelong learners
Standards: NGSS, Ocean Literacy Principle
Description: Voice of the Sea – 30 minute educational videos linked to topics in curriculum. Sea-Earth-Atmosphere – Grade 3-5 ocean literacy curriculum. Exploring Our Fluid Earth – Grades 6-12 Aquatic science curriculum organized by Physics, Chemistry, and Biology content.
Website
Contact: kanesa@hawaii.edu
United States Science Support Program
Type: Science-based Nonfiction Illustrated Children’s e-books
Audience: Homeschool Parents, Teachers Using Virtual Learning
Grade Level(s): K-5
Standards: NGSS
Description: Ebooks by award-winning authors and illustrators about the science and research of the R/V JOIDES Resolution and the International Ocean Discovery Program are available to download for free.
Website
Contact: kevkurtz@gmail.com
ECOGIG - A grant funded project at the University of Georgia, Department of Marine Science
Type: Virtual Learning, Digital Lesson Plans
Audience: Homeschool Parents, Teachers Using Virtual Learning
Grade Level(s): 6-12
Standards: NGSS standards, Georgia State Standards
Description: We have a 4 part cartoon series “The Adventures of Zack & Molly” about an unlikely #deepseaduo exploring the ocean – this has a learning guide to go with it, aligned to NGSS standards. Videos are also offered with Spanish subtitles AND the learning guide is in Spanish as well. We are currently offering weekly online webinars about a variety of ocean topics.
Cartoon series
Webinar series
Contact: ecogigoutreach@gmail.com
Loggerhead Marinelife Center
Type: Virtual Learning, Digital Lesson Plans
Audience: Homeschool Parents, Teachers Using Virtual Learning
Grade Level(s): K-8
Standards: NGSSS (some lessons)
Description: The Virtual Coastal Classroom features daily live lessons* on marine biology, ocean conservation, and living sustainably. Learners will join our marine scientists as they explore our Sea Turtle Hospital, meet our sea turtle current patients and participate in fun, interactive lessons such as “Ask a Veterinarian.”
Website
Contact: hcampbell@marinelife.org
Dauphin Island Sea Lab
Type: Virtual Learning, Facebook Live, Educational Videos
Audience: Homeschool Parents, Teachers Using Virtual Learning, Families
Grade Level(s): K-University
Standards: Ocean Literacy
Description: The Dauphin Island Sea Lab team has created a Digital Learning experience that can be used by all ages, parents, teachers, etc. The experience includes Facebook lives each morning with an aquarist, marine educator, or scientist, educational videos, and at home activities.
Website
Contact: alevins@disl.edu
SuperNOVA at Dalhousie University
Type: Virtual Learning, Digital Lesson Plans, At-home Activities
Audience: Homeschool Parents, Teachers Using Virtual Learning, Youth
Grade Level(s): K-12
Standards: Ocean Literacy Alignment to the NGSS, Nova Scotia Provincial Science Curriculum Outcomes
Description: Find at-home experiments, teacher and parent resources, and ROV footage with a connected biodiversity survey/activity to do at home!
Website
Contact: hhamilton@superstaff.ca
International Field Studies
Type: Virtual Learning, Webinars
Audience: Homeschool Parents, Teachers Using Virtual Learning
Grade Level(s): 6-12
Standards: Relevant to state standards.
Description: Educational staff on Forfar Field Station on Andros, Bahamas will be hosting live 30-45 minute webinars and 3-6 minute recorded educational videos or “Minisodes” featuring a wide range of marine science topics for all ages.
Website
Contact: office@intlfieldstudies.org
NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries
Type: Virtual Learning, Digital Lesson Plans, Webinars
Audience: Homeschool Parents, Teachers Using Virtual Learning
Grade Level(s): K-12
Standards: Next Generation Science Standards, Ocean Literacy Principles
Description: The NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries aims to provide teachers, parents, and students with resources to support ocean literacy. You will find curriculum, living classrooms, digital labs, professional development webinars, virtual explorations, and virtual field trips to engage learners of all ages.
Website
Webinar Series
Contact: sanctuary.education@noaa.gov
The Florida Aquarium
Type: Virtual Learning, Webinars
Audience: Homeschool Parents, Anyone looking for additional resources
Grade Level(s): K-12, lifelong learners
Standards: Not listed but can be aligned
Description: A variety of marine and environmental topics for all ages. There are coloring sheets, songs, virtual trips into The Florida Aquarium, drawing tutorials, activities descriptions, and videos.
Website
Contact: tware@flaquarium.org
Wildlife Conservation Association (Costa Rica)
Type: Virtual Learning
Audience: Homeschool Parents, Teachers Using Virtual Learning, Families
Grade Level(s): 3-5, Easily adaptable for other age groups
Standards: NGSS for some
Description: Meet sea turtle biologist and National Geographic Explorer Dr. Vanessa Bezy and learn all about sea turtles. Prepare for each lesson with an interactive story map and join us on Facebook LIVE for a brief presentation and Q & A session.
Website
Contact: vanessa.bezy@gmail.com
Texas State Aquarium
Type: Virtual Learning, Digital Lesson Plans
Audience: Homeschool Parents, Teachers Using Virtual Learning, Continuing Education Learners
Grade Level(s): K-12, Adults
Standards: TEKS, NGSS
Description: To support students and community members affected by school closures, the Texas State Aquarium has several FREE educational resources and opportunities accessible from home!
Website
Contact: aquavision@txstateaq.org
MPA Collaborative Network
Type: Virtual Learning, Digital Lesson Plans
Audience: Homeschool Parents, Teachers Using Virtual Learning
Grade Level(s): K-12, Adults
Standards: NGSS for some
Description: The Marine Protected Area (MPA) Collaborative Network Project Library houses resources created by our 14 CA coastal county-based stakeholder groups. Products include educational videos, activities, curricula, online trainings, brochures, posters, etc.
Website
Contact: mpacollaborativenetwork@gmail.com
Central Caribbean Marine Institute
Type: Virtual Learning, Digital Lesson Plans
Audience: Homeschool Parents, Teachers Using Virtual Learning
Grade Level(s): 3-8
Standards: Cayman Islands National Science Curriculum
Description: CCMI’s Reefs Go Live (RGL) programme utilizes full facemasks to deliver live underwater lessons to classrooms worldwide. Each broadcast comes with parent/teacher lesson plans, student activity sheets and fun fact sheets. We also offer min-module videos and teacher training.
Website
Contact: mfuller@reefresearch.org
South Carolina Aquarium
Type: Virtual Learning
Audience: Homeschool Parents, Teachers Using Virtual Learning
Grade Level(s): All ages
Standards: NGSS, SC Science Standards
Description: We offer FREE Virtual Visits to the aquarium where we focus on animal Adaptations, Habitats, and the regions of South Carolina. There are videos, activities, and curriculum on our website.
Website
Contact: smclaughlin@scaquarium.org
Aquarium of the Bay
Type: Digital Lesson Plans
Audience: Homeschool Parents, Teachers Using Virtual Learning, Families
Grade Level(s): K-12
Standards: NGSS
Description: Looking for ways to learn and explore science topics with your kids during Shelter-in-Place? You can continue learning at home through our free lesson plans for K-12 students. They each include art activities, writing practice, and experiments you can do with household supplies!
Website
Contact: alice@bay.org
Green Fire Productions
Type: Digital Lesson Plans
Audience: Homeschool Parents, Teachers Using Virtual Learning
Grade Level(s): 4-12
Standards: NGSS, British Columbia Curriculum
Description: Students can learn about this new wave of ocean stewardship through engaging lessons that build on real-world science, featuring inspiring film clips, research data, local knowledge, place-based stories, role-playing, background information and more. ‘Exploring the Great Bear Sea’ curriculum resources include elementary, secondary and post-secondary resources that are available for free.
Website
Great Bear Sea Curriculum
Contact: karen@greenfireproductions.org
UF/IFAS Extension Florida Sea Grant
Type: Virtual Learning, Digital Lesson Plans
Audience: Homeschool Parents, Teachers Using Virtual Learning
Grade Level(s): 3-12
Standards: Elementary Curricula aligned with NGSSS.
Description: Elementary curricula contain lesson plans focused on manatees, whales and dolphins, and sea turtles. Some activities have now been converted into narrated videos. A 6-week bite-sized science webinar series (April 20-May 29) contains 30-minute live lectures that are appropriate for middle school students through adults.
Website
Webinar Series
Contact: mpmcg@ufl.edu
The Wild Center
Type: Virtual Learning, Digital Lesson Plans
Audience: Homeschool Parents, Teachers Using Virtual Learning, Families
Grade Level(s): K-8 but easily adaptable for other ages
Standards: NGSS, New York State Science Learning Standards
Description: The Wild Center’s Drop-In Digital Programs are opportunities to learn more about Adirondack animals, engineering challenges and Earth Science with The Wild Center’s School Programs and Animal Care teams. These live educational distance learning programs are offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11am, but archived resources from previously broadcast programs are posted on our website.
Website
Contact: digitallearning@wildcenter.org
Louisiana Sea Grant
Type: Virtual Learning, Digital Lesson Plans
Audience: Homeschool Parents
Grade Level(s): K-8
Standards: Louisiana Student Standards for Science
Description: This collection of resources includes videos, lessons, activity guides, links to online resources, citizen science recommendations and lists of other virtual learning. It is designed to help inspire inquiry in ocean and Louisiana-based phenomena. It will be updated with new material weekly.
Website
Contact: ddiiullo@lsu.edu
Arizona Geographic Alliance
Type: Digital Lesson Plans, Downloadable maps, Activities
Audience: Teachers Using Virtual Learning
Grade Level(s): K-12
Standards: AZ State standards, National Standards
Description: Over 300 K-12 geography lessons integrating other curriculum (reading, history, STEM) sortable by grade level. Over 250 maps (pdf) downloadable. Giant map activities for Arizona (many may be used on other state maps). Using Primary Sources. Virtual workshops.
Website
Contact: azga@asu.edu
Rookery Bay Research Reserve
Rookery Bay Research Reserve
Type: Virtual Learning, Videos, Activity sheets
Audience: Homeschool Parents, Teachers Using Virtual Learning
Grade Level(s): K-12, Lifelong Learners
Standards: None
Description: Get your hands on resources to help your kids continue their education about Rookery Bay Research Reserve. Weekly themed content includes worksheets, quizzes, videos and more.
Website
Contact: sarah.falkowski@dep.state.fl.us
FAU Harbor Branch
FAU Harbor Branch
Type: Virtual Learning
Audience: Homeschool Parents, Teachers Using Virtual Learning
Grade Level(s): Varies
Standards: Unsure
Description: Our programs include lectures by our researchers, casual interviews with scientists about their jouney in science, educational videos that spotlight ocean animals and much more.
Website
Contact: marencibia@fau.edu
Sharks4Kids
Type: Virtual Learning, Digital Lesson Plans
Audience: Homeschool Parents, Teachers Using Virtual Learning
Grade Level(s): K-8
Standards: NGSSS, Ocean Literacy
Description: We offer free lesson plans ( curriculum and teaching guides) with activities and crafts to go along with them. We also offer virtual learning opportunities via Skype, Google and Webinars.
Website
Contact: info@sharks4kids.com
Sea Turtle Conservancy
Sea Turtle Conservancy
Type: Virtual Learning, Digital Lesson Plans
Audience: Homeschool Parents, Teachers Using Virtual Learning
Grade Level(s): 3-12
Standards: NGSSS, CCS with Cognitive Complexity
Description: The Sea Turtle Conservancy website offers several free lesson plans and educator guides for teachers, as well as the option to schedule a Distance Learning Skype session with a scientist.
Website
Contact: drevans@conserveturtles.org
Western Connecticut State University, Finding Our Way
Type: Digital Lesson Plans, Family Stewardship Activities
Audience: Homeschool Parents, Teachers Using Virtual Learning, Families
Grade Level(s): 3-12, University
Standards: NGSS
Description: We provide meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences, and faculty expertise outreach to the greater community. We also offer strategies to districts and educational organizations for measuring learning gains in Project Based Learning.
Website
Contact: Pinout@wcsu.edu
Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation
Type: Facebook Live, Videos, Documentaries, Lessons, Other
Audience: Educators and Families
Grade Level(s): K-12, Life Long learners
Standards: NGSS, NGSSS for some
Description: Students will be able to “dive” into learning environmental science through Dr. Harvey’s art. The sessions are recorded so students may enjoy at their conveniences and teachers may assign them through their technology platform.
Website
Contact: valerie@guyharvey.com
Georgia Sea Turtle Center
Type: Virtual Learning, Digital Lesson Plans
Audience: Homeschool Parents, Teachers Using Virtual Learning
Grade Level(s): K-12, Life Long learners
Standards: GSE, NGSS, Ocean Literacy Standards
Description: Scute’s School is a virtual learning hub for both parents at home and educators teaching online. Scute’s School includes a variety of activities, crafts, worksheets, videos and more for learners of all ages.
Website
Contact: gstceducation@jekyllisland.com
Florida Oceanographic Society
Type: Virtual Learning, Digital Lesson Plans, At-home Educational Activities
Audience: Homeschool Parents, Teachers Using Virtual Learning, Families
Grade Level(s): K-12
Standards: NGSSS for some
Description: Florida Oceanographic Society has created a variety of marine science-themed lessons and activity sheets geared towards at-home learning. Please check back often, as we will be adding new content on a regular basis.
Website
Contact: zjud@floridaocean.org
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
Type: Virtual Learning, Digital Lesson Plans
Audience: Homeschool Parents, Teachers Using Virtual Learning
Grade Level(s): K-12
Standards: NGSS
Description: This collection of estuary education resources helps parents and educators bring estuarine science into their homes/classrooms through hands-on learning, experiments, fieldwork, and data explorations. All offerings can be used independently or as a supplement to existing curricula and can be adapted to meet any grade level.
Website
Contact: fergusonk@dnr.sc.gov
GTM Research Reserve
Type: Virtual Learning, Digital Lesson Plans
Audience: Homeschool Parents, Teachers Using Virtual Learning
Grade Level(s): K-University
Standards: NGSS
Description: Virtual reality programs for all ages with activities; at-home activities using what you have to create different crafts; Q&A sessions with staff and volunteers.
Website
Contact: kaitlyn.campbell@floridadep.gov
Reef Relief
Type: Virtual Learning
Audience: Homeschool Parents, Teachers Using Virtual Learning
Grade Level(s): K-University
Standards: Unknown
Description: Reef Relief created free virtual lessons via Facebook Live for students from March-May 2020. The lessons can be found on our Facebook page.
Website
Contact: reefrelief@gmail.com
Cynthia Cudaback
Type: Digital Lesson Plans
Audience: Teachers Using Virtual Learning
Grade Level(s): 9-12
Standards: NGSS
Description: Complete asynchronous lesson plan for understanding the coronavirus
Website
Contact: cynthia.cudaback@gmail.com
NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries
Type: Digital Lesson Plans, Virtual Learning
Audience: Teachers Using Virtual Learning
Grade Level(s): 6-University
Standards: Unknown
Description: The NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries aims to provide teachers with resources and training to support ocean literacy in America’s classrooms. You will find curriculum, lesson plans and activities that will excite your students about science and technology.
Website
Contact: claire.fackler@noaa.gov