Bringing STEM to Life: Explore NRAO’s New Educational Resource Catalog

By Jill Malusky · August 24, 2026

Students learn how to observe using a manually controlled radio telescope.

What if your next science lesson could take students from their classroom to the far reaches of the Universe?

At the U.S. National Science Foundation National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NSF NRAO), we believe some of the best learning begins with curiosity. How do astronomers study objects we cannot see with our eyes? What can radio waves tell us about stars, galaxies, and black holes? How do engineers build telescopes large and precise enough to detect signals that have traveled across space for millions—or even billions—of years?

Astronomy may be at the heart of what we do at NRAO, but our education programs cover much more than space science. Through our Education and Public Outreach programs, learners explore a wide range of STEM topics, including physics, engineering, electronics, data analysis, and hands-on design. We use astronomy and radio astronomy as a starting point while creating opportunities for students to build, experiment, solve problems, and explore STEM in many different ways.

Whether students are investigating invisible light, building a circuit, designing and testing a structure, analyzing data, or exploring how scientists study the Universe, the goal is the same: give learners opportunities to ask questions, experiment, create, problem-solve, and discover for themselves.

Now, finding resources to support those experiences is easier than ever with NRAO’s new Educational Resource Catalog.

One Place to Explore Free STEM Resources

The new NRAO Educational Resource Catalog brings together a growing collection of free STEM educational materials for educators, families, community organizations, and anyone looking to make STEM learning more accessible and engaging.

Whether you are planning a classroom lesson, an after-school program, a library activity, a summer camp, a STEM Night, or simply looking for a new way to spark curiosity, the catalog provides a convenient place to start.

Users can search the collection and filter resources by type, topic, grade level, and duration, making it easier to find materials that fit their learners, setting, and available time.

The catalog includes resources created by the NRAO Education and Public Outreach team as well as carefully curated materials from trusted educational organizations. The collection includes hands-on activities, lessons and workshops, models, informational resources, and other tools covering astronomy and radio astronomy as well as a broad range of STEM concepts.

And the catalog will continue to grow. New and updated resources are added regularly, giving educators a place to return when looking for fresh ideas and activities.

More Than a Resource Catalog

Of course, sometimes the best educational resource is a person—or an experience.

NRAO Education and Public Outreach provides both formal and informal learning opportunities designed to connect students, educators, and communities with STEM. Depending on location, audience, availability, and program needs, our team can provide or help coordinate:

Interactive classroom presentations that bring engaging STEM topics directly to students.
Mobile planetarium shows that give students an immersive way to explore the night sky and the Universe, as space and scheduling permit.
Guest speakers and subject-matter experts in astronomy, science, technology, engineering, and related fields.
Support for after-school clubs, summer programs, STEM Nights, and community events, including hands-on activities and demonstrations.
Mentoring and career exploration that introduce students to STEM careers and the many pathways that can lead to them.
Science fair support, including project advising and mentoring as well as volunteers and judges for science fairs and student showcases.
Educator support and professional learning opportunities that provide teachers with resources, content knowledge, and ideas they can take back to their classrooms.
Public programs, tours, and special events that connect communities with NRAO science, facilities, and the people behind the discoveries.

*The Charlottesville Boys & Girls Club enjoys a presentation and hands on activities with NSF NRAO staff Alex Saffer and Cole Wampler. Image credit NSF/AUI/NSF NRAO.*

These opportunities reflect a broader goal: to make STEM approachable, engaging, and relevant to learners with a wide range of interests and experiences. While radio astronomy gives us an extraordinary platform for exploring science and technology, the skills behind discovery—asking questions, solving problems, analyzing information, designing solutions, and learning from experimentation—reach across every STEM field.

Start Exploring

You don’t need a radio telescope outside your school to bring STEM to life. A good question, plus the chance to explore it through a hands-on activity, can get students thinking, building, testing ideas, and wanting to learn more.

Visit the NRAO Educational Resource Catalog to explore the collection and find something for your next lesson, program, club, camp, or event.

And if you are looking for more than a downloadable resource, visit NRAO Education and Public Outreach to learn more about the programs, experiences, and support available through our team.

The next great STEM discovery starts with curiosity. Let’s give learners the tools and opportunities to see where theirs can take them.

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a facility of the U.S. National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.
	Founded in 1956, the NRAO provides state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. NRAO telescopes are open to all astronomers regardless of institutional or national affiliation. Observing time on NRAO telescopes is available on a competitive basis to qualified scientists after evaluation of research proposals on the basis of scientific merit, the capability of the instruments to do the work, and the availability of the telescope during the requested time. NRAO also provides both formal and informal programs in education and public outreach for teachers, students, the general public, and the media.
	The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1950 "to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense..."
	AUI collaborates with the scientific community and research sponsors to plan, build, and operate cutting-edge facilities. We cultivate excellence, deliver value, enhance education, and engage the public.