Snow and Snowflakes:

• NISE Network Snowflakes: Nano at its Coolest program
  https://www.nisenet.org/catalog/programs/snowflakes_nano_at_its_coolest
• NISE Network Exploring Fabrication - Self-Assembly program
  https://www.nisenet.org/catalog/programs/exploring_fabrication_self-assembly_nanodays
• NISE Network water resources including ice and snow
  https://www.nisenet.org/water

January

National Mentoring Month (January)

• MENTOR National STEM mentoring resources 
  https://www.mentoring.org/campaigns/stem-mentoring-month/
• National Girls Collaborative Project role model and mentoring resources 
  https://ngcproject.org/resources/role-model-and-mentoring-resources
• SciGirls Role Model Strategies 
  https://ny.pbslearningmedia.org/collection/scigirls/
• NISE Network STEM career pathways and mentoring resources 
  https://nisenet.org/careerpathways
• NISE Network guide Working with STEM Experts: A Guide for Educators in Museums and Other Informal Learning Settings
  https://www.nisenet.org/working-with-experts

New Year's Day (January 1) 

• An opportunity to imagine the future of science, technology, and society (as well as reflect on past predictions)
• NISE Network activities and programs exploring societal aspects of STEM and futures thinking 
  https://www.nisenet.org/society

National Science Fiction Day (January 2) 

• https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-day/national-science-fiction-day-january-2
• NISE Network science fiction, Star Wars, Star Trek, and Superheroes resources 
  https://www.nisenet.org/sciencefiction
• NISE Network futures thinking resources 
  https://www.nisenet.org/society

National Bird Day (January 5)

• https://www.avianwelfare.org/nationalbirdday/
• Some bird feathers (such as peacock feathers) are iridescent due to nano-sized structures within the feathers
  • NISE Network biomimicry resources including iridescence 
    https://www.nisenet.org/biomimicry
  • NISE Network butterfly resources including iridescence 
    https://www.nisenet.org/butterflies

National Static Electricity Day (January 9)

• NISE Network energy resources 
  https://www.nisenet.org/energy
• Exploring Forces - Static Electricity 
  http://www.nisenet.org/catalog/exploring-forces-static-electricity

Martin Luther King Day (third Monday in January)

• MLK Day of Service - make it a day on, not a day off, by creating and find volunteer opportunities through matching programs
  • https://www.idealist.org/volunteermatch
  • https://www.idealist.org
  • https://www.justserve.org
  • https://www.pointsoflight.org/mlk-jr-day-of-service/

Museum Selfie Day (third Wednesday in January) (January 21, 2026)

• Encouraging museum visitors and staff to sharing their #MuseumSelfie photos on social media platforms to inspire fun in museums and stimulate accessibility and learning
• https://nationaltoday.com/museum-selfie-day/

Radon Awareness Week (last week in January)

• https://www.cdc.gov/radon/php/radon-awareness-week/

International Day of Education (January 24)

• https://www.un.org/en/observances/education-day

Crayola Creativity Week (last week in January) (January 26- February 1, 2026)

• https://www.crayola.com/learning/creativity-week
• UN World Creativity and Innovation Day (April 21) resources 
  https://www.un.org/en/observances/creativity-and-innovation-day

February

Black History Month / African-American History Month (February) - celebrate people in STEM

• www.africanamericanhistorymonth.gov
• NASA Modern Figures Toolkit
• African Americans in Science and Technology internet resources from the Library of Congress
• Black Lives in Astronomy: A Resource Guide compiled by Andrew Fraknoi
• The Astronomy of Many Cultures: A Resource Guide compiled by Andrew Fraknoi
• Celebrating Black Innovators poster from SPIE the international society for optics and photonics
• HistoryMakers ScienceMakers biographies and oral histories of African American scientists and toolkits of hands-on activities connecting to scientists
• Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture Black History Month toolkit
  https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/moments/black-history-month/digital-toolkit
• Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture Talking about Race
  https://nmaahc.si.edu/learn/talking-about-race
• PBS African American Quotation posters 
  https://www.pbs.org/wnet/african-americans-many-rivers-to-cross/african-american-quotation-posters/
• PBS Celebrating Black History & Culture https://ny.pbslearningmedia.org/collection/celebrating-black-history-culture
• Professional STEM societies:
  • National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) https://www.nsbe.org
  • National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE) https://nobcche.org/

Winter Olympics (February, every four years, 2026, 2030, 2034)

• NISE Network compilation of science of sports resources https://www.nisenet.org/sports

Groundhog Day (February 2)

• Use Exploring Earth: Bear's Shadow activity to make and experiment with shadows
• STEM topics to explore include: signs of spring (animals emerging from hibernation), signs of winter (clear, cold days), and seasons (February 2 lies midway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox)
• NASA Space Place seasons resources https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/seasons/en/

International Day of Women and Girls in Science (February 11)

• https://www.un.org/en/observances/women-and-girls-in-science-day/
• NISE Network compilation of resources for engaging girls and young women in STEM https://nisenet.org/girls

National Inventors Day (February 11)

• Inspire and encourage young inventors; February 11 is the birthday of the inventor Thomas Alva Edison
• National Inventors Hall of Fame list of inductees
• NISE Network engineering resources https://www.nisenet.org/engineering

World Radio Day (February 13)

• https://www.unesco.org/en/days/world-radio
• NISE Network Making Waves with Radio resources https://nisenet.org/making-waves-radio-kit
• NISE Network electromagnetic spectrum resources https://nisenet.org/telescopes

Valentine's Day (February 14) 

• NISE Network food activities including chocolate and candy https://www.nisenet.org/food
• NASA Space Place printable Valentine cards https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/valentines/en/
• NASA digital Valentine cards https://science.nasa.gov/resource/space-valentines-from-nasa-with-love/
• US Department of Energy Valentine cards https://www.energy.gov/science/were-love-science
• NOAA Valentine cards https://www.noaa.gov/education/celebrate-Valentines-Day-with-NOAA
• US Fish & Wildlife Service Valentine cards https://www.fws.gov/library/collections/valentines-day-cards-wild-heart
• Smithsonian Gardens Valentine cards https://gardens.si.edu/valentines-day/

Digital Learning Day (mid-February) (February 12, 2026) 

• https://all4ed.org/digital-learning-day/

Galileo Day (February 15th)

• http://www.galileoday.org/
• NISE Network telescope resources https://nisenet.org/telescopes
• NISE Network astronomy resourceshttps://nisenet.org/astronomy

National Battery Day (February 18)

• Build a Battery hands-on activity http://nisenet.org/catalog/build-battery
• Battery Stack hands-on activity http://www.nisenet.org/catalog/battery-stack
• NISE Network energy resources https://www.nisenet.org/energy

Engineers Week (Third week in February) 

• DiscoverE https://discovere.org/engage/engineers-week/
• NISE Network engineering resources https://www.nisenet.org/engineering

Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day (During third week in February)

• https://discovere.org/programs/girl-day/
• NISE Network compilation of resources for engaging girls and young women in STEM https://nisenet.org/girls
• NISE Network engineering resources https://www.nisenet.org/engineering

Great Backyard Bird Count (mid-February)

• https://www.birdcount.org
• Some bird feathers (such as peacock feathers) are iridescent due to nano-sized structures within the feathers
  • NISE Network biomimicry resources including iridescence https://www.nisenet.org/biomimicry
  • NISE Network butterfly resources including iridescence https://www.nisenet.org/butterflies

Darwin Day (February 12) 

• Commemorates the 1809 birth of Charles Darwin highlighting his contributions to science and theory of evolution
• https://darwinday.org/
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darwin_Day

Leap Day (February 29) (every four years)

• Leap Day math activity from NASA JPL

SPRING

March

Women's History Month (March) - celebrate people in STEM
International Women's Day (March 8)

• Women's History Month https://womenshistorymonth.gov/
• International Women's Day (March 8) https://www.internationalwomensday.com/
• UNESCO resources https://www.unesco.org/en/days/women
• National Women's History Alliance https://nationalwomenshistoryalliance.org/
• NISE Network compilation of resources for engaging girls and young women in STEM https://nisenet.org/girls

Severe Weather Awareness Weeks (March, dates vary by state)
Severe weather may include flood, fire, lightning, hurricane, tornados, tsunami, earthquake, heat, and cold

• Please note that dates of awareness weeks vary by state
  https://www.weather.gov/safety/events_calendar
• https://www.weather.gov/dvn/Awareness_Weeks
• Climate resiliency and extreme weather forum programs about heat waves, sea level rise, extreme precipitation, and drought https://www.nisenet.org/CSCRC
• NISE Network climate and weather resources https://www.nisenet.org/climate

World Futures Day - Young Voices (March 1)

• https://www.teachthefuture.org/
• NISE Network futures thinking activities https://www.nisenet.org/society

Lunar Eclipse (March 2, 2026)

• The lunar eclipse will be visible throughout North America if the sky is clear. 
  Check for exact timing for your location at https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/
• NISE Network Lunar eclipse resources https://www.nisenet.org/lunareclipse

Dr. Seuss Day (March 2) 

• Seussville resources https://www.seussville.com/
• Exploring Materials - Oobleck activity https://www.nisenet.org/catalog/exploring-materials-oobleck
  • Oobleck gets its name from the Dr. Seuss book Bartholomew and the Oobleck where a gooey green substance, Oobleck, fell from the sky and wreaked havoc in the kingdom
• Horton Hears a Who! Storytime activity https://www.nisenet.org/catalog/horton-hears-who-storytime
• Horton Senses Something Small activity https://www.nisenet.org/catalog/horton-senses-something-small
• NISE Network books, reading, and storytelling https://www.nisenet.org/books

World Wildlife Day (March 3)

• https://www.un.org/en/observances/world-wildlife-day
• http://www.wildlifeday.org
• NISE Network butterfly resources https://www.nisenet.org/butterflies
• NISE Network biomimicry resources https://www.nisenet.org/biomimicry

World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development (March 4)

• UNESCO resources https://www.unesco.org/en/days/engineering-sustainable-development

• DiscoverE https://discovere.org/engage/engineers-week/

• NISE Network engineering resources https://www.nisenet.org/engineering
• NISE Network sustainability resources https://www.nisenet.org/sustainability-resources

Groundwater Awareness Week (second full week in March)

• Groundwater Awareness Week https://www.ngwa.org/get-involved/groundwater-awareness-week
• Groundwater Foundation https://www.groundwater.org
• NISE Network water resources https://www.nisenet.org/water

Brain Awareness Week (mid-March)

• Brain Awareness Week resources from the Dana Foundation https://dana.org/brain-awareness-week/
• Brain Awareness resources from the Society for Neuroscience https://www.sfn.org/outreach/brain-awareness-campaign
• World Federation of Neurology Brain Day https://www.wfneurology.org/world-brain-day-background
• NISE Network brain and neuroscience resources https://www.nisenet.org/neuro

International Day of Mathematics (March 14)

• Celebrate math! there are one billion nanometers in a meter
• UNESCO International Day of Mathematics https://www.unesco.org/en/days/mathematics
• NISE Network size, scale, & measurement resources https://www.nisenet.org/size

Pi Day (March 14)

• Pi Day is celebrated on March 14 (3-14) to commemorate the mathematical constant π (pi). Pi is the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter, and is approximately 3.14159.
• https://www.piday.org/
• NASA Pi Day Challenge https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/edu/resources/project/the-nasa-pi-day-challenge/
• NASA 10 ways to Celebrate Pi Day https://science.nasa.gov/learning-resources/10-ways-to-celebrate-pi-day-with-nasa-on-march-14/
• NASA 18 Ways NASA Uses Pi https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/edu/resources/project/18-ways-nasa-uses-pi/
• NISE Network size, scale, & measurement resources https://www.nisenet.org/size
• Howtosmile.org Pi activities https://www.howtosmile.org/resource-search/pi

National Learn about Butterflies Day (March 14)

• NISE Network butterfly resources nisenet.org/butterflies
• NISE Network biomimicry resources https://www.nisenet.org/biomimicry
• NISE Network light activities and resources https://www.nisenet.org/light

National Ag Day (mid-March)

• https://www.agday.org

Civic Learning Week (mid-March)

• https://civiclearningweek.org/
• NISE Network discussion forums https://www.nisenet.org/forums
• NISE Network science and society resources https://www.nisenet.org/society

Spring Equinox (March 19 or 20 in the Northern Hemisphere)

• Solstices and equinoxes provide opportunities for planning quarterly programs related to the Earth, Sun, and Moon (astronomical seasons) or your local environment (meteorological seasons)
• NISE Network Moon resources https://www.nisenet.org/moon
• NASA Space Place seasons resources https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/seasons/en/

World Water Day (March 22)

• UNESCO resources https://www.un.org/en/observances/water-day
• NISE Network water resources https://www.nisenet.org/water

World Meteorology Day (March 23)

• World Meteorological Organization https://public.wmo.int/en/resources/world-meteorological-day
• NISE Network climate and weather resources https://www.nisenet.org/climate

National AI Literacy Day (late-March) (March 27, 2026) 

• https://www.ailiteracyday.org/
• NISE Network artificial intelligence (AI) resources https://www.nisenet.org/AI

Earth Hour (late-March) 

• https://www.earthhour.org
• NISE Network Earth Day resources https://www.nisenet.org/earthday
• NISE Network climate and weather resources https://www.nisenet.org/climate
• NISE Network water resources https://www.nisenet.org/water
• NISE Network energy resources https://nisenet.org/energy
• NISE Network sustainability resources https://www.nisenet.org/sustainability-resources

NanoDays (last weekend in March - first weekend in April)

• 2026: March 28-April 5, 2026
• 2027: March 27-April 4, 2027
• 2028: March 25-April 2, 2028
• 2029: March 24-April 1, 2029
• 2030: March 30-April 7, 2030
• NanoDays activities can be used anytime throughout the year
• NanoDays activities and resources http://www.nisenet.org/nanodays
• NISE Network size, scale, & measurement resources https://www.nisenet.org/size

April

Citizen Science Month (April) 

• http://citizensciencemonth.org
• NISE Network citizen science and community science resources https://www.nisenet.org/citizenscience

National Kite Month (April)

• https://www.kite.org/events/national-kite-month/
• NASA kite activities https://www.nasa.gov/stem-content/kites
• NASA GLOBE AREN program https://www.globe.gov/web/aren-project/overview/aeropods

National Poetry Month (April)

• www.poets.org/npm
• UNESCO World Poetry Day (March 21) https://www.unesco.org/en/days/poetry
• Poets for Science https://poetsforscience.org/
• Nano-themed haiku at the end of each NISE Network Newsletter (2009-2013)

Global Astronomy Month (April) 

• NISE Network astronomy resources https://www.nisenet.org/astronomy

Mathematics and Statistics Awareness Month (April)

• NISE Network size, scale, & measurement resources https://www.nisenet.org/size

National Arab American Heritage Month (April) celebrate people in STEM

• National Arab American Heritage Month https://arabamericafoundation.org/national-arab-american-heritage-month/
• Arab American Foundation resources https://www.arabamerica.com/resources/
• Arab American National Museum https://arabamericanmuseum.org
• Smithsonian Arab American History and Culture https://www.si.edu/spotlight/arab-american
• PBS resources https://www.pbs.org/articles/celebrate-arab-american-heritage-month
• The Astronomy of Many Cultures: A Resource Guide compiled by Andrew Fraknoi including Islamic astronomy

Star Trek First Contact Day (April 5)

• In the Star Trek Universe humans make first contact with an alien species on April 5, 2063
• https://nationaltoday.com/first-contact-day/
• NISE Network Science Fiction, Star Wars, Star Trek, and Superheroes resources
  https://www.nisenet.org/sciencefiction

National Robotics Week / RoboWeek (second week in April) (April 4-12, 2026)

• https://www.nationalroboticsweek.org/
• NISE Network engineering and robotics resources https://www.nisenet.org/engineering
• NISE Network AI resources https://www.nisenet.org/AI

National Public Health Week (first full week in April) / World Health Day (April 7) 

• World Health Day https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-health-day
• National Public Health Week https://nphw.org
• NISE Network health and medicine resources https://www.nisenet.org/health
• NISE Network genetics resources https://www.nisenet.org/genetics
• NISE Network water resources https://www.nisenet.org/water

Worldwide Climate Justice Month (April)

• https://www.worldwide-climate-ed.org/
• NISE Network climate and weather resources https://www.nisenet.org/climate

Week of the Young Child (early-mid April)

• National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) https://www.naeyc.org/events/woyc
• NISE network activities and resources for young learners and early childhood educators 
  https://www.nisenet.org/earlylearners

Yuri's Night (April 12)

• https://yurisnight.net
• NISE Network Explore Science: Earth & Space toolkits https://www.nisenet.org/earthspacekit
• NISE Network astronomy resources https://www.nisenet.org/astronomy

International Dark Sky Week (early-mid April)

• https://idsw.darksky.org

• NISE Network astronomy resources https://www.nisenet.org/astronomy

World Quantum Day (April 14)

• https://worldquantumday.org
• NISE Network quantum resources

World Art Day (April 15)

• UNESCO World Art Day https://www.unesco.org/en/days/world-art
• NISE Network STEAM activities https://www.nisenet.org/steam

National Week of Conversation (mid-April) 

• https://www.conversation.us/campaigns#nwoc
• NISE Network discussion forums https://www.nisenet.org/forums
• NISE Network science and society resources https://www.nisenet.org/society

AI Week (mid-April) (April 13-17, 2026)

• https://aiweek.com/
• NISE Network artificial intelligence (AI) resources https://www.nisenet.org/AI

World Creativity and Innovation Day (April 21) 

• UN World Creativity and Innovation Day
  https://www.un.org/en/observances/creativity-and-innovation-day
• Crayola Creativity Week resources (January 26- February 1, 2026)
  https://www.crayola.com/learning/creativity-week

Earth Day (April 22) & Environmental Education Week

• Earth Day http://www.earthday.org

• Environmental Education Week (EE Week) https://www.neefusa.org/environmental-education-week

• NISE Network Earth Day resources www.nisenet.org/earthday
• NISE Network climate and weather resources https://www.nisenet.org/climate
• NISE Network water resources https://www.nisenet.org/water
• NISE Network energy resources https://www.nisenet.org/energy
• NISE Network sustainability resources https://www.nisenet.org/sustainability-resources
• Chemists Celebrate Earth Week (CCEW) https://www.acs.org/education/ccew.html

DNA Day (April 25)

• National DNA Day https://www.genome.gov/dnaday/
• NISE Network health and medicine resources https://www.nisenet.org/health
• NISE Network genetics resources https://www.nisenet.org/genetics

World Malaria Day (April 25)

• World Health Organization https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-malaria-day
• American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) https://www.mosquito.org/mosquito-awareness-week/
• Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) World Health Organization (WHO) resources https://missionmosquito.carpha.org/
• GLOBE Observer Mosquito Habitat Mapper App https://observer.globe.gov/about/get-the-app
• GLOBE Observer Mosquito Habitat Mapper toolkit https://observer.globe.gov/toolkit/mosquito-habitat-mapper-toolkit
• GLOBE Observer Mission Mosquito Larvae Hunters Guide https://www.globe.gov/web/mission-mosquito/overview/resources
• NISE Network Should We Engineer the Mosquito? forum https://www.nisenet.org/catalog/should-we-engineer-mosquito-forum
• NISE Network health and medicine resources https://www.nisenet.org/health
• NISE Network genetics resources https://www.nisenet.org/genetics

National Apprenticeship Week (last week in April) (April 26-May 2, 2026, April 25 – May 1, 2027, April 23 – April 29, 2028)

• https://www.apprenticeship.gov/national-apprenticeship-week
• NISE Network STEM Career Pathways resources 
  https://nisenet.org/careerpathways

Arbor Day (last Friday in April, dates vary by state)

• Dates may vary by state https://www.arborday.org/celebrate/dates.cfm
• https://www.arborday.org

May

Asian American and Pacific Islander Month (May) - celebrate people in STEM

• https://asianpacificheritage.gov
• Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center https://apa.si.edu/
• PBS AAPI History Spotlight: Saluting STEM Pioneers
• Posters and videos that illustrate specific examples of STEAM within traditional Pacific island culture and practices
  https://newzealandcurriculum.tahurangi.education.govt.nz/pacific-steam/5637161829.p
• The Astronomy of Many Cultures: A Resource Guide compiled by Andrew Fraknoi

National Wildfire Awareness Month (May)

• FEMA Ready National Preparedness Month (NPM) https://www.ready.gov/wildfires
• NISE Network Air Quality resources (including wildfires) https://nisenet.org/air

National Physical Fitness and Sports Month (May)

• Action for Healthy Kids https://www.actionforhealthykids.org
• NISE Network compilation of science of sports resources https://www.nisenet.org/sports

National Bike Month (May) 
National Ride A Bike Day (first Sunday in May), Bike to Work Week ( mid-May)

• https://www.bikeleague.org/content/bike-month-dates-events-0
• Walk, Bike & Roll to School resources http://www.walkbiketoschool.org 

Air Quality Awareness Week (first week of May)

• https://www.epa.gov/air-quality/air-quality-awareness-week
• NISE Network air quality resources https://www.nisenet.org/air

Black Hole Week (first week of May) 

• Black Hole Week https://science.nasa.gov/universe/black-hole-week/
• Black Hole Week promotional assets https://imagine.gsfc.nasa.gov/bhw/
• NASA's Guide To Black Hole Safety https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/13322
• What are Black Holes? https://science.nasa.gov/universe/black-holes/
• NISE Network astronomy resources https://www.nisenet.org/astronomy

May the Fourth Be With You - Star Wars Day (May 4)

• Star Wars Day https://www.starwars.com/star-wars-day
• NISE Network Science Fiction, Star Wars, Star Trek, and Superheroes resources https://www.nisenet.org/sciencefiction

National Astronaut Day (May 5)

• Commemorates the first United States human spaceflight, on May 5, 1961, piloted by astronaut Alan Shepard
• NISE Network astronomy resources https://www.nisenet.org/astronomy
• Voyage through the Solar System activities https://www.nisenet.org/solarsystem-kit

National Children’s Book Week (early May) 

• Children's Book Week http://everychildareader.net/cbw/
• NISE Network books, reading, and storytelling resources https://www.nisenet.org/books

International Day of Planetariums (May 7) 

The first planetarium projector was unveiled in Germany in October 1923 and the first planetarium opened to the public on May 7, 1925, when the Deutsches Museum opened in Munich.

• https://www.ips-planetarium.org/page/AboutIDP

International Day of Light (May 16)

• UNESCO: The International Day of Light celebrates the role light plays in science, culture and art, education, and sustainable development, and in fields as diverse as medicine, communications, and energy https://www.unesco.org/en/days/light
• NISE Network light activities and resources https://www.nisenet.org/light

National Public Works Week (mid-May)

• American Public Works Association resources https://www.apwa.org/events/national-public-works-week-npww/
• NISE Network engineering resources https://www.nisenet.org/engineering
• NISE Network sustainability resources https://www.nisenet.org/sustainability-resources
• NISE Network climate resiliency and extreme weather forum programs https://www.nisenet.org/CSCRC

International Museum Day (May 18)

• International Council of Museums https://icom.museum/en/international-museum-day-2/
• Search for a NISE Network partner museum and other informal science education partner near you https://nisenet.org/nise-network-partners-across-country

Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) (mid-May) 
The purpose of GAAD is to get everyone talking, thinking and learning about digital access/inclusion and people with different disabilities.

• https://globalaccessibilityawarenessday.org/
• NISE Network inclusive audiences and universal design resources https://www.nisenet.org/audiences
• NISE Network blind and low-vision resources https://www.nisenet.org/blind-low-vision

Endangered Species Day (third Friday in May)

• https://www.endangered.org/campaigns/endangered-species-day/

National Paper Airplane Day (May 26)

• NASA make a paper airplane activity
  https://www.nasa.gov/stem-ed-resources/make-and-color-a-paper-airplane.html
• NASA ring wing glider activity
  https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/edu/teach/activity/ring-wing-glider/
• Making Paper Airplanes
  https://chandra.si.edu/make/#airplanes

• Exploring the Solar System: Stomp Rockets
  https://www.nisenet.org/catalog/exploring-solar-system-stomp-rockets

   

SUMMER

Summer Camp Resources

• https://www.nisenet.org/camps

Outside Activities

• https://nisenet.org/outside

Summer Reading

• NISE Network books, reading, and storytelling resources https://www.nisenet.org/books
• Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP) Summer reading themes and resources
   https://www.cslpreads.org/themes-and-slogans/
• American Library Association summer reading programs and resources 
  https://libguides.ala.org/summer-reading/resources
• iRead Reading Programs and resources 
  https://www.ireadprogram.org/

Sun and Sand

• Exploring Properties - Heat Transfer activity https://www.nisenet.org/catalog/exploring-properties-heat-transfer
• Exploring Earth: Temperature Mapping activity https://www.nisenet.org/catalog/exploring-earth-temperature-mapping
• Nano Ice Cream activity https://www.nisenet.org/catalog/nano-ice-cream
• Exploring Products - Nano Sand activity https://www.nisenet.org/catalog/exploring_products_nano_sand
• Exploring Products - Kinetic Sand activity https://www.nisenet.org/catalog/exploring-products-kinetic-sand
• Magic Sand Nanosurfaces activity https://www.nisenet.org/catalog/magic-sand-nanosurfaces
• Exploring Products - Sunblock program https://www.nisenet.org/catalog/programs/exploring_products_-_sunblock
• Why are Seashells so Strong? program https://www.nisenet.org/catalog/why-are-seashells-so-strong

June

Pride Month (June) - celebrate people in STEM

• Queer Museum & Library Network (QMLN) https://qmln.org/
• Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (oSTEM) https://ostem.org/
• Out to Innovate™ https://www.noglstp.org
• Pride in STEM http://prideinstem.org
• LGBTQ+ STEM https://lgbtstem.wordpress.com

Lightning Safety Awareness Week (June)

• Please note that dates of awareness weeks vary by state:
  https://www.weather.gov/safety/events_calendar
• https://www.weather.gov/dvn/Awareness_Weeks
• NISE Network climate and weather resources https://www.nisenet.org/climate

National Dairy Month (June)

• https://www.idfa.org/june-is-national-dairy-month
• https://thedairyalliance.com/dairy-farming/june-dairy-month/
• Nano Ice Cream activity https://www.nisenet.org/catalog/nano-ice-cream

International Nature Journaling Week (first week in June) 

• https://www.naturejournalingweek.com
• Free video series from John Muir Laws and Children's Creativity Museum
  https://creativity.org/nature-journal-connection/
• John Muir Laws How to Teach Nature Journaling
  https://johnmuirlaws.com/product/how-to-teach-nature-journaling/
• More writing and nature journaling resources https://nisenet.org/books

World Environment Day (June 5)

• United Nations World Environment Day https://www.un.org/en/observances/environment-day
• UNESCO resources https://www.unesco.org/en/days/environment
• https://www.worldenvironmentday.global/
• NISE Network climate and weather resources https://www.nisenet.org/climate
• NISE Network sustainability resources https://www.nisenet.org/sustainability-resources
• NISE Network Earth Day resources https://www.nisenet.org/earthday

World Oceans Day (June 8)

• http://www.worldoceansday.org
• UNESCO resources https://www.unesco.org/en/days/oceans
• NISE Network water and ocean resources https://www.nisenet.org/water
• NOAA Ocean and Climate Literacy Resources https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/literacy.html

International Day of Play (June 11)

• https://www.internationaldayofplay.org/

Juneteenth (June 19) - celebrate people in STEM

• https://www.juneteenth.com
• Please see Black History Month (February) for additional resources

Summer Solstice (June 20 or 21 in the Northern Hemisphere)

• Solstices and equinoxes provide opportunities for planning quarterly programs related to the Earth, Sun, and Moon (astronomical seasons) or your local environment (meteorological seasons)
• Moon resources https://www.nisenet.org/moon
• NASA Space Place seasons resources https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/seasons/en/

National Selfie Day (June 21)

• DIY Solar System App https://www.nisenet.org/diy-solar-system-app
• Radio Futures: I Spy Radio (Let’s Send a Selfie in Wavetown PDF) https://www.nisenet.org/catalog/i-spy-radio
• Exploring Tools - Dress Up Like a Nanoscientist activity https://www.nisenet.org/catalog/dress-nanoscientist

National Week of Making (June 17-23)

• NISE Network making resources https://www.nisenet.org/making

International Women in Engineering Day (June 23)

• http://www.inwed.org.uk/
• NISE Network compilation of resources for engaging girls and young women in STEM https://nisenet.org/girls
• NISE Network engineering resources https://www.nisenet.org/engineering

National Mosquito Control Awareness Week - Fight the Bite (last full week in June)

• American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) https://www.mosquito.org/mosquito-awareness-week/
• Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) World Health Organization (WHO) resources https://missionmosquito.carpha.org/
• GLOBE Observer Mosquito Habitat Mapper App https://observer.globe.gov/about/get-the-app
• GLOBE Observer Mosquito Habitat Mapper toolkit https://observer.globe.gov/toolkit/mosquito-habitat-mapper-toolkit
• GLOBE Observer Mission Mosquito Larvae Hunters Guide https://www.globe.gov/web/mission-mosquito/overview/resources
• NISE Network Should We Engineer the Mosquito? forum https://www.nisenet.org/catalog/should-we-engineer-mosquito-forum
• NISE Network health and medicine resources https://www.nisenet.org/health
• NISE Network genetics resources https://www.nisenet.org/genetics

Tau Day (June 28)

• Related to Pi Day (March 14) Tau is the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its RADIUS, approximately 6.28, or 2 times Pi.
• NISE Network size, scale, & measurement resources https://www.nisenet.org/size

Asteroid Day (June 30)

• https://asteroidday.org/
• UN Asteroid Day https://www.un.org/en/observances/asteroid-day
• NASA Space Place https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/asteroid
• NISE Network compilation of asteroid, comet, meteor, and meteorite resources https://www.nisenet.org/asteroids

July

Plastic Free July (July)

• https://www.plasticfreejuly.org/
• NISE Network Sustainability resources https://nisenet.org/sustainability-resources

Flush Smart Month (July)

• Responsible Flushing Alliance http://www.flushsmart.org/
• California Water Environmental Association (CWEA) 
  https://www.cwea.org/news/time-to-celebrate-july-is-flush-smart-month/
• NISE Network water resources https://www.nisenet.org/water

Summer Olympics (July-August, every four years, 2028, 2032, 2036)

• NISE Network compilation of science of sports resources https://www.nisenet.org/sports

National Ice Cream Day (July 18)

• Nano Ice Cream activity https://www.nisenet.org/catalog/nano-ice-cream

Moon Landing - anniversary of Apollo 11 first step on the Moon July 20, 1969 (July 20)

• Moon resources and activities https://www.nisenet.org/moon
• Moon Adventure Game https://www.nisenet.org/moongame
• NASA Apollo 11 Moonwalk Montage
• NASA Apollo 11 resources
• NASA Moon resources 

World Brain Day (July 22)

• World Federation of Neurology Brain Day
• NISE Network brain and neuroscience resources https://www.nisenet.org/neuro
• Brain Awareness resources from the Society for Neuroscience
• Brain Awareness Week resources from the Dana Foundation

National Intern Day (Last Thursday of July)

• https://www.nationalinternday.com/
• NISE Network STEM career pathways and mentoring resources 
  https://nisenet.org/careerpathways

August

Perseid Meteor Shower (August)

• The Perseids are the most popular meteor shower as they peak on warm August nights as seen from the Northern Hemisphere
• NISE Network Asteroids, Comets, Meteors, and Meteorites resources https://www.nisenet.org/asteroids

National Immunization Awareness Month (August)

• CDC National Immunization Awareness Month resources 
  https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/php/national-immunization-awareness-month/index.html
• NISE Network Vaccine Museum Resources 
  https://www.nisenet.org/vaccine
• NISE Network health and medicine resources https://www.nisenet.org/health

National Sand Castle Day (first Saturday of August)

• Exploring Products - Nano Sand activity https://www.nisenet.org/catalog/exploring_products_nano_sand
• Exploring Products - Kinetic Sand activity https://www.nisenet.org/catalog/exploring-products-kinetic-sand
• Magic Sand Nanosurfaces activity https://www.nisenet.org/catalog/magic-sand-nanosurfaces

International Infinity Day (August 8)

• The mathematical infinity symbol looks like a sideways number 8.
• NISE Network size, scale, & measurement resources https://www.nisenet.org/size
• Howtosmile.org infinity activities https://www.howtosmile.org/resource-search/infinity

World Photography Day (August 19)

• https://www.worldphotographyday.com/
• NISE Network light activities and resources https://www.nisenet.org/light
• NISE Network scientific images gallery https://www.nisenet.org/scientific-images
• NISE Network publicity photo gallery https://www.nisenet.org/catalog/publicity-photo-library-smugmug
• Selfies and photo ops:
  • DIY Solar System App https://www.nisenet.org/diy-solar-system-app
  • Radio Futures: I Spy Radio (Let’s Send a Selfie in Wavetown PDF) https://www.nisenet.org/catalog/i-spy-radio
  • Exploring Tools - Dress Up Like a Nanoscientist activity https://www.nisenet.org/catalog/dress-nanoscientist

National Aviation Day (August 19)

• https://nationalaviationday.org/
• NASA suggestions for National Aviation Day
• NASA aeronautics guide https://www1.grc.nasa.gov/beginners-guide-to-aeronautics/
• NASA Wright Brothers https://www1.grc.nasa.gov/beginners-guide-to-aeronautics/re-living-the-wright-way/
• NASA aeronautics activities https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/armd/aeronautics-stem/
• NASA make a paper airplane activity
  https://www.nasa.gov/stem-ed-resources/make-and-color-a-paper-airplane.html
• NASA ring wing glider activity
  https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/edu/teach/activity/ring-wing-glider/
• Making Paper Airplanes
  https://chandra.si.edu/make/#airplanes
• NISE Network Exploring the Solar System: Stomp Rockets https://www.nisenet.org/catalog/exploring-solar-system-stomp-rockets
• NISE Network Exploring Nano & Society - Flying Cars https://www.nisenet.org/catalog/exploring-nano-society-flying-cars

National Radio Day (August 20)

• https://www.nationalradioday.com
• Making Waves with Radio kit https://www.nisenet.org/making-waves-radio-kit
• Telescopes and the Electromagnetic Spectrum https://nisenet.org/telescopes

World Mosquito Day (August 20)

• National Mosquito Control Awareness Week resources from American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA)
• Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) World Health Organization (WHO) resources https://missionmosquito.carpha.org/
• NISE Network Should We Engineer the Mosquito? Forum
• NISE Network health and medicine resources https://www.nisenet.org/health
• NISE Network genetics resources https://www.nisenet.org/genetics
• Globe Observer Mosquito Habitat Mapper App https://observer.globe.gov/about/get-the-app
• Globe Observer Mosquito Habitat Mapper toolkit https://observer.globe.gov/toolkit/mosquito-habitat-mapper-toolkit
• GLOBE Observer Mission Mosquito Larvae Hunters Guide https://www.globe.gov/web/mission-mosquito/overview/resources

Frankenstein Day (August 30)
Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley was born on August 30, 1797; she wrote the novel Frankenstein in 1816, and published it in 1818 

• Frankenstein200 kit of activities https://www.nisenet.org/frankensteinkit

FALL

Back to School 

• Back to School resources related to pencils and graphite
  • NISE Network carbon resources (graphite, diamond, carbon nanotubes) https://nisenet.org/carbon

September

Read a New Book Month (September)

• https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/read-a-new-book-month/
• NISE Network books, reading, and storytelling resources https://www.nisenet.org/books 

National Workforce Development Month (September)

• National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP) 
  https://www.nawdp.org/what-is-workforce-development/workforce-development-month/

National Preparedness Month (September)

• FEMA Ready National Preparedness Month (NPM) https://www.ready.gov/september

National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 - October 15) - celebrate people in STEM

• https://www.hispanicheritagemonth.gov
• Latino Conservation Week https://latinoconservationweek.com/
• NISE Network compilation of resources https://www.nisenet.org/spanish

Cloud Appreciate Day (September 12)

• https://cloudappreciationsociety.org/cloud-appreciation-day/

• NISE Network water resources including https://nisenet.org/water

• NASA GLOBE Observer

  • GLOBE Observer Clouds app https://observer.globe.gov/do-globe-observer/clouds
  • Cloud printables https://observer.globe.gov/toolkit/clouds-toolkit/printables-and-promotional-materials
  • Activities https://observer.globe.gov/do-globe-observer/clouds/resource-library

International Microorganism Day (September 17)

• https://www.internationalmicroorganismday.org
• NISE Network Building with Biology activities https://www.nisenet.org/building-with-biology-kit
• NISE Network health and medicine resources https://www.nisenet.org/health
• NISE Network genetics resources https://www.nisenet.org/genetics

International Observe the Moon Night (date selected in September/October based on viewing ) (September 19, 2026)

• https://science.nasa.gov/moon/observe-the-moon-night/
• NISE Network Moon resources https://www.nisenet.org/moon
• NISE Network Moon Adventure Game https://www.nisenet.org/moongame

National Pollution Prevention Week (P2 Week) (third week in September)

• https://www.epa.gov/p2week
• NISE Network water resources https://www.nisenet.org/water
• NISE Network air quality resources https://www.nisenet.org/air

International Coastal Cleanup Day (third Saturday in September)
World Cleanup Day (third Saturday in September)

• https://oceanconservancy.org/trash-free-seas/international-coastal-cleanup/
• https://www.worldcleanupday.org
• NISE Network water resources https://www.nisenet.org/water

Fall Equinox (September 22 or 23 in the Northern Hemisphere)

• Solstices and equinoxes provide opportunities for planning quarterly programs related to the Earth, Sun, and Moon (astronomical seasons) or your local environment (meteorological seasons)
• Moon resources https://www.nisenet.org/moon
• NASA Space Place seasons resources https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/seasons/en/

International Day of Scientific Culture / Día Internacional de la Cultura Científica (September 28)

• https://somedicyt.org.mx/divulgacion/dicc/idsc

Astronomy Week (Fall) 

• NISE Network astronomy resources https://www.nisenet.org/astronomy
• NISE Network Explore Science: Earth & Space toolkits https://www.nisenet.org/earthspacekit

Worldwide Day of Play (late September) 

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Worldwide_Day_of_Play
• https://childrensmuseums.org/dayofplay/

National Public Lands Day (fourth Saturday of September)

• https://www.neefusa.org/what-we-do/conservation/national-public-lands-day
• https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/public-lands-day.htm
• NISE Network outdoors resources https://nisenet.org/outside

October

Campus Sustainability Month (October)

• http://www.aashe.org/campus-sustainability-month/
• NISE Network sustainability resources https://www.nisenet.org/sustainability-resources

Walk Bike & Roll to School (early October)

• http://www.walkbiketoschool.org
• https://bikeleague.org

Manufacturing Day (MFG Day) (first Friday in October)

• https://mfgday.com/
• https://www.themanufacturinginstitute.org/students/manufacturing-day/
• NISE Network engineering resources https://www.nisenet.org/engineering

World Space Week (October 4-10)

• This international event commemorates the beginning of the Space Age with the launch of Sputnik 1 on Oct. 4, 1957
• http://www.worldspaceweek.org
• Explore Science: Earth and Space toolkits http://nisenet.org/earthspacekit
• NISE Network astronomy resources https://www.nisenet.org/astronomy

Public Power Week (first week in October) 

• American Public Power Association (APPA) https://www.publicpower.org/event/public-power-week

• American Public Power Association (APPA) resources https://www.publicpower.org/promoting-public-power

• NISE Network energy resources https://www.nisenet.org/energy

Fire Prevention Week (week of October 9)

• commemorates the Great Chicago Fire of October 8-10, 1871

• FireNational Fire Protection Association (NFPA) https://www.nfpa.org/events/fire-prevention-week

• FEMA Fire Prevention https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/

Ada Lovelace Day (October 8)

• https://findingada.com/

• NISE Network computer science resources https://nisenet.org/computerscience

• NISE Network compilation of resources for engaging girls and young women in STEM https://nisenet.org/girls

National Nano Day (October 9)
National Nanotechnology Day is an annual celebration and pays homage to the nanometer scale, 10^–9 meters. #NationalNanoDay

• https://www.nano.gov/nationalnanoday
• NanoDays activities and resources https://www.nisenet.org/nanodays
• NISE Network size, scale, & measurement resources https://www.nisenet.org/size

Metric Day (October 10)

• NISE Network size, scale, & measurement resources https://www.nisenet.org/size

Indigenous Peoples' Day (Second Monday in October) - celebrate people in STEM

• Indigenous Peoples' Day is a holiday that celebrates and honors Native American peoples and commemorates their histories and cultures. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indigenous_Peoples%27_Day_(United_States)
• NISE Network books, reading, and storytelling resources (see section on Night Sky Storytelling resources) https://www.nisenet.org/books
• NASA's Universe of Learning Native American Sky resources
  https://universe-of-learning.org/contents/events/science-briefings/science-briefing-the-native-american-sky
• Cosmic Serpent - Bridging Native Ways of Knowing and Western Science in Museum Settings
  https://www.informalscience.org/sites/default/files/CS-LegacyDoc27Nov2012.pdf
• Native Sky Watchers - Two Eyed Seeing – NASA & Indigenous Astronomy – For the Benefit of All
  https://www.nativeskywatchers.com/two-eyed-seeing-nasa.html
• The Astronomy of Many Cultures: A Resource Guide compiled by Andrew Fraknoi
• Audio stories about the Moon from Lunar Planetary Institute (LPI)
  https://www.lpi.usra.edu/education/explore/marvelMoon/tales/
• Moon myths from around the world - Night Sky Network and Astronomical Society of the Pacific (ASP)
  https://nightsky.jpl.nasa.gov/download-view.cfm?Doc_ID=642
  Downloadable handout https://nightsky.jpl.nasa.gov/docs/MoonStoriesASP2019.pdf
  Create your own Moon story handout https://nightsky.jpl.nasa.gov/docs/CreateMoonStory.pdf
• Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian Star Stories:
  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLS6nSmuURFJBLIE-4ulPJMYxOV4Zpj1WZ
• Indigenous Education Institute (IEI):
  http://indigenouseducation.org
• Learn more about Indigenous ways of knowing and making local connections in the NISE Network guide Working with STEM Experts: A Guide for Educators in Museums and Other Informal Learning Settings
• Professional STEM Societies:
  • SACNAS – Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science https://www.sacnas.org
  • American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) https://www.aises.org/

International Day of the Girl Child (October 11)

• UN resources https://www.un.org/en/observances/girl-child-day
• NISE Network compilation of resources for engaging girls and young women in STEM https://nisenet.org/girls

Artificial Intelligence (AI) - World AI Week (second week in October)

• https://worldaiweek.ai
• NISE Network artificial intelligence (AI) resources https://www.nisenet.org/AI

Earth Science Week (second full week in October) 

• www.earthsciweek.org
• NISE Network Explore Science: Earth & Space toolkits https://www.nisenet.org/earthspacekit
• NISE Network climate and weather resources https://www.nisenet.org/climate
• NISE Network water resources https://www.nisenet.org/water
• NISE Network energy resources https://www.nisenet.org/energy
• NISE Network sustainability resources https://www.nisenet.org/sustainability-resources

National Fossil Day (third Wednesday in October) 

• Annual celebration held to highlight the scientific and educational value of paleontology and the importance of preserving fossils for future generations

• National Park Service resources https://www.nps.gov/subjects/fossilday/index.htm

Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills (third Thursday in October) 

• https://www.shakeout.org/

• https://www.shakealert.org/education-and-outreach/epicenter/

World CRISPR Day (October 20) 

• https://nationaltoday.com/world-crispr-day/
• NISE Network genetics resources https://www.nisenet.org/genetics
• Building with Biology kit https://nisenet.org/building-with-biology-kit

National Chemistry Week (third full week in October)
Mole Day (October 23) commemorates Avogadro's Number (6.02 x 10²³), which is a measuring unit in chemistry.

• American Chemical Society's National Chemistry Week https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/education/outreach/ncw.html
• NISE Network chemistry resources https://nisenet.org/chemistry
• NISE Network National Chemistry Week resources https://nisenet.org/ncw

Imagine a Day Without Water (mid-October) 

• http://imagineadaywithoutwater.org
• NISE Network water resources https://www.nisenet.org/water

International Archeology Day (third Saturday in October)

• https://www.archaeological.org/programs/public/archaeologyday/

Nuclear Science Week (third week in October)

• www.nuclearscienceweek.org
• NISE Network energy resources https://www.nisenet.org/energy
• Size, scale, and measurement activities https://www.nisenet.org/size

Take Me Outside Day celebration of outdoor learning (third week in October)

• https://takemeoutside.ca/take-me-outside-day/
• NISE Network outdoors resources https://nisenet.org/outside

Lights On Afterschool (mid-late October)

• National showcase for afterschool programs
• Afterschool Alliance resources https://www.afterschoolalliance.org/loa.cfm

World Origami Days (October 24 - November 11)

• October 24 is the birthday of Lillian Oppenheimer (1898-1992), who founded the first origami group in America; November 11 is Origami Day in Japan where the paper crane has become a symbol of peace
• https://origamiusa.org/wod
• Exploring the Universe: Pack a Space Telescope activity https://www.nisenet.org/catalog/exploring-universe-pack-space-telescope
• Nano Future Tellers activity https://www.nisenet.org/catalog/nano-future-tellers
• NASA Origami Universe https://chandra.si.edu/origami/
• NASA Space Origami: Make Your Own Starshade 
  https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/edu/resources/project/space-origami-make-your-own-starshade/

Dark Matter Day (on or around October 31)

• https://www.interactions.org/dark-matter-day
• NASA What is Dark Matter? https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/dark-matter/en/
• NASA Dark Matter https://science.nasa.gov/dark-matter/
• NASA How Do We See Dark Matter activity 
  https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/edu/teach/activity/how-do-we-see-dark-matter/

Halloween (October 31)

• NISE Network Halloween resources https://www.nisenet.org/halloween
• NISE Network Science Fiction, Star Wars, Star Trek, and Superheroes resources 
  https://www.nisenet.org/sciencefiction
• NISE Network Frankenstein 200 kit activities 
  celebrating the anniversary of the publication of Mary Shelley's novel 
  https://www.nisenet.org/frankensteinkit

November

Native American Heritage Month / American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month (November) - celebrate people in STEM

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_American_Indian_Heritage_Month
• NISE Network books and storytelling resources section on Night Sky Storytelling & Indigenous Ways of Knowing resources https://www.nisenet.org/books
• Learn more about Indigenous ways of knowing and making local connections in the NISE Network Working with STEM Experts guide https://www.nisenet.org/working-with-experts
• Professional STEM Societies:
  • Indigenous Education Institute (IEI) http://indigenouseducation.org
  • SACNAS – Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science https://www.sacnas.org
  • American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) https://www.aises.org/

El Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) (November 2)

• Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino resources 
  https://latino.si.edu/learn/teaching-and-learning-resources/day-dead-resources

World Tsunami Awareness Day (November 5)

• https://www.unesco.org/en/days/tsunami-awareness

National STEM /STEAM Day (November 8)

• The date is a play on words, when spoken Nov8 sounds like "innovate"
• NISE Network STEAM activities https://www.nisenet.org/steam

International Day of Radiology & World Radiography Day (November 8)

• The date marks the anniversary of the discovery of X-Rays by Wilhelm Roentgen in 1895
• https://www.internationaldayofradiology.com
• International Society of Radiographers and Radiological Technicians resources https://www.isrrt.org/communication/world-radiography-day/
• Society of Radiography resources https://www.sor.org/about/about-radiography/world-radiography-day-portal

World Science Day for Peace and Development (November 10) & International Science Center and Science Museum Day (November 10)

• UNESCO https://www.unesco.org/en/days/science-peace-development

National Dream Destination Day (November 13)

• NASA Exoplanet Travel Posters https://nisenet.org/catalog/nasa-exoplanet-travel-posters

America Recycles Day (November 15)

• https://kab.org/our-signature-programs/america-recycles-day/
• NISE Network sustainability resources https://www.nisenet.org/sustainability-resources

Pride in STEM Day (November 18) - celebrate people in STEM
International Day of LGBTQIA+ People in STEM

• Pride in STEM Day http://prideinstem.org/lgbtstemday/
• LGBTQ+ STEM https://lgbtqstem.com/
• Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (oSTEM) https://www.ostem.org/
• Out to Innovate™ https://www.noglstp.org
• Queer Museum & Library Network (QMLN) https://qmln.org/

Geography Awareness Week (Third week of November)

• American Association of Geographers https://www.aag.org/geography-awareness-week-2025/
• National Geographic https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/celebrate-geography-awareness-week/
• National Council for Geographic Education https://ncge.org/
• NASA Landsat https://landsat.gsfc.nasa.gov/

GIS Day (Third Wednesday of November)

• Celebrating geographic information systems (GIS) based technologies
• https://www.gisday.com/en-us/overview
• ESRI https://www.esri.com/en-us/gis-for-good
• NASA https://www.earthdata.nasa.gov/learn/gis

World Toilet Day (November 19)

• https://www.un.org/en/observances/toilet-day
• What's Nano about Toilets? video https://www.nisenet.org/catalog/whats-nano-about-toilets
• Nano Spot graphic labels https://www.nisenet.org/catalog/nano-spot-graphic-labels
• Nano Museum Labels (Graphic Signs) https://www.nisenet.org/catalog/nano-museum-labels-graphic-signs-nanodays
• NISE Network water resources https://www.nisenet.org/water

World Children's Day (November 20)

• https://www.unicef.org/world-childrens-day

Fibonacci Day (November 23)

• November 23 (11/23) is the date of Fibonacci Day because the first series of numbers in the Fibonacci sequence are 1, 1, 2, and 3
• NISE Network size, scale, & measurement resources https://www.nisenet.org/size
• Howtosmile.org fibonacci activities https://www.howtosmile.org/resource-search/fibonacci
• Society of Women Engineers suggestions to celebrate
  https://alltogether.swe.org/2021/11/five-ways-to-celebrate-fibonacci-day-on-november-23/

Thanksgiving (last Thursday in November)

• Turkey breast feathers are iridescent due to nano-sized structures within the feathers
  • NISE Network biomimicry resources including iridescence https://www.nisenet.org/biomimicry
  • NISE Network butterfly resources including iridescence https://www.nisenet.org/butterflies

"Black Friday" Shopping Day - (Friday after Thanksgiving)

• Would You Buy That stage presentation https://www.nisenet.org/catalog/would-you-buy
• Buy It or Better Not activity https://www.nisenet.org/catalog/buy-it-or-better-not

Black Hole Friday (last Friday in November)

• Black Hole event resources from Black Hole Week https://imagine.gsfc.nasa.gov/bhw/
• NASA's Guide To Black Hole Safety https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/13322
• What are Black Holes? https://science.nasa.gov/universe/black-holes/

December

World Futures Day (December 2)

• UNESCO https://www.unesco.org/en/days/world-futures
• Teach the Future resources https://www.teachthefuture.org
• NISE Network futures-thinking activities https://www.nisenet.org/society

National Disability Day (December 3)
International Day of Persons with Disabilities (December 3)

• UNESCO https://www.unesco.org/en/days/international-day-persons-disabilities
• NISE Network inclusive audiences and universal design resources https://www.nisenet.org/audiences

Computer Science Education Week (CSEdWeek) and Hour of Code (second week in December)

• CS Ed Week https://www.csedweek.org
• Hour of Code http://hourofcode.com/us
• NISE Network computer science resources https://nisenet.org/computerscience

Wright Brothers Day (December 17)

• Commemorates the the Wright Brothers flight on December 17, 1903, near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina
• https://wrightbrothersday.org/
• NASA Wright Brothers https://www1.grc.nasa.gov/beginners-guide-to-aeronautics/re-living-the-wright-way/

Games Day (December 20)

• NISE Network games https://www.nisenet.org/games
• NISE Network Guide: A Gameful Approach to STEM Learning Experiences 
  https://www.nisenet.org/catalog/gaming-guide

Winter Solstice (December 20 or 21 in the Northern Hemisphere)

• Solstices and equinoxes provide opportunities for planning quarterly programs related to the Earth, Sun, and Moon (astronomical seasons) or your local environment (meteorological seasons)
• NISE Network Moon resources https://www.nisenet.org/moon
• NASA Space Place seasons resources https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/seasons/en/

OTHER SPECIAL EVENTS

Super Hero activities

• NISE Network solar eclipse resources 

2025 Year Long Events

• National Science Foundation's 75th anniversary on May 10, 2025
  • https://new.nsf.gov/75years
• International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ)
  • https://quantum2025.org/
  • https://www.nisenet.org/quantum2023-24 Year Long Events
• Heliophysics Big Year (October 2023 to December 2024)
  • Promotional materials
  • NISE Network solar eclipse resources
  • NISE Network astronomy resources

2023-2025 Year Long Events

• Planetarium Centennial (Fall 2023 to May 2025)
  The first planetarium projector was unveiled in Germany in October 1923 and the first planetarium opened to the public on May 7, 1925, when the Deutsches Museum opened in Munich.

2022-2023 Year Long Events

• Gregor Mendel 200 (July 2022 - 2023)
  • https://gregormendel200.org
  • Videos of his life and work
  • NISE Network genetics resources https://www.nisenet.org/genetics
• International Year of Basic Sciences for Sustainable Development (2022-2023)
  • https://www.iybssd2022.org/en/home/
  • NISE Network sustainability resources https://www.nisenet.org/sustainability-resources

2022 Year Long Events

• 2022 - Transistor 75th Anniversary

  • NPR story

  • Size, Scale, and Measurement resources
  • Computer Science resources
• 2022 - International Year of Glass (January - December 2022)
  • https://www.iyog2022.org
  • Compilation of glass activities and resources https://www.nisenet.org/glass
  • Aerogel activity
  • Exploring Materials - Stained-Glass Windows activity
  • Nanoparticle Stained Glass (cart demo)
  • Nanoparticle Stained Glass: classroom program
  • Exploring Properties - Invisibility activity
  • Exploring Nano & Society - Invisibility Cloak activity
  • Light activities https://www.nisenet.org/light

2019 - Year Long Events

• 2019 - International Year of the Periodic Table of Chemical Elements, 150th anniversary
• 2019 - 50th anniversary of Apollo 11 Moon Landing (July 20, 1969) and Apollo missions
  http://nisenet.org/moon50
• 2019 - NASA 60th anniversary
• 2019 Summer Reading - A Universe of Stories 219 Summer Learning Program

2015 - Year Long Events