Q. How can I use NIGMS educational resources with my students?
A. In class. Findings and other NIGMS publications can be used to enhance knowledge provided in textbooks and lecture materials in high school science courses including introductory biology, honors/advanced placement biology, anatomy, science and technology, chemistry, health and others.
Special assignment. Findings and other educational materials from NIGMS are a good source of current knowledge about medical research. Try combining Findings with current research news as source material for discussions of current events in science and medicine. Since NIGMS educational publications highlight the work of scientists across the country, they can be a good resource for science clubs and as background for research papers.
Career resource. NIGMS theme publications on various facets of medical research offer a view into these fields not offered by most textbooks that have a broader focus on biology, chemistry and other areas of life science. Findings "puts a face on science" by profiling cutting-edge researchers and their lives outside the lab.
Teacher education. It is very difficult to find the time to stay up to date with the latest trends and knowledge in medical research. NIGMS publications are updated frequently and focus on cutting-edge scientific advances and technology.
Q. How do NIGMS educational publications support the goals of the National Science Education Standards?
A. NIH produces a series of curriculum supplements that are created to match the requirements outlined in the National Science Education Standards 
.
NIGMS educational products address several aspects of the National Science Education Standards, including:
- presenting science as a human endeavor in the context of today's world;
- identifying, exploring and adding modern context to basic life science principles;
- emphasizing the pervasive roles of curiosity and diligence in carrying out science investigations; and
- focusing on the interdisciplinary, diverse nature of modern medical research.
Q. What grade levels are appropriate for NIGMS publications?
A. High school. Most publications produced by NIGMS are targeted to high school students; however, these resources can also be useful as adjunct curricular materials for introductory college courses and some professional programs (e.g., pharmacy, nursing). A new curriculum supplement at the high school level focuses on evolution and medicine.
Middle school. Doing Science is an engaging four-lesson curriculum supplement targeted at middle school students. This field-tested unit, which focuses on inquiry and how to develop testable questions, is best used at the beginning of the academic year. Doing Science is free and can be ordered at http://science.education.nih.gov/customers.nsf/middleschool.htm.
Q. How can I find the latest science news about research around the nation funded by NIGMS?
A. Go to the listing of news releases published by NIGMS-funded institutions at http://www.nigms.nih.gov/News/Results, subscribe to our Biomedical Beat news digest or follow us on Twitter .
Q. How can I find the latest news about NIH-funded research?
A. Read NIH Research Matters articles (you can also subscribe to the listserv or RSS feed to get updates when new stories are posted). For a complete listing of NIH news releases, go to http://www.nih.gov/news/#releases. You can also download and listen to the NIH Research Radio Podcast, which is updated every other Friday.
Q. Where can I learn about progress in the past 30 years on understanding, treating and/or preventing a wide variety of diseases?
A. Go to the Fact Sheets section of http://www.nih.gov/about/researchresultsforthepublic.
Q. Where on the Web can I find authoritative, comprehensive information about health and disease?
A. Go to MedlinePlus at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus or http://health.nih.gov.
Q. How can I find more free educational publications from NIH?
A. NIH, which is a component of the Department of Health and Human Services, consists of 27 institutes and centers. Visit individual institute and center Web sites for more information about educational resources on specific health conditions.
The NIH Office of Science Education is an excellent source of high-quality additional science educational materials and student career resources.
Q. How can I obtain printed copies of NIGMS publications?
A. We encourage you to consider the environment and use our materials in their electronic forms. If you require printed versions, you may order a copy of most publications. In some cases, you may order up to 30 copies of NIGMS educational publications via our educator order form. We will consider special requests for larger quantities; please contact the Office of Communications and Public Liaison with your request by sending e-mail to info@nigms.nih.gov or calling 301-496-7301.