To most people the electronic devices they encounter daily are simply black boxes. What’s underneath the screen of a tablet, inside the TV, or behind the touch pad of the microwave? This module introduces children to the basic components that make up every electronic circuit.
Games most young children already know how to play are popular station activities. A printer and cardstock are all you need to create your own science-based versions. Alternatively, inexpensive blank playing cards are readily available online. Attaching printed text and images with clear packing tape produces sturdy, long-wearing cards. An Read more…
Want a better way to manage supplies in your building activities, that leads to more thoughtful designs and less waste? Read on!
This module is an alternative version of The Great Boat Float Challenge, which may be more satisfying for older students — third grade and up — than simply building a boat to hold as much weight as possible. Students consider the real-world problem that marine engineers and naval architects face when designing ships to pass through the Panama Canal. “Panamax” refers to the maximum allowable dimensions for those ships. This is a good activity for teams of two students.
This activity introduces the concept of displacement and buoyancy as it relates to boats and ships, and then lets students put this knowledge into practice by designing and building model boats to hold as much weight as possible without sinking or capsizing.
The need to weigh or add weight to something is a frequent feature in science activities. Fortunately, not only are there many different options – and what’s “best” varies by activity – but plenty of them are inexpensive or free! Here we discuss what we’ve found to be the most useful and kid-friendly choices.
How can you tell how acidic or basic something is? Touching or tasting it could be dangerous or unpleasant. In this activity, students use indicator papers made from familiar fruits & vegetables to see which are the best at measuring pH.
Creating a child- and volunteer-safe environment Anyone currently employed by a school district or other organization that serves youth is probably required by state law to receive ongoing training in youth safety. The purpose of this training is two-fold; it protects both the children and the adults working with them. Read more…
In this module, each student represents a carbon atom. The purpose of the activity is to show how carbon atoms move through the environment over time, known as the “carbon cycle”.
What makes for a successful after-school science activity? How to maintain engagement of young kids? How to keep things running smoothly? This post details an experience-tested framework and advice for planning and running a successful science activity for kids.