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3-2-1 POP!

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In this physics activity, learners build their own rockets out of film canisters and construction paper. Learners discover how a chemical reaction (from a mix of water and Alka-Seltzer) creates gas pressure to propel the craft. The activity explores the three states of matter and Newtonäóťs Laws of Motion.

Subject:: Engineering; Technology; Education; History, Law, Politics; Chemistry; Geoscience; Physics; Space Science
Material Type:: Activity/Lab
Provider:: Science and Math Informal Learning Educators (SMILE)
Provider Set:: SMILE Pathway: Science and Math Activities in One Search
Author:: COSI
Date Added:: 11/09/2009

3...2...1 Puff!

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3...2...1 Puff!

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In this activity, learners build small indoor paper rockets, determine their flight stability, and launch them by blowing air through a drinking straw. This lesson plan includes procedures for the two part activity, background information, diagrams for making Ares 1 paper rockets, discussion questions, extensions, and black-line masters for learners.

Subject:: Engineering; Technology; Education; History, Law, Politics; Mathematics; Geometry; Chemistry; Geoscience; Physics; Space Science
Material Type:: Activity/Lab; Data Set; Lesson Plan
Provider:: Science and Math Informal Learning Educators (SMILE)
Provider Set:: SMILE Pathway: Science and Math Activities in One Search
Author:: Deborah A. Shearer; Gregory L. Vogt, Ed.D.; NASA
Date Added:: 06/26/2012

A-Mazing Robot

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This activity lets you program your 'robot' (a willing friend) to pick up and dispose of some 'toxic waste' using as few commands as possible. Learners create command cards (Turn Left, Right, Forward 1, etc.), mark out a simulation area on the floor, and try to get the "robot" to dispose of something that serves as "toxic waste" into something that serves as a "containment vessel" - in as few steps as possible. Strategy, predication and cooperation are all part of this activity.

Subject:: Computing and Information; Engineering; Technology; Education; History, Law, Politics
Material Type:: Activity/Lab; Game
Provider:: Science and Math Informal Learning Educators (SMILE)
Provider Set:: SMILE Pathway: Science and Math Activities in One Search
Author:: Dakota Science Center; New York Hall of Science
Date Added:: 11/09/1999

APSnet-K-12 Teacher's Guide to Lessons and Laboratories: Water Molds

APSnet-K-12 Teacher's Guide to Lessons and Laboratories: Water Molds

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This website presents a great Water Molds activity-based lesson plan which is part of the American Phytopathological Society's K-12 Plant Path-Ways to Science website previously reported on in the September 6, 2002 issue of the NSDL Scout Report for the Life Sciences. This Water Molds lesson was developed by educators Gail L. Schumann and Claudia A. Jasalavich as "an introduction to an important group of soil and water organisms (the Oomycetes) and an opportunity to conduct some simple biodiversity exercises. This exercise can be used for all K-12 age groups and learning levels, but may be most useful for grades 7-12 in classrooms where dissecting and compound microscopes are available." The site is well laid-out with clear instructions, great photos, and sections on Purpose and Background Information, Materials and Methods, Diagrams For Class Use, and more.

Subject:: Education; Life Science; Ecology; Forestry and Agriculture; Geoscience
Material Type:: Activity/Lab; Diagram/Illustration; Lesson Plan; Simulation
Provider:: AMSER: Applied Math and Science Education Repository; Science and Math Informal Learning Educators (SMILE)
Provider Set:: AMSER: Applied Math and Science Education Repository; SMILE Pathway: Science and Math Activities in One Search
Author:: APSnet; Claudia A. Jasalavich; Gail L. Schumann; Jasalavich, Claudia A.; Schumann, Gail L.
Date Added:: 07/19/2007

The Ability of Permeability

The Ability of Permeability

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In this activity (page 11 of the PDF), learners investigate how quickly water moves through various materials. They measure and compare the permeability of gravel, sand, and soil. Although this was created as a post-visit activity for a workshop about earth processes, it also makes an excellent stand alone activity.

Subject:: Ecology; Forestry and Agriculture; Geoscience
Material Type:: Activity/Lab
Provider:: Science and Math Informal Learning Educators (SMILE)
Provider Set:: SMILE Pathway: Science and Math Activities in One Search
Author:: COSI
Date Added:: 11/09/2009

Above Water: Buoyancy & Displacement

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Above Water: Buoyancy & Displacement

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In an investigation called "Shape It!" learners craft tiny boats out of clay, set them afloat on water and then add weight loads to them, in order to explore: how objects stay afloat in water; what the relationship is among surface tension, buoyancy, density and displacement; and how shape, size, and type of material affect an object's ability to remain buoyant. The introductory text discusses how heavy steel ships can float on bodies of water like rivers, bays and oceans.

Subject:: Engineering; Technology; Education; Mathematics; Chemistry; Geoscience; Physics; Space Science
Material Type:: Activity/Lab; Lesson Plan
Provider:: Science and Math Informal Learning Educators (SMILE); State of New Jersey
Provider Set:: SMILE Pathway: Science and Math Activities in One Search
Author:: Liberty Science Center; New Jersey; New Jersey Department of Education; New Jersey School Age Care Coalition; No Child Left Behind Act of 2001
Date Added:: 11/07/2006

Absorb & Repel

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In this activity, learners investigate how different materials repel or absorb water. Learners use spray bottles to explore how everyday items like sponges, cardboard, feathers, etc. respond to water differently. This activity also introduces learners to the scientific method as learners make predictions about which materials will absorb or repel water.

Subject:: Engineering; Technology; Education; Life Science; Chemistry; Geoscience; Physics
Material Type:: Activity/Lab; Lesson Plan
Provider:: Science and Math Informal Learning Educators (SMILE)
Provider Set:: SMILE Pathway: Science and Math Activities in One Search
Author:: Kohl Children's Museum
Date Added:: 11/09/2012

Achi: A Strange Game of Tic Tac Toe

Achi: A Strange Game of Tic Tac Toe

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In this game, learners strategize to be the first player to make three in a row. This game is similar to the classic Tic-Tac-Toe game, but learners slide game pieces along lines, instead of filling in boxes with X's or O's. Learners will practice mathematical thinking skills like strategizing, predicting and problem solving. This activity guide contains sample questions to ask, literary connections, extensions, and alignment to local and national standards.

Subject:: Education; Mathematics; Algebra
Material Type:: Activity/Lab; Game; Lesson Plan
Provider:: Science and Math Informal Learning Educators (SMILE)
Provider Set:: SMILE Pathway: Science and Math Activities in One Search
Author:: Children's Museum of Houston; Children's Museum Of Houston; ExxonMobil
Date Added:: 09/19/2014

Acorns

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In this outdoor game, learners play the roles of gray or red squirrels gathering and storing a supply of food in "fall" and recovering enough of them to survive the "winter." Learners carry bags representing their cheek pouches for carrying food. Learners investigate the advantages and disadvantages of how these two kinds of squirrels store food differently.

Subject:: Education; Life Science; Ecology; Forestry and Agriculture; Geoscience
Material Type:: Activity/Lab; Game; Simulation
Provider:: Science and Math Informal Learning Educators (SMILE)
Provider Set:: SMILE Pathway: Science and Math Activities in One Search
Author:: Lawrence Hall of Science
Date Added:: 11/09/2014

Acting Out

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This activity (on pages 21-32 of PDF) has learners act out several classic brain teasers. Instead of moving checkers or pennies around on a table, learners play the role of the different pieces of the puzzle, and have to move themselves around. The lesson plan includes printable pictures of different characters than can be worn by the learners. Answers to the puzzles are provided so the facilitator can guide learners towards the solution.

Subject:: Education; Mathematics
Material Type:: Activity/Lab; Game; Lesson Plan
Provider:: Science and Math Informal Learning Educators (SMILE)
Provider Set:: SMILE Pathway: Science and Math Activities in One Search
Author:: OMSI; Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
Date Added:: 11/09/2008

Action Figure

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In this project, students explore how levers work, by making a puppet with moving limbs. After showing students how to make the arms, students are challenged to construct the rest of the puppet on their own. This activity engages learners in a way that is educational, fun, and encourages creativity.

Subject:: Engineering; Technology; Chemistry; Physics
Material Type:: Activity/Lab; Data Set
Provider:: Science and Math Informal Learning Educators (SMILE)
Provider Set:: SMILE Pathway: Science and Math Activities in One Search
Author:: Chuck E. Cheese's; National Science Foundation; Public television viewers; WGBH
Date Added:: 11/09/2010

Active Graphs

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In this activity, learners track their movements with jumping and leaping graphs. In part A, learners jump as high as they can and press their inked fingers or hands against a large true-to-life chart with vertical distance marked along the vertical edge. Learners compare the results. In part B, learners jump as far as they can and use masking tape to mark their spot on a true-to-life bar graph. Again, learners compare the results.

Subject:: Education; Life Science; Mathematics
Material Type:: Activity/Lab; Lesson Plan
Provider:: Science and Math Informal Learning Educators (SMILE)
Provider Set:: SMILE Pathway: Science and Math Activities in One Search
Author:: Chicago Children's Museum
Date Added:: 11/09/2011

Adaptive Device Design

Adaptive Device Design

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In this activity, learners explore the concept of how engineering has made possible the development of--and ongoing improvements to--adaptive devices that serve to help individuals with a wide range of physical challenges adapt to the world and participate fully in society. Learners investigate the engineering process to solve problems, and work in teams to improve the design of a current or proposed adaptive device. Learners start with eyeglasses, disassembling, examining component design and shape, and reassembling. Then, learners re-engineer the product seeking improvements to the current product.

Subject:: Engineering; Technology; Education; History, Law, Politics; Life Science; Physics
Material Type:: Activity/Lab; Lesson Plan
Provider:: Science and Math Informal Learning Educators (SMILE)
Provider Set:: SMILE Pathway: Science and Math Activities in One Search
Author:: IEEE
Date Added:: 05/22/2014

Adherence to HIV Treatment

Adherence to HIV Treatment

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In this activity, learners simulate taking HIV antiretroviral drugs by using Tic Tac mints and Kool-Aid packets. Learners will experience firsthand how easy or difficult it is to fully adhere to a treatment program. Participation in this activity does not require eating or drinking anything and can accommodate learners with allergies.

Subject:: Education; Life Science; Mathematics
Material Type:: Activity/Lab; Lesson Plan; Simulation
Provider:: Science and Math Informal Learning Educators (SMILE)
Provider Set:: SMILE Pathway: Science and Math Activities in One Search
Author:: Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Date Added:: 11/09/2007

Aerial Imagery

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This activity (on page 2 of the PDF) is a full inquiry investigation into aerial imagery. Learners will use the internet to gather free aerial imagery of nearby points of interest (or use laminated images prepped by educator). Then, they will imagine they are traveling in a spaceship to visit Earth for the first time and explore how their view changes as they approach Earthäóťs surface. Relates to linked video, DragonflyTV GPS: Earthquakes.

Subject:: Computing and Information; Engineering; Technology; Education; Life Science; Ecology; Forestry and Agriculture; Mathematics; Geoscience; Physics; Space Science
Material Type:: Activity/Lab; Lesson Plan; Simulation
Provider:: Science and Math Informal Learning Educators (SMILE)
Provider Set:: SMILE Pathway: Science and Math Activities in One Search
Author:: National Science Foundation; Twin Cities Public Television; Twin Cities Public Television, Inc.
Date Added:: 11/09/2006

Aerogel

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This activity/demo introduces learners to aerogel, a glass nanofoam. Learners discover how aerogel is made and how well it insulates as well as learn about aerogel's other unique properties. Learners see real aerogel and feel how well it insulates.

Subject:: Engineering; Technology; Education; History, Law, Politics; Mathematics; Chemistry; Geoscience; Physics; Space Science
Material Type:: Activity/Lab; Diagram/Illustration; Lecture; Lesson Plan; Simulation
Provider:: Nanoscience Informal Science Education; Science and Math Informal Learning Educators (SMILE)
Provider Set:: NISE Network; SMILE Pathway: Science and Math Activities in One Search
Author:: Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network; National Science Foundation; NISE Network; Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
Date Added:: 01/02/2013

Aesop's Arithmetic

Aesop's Arithmetic

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In this activity (located on page 9 of the PDF), learners are introduced to Aesop's fable, "The Crow and the Pitcher." In the story, a clever crow drops pebbles into a pitcher to cause the water level to rise. Eventually, the water is high enough for the crow to take a drink. Learners predict and experiment to see how many pebbles it would take to create the same outcome as in the fable. Use this activity to introduce the concepts of volume and displacement.

Subject:: Engineering; Technology; Education; Mathematics; Chemistry; Geoscience; Physics
Material Type:: Activity/Lab; Lesson Plan
Provider:: Science and Math Informal Learning Educators (SMILE)
Provider Set:: SMILE Pathway: Science and Math Activities in One Search
Author:: Chicago Children's Museum
Date Added:: 11/09/2008

African Arts

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In this two-day activity (on pages 16-22), learners use a process like that of the Yoruba people of Nigeria to create an African symbol on cloth. Learners first make cassava gel, then paint decorative symbols on cloth, and finally dye it. Learners examine the significance of symbols in African culture and communication, and the use of natural plant products for human projects.

Subject:: Computing and Information; Engineering; Technology; Education; Life Science
Material Type:: Activity/Lab
Provider:: Science and Math Informal Learning Educators (SMILE)
Provider Set:: SMILE Pathway: Science and Math Activities in One Search
Author:: Howard Hughes Medical Institute; National Science Foundation Informal Science Education Program; Nebraska Cooperative Extension 4-H Youth Development; University of Nebraska State Museum
Date Added:: 11/09/2001

Air Cannon

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In this activity (page 1 of PDF), learners will construct an air cannon by cutting a hole in the bottom of a bucket and stretching a garbage bag over the other end. Then, they aim the cannon at a paper target and try to knock it over by giving the plastic bag a good whack. Learners also experiment with hole size to make the cannon more effective. Relates to the linked video, DragonflyTV: Forecasting.

Subject:: Engineering; Technology; Education; History, Law, Politics; Chemistry; Geoscience; Physics; Space Science
Material Type:: Activity/Lab
Provider:: Science and Math Informal Learning Educators (SMILE)
Provider Set:: SMILE Pathway: Science and Math Activities in One Search
Author:: National Science Foundation; Twin Cities Public Television; Twin Cities Public Television, Inc.
Date Added:: 11/09/2005

Air, It's Really There

Air, It's Really There

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This lesson focuses on molecular motion in gases. Learners compare the mass of a basketball when it is deflated and after it has been inflated. The inflated ball has the greater mass so learners can conclude that gas is matter because it has mass and takes up space. Then learners consider how heating and cooling affect molecular motion in gases. They dip the mouth of a bottle in detergent solution and observe a bubble growing and shrinking when the bottle is warmed and cooled. Learners will discover that the attractions between gas molecules are so minimal that attractions canäóťt be used to explain the behavior of gases like they can for liquids and solids.

Subject:: Engineering; Technology; Education; Mathematics; Chemistry; Geoscience; Physics
Material Type:: Interactive; Lecture Notes; Lesson Plan
Provider:: ComPADRE Digital Library; Science and Math Informal Learning Educators (SMILE)
Provider Set:: ComPADRE: Resources for Physics and Astronomy Education; SMILE Pathway: Science and Math Activities in One Search
Author:: American Chemical Society; Jim Kessler; Patti Galvan
Date Added:: 04/26/2011