SMILE Pathway: Science and Math Activities in One Search
The SMILE (Science and Math Informal Learning Educators) Pathway is for informal educators looking for high-quality STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) activities across multiple disciplines and contributing institutions. All materials are designed and chosen especially for those who teach school-aged kids in non-classroom settings. SMILE is also a meeting place for educators excited about what they do and ready to talk about how they do it. Additionally, SMILE creates a national partnership among science and technology centers, museums, community-based organizations, and out-of-school educators.
In this physics activity, learners build their own rockets out of film ...
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.
This activity lets you program your 'robot' (a willing friend) to pick ...
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.
In this activity (page 11 of the PDF), learners investigate how quickly ...
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.
In an investigation called "Shape It!" learners craft tiny boats out of ...
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.
In this activity, learners investigate how different materials repel or absorb water. ...
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.
In this game, learners strategize to be the first player to make ...
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.
In this outdoor game, learners play the roles of gray or red ...
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.
This activity (on pages 21-32 of PDF) has learners act out several ...
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.
In this activity, learners simulate taking HIV antiretroviral drugs by using Tic ...
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.
This activity (on page 2 of the PDF) is a full inquiry ...
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.
This activity/demo introduces learners to aerogel, a glass nanofoam. Learners discover how ...
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.
In this two-day activity (on pages 16-22), learners use a process like ...
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.
In this activity (page 1 of PDF), learners will construct an air ...
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.
This lesson focuses on molecular motion in gases. Learners compare the mass ...
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.
In this physics activity, challenge learners to lift a book with just ...
In this physics activity, challenge learners to lift a book with just air using a plastic bag and a straw. This activity demonstrates compressed air and forces.
In this activity, learners simulate Otto von Guericke's famous Magdeburg Hemispheres experiment. ...
In this activity, learners simulate Otto von Guericke's famous Magdeburg Hemispheres experiment. In this modern, low cost version, a pair of learners try to pull apart two suction cups (dent pullers). Learners then calculate the amount of force holding the dent pullers together.
In this activity related to Newton's Laws of Motion, learners build a ...
In this activity related to Newton's Laws of Motion, learners build a boat powered by a propeller in the air. The airboats can be designed in many ways and can include various recyclables like plastic bottles, craft sticks, Styrofoam, and cardboard. This activity guide includes step-by-step instructions with images, an explanation of Newton's Laws, and focus questions.
This activity (located on page 3 of the PDF) is a full ...
This activity (located on page 3 of the PDF) is a full inquiry investigation into Bernoulliäóťs principle and airplane wings. Learners will design and build their own airplane wing models out of Styrofoam, record their mass, and then use a fan to measure the äóěweightäó change when air flows over the wing. Results from testing other wing shapes and sizes are then measured to chart relationships between lift and wing size and shape. Relates to linked video, DragonflyTV GPS: Balloon Fiesta.
This activity (on pages 7-13) has pairs of learners survey an array ...
This activity (on pages 7-13) has pairs of learners survey an array of similarities and differences between them. The differences survey worksheet focuses on genetically inherited physical features, such as hair color, eye color, ear shape, and tongue folding and rolling. By tallying the whole group's features, they will consider which features are "dominant" (occurring more often). The activity includes reflection questions to encourage writing.
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