Small Moon Big Sun: In this activity, learners explore how distance can affect the way they perceive the size of an object. It also introduces learners to solar eclipses as well as the Sun and Moon’s sizes and distances from Earth. This is a very simple activity using balls as models, making it accessible even for young learners. This resource also contains hints on how to use familiar objects to help learners visualize the sizes and distances of the Sun, Moon and Earth.

Straining out the Dirt: Learners take on the role of environmental engineers as they design water filters. Learners see how polluted water (water with chocolate powder mix) can become clearer when passed through their filter of sand, marbles, granulated activated carbon, and cotton balls. Resource contains suggestions for assessment, extensions, and scaling for different levels of learners.

Ancient Observatories: Chichén Itzá: This is a lesson plan for an activity in which learners, playing the role of archeologists, use math concepts about number bases to decipher the Dresden Codex, an ancient Mayan document. The lesson provides learners with historical background and exposure to how archeologists figure out what ancient documents mean. It also helps learners compare Mayan number systems (base 5) and modern number systems (base 10). It then leads them step-by-step through a series of activities to help break the code, with stopping points to discuss and investigate different ideas. In order to do this activity, learners should understand place value and number bases. Recommended for grade 5 and up.

Apple Science: Comparing Apples and Onions: Students will explore heredity concepts by comparing observable traits of apples and onions, collecting data on the traits of different apple varieties, and learning about apple production. Additional activities include hands-on methods for testing apple ripeness.

Leaf Me Alone: This activity includes a Dragonfly video as background. In this activity, learners explore the structure of plant leaves. Learners find out what happens when they coat either the top or bottom sides of leaves with petroleum jelly. Use this activity to investigate the structure of plants and discuss photosynthesis/respiration.