High (9-12)

I See the Light

Format: In Person | Grade: Upper Elementary (4-5), Middle (6-8), High (9-12)

Students use light boxes to explore the effects lenses and mirrors have on the path of light. They then consider the human eye and what it means to be near- or far-sighted.

This investigation requires access to power outlets.

Keyword(s): optics, reflection, refraction

Walk This Way

Format: In Person | Grade: Middle (6-8), High (9-12)

Get your students on their feet in the name of science! Students are challenged to match a given position-time graph by moving in front of a motion detector and develop their understanding of graphical representations of motion. 

This investigation requires access to a power outlet.

Keyword(s): Motion, Graphs

Sparking Ideas About Uniform Motion

Format: In Person | Grade: Upper Elementary (4-5), Middle (6-8), High (9-12)

Spark timers and toy cars are used to spark student ideas about uniform motion and make connections between physical motion and graphical representation!

This investigation requires basic familiarity with graphical representations of data and access to power outlets.

Keyword(s): Kinematics, Motion, Graphs

Freeze Your Mind

Format: In Person, Virtual | Grade: Upper Elementary (4-5), Middle (6-8), High (9-12)

Students unpack the concept of heat by comparing how ice responds to different materials. There are plenty of surprises as the ice melts! 

This investigation requires access to ice.

Keyword(s): Temperature, Heat

Don't Overreact

Format: In Person | Grade: Upper Elementary (4-5), Middle (6-8), High (9-12)

Students use their senses to detect a chemical change. Watch their eyes widen as they hold a bag that changes temperature, fills with gas, and changes color. This activity is derived from the GEMS Chemical Reactions.

This investigation requires basic familiarity with chemical changes.

Keyword(s): Physical Changes, Chemical Changes