Posts by Brenda Kovich

fifth grade science, fourth grade science, science

How can you use models in science? It’s easy! Diagrams and 3-D representations make meaningful connections for kids. Additionally, you can weave analogies into your teaching. Let’s take a look…

The first of eight science practices is asking questions.

How to Make Testable Questions for Science

November 13, 2022

fifth grade science, fourth grade science, science, third grade science

What is a testable question? In fourth and fifth grade science, kids learn that it compares only one variable. Furthermore, it allows them to predict, observe, and measure. (more…)

Easy Radiation of Heat Activities for Kids

November 6, 2022

energy, fourth grade science, physical science

Engage, Physical Science, Plan, Science

Teaching radiation of heat? Start with simple hands-on experiences. Then discuss characteristics. In this form of energy transfer, heat radiates through the air or space. (more…)

Teaching convection? Try this simple experiment. Kids use a straw to put cold, colored water into a cup of warm water.

Teaching Convection with Simple, Hands-on Experiments

October 30, 2022

energy, fourth grade science, physical science

Engage, Physical Science, Plan, Science

Teaching convection of heat? Give kids get hands-on experiences. Start with simple experiments. Then discuss characteristics. In this form of energy transfer, warm air or water rises. (more…)

As you consider how to teach conduction of heat (AKA thermal energy), begin with simple hands-on exploration.

How to Teach Conduction of Heat, or Thermal Energy

October 23, 2022

energy, fourth grade science, physical science

Engage, Physical Science, Plan, Science

Figuring out how to teach conduction of heat? Start with hands-on experiments. Then discuss characteristics. In this form of energy transfer, objects must touch. (more…)

Teach stages of engineering process with a clear approach.

Stages of the Engineering Design Process -Teaching Fundamentals to Kids

October 16, 2022

engineering design process, fifth grade science, fourth grade science, third grade science

Teaching stages of the engineering design process to kids? Don’t just jump into STEM activities. Instead, provide a clear learning progression. First, introduce each step clearly. Second, give them opportunities…

Conducting a fair test is a critical part of the redesigning a prototype in the engineering design process for kids.

Conducting a Fair Test in Engineering Design – What You Need to Know

October 9, 2022

engineering design, fifth grade science, fourth grade science, science, third grade science

Conducting a fair test in engineering design? This phase of the process is often overlooked. But kids in third, fourth, and fifth grades should do it! After identifying failure points,…

Developing and testing a prototype is the fun part of the engineering design process.

Developing and Testing a Prototype – Fundamentals for Kids

October 2, 2022

engineering design process, fifth grade science, fourth grade science, third grade science

Developing a prototype and testing it is the fun part of the engineering design process. Kids in third, fourth, and fifth grades design and build a model. Then they try…

When generating solutions in the engineering design process, kids in third, fourth, and fifth grade work on generating solutions through research and brainstorming.

Generating and Choosing Solutions – Easy Ways to Teach Engineering Design

September 25, 2022

engineering design process, fifth grade science, fourth grade science, third grade science