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 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…)
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…)
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 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 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…
Generating solutions is the second part the engineering design process. Kids in third, fourth, and fifth grade research and brainstorm. Then they consider criteria and constraints to choose the best…
Defining a problem is the first step in the engineering design process. For kids in third, fourth, and fifth grades, this should include criteria and constraints. Let’s take a look…
Teaching leaves and photosynthesis in fourth and fifth grades can be tricky. Just take it slow and easy. First, teach the basics of cells and chemical reactions. Then move on…
Teaching roots and stems? To convey their structures and functions, try these ideas. First, try a quick experiment that compares plants with three types of roots – taproots, fibrous, and…