Helping students understand scientific and mathematical concepts through direct experience.

Engineering & Design: Modeling & Mitigating Stream Processes

Students model the phenomenon of sediment movement in a river to gather evidence for how geoscience processes change Earth’s surface. In Part A, students investigate how flowing water erodes and deposits sediments to create common landforms. Part B is an engineering design challenge where students use design criteria and constraints to design and test erosion-control structures. Based on the results of their initial testing, students redesign and retest their structures.

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The Power of CRISPR (for 5 classes)

This one to two week module explores how CRISPR gene-editing technology works and how it could be used to treat sickle cell disease, a genetic blood disorder. Students use CRISPR to edit bacterial genes as they investigate relationships between genes, proteins, and traits. They then discuss the ethics, risks, and benefits of using CRISPR for different applications. Module Overview Lesson 1: Students are introduced to sickle cell disease and CRISPR. They learn that genes are instructions for proteins that…

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Body Systems, Structures, and Functions

Students learn about major organs and systems in the human body. First, they complete an activity that explores their current knowledge and ideas about the sizes and locations of specific organs. Then, they group Organ and Structure Cards and explore the functions of several human body systems. Next, students create a three-dimensional model of selected body systems. Finally, they color the organ systems on a diagram and test their knowledge of systems and organs as they revisit their earlier ideas.

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Electric Motors Catalyst Classroom Module (Developed by Tinkering Labs)

This elementary school module allows students to follow their curiosity to wonder, design, test, tinker, and invent while providing a deeply engaging STEM learning experience. The Electric Motors Catalyst has been thoughtfully designed so that all students (and teachers!) can be successful in formal or informal settings -- schools, clubs, camps, and more! The Electric Motors Catalyst was designed by a team led by Gever Tulley, founder of the award-winning, independent, Brightworks School in San Francisco,…

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