September 15, 2017
by Tami G. O’Connor
As elementary school teachers, we aim to help our students become scientifically literate (among many other things). But let’s face it: too often we have limited time for science instruction during the school day. Still, we know that kids just love science! They’re always eager to learn more about the world around them, especially when they’re having fun while they’re learning.
But what can we do when our science teaching time is so limited in school? How do you get students involved in scientific discovery outside the classroom? Sure, you can give them homework, but many kids find simply reading about science unappealing. You want your students to LOVE learning more about science… not dread it.
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1 Comment | 
Elementary level, energy, experiments, life science, magnetism, Physics, STEM | Tagged: discrepant event, DIY, Educational Innovations, elementary science, experiments, fun experiments, hands-on activity, homeschool, parent friendly, PBL, PhBL, PhenoBL, phenomenon based learning, science, science fair project, STEM | 
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Posted by Donna Giachetti
August 25, 2017
By Cathy Byrne
This is one of my favorite team-building, icebreaker activities. It’s also a great way to introduce your students to engineering! It can be done with students at many different grade levels. At the beginning of class, I start by welcoming my students to the staff of [Insert-the-name-of-your-school-here] Engineering Company.
I split the class into small groups and tell them: your team has been tasked with constructing the tallest free-standing tower you can build with the materials provided. I give each team a bag containing 20 pipe cleaners and I let them dive right in. It doesn’t take long for the teams to figure out that they need a strong base to hold the flimsy pipe cleaners.
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2 Comments | College level, Elementary level, experiments, High School level, Middle School level, STEM | Tagged: Educational Innovations, engineering, experiments, fun experiments, hands-on activity, homeschool, parent friendly, PBL, PhBL, PhenoBL, phenomenon based learning, science, STEM, variables | Permalink
Posted by Donna Giachetti
August 17, 2017
by Priscilla Robinson
Science teachers aren’t the only ones energized about the eclipse of the Sun. People everywhere are anticipated to take time on Monday to view this cosmic phenomenon. All of North America will be in its path, with a huge swath of the United States witnessing a total solar eclipse. From Salem, Oregon to Charleston, South Carolina, twelve states are in the path of totality. So whether you are a teacher just back to school or a parent trying to make some final summer memories, check it out. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity for you and the kids.
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Leave a Comment » | astronomy, Earth Science, Elementary level, High School level, Middle School level | Tagged: DIY, eclipse, Educational Innovations, fun experiments, hands-on activity, homeschool, parent friendly, science | Permalink
Posted by Donna Giachetti
August 15, 2017
It’s easy to start a discussion about fossils and paleontology. Just ask your students to name their favorite dinosaurs. Almost everybody has a dino fave!
Depending upon the grade(s) you teach, your discussion may revolve around characteristics and classification of specific dinosaurs… the concept of extinction… or even the field of paleontology. We’ve amassed a wealth of links and ideas that will help you get your class excited about learning more. So… start digging!
If you have any ideas for new discussion starters on this topic, share with us in the comments section below, and be sure to browse our selection of fun and educational paleontology and life science experiments!
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Leave a Comment » | Biology, College level, Earth Science, Elementary level, High School level, life science, Middle School level | Tagged: dinosaur dig, Educational Innovations, evolution, fossil dig, fossilized shark's teeth, fossils, homeschool, paleontology, parent friendly, PBL, PhBL, PhenoBL, phenomenon based learning, science, science fair project, variables | Permalink
Posted by Donna Giachetti
August 15, 2017
An astonishing amount of information can be learned from fossilized bones that are millions of years old, but what about the many questions that we can’t know for sure? How fast did dinosaurs move? Did any species have feathers? Who picks the names of newly-discovered species? We may not have any living specimens around to observe, but there are hundreds of excellent videos that share information about what dino life might have been like.
If you find a video that you’d like to share with us, please leave a comment!
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Leave a Comment » | Biology, College level, Earth Science, Elementary level, High School level, life science, Middle School level | Tagged: dinosaur dig, Educational Innovations, evolution, fossil dig, fossilized shark's teeth, fossils, homeschool, paleontology, parent friendly, PBL, PhBL, PhenoBL, phenomenon based learning, science, variables | Permalink
Posted by Donna Giachetti
