What’s more summery than watermelon? These fun lessons from the National Watermelon Promotion Board are perfect summer science activities and can be modified depending upon the grade range you’re teaching.
Summer Science Lesson
June 14, 2016
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Biology, Chemistry, College level, density, Earth Science, Elementary level, experiments, High School level, Middle School level | Tagged: DIY, Educational Innovations, fun experiments, green science, hands-on activity, homeschool, parent friendly, PBL, phenomenon based learning, phenomenon-based science, science, variables | 
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Posted by Donna Giachetti
You Said It! Summer Science Product Reviews
June 14, 2016
If we tried to include all the reviews for all our products that are fun to use in the summer, well… the list would be well over 300 products long! We’ve winnowed it down to our Top Ten favorite summer science products. Below you’ll learn more about some of our all-time favorite outdoor science materials, and get honest reviews from real teachers and parents.
Is your favorite Educational Innovations‘ product on this list? If not, write to us in the comments below and let us know what we forgot!
Leave a Comment » | Biology, Chemistry, College level, density, Elementary level, energy, experiments, High School level, Middle School level, Physics | Tagged: DIY, Educational Innovations, energy, fun experiments, hands-on activity, homeschool, parent friendly, PBL, phenomenon based learning, phenomenon-based science, Physics, science | Permalink
Posted by Donna Giachetti
Summer Science Discussion Starters
June 14, 2016
Choosing a few compelling ice-breakers and discussion starters for the first week of school may not be a priority right now, but it’s never too early to jot down a few good ideas. We’ve compiled 20 ideas to help you start some lively science conversations next year.
Each of these “raise-your-hand-if…” statements can be expanded or modified, depending upon the grade you teach. Your goal is to find ways to connect your students’ summer experiences with science topics.
Do you have any excellent discussion starter questions related to summer science? Share them with us in the comments below!
Leave a Comment » | College level, Elementary level, High School level, Middle School level | Tagged: Educational Innovations, homeschool, kinetic energy, light, parent friendly, PBL, phenomenon based learning, phenomenon-based science, science, ultraviolet | Permalink
Posted by Donna Giachetti
Molding a Thermoplastic Polymer
June 10, 2016
By Dr. Kenneth Lyle, Duke University, Durham NC and Elaine “Lainey” Williams
Thermoplastic Polymers for All!
When thermoplastic polymer became available a couple of years ago, we purchased a bottle to see if it would be a viable addition to our chemistry outreach program. Since then, literally hundreds of people, young and old, have experienced molding the thermoplastic, taking their creations home in Zip-loc® bags.
And now, with the availability of dyes, a whole new world of creative design has opened up. The molding of a thermoplastic activity has been incorporated into our “Polymers” and “Chemistry of Crafts” hands-on outreach presentations, and has been used as a stand-alone station.
2 Comments | Chemistry, College level, Elementary level, experiments, High School level, Middle School level | Tagged: DIY, Educational Innovations, experiments, fun experiments, hands-on activity, homeschool, parent friendly, PBL, phenomenon based learning, phenomenon-based science, science, science fair project, variables | Permalink
Posted by Donna Giachetti
Center of Gravity on a Tightrope
May 27, 2016
By Tami G. O’Connor
When I taught second grade, one of our literature books was Mirette on the High Wire by Emily Arnold McCully. I was that teacher who always taught thematically—that is, nothing ever was taught in a vacuum. I tried as often as possible to tie things together.
1 Comment | Elementary level, experiments, Middle School level, Physics | Tagged: balance, center of gravity, center of mass, homeschool, newton, parent friendly, PBL, phenomenon based learning, phenomenon-based science, science, tightrope | Permalink
Posted by Donna Giachetti