Idea Sheets

Watch water travel "uphill" to provide constant moisture for seed germination.
Subjects: Life Science

Model cars teach students about motion along inclined planes, friction, gravity, momentum, and potential vs. kinetic energy. The models do not need to be complex in design. These model cars consist of a simple chassis and a straw-based axle system (simple machine) that produces minimal friction and allows the cars to roll with little energy input, making them ideal learning tools for students of all ages.
Subjects: Physical Science

Although carnival games are designated games of skill, winners are usually determined by chance. In this carnival-style game, skills in arithmetic are required just to play... so in the game of math education, everybody is a winner!
Subjects: Math

Take turns flicking a bottle cap from a launching square toward the center and then add the numbers for the region landed on to obtain a score. Bumping is permitted!
Subjects: Physical Science, Math

Learn about wheels and axles while making a vehicle that can really move!
Subjects: Physical Science

Students can build and manipulate these tiny catapults to learn about motion, the history of science and technology, and the scientific method.
Subjects: Physical Science, Social Studies

Sometimes word work is all pencil and paper. Keep kids engaged by allowing them to experiment and randomly find letters that can be used to make words and build vocabulary.
Subjects: Language Arts

Strengthen observational skills, build persistence, and provide the joy of discovery as students work to find a way to cause a falling ring to end up tied to a loop of chain.
Subjects: Physical Science, Math

This quick and simple model may help your students appreciate living with lung disease... and possibly convince them to stay away from smoking.
Subjects: Life Science

Learn how an anemometer works and use one to make wind speed measurements.
Subjects: Physical Science, Earth/Space Science