Idea Sheets

Computers use binary numbers (Base 2), a series on "ons" and "offs" that encode information. In this activity, students use the Ascii alphabet to encode a message into woven band, and then other students can decode the information.
Subjects: Math

Explore heating with sunlight using an easy to make and store solar collector.
Subjects: Physical Science, Earth/Space Science

Teach bindery combs new tricks in this hands-on exploration of forces and motion!
Subjects: Physical Science

A plastic binding comb is easily transformed into a holder for from 1 to 4 batteries. A holder with more than one battery can provide several different voltages.
Subjects: Physical Science

Students shake, rattle, and roll these "Black Boxes" to try to determine the insides... but no peeking. Ever!!
Subjects: Physical Science, Life Science, Earth/Space Science

Spin a CD with a Benham's Disk pattern on top and observe an interesting optical effect. The black and white pattern on the disk creates a mysterious illusion of color! This illusion provides valuable insights into how our eyes and brain perceive color.
Subjects: Life Science

Use "blood" samples of red sugar in a vegetable oil suspension to investigate hematocrit measurement and its significance.
Subjects: Physical Science, Life Science

Whales, seals, walruses, and other marine mammals survive and thrive in very harsh, freezing cold environments. In this activity, students discover the insulation properties of several materials by testing them in a bucket of ice water; simulating how marine mammals can survive in arctic conditions, yet not freeze to death.
Subjects: Physical Science, Life Science

Use the energy from the Sun to make shadow prints of everyday objects.
Subjects: Physical Science

Self-portrait? How about a "Self Novelty Sculpture" instead? Students will just love making themselves (or their Mom and Dad) into these cute, personalized bobble heads.
Subjects: Physical Science, Social Studies, Language Arts, Art

Modeling the spine can help students understand the function of the disks, the flexibility of the back, and the transfer of information along the spinal nerve.
Subjects: Life Science

Warmed dry ice will fill soap bubbles with a "ghostly" white mist of water droplets.
Subjects: Physical Science

In this activity for primary learners, students sort animals into 2 categories: those born from an egg and those not born from an egg.
Subjects: Life Science

Students have fun using a 3D model to sort animals into 2 categories: those born from an egg and those not born from an egg.
Subjects: Life Science

This RAFT version of a classic game uses plastic bottles as bowling pins and a small wooden ball. It plays just like the bowling alley game, but instead of a computer keeping score, the individual players must keep track of their points. Scoring gets a bit tricky when a strike or spare is rolled, providing excellent opportunity to practice basic arithmetic.
Subjects: Math

Enjoy the hands-on experience of building and using the Bottle Racer, a modern adaptation of an old favorite. Explore the application of simple machines, energy conversion and investigate how changes in design affect performance.
Subjects: Physical Science

Loop the ring around the bottle and stand it up. How hard could this be? Give it a try! It might surprise you!
Subjects: Physical Science

In this easy art project, students can design and make their own flower bouquets.
Subjects: Art

Sometimes the simplest idea can provide children with hours of fun. Teachers of young children can use boxes like big blocks for a variety of activities.
Subjects: Physical Science

How will an earthquake, simulated by shaking, affect a "building" made of linked squares? How can the square "stories" be cross-braced to prevent the "walls" from collapsing? What dangers are there in building above a garage? Learn the answers to these questions and more by working with the Brace Yourself model.
Subjects: Physical Science, Earth/Space Science