Idea Sheets
Idea Sheets are hands-on experience guides linked to core curriculum topics.
Every Idea Sheet is cross-referenced to one or more of the curriculum subjects listed in the Content Standards. Use this Idea Sheets Search Tool to rapidly pinpoint activities that are perfectly suited to the grade level, subject area, and content standard you want to cover.
Idea Sheets are based on readily-available, low-cost materials such as cardboard tubes, bottle caps, old CD's, etc.
You can also Search Idea Sheets by Standards or Keywords.
Binary Weaving
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
Binder Cover Solar Collector
Explore heating with sunlight using an easy to make and store solar collector.
Subjects: Physical Science, Earth/Space Science
Bindery Comb Rolling Ramps
Teach bindery combs new tricks in this hands-on exploration of forces and motion!
Subjects: Physical Science
Binding Comb Battery Holder
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
Black Box
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
Black and White Makes Color
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
Bloodless Hematocrit
Use "blood" samples of red sugar in a vegetable oil suspension to investigate hematocrit measurement and its significance.
Subjects: Physical Science, Life Science
Blubber Gloves
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
Blueprints from the Sun
Use the energy from the Sun to make shadow prints of everyday objects.
Subjects: Physical Science
Bobble Heads
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