Embedded Files
Preview the Advancing Science lab activity kits organized by core idea below. Member teachers can submit visit and loan requests via the Advancing Science web form.
Preview the Advancing Science lab activity kits organized by core idea below. Member teachers can submit visit and loan requests via the Advancing Science web form.
Earth, Solar System, and the Universe
Earth, Solar System, and the Universe
300 - Walk the Planets
300 - Walk the Planets
Students create a scale model of the solar system using measuring wheels and traffic cones. This lab requires a large indoor or outdoor space - the small scale requires 86 feet and the large scale requires 425 feet. This kit is available as loan only.
Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.3.6-8.C
310 - Moon Phases
310 - Moon Phases
Students manipulate Earth, moon, and sun models to uncover the moon phases. Also included with this kit is an Earth, sun and moon orbiter demonstration model.
Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.3.6-8.A
320 - What Causes the Seasons?
320 - What Causes the Seasons?
Students use Vernier surface temperature probes attached to a globe to study how the tilt of the Earth causes seasonal changes. Advancing Science does not provide globes for this lab, the classroom teacher must provide one globe for each student group.
Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.3.6-8.A and 3.3.6-8.I
History of Earth and Plate Tectonics
History of Earth and Plate Tectonics
351 - Exploring the Fossil Record
351 - Exploring the Fossil Record
Students observe fossil samples to compare anatomical similarities and understand how life has changed over time. The kit includes 11 sets of fossil kits and one kit demonstrating the different types of ways that fossils form.
Suggested timing - 1+ class periods.
Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.1.6-8.O, 3.3.6-8.D
360 - A Hard Look at the Rocks of Gettysburg
360 - A Hard Look at the Rocks of Gettysburg
Synthesize your students' rock knowledge in this lab that uncovers the geologic history of the Gettysburg area. Students should have a basic understanding of the rock cycle and plate tectonics before completing this lab.
Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.3.6-8.E, 3.3.6-8.F
362 - Seafloor Spreading
362 - Seafloor Spreading
Students use Vernier Magnetic Field Sensors to study one of the major pieces of evidence supporting the Theory of Plate Tectonics. Magnetic Field Sensors are used to observe the changing polarity of simulated bedrock on both sides of a seafloor. *Computer not included. Vernier probe connects via Bluetooth to a student device. Data is visualized using the free Graphical Analysis web app.
Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.3.6-8.G
460 - Landform Models
460 - Landform Models
Students visualize landforms using the 3D American Educational Landform Discovery models. Cross sections allow for the study of geographic and geologic features. Also included are US and World Relief Maps. This kit is only available as a loan.
Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.3.6-8.E
Weather and Climate and Natural Hazards
Weather and Climate and Natural Hazards
400 - Cloud Explorer
400 - Cloud Explorer
Students use a variety of simple resources to learn about cloud formation and cloud types. Use these activities to train your students for the GLOBE Cloud Explorer citizen science project. This kit is available for loan only.
Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.3.6-8.H, 3.3.6-8.J
401 - Weather Tools
401 - Weather Tools
This kit includes one rain gauge and five each of anemometers (digital and cup style), wind vanes, thermometers, and cloud charts. Consider requesting this kit as a loan, or a visit followed by a loan so that students can use the tools to measure weather and look for patterns over time. Repeat this lesson seasonally to observe weather conditions during different seasons.
Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.3.6-8.J
402 - Rain Gauges
402 - Rain Gauges
Students learn to measure rainfall volume. Students should have a basic understanding of decimal values to the hundreth position. Use these activities to train your students for the CoCoRaHS precipitation citizen science project.
Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.3.6-8.J, 3.3.6-8.L, 3.4.6-8.E
403 - Heat Islands *Schoolyard Study*
403 - Heat Islands *Schoolyard Study*
Students use infrared thermometers to investigate thermal energy and heat islands in their schoolyard. The kit includes a class set of infrared thermometers.
Suggested timing 1+ class periods.
Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.2.6-8.N, 3.2.6-8.R, 3.3.6-8.M, 3.3.6-8.O, 3.4.6-8.E
405 - Humidity in the Atmosphere
405 - Humidity in the Atmosphere
Students plan and carry out an investigation to determine where the water in the air comes from by measuring the humidity in the air over samples of different Earth surfaces. Kit includes a class set of humidity sensors and sample testing environments. Suggested timing 2+ class periods.
Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.3.6-8.J and 3.4.6-8.E
430 - Water Cycle Model and Game
430 - Water Cycle Model and Game
Make it rain in your classroom! This kit includes a 3D water cycle demonstration model and a class set of What-a-Cycle (NOAA water cycle activity) game materials. This kit is only available as a loan.
Suggested timing - 30-45 minutes.
Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.3.6-8.H and 3.4.6-8.C
511 - Stormwater Floodplain Simulation System
511 - Stormwater Floodplain Simulation System
This model system helps students understand the critical role that floodplains play in the life of a watershed and the impact of unplanned development and human activity.
Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.3.6-8.L, 3.3.6-8.M, 3.3.6-8.N
Natural Resources
Natural Resources
410 - Soil: It's Not Just Dirt *Schoolyard Study*
410 - Soil: It's Not Just Dirt *Schoolyard Study*
In this soil field study, students investigate the properties of their schoolyard soil including composition, compaction, and infiltration.
Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.4.6-8.A, 3.4.6-8.E
Water and Human Impacts
Water and Human Impacts
141 - Macroinvertebrates: Stream Health Indicators
141 - Macroinvertebrates: Stream Health Indicators
Students collect and identify macroinvertebrates to assess the health of streams. The macroinvertebrates can be collected in a bucket and brought into the classroom (stream in a bucket), collected and analyzed stream side (stream study), or collected over a longer period with leaf packs. The kit includes nets, buckets, sorting trays, identification charts, and more.
Suggested timing – 2+ class periods. This lab is available in the spring and fall (Sept - Oct and Apr - May).
Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.1.6-8.I, 3.1.6-8.J, 3.1.6-8.L, 3.1.6-8.U, 3.3.6-8.M, 3.4.6-8.E
157 - Testing for Microplastics in Local Waterways
157 - Testing for Microplastics in Local Waterways
In this investigation, students will get an introduction to microplastics, survey their schoolyard for macroplastics, and then sample local waterways for the presence of microplastics.
Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.3.9-12.R, 3.4.9-12.H
155 - Stream Study: Chemistry (Water Quality Testing)
155 - Stream Study: Chemistry (Water Quality Testing)
Students use Water Test Kits to measure various water quality parameters such as nitrates, dissolved oxygen, pH, alkalinity, and hardness.
Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.1.6-8.L and 3.3.6-8.M
157 - Testing for Microplastics in Local Waterways
157 - Testing for Microplastics in Local Waterways
In this investigation, students will get an introduction to microplastics, survey their schoolyard for macroplastics, and then sample local waterways for the presence of microplastics.
Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.2.6-8.C, 3.3.6-8.M, 3.4.6-8.E, and 3.4.6-8.H
158 - Watershed Decisions
158 - Watershed Decisions
Students act as community water volunteers in this game as they learn about water quality issues in small watersheds and the decision-making processes to improve those water quality issues. The kit includes 3 full game sets and was developed by Penn State Extension.
Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.3.6-8.F, 3.4.6-8.G, 3.4.6-8.H, 3.3.6-8.M, 3.1.6-8.U
404 - Air Quality Monitoring *Schoolyard Study*
404 - Air Quality Monitoring *Schoolyard Study*
Students use hand-held air quality monitors to measure particulate (PM2.5 and PM10) and carbon dioxide. Students design the investigation to measure air quality in different locations inside the school and the schoolyard. Expand the lesson to engage your students in a MWEE . The kit includes 8 hand-held air quality monitors.
Suggested timing - 3+ class periods.
Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.2.6-8.A, 3.4.6-8.D, 3.4.6-8.E, 3.3.6-8.M, 3.3.6-8.N
433 - Pennsylvania Watersheds and Stream Maps
433 - Pennsylvania Watersheds and Stream Maps
Students use a variety of maps to learn about the major watersheds of PA, stream order, and how land use and population may affect water quality. The kit includes laminated maps.
Suggested timing - 1+ class periods.
Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.3.6-8.N, 3.4.6-8.C, 3.4.6-8.D
440 - Modeling Stream Erosion and Deposition
440 - Modeling Stream Erosion and Deposition
Student groups use a LAB-AIDS® Mini Stream Table to model the dynamics of stream erosion and deposition. Students create, observe, describe, and interpret the erosional and depositional patterns created when "rainwater" flows over an area. Some of the features commonly formed include canyons, braided streams, and deltas. The kit includes 6 mini stream tables.
Support STEELS Standard(s): 3.3.6-8.E
Suggested timing - 1 class period.
441 - Making It Clear: How to Measure Stream Transparency
441 - Making It Clear: How to Measure Stream Transparency
Measure the transparency (water clarity) of your local streams to measure the impact of soil erosion on water clarity. Use water samples from your local stream or the prepared samples included in the kit.
Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.3.6-8.M, 3.4.6-8.C, 3.4.6-8.E
500 - Enviroscape Wetlands Model
500 - Enviroscape Wetlands Model
Use the Watershed model to demonstrate how our daily activities, as well as industry and agriculture affect wetlands through runoff. Student volunteers can be engaged to assist throughout the demonstration process.
Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.3.6-8.M, 3.4.6-8.C
501 - Enviroscape: Drinking and Wastewater Treatment Model **Demonstration**
501 - Enviroscape: Drinking and Wastewater Treatment Model **Demonstration**
Teacher uses the Drinking and Wastewater Model to demonstrate the source and preparation of drinking water water sources for urban and rural areas. Additionally, the model demonstrates the process of wastewater treatment. Student volunteers can be engaged to assist throughout the demonstration process.
Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.1.6-8.U, 3.3.6-8.N
510 - Rain to Drain from Penn State Extension
510 - Rain to Drain from Penn State Extension
This simple kit from Penn State Extension compares the impact of different land covers on water runoff. This kit is a good introduction to best management practices.
Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.3.6-8.M, 3.3.6-8.N, 3.4.6-8.C, and 3.4.6-8.G
623 - How Does Road Salt Work? Measuring the Freezing Point Depression of Water
623 - How Does Road Salt Work? Measuring the Freezing Point Depression of Water
Students use Vernier temperature probes to measure how salt depresses the freezing point of water. Combine this lab with #532 Do Salty Roads Lead to Salty Streams to investigate the impacts of winter road treatments on the salinity of streams in your community. *Computer not included. Vernier probe connects via Bluetooth to a student’s device. Data is visualized using the free Graphical Analysis web app.
Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.2.6-8.B, 3.3.6-8.M
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse