Science

WGBH/PBS RESOURCES

WEBSITES

PLEASE NOTE - SOME EDUCATIONAL WEBSITES REQUIRE A MODERN BROWSER TO FUNCTION PROPERLY

Examples:

Google Chrome - Microsoft Edge - Firefox

ACTIVITY IDEAS

• Spend time outside on nice days

  • Observe differences between clouds - can you remember the different types of clouds? how many different types do you see?

  • Count the different types of plants in your yard or on your block.

  • Go for a walk - notice the differences in your breathing, heart rate and body temperature when you walk at different speeds

  • Pick a plant, bush or tree in your yard or near your house to observe - take notes about it shape, size, color and anything else you find interesting. Go back every few days to observe and take notes - notice how it changes over time as the weather gets warmer.

  • Go for a walk and look for houses with solar panels. What do you know about solar energy? What do you want to know?

• Chart the weather and/or the temperature each day.

• Make a compost pile using dirt and leftover fruits and vegetables - you can do this outside or inside using an empty container. Observe the changes in a compost pile over time.

• Help rinse out containers and take them to the recycling bin.

• Create card structures and discuss which is most stable and why - can you create a structure that will hold a piece of paper? A notebook? A book?

• Make slime and observe the changes that occur as different ingredients are added

• Take the wrapper off of a clear, plastic water bottle (still filled with water). Draw 2 arrows - each one pointing in a different direction - on a post-it note and stick it to the wall. Predict what will happen when you look at the arrows through the water bottle. Test your prediction by slowing moving the water bottle until it is directly in front of the post-it.

• Put water in 2 different containers - add a different color food coloring to each container. Place one end of a paper towel in the first container so that it is a little below the water line - place the other end of the paper towel in the other container. Before adding the paper towel, predict what might happen. Observe what happens immediately then check it again in 10-15 minutes then again in about an hour - observe what changes each time you check.

• Choose 2 UNBREAKABLE objects. Predict what might happen if you drop them from the same height at the same time - which will land first, will the objects bounce, roll, stop, etc. Test your prediction.

• Help make dinner. Observe the way different ingredients change as they are cut, combined, mixed and/or heated - there is a lot of chemistry involved in cooking!

• Teach an adult how to do something new with a computer, smartphone or television.