SCIENCE & DISCOVERY

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Science Experiments
& Hands-On Activities

Dive into the world of experiential learning with these hands-on STEM activities and lesson plans for budding scientists, physicists, geologists, conservationists, etc!
Adler Planetarium: Let's Do Science!
All Ages | Spark curiosity and encourage exploration with the Adler’s Let’s Do Science video series! Designed for families and educators, these engaging at-home experiments use household materials for fun hands-on, minds-on science activities.

Article: Catalog of Computer Games-Science
All Ages | This list of science-focused computer games - such as the "Dissection Game" or "Climates of the World" - is shared by Dakota, a SAFS reader who is putting together a resource guide for her school's science club. Thanks, Dakota!

Ask Dr. Universe
Elementary & Middle School | Based out of Washington State University, Dr. Wendy Sue Universe is a very smart cat who teams up with professors, researchers, and experts to tackle big questions like: What is fire? Why does soda fizz? Why is the ocean salty?

Concord Consortium STEM Resource Finder
Grades K-12 | Interactive STEM activities in Life Sciences, Engineering and Technology, Physics and Chemistry, Earth and Space, and Mathematics, all aligned with Next Generation Science Standards.

Everyday Earth
Grades 4-6 | Courses developed by experienced geologists and educators that let students choose where and how they should explore, introducing Earth Science concepts such as "How water changes Earth's landscape" or "How are rocks formed?"

Innerbody
Grades 4-12 | Explore high-quality and interactive models of the human body, with everything from the skeletal system to the anatomy of the brain.

James Dyson Foundation: Challenge Cards
All Ages | 44 engineering and science challenges from the engineers at Dyson.

KiwiCo
Ages 0-14 | To help support learning at home, with loads of stay-at-home educational activities for every age, tips from teachers on effective remote learning, and kid-friendly content that connects science with their daily lives. 

Museum of Science and Industry: Science at Home​
All Ages |Hands-on science activities (make a parachute, circuit board or egg bungee), informative videos (watch baby animals being born, see how the U-505 Submarine was moved), and experience science through games (take a tour inside a beating heart or create a virtual chemical reaction). 

Mystery Science
Grades K-5 | Open-and-go lessons that include short videos and discussion questions on numerous elementary science topics and aligned with Next Generation Science Standards.

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences: Science at Home 
All Ages | From citizen science projects to educational videos, families, teens and adults can find what they need to stay connected with NCMNS and the natural world. Also includes links to Learning Resources, Ask a Naturalist, and more.

Steve Spangler Science
Grades K-12 | Large collection of experiments, videos and activities made by a veteran in STEM education (for purchase).

Tyto Online
Grades 6-8 | Exploration-based online video game where students work to restore balance on our planet by solving food shortage using genetics, figuring out that animals are sick by examining the ecosystem and by collecting data.

Wonderlab the Museum of Science, Health and Technology
All Ages (varies per program) | Science virtual programing including Story Time (ages 0-6), Explorations (grades 1-6), Discovery Time (ages 3-6), Science Sprouts (ages birth-3), Dive Deeper (all ages), and Stem Sundays (whole family). 

Science & Discovery Videos

Check out the following videos (some with corresponding activities) that illustrate a wide range of topics that make science education both interesting and memorable.
Bill Nye
Grades K-12 | Check out full length science clips from over 100 shows by infamous Bill Nye the Science Guy.

​Brains On! (a podcast)
All Ages | Each week, a different kid co-host joins to find answers to fascinating questions about the world to encourage kids’ natural curiosity and wonder using science and history. 

ASAP Science
Grades K-12 | Engaging weekly videos that touch on many different topics of science such as climate change, how to fall asleep, what would happen if you stopped brushing your teeth, and more.

Cincinnati Zoo Home Safari
Grades K-12 | Highlights one of the zoo's amazing animals each day and includes an activity you can do from home.

Crash Course & Crash Course Kids
Grades K-12 | Fast-paced, high quality educational videos that are aligned with state standards related to biology, chemistry, physics and more.

Deep Look
All Ages | Explore big scientific mysteries by going incredibly small, with this ultra-HD short video series created by KQED San Francisco and presented by PBS Digital Studios.

Explore: Live Cams & Zen Den
All Ages | This multimedia site features a wide range of topics—from animals, health and human services, and poverty to the environment, education, and spirituality. Delivered in short, digestible bites, explore films offer live streams from every stretch of the globe and universe, from puppies, Hawaiian beaches and African landscapes to outer space.

​Kohl Children's Museum: Home Zone
Birth to Age 8 | Remote learning video series with stories, activities and experiments that you can easily replicate at home. Site grows daily with more in STEAM activities and Teaching Resources. Hear educators read stories aloud. Tiempo de Cuentos: Escuchar a nuestros educadores leer historias en voz alta.

Minute Earth & Minute Physics
Grades K-12 | Short and comprehensible videos that cleverly illustrate topics and stories related our planet.

Mystery Doug
Grades K-5 | Highly entertaining 5 minute science videos that are uploaded every week.

Operation Ouch
Grades K-5+ | Packed with facts about the human body and fronted by identical twins Dr.Chris and Dr. Xand van Tulleken who experiment and explore their way through the fascinating world of medicine and biology. De-mistify hospitals for viewers; no longer will the hospital be a "scary" place to go as we learn all the exciting things that go on there.

Ted-Ed
Grades K-12 | Carefully curated and crafted educational videos and animations that answer interesting questions such as "Who was the world's first author?" and "What are those floaty things in your eye?"

Science Max
Ages 7+ | Have you ever done a science experiment and wondered “What would this be like if it were HUGE?” The science of everyday and some not-so-everyday things -- turbocharged -- on a full range of subjects, including ecology, biology, chemistry and physics.

SciShow & SciShow Kids
Pre-K - Grade 12 | Short and long-form videos dive that into specific topics in science and the history of human discovery. Other SciShow channels include SciShow Psych and SciShow Space.

Science & Discovery Experts

Top quality educational resources from the leading experts in science education and research.

Museum of Science+Industry Chicago: Science at Home

  • Hands-On Science | Elementary - High School 
    Activities that are fun to do and you'll learn about science, too!
  • Videos | Elementary - High School 
    Watch baby animals being born, see how the U-505 Submarine was moved to its a home and more!
  • Games | Elementary - High School 
    Experience science hands-on with web and mobile-based apps

NASA

  • Climate Kids | Grades 3-6
    Games, activities and articles that make climate science engaging.
  • Kids Club | Grades K-5
    Pictures, games and activities related to astronomy and space.
  • Classroom Content| Grades K-12
    Access all NASA created classroom materials by subject, type and grade level.
  • NASA on YouTube | Grades K-12
    ​Explore the expansive archive of videos about space exploration, scientific discovery and more!​​​​

National Geographic

Smithsonian

  • Fun Stuff for Kids & Teens | Kids & Teens
    Games, videos, live streaming, fun games and apps for learning.
  • Learning Lab​ | Grades 3-12
    Support deep, meaningful learning with an online universe of authentic resources and tools for making them your own.
  • Ocean Life| Grades 3-12
    Smithsonian's Ocean Portal focuses on everything ocean – unusual and everyday organisms, ocean-inspired art, and more.
  • Science Education Center | Grades K-12
    Unlock the mysteries of science and clearly demonstrate how one principle leads to another.
  • Smithsonian on YouTube | Grades K-12
    Watch these videos to learn from experts in art, design, history, culture, science and technology.

Exploring Nature

Clouds, puddles, sunshine and trees...improve your family's moods and perspectives by spending time outdoors, while also creating opportunities for discovery, creativity, problem-solving, and education!

Audubon for Kids
Elementary & Middle School | ​Activities from across Audubon’s national network of environmental educators that can be done at home or in a yard or park, sometimes with the help of a computer. The goal isn’t to teach a child how to name and identify bird species, but rather to give them space to explore and feel connected to the natural world. All you need to be is a companion to your child’s curiosity.

Cornell Lab of Ornithology
K-12 | A lively K–12 education program that creates resources for teachers, homeschoolers, and other educators. If you’ve been wanting to incorporate birds and hands-on activities in your science teaching, Cornell has dozens of ways to help you, from simple advice, to games and activities, to full curricula.

Echo Hill Outdoor School: Outdoor Outsiders
All Ages | A learn-at-home series of videos brings the amazing stories of the Chesapeake's environment and people. Learn about the plants, animals, and landscape of the Bay and try some fun activities. Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2 pm (EST). 

EdZOOcating
All Ages | Free resources include animal facts, conservation challenges, and sustainable living tips and tricks. You can also pay a small fee to access Classroom Learning: Animal Classifications, a series of lessons on mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates that are geared towards the Next Generation Science Standards for grades K-5 and include: 20 minute original video highlighting unique characteristics and popular species, a quiz, activities, graphic organizer, printable, and ways to keep learning.

The Ecology School: Nature Nuggets
All Ages | Learn by natural inclinations—engaging all five senses to discover the inner workings of the world around. Through hands-on, experiential programming students learn to become stewards of the environment as they explore local forests, coastal ecosystems, and food systems. 

Five Fun Activities for Teaching Kids About Conservation
All Ages | Teaching conservation through fun, hands-on activities, parents and teachers can introduce complex concepts in age-appropriate, easy-to-understand ways.

Free Forest School: Everyday Outside Inspirations
Young Children | A weekly set of nature-based activity ideas for outdoor play and exploration. Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5 | Week 6 | Week 7 | Week 8

Golden Gate Audubon Society
Elementary | Fun projects to learn about birds and nature at home and in your neighborhood incorporating STEM and language arts skills, as well as direct observations of nature and outdoor activities. Available in English and Spanish.

​Imagine Childhood
All Ages | Nature-based crafts, projects and activities that support children in experiencing the world through their own eyes, ears, fingers, and toes. Organized into categories with quick image references. 

Identification Guides, Information, and Images
Lost Ladybug Project
All Ages | Join in a project started by Cornell and the 4-H Cooperative to find out where all the ladybugs have gone so we can try to prevent more native species from becoming so rare. Includes ladybug identification and Ladybug Learning educational resources.

Mother Natured Nature Play Club
Birth to Age 12 | Learn simple but powerful ways to build nature play into your routine (no matter how busy you are). Overcome the barriers, like screen time, risk and weather, that are stopping you from getting outdoors with your children. Discover how to turn your home and backyard into a beautiful nature playspace, no matter your budget.

National Park Service: Kids in Parks
All Ages | Go on an outdoor adventure. Walk in the footsteps of famous people. Take in unique scenery. Explore new interests. Experience real places you may have only heard about. Through Junior Rangers online you can find your park with interactive and printable activities, view special places within parks from home, and watch wildlife, geysers, and other activity in real time.

Nature Explore
All Ages | ​Family resources for engaging with nature including a Families' Club Kit (English, Spanish) with ideas for connecting to the natural world, ​Family Tool Kits (English, Spanish, Arabic) with ideas and activities to inspire children’s love for the earth and help them become tomorrow’s generation of caring environmental stewards, and the Nature for Families Video with insights and testimonials from parents and educators.

Nature Time Adventures from Home
Early Childhood+ | Outdoor exploration ideas, nature songs and games, and other inspiration for families learning from home. Watch the Nature Time with Emily videos if you want to gather inspiration for an adventure. Watch the Snip-it videos if you're looking for a quick activity to jump into.

Ranger Rick
Ages 3-7 | From the National Wildlife Federation, Ranger Rick offers free access (through the end of June 2020) to help you stay entertained and engaged in the natural world including digital version of the magazine, outdoor activities, animal crafts, educator guides and more. 

The Wild Center: Lunchtime Live
All Ages | Wild Center educators and animal care staff will be sharing animal encounters, behind-the-scenes looks, projects and activities you can do in your own backyard. Weekdays at 12 pm (EST). The Wild Center mission is to ignite an enduring passion for the Adirondacks where people and nature can thrive together and offer an example for the world.

Quick Ideas/Lists ​

Loving Our Earth
April 22, 2020 marked the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, an environmental movement that gave a voice and presence to the emerging public consciousness and concern surrounding the state of our planet. Today more than ever our communities and leaders need to value and respond to the importance of the earth's natural resources, living organisms, environment and the inextricable links between pollution and public health and happiness. While we most certainly can (and should) rally our voices publicly to protect our planet, helping our own families to bloom their love, enjoyment and appreciation for nature is a true stepping stone - creating generations who engage and protect our earth! Visit our Science & Discovery, Geography and Crafts & Projects pages for loads of earth and nature facts, inspiration and activities, and Virtual Tours to peek inside national parks, local zoos, aquariums, and space! 

A Few of Our Favorite Earth and Nature Resources! 

  • Happy Earth Day 2020! Why should we take care of the earth? How can we do our part to protect her? A video created by our very own Buffalo State student teacher, Tara Southard.
  • Audubon for Kids posts a weekly adventure full of artistically organized, user-friendly, interactive information, activities and nature lingo! 
  • ​16 Ways to Honor Mother Nature from the Eastern Region Association of Forest and Nature Schools. 
  • Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden shares a daily Home Safari with zoo staff who visit and discuss an amazing animal and post an activity to do from home.
  • Explore LiveCam broadcasts a multitude of live videos from birds to bears, oceans to beaches, the northern lights to honey bees...and beyond and beyond! 
  • Farm Food 360 creates a portal into farm and food. 
  • Primary Playground shares weekly scavenger hunts, many that will get your family outside, building observation skills.  
  • 21 Picture Books About Nature offers a list of books for young readers to connect with the world.
  • Adler Planetarium Let's Do Science lists hands-on, minds-on experiments using household materials -- from floating an egg in water to building a space-age lava lamp!
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