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Activities Grades 4 to 8

monarch butterflies in grass

How to Make a Seed Ball 

Learn about Monarch butterflies, the host plants they need, and how to make a seed ball with Iowa PBS and the Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines, Iowa.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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square bubbles
Science-U @home

Square Bubbles

Is a bubble always round? What happens if you use a different shaped bubble wand?

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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woman standing next to images of famous women

Fearless Female Scientists 

Margaret introduces us to female scientists who pushed past prejudices to make amazing discoveries – Marie Curie, Marie Tharp and Jane Goodall.   

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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foam fountain experiment
Science-U @home

Foam Fountain 

Create a fantastic foaming fountain with just a few household ingredients!   

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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math mess and people in costume

Math Mess 

A “Math Mess” is an everyday problem that requires an inquisitive mind, determination and a little number sense to solve. Math Messes can pop up when you least expect them — and in each short, animated Math Mess video, you’ll meet some mathematically-challenged characters who are right smack in the middle of one.   

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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observing bees
Science-U @home

Bumblebee Bonanza 

What do bumblebees do all day? Using the Science-U campers’ tips as a guide, you can safely observe bees at home and learn what bumblebees do all day!   

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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Science-U @home

Can You “Water” Plants With Other Liquids? 

Most seeds need warmth, light, and water to start growing. But what happens when you replace water with other types of liquids? Test them out using this experiment!   

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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Womens Suffrage in the Progressive Era 

In this interactive lesson you’ll learn about the Women’s Suffrage Movement in the Progressive Era. Explore the factors that led to a demand for social and economic change by examining the life and work of two influential women’s rights leaders of this era–Mary Church Terrell and Jeannette Rankink.   

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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great american read

The Great American Read

Explore and celebrate the power of reading. Investigate how and why writers create their fictional worlds, how we as readers are affected by these stories, and what different books have to say about our diverse nation and our shared human experience.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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girl holding a bottle with green liquid
Science-U @home

Backwash

Does saliva really wash back into the milk carton from your mouth when you take a drink? Test it for yourself using powdered drink mix and see what happens!

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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strawberries on a plate
Science-U @home

Strawberry DNA

Is strawberry DNA extraction possible?All living things store genetic information in DNA, but can you actually extract DNA from a plant and see it with the naked eye?

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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man behind a contraption

Water A Plant Challenge

Follow along with this engineering challenge to create a contraption to water a plant from 3 feet away with this Growing Great video from Camp TV, then try it out for yourself.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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owl face up close
Science-U @home

Owl Pellets

Can you determine what’s in an owl’s food chain? Find out what’s on an owl’s menu by dissecting an owl pellet – a regurgitated ball of undigested food that is part of an owl’s digestive process. Try it!

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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cartoon of Lincoln with constitution

Election Foundations

In this video, students are introduced to why we have presidential elections in the United States. They will learn what a constitutional democracy is and how the government gets its power from the consent of its citizens.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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popsicle sticks in a pattern
Science-U @home

Popsicle Stick Explosion

Woven popsicle sticks are a blend of art, math, science and just enough mischief to make it an engineering feat of awesomeness!

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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civil rights movement protesters

The Civil Rights Movement

Brimming with comprehensive, cross-curricular content, this virtual collection invites students into an engaging exploration of some of the most significant events of the Civil Rights Movement.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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blood pressure
Science-U @home

Blood Pressure

Learn how to use a stethoscope and a blood pressure cuff to measure blood pressure. Can different activities change blood pressure? Gather a group of friends and try it!

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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blood plateletes in a blood vessel

Blood | Science Trek

This video segment from IdahoPTV’s Science Trek defines the 4 parts of blood and shows the rest of the circulatory system. Discover where blood is made, how long a blood cell lives, what blood types are, why blood is red, and what a transfusion is.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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presenter speaking to students about a mural

Arbeit Macht Frei: Murals of the Holocaust

Jeff Jamner is the son of Holocaust survivors. In this video segment, Jamner examines a mural that depicts the entrance to a concentration camp with its sign, “Arbeit Macht Frei” (Work Makes You Free).

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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lemon battery
Science-U @home

Lemon Batteries

Batteries consist of two different metals suspended in an acidic solution. Is it possible to use the acid in a lemon to power a light? Try it to find out!

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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child playing with slime
Science-U @home

Smooshy Slime

Who doesn’t love slime? Slime is oobleck’s ooey-gooey cousin, and another example of a non-Newtonian fluid. When all of the ingredients in this activity are combined you get a squishy substance that is fun to stretch, shape, and smoosh. Try it!

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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Martin Luther King Jr.

Analyzing King’s “I Have a Dream” Speech

In this video, schoolchildren take turns reading from Martin Luther King, Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream Speech” on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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close up image of a virus

Are Viruses Germs?

What we call “germs” are actually a group of different kinds of microscopic organisms. What are they and what steps should you take to protect yourself?

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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two girls making casts of their hands
Science-U @home

Plaster Casting

Can you make a plaster cast like a crime scene investigator? You can set up your own mystery, or just have fun making plaster casts out of anything you want!

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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meringue tops
Science-U @home

Marvelous Meringues 

Beating egg whites causes an amazing change. When you add sugar and bake them, more changes happen! Go from slimy egg white to fluffy foam to a crunchy solid and delicious cookie while learning about the science behind the marvelous meringue.   

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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small dinosaur in front of a homemade snow globe

Homemade Snow Globe 

What does your winter wonderland look like? Bring it to life by creating your own snow globe.   

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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girl holding a cup of orange juice
Science-U @home

Dental Decay 

Tooth enamel is tough but can be eroded by acids in your mouth. Test the acid levels in your favorite drinks with pH test strips, then soak shark teeth or eggshells in each drink to see if the acid weakens tooth enamel. Try it!   

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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woman in front of a computer from the 1960s

Why Are There So Few Women in Computer Science? 

Today, we think of computer science as a field dominated by men, but women have a long and important history in the field. So what changed?   

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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holiday cookies

Interfaith Holiday Traditions 

When Christmas and the first night of Hanukkah fall on the same day, interfaith families who observe both holidays face an unusual challenge. Learn how one interfaith family balances their two faiths.   

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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girl mixing colors in a bowl of milk
Science-U @home

Magic Milk 

When food coloring and soap are added to whole milk, strange things happen. Will the same thing happen with kinds of milk that have different fat contents?     

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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Mother and daughter eating cookies

Holiday Food Traditions From Around the World 

Many of us treasure our holiday food traditions, especially if there’s a family recipe that has been passed down through the generations. Explore food traditions enjoyed by families around the world during the holidays, and maybe add some new recipes to your holiday traditions!   

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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girl in yoga pose
Science-U @home

Blood Pressure 

Do you know what your blood pressure is? Learn how to use a stethoscope and a blood pressure cuff to measure blood pressure. Can different activities change blood pressure? Gather a group of friends and try it!   

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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child sitting at a desk grabbing a ruler
Science-U @home

Reaction Time 

How fast does the eye send messages to the brain and the brain send messages to your hand muscles to react in time to catch a falling object? Find out using the ruler test!   

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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pumpkin coffee cup and small pumpkins

Why Is Pumpkin Spice So Good? 

Pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin spice cookies, pumpkin spice cereal… why is it in the fall we just can’t get enough of the good stuff? Margaret shares why we love everything pumpkin spice.   

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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Veteran's Day

All About the Holidays: Veterans’ Day 

Veteran’s Day is a national day of remembrance to honor military veterans across the country. Learn why and how the day became a national day of observance!    

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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seedlings in small pots
Science-U @home

Can you “water” plants with other liquids? 

Most seeds need warmth, light, and water to start growing. But what happens when you replace water with other types of liquids? Test them out using this experiment!   

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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native american heritage collection

Native American Heritage Collection

 Take a look at Indigenous art, history, and culture as told through the historians, artists, students, and scientists in this featured resource collection.   

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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air pressure rocket
Science-U @home

Air Pressure Rockets 

How do you launch a rocket without using fuel?   

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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energy carousel experiement
Science-U @home

Energy Carousel 

Have you ever ridden on a carousel or merry-go-round at an amusement park? Usually, these rides are powered by electricity, but you can make your own carousel toy while exploring some basic energy concepts.   

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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pipe cleaner pumpkins activity

Pipe Cleaner Pumpkins 

What kind of pumpkin can your child create with this fun and easy Halloween decoration activity? 🎃 All you need are some pipe cleaners and scissors to get started!    

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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mars egg lander
Science-U @home

Mars Egg Lander 

How do you drop an egg without breaking it? NASA faced a huge challenge when they safely landed the Mars Exploration Rovers on the surface of Mars. Can you design a capsule that would protect a raw egg dropped from several stories to the ground? Try it!   

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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your brain on books

Your Brain on Books 

Turns out reading isn’t just about getting a good story! Margaret explains the benefits of reading, including increased vocabulary and empathy. Watch the video together and then discuss using the included discussion questions.   

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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soda bottle with mentos stacked on top
Science-U @home

Soda Geyser 

Explore the science behind the reaction caused by dropping Mentos® into soda.    

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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Learning from the People

Community Stories 

Explore this collection of videos celebrating the stories and traditions of indigenous people from Hawai’i, Alaska, Mississippi, and Massachusetts.   

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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Virtual Field Trips logo

WPSU Virtual Field Trips

WPSU presents virtual field trips of the Centre Country Recycling and Refuse Authority and Fort Roberdeau with more to come!

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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What is Empathy? 

When Arthur takes his teasing too far, it upsets Sue Ellen. Can Arthur find a way to apologize for bullying Sue Ellen and save their friendship? Explore the topic of empathy in this interactive comic, So Funny I Forgot to Laugh, based on the characters and storyline from the PBS children’s series ARTHUR.   

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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Density Tower
Science-U @home

Density Tower

Make colorful layers using liquids of varying densities, then experiment to see which items sink or float to each layer!

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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Why Do We Have Seasons? 

Explore what causes seasons on Earth in this interactive adapted from NASA materials that features four cities at different latitudes. Use this resource to view how Earth’s axial tilt causes seasons from different perspectives.   

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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Science-U @home

Do Leaves Breathe? 

Before all the leaves change color and drop grab a green living leak off a tree and try this simple experiment in your home.   

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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latino americans

Latino Americans

Explore the history, people and issues chronicled in the PBS series, Latino Americans in this collection of lesson plans and videos.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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bouncing egg experiments
Science-U @home

Bouncing Egg

Turn a regular, raw egg into a “bouncy ball” in this simple, yet fun experiment.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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coding through the galaxy

Code Your Way Through the Galaxy

Children apply geometry concepts to create patterns and shapes to program their ship to race through the galaxy, learning about computer programming along the way.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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beads on pipe cleaners
Science-U @home

Binary Bracelets

Learn how to make a bead bracelet (or necklace or keychain) that spells your name in binary code.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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cooking traditions

Family Food Traditions

Jalani and his mom talk about cooking together and their family’s cooking traditions in this video. Use the Health Eating handout that accompanies the video to guide a discussion with your child.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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pancake experiment
Science-U @home

Pancake Science

Pancakes are a popular family breakfast item, and making them together provides a chance to use math and science skills.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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Oobleck experiment
Science-U @home

Oobleck

Can something be both a solid and a liquid?

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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civic engagement

How to be Civically Engaged

In this collection of videos and activities, explore the different (and interesting) ways you can become more civically engaged.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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water filter experiment
Science-U @home

Water Filter

Can you make muddy water crystal clear?

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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relaxation

Managing Worries

Effectively managing worries is a building block for successful problem solving and making good choices in the future. Try these activities for confronting negative thoughts and help “turn down the noise” made by anxiety.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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blood pressure
Science-U @home

Blood Pressure

Learn how to use a stethoscope and a blood pressure cuff to measure blood pressure. Can different activities change blood pressure?

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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Dances of America

Dances of the Americas

Through live performances and interviews, the collection represents a wide variety of cultures and styles of dance among Native American tribes.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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Experiment with milk
Science-U @home

Magic Milk

When food coloring and soap are added to whole milk, strange things happen.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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pattern power activity

Pattern Power

Practice creating and replicating patterns—an important math skill—with this simple activity.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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Big Sale Game

The Big Sale

Solve unit rate problems to determine the best deal per ounce of grocery items.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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leaves breathing
Science-U @home

Do leaves breathe?

Create an environment to observe leaves breathing.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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relaxing by the river

Relaxation & Breathing

As we begin to think about school starting we may feel a little anxious. Try these breathing techniques to calm your mind and body.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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summer of reading

Summer of Reading

Get summer started on the right page with PBS LearningMedia’s Summer of Reading collection!

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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reaction time experiment
Science-U @home

Reaction Time

How fast does your brain send messages to your body?

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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Octopus

Animal Chefs

The chefs at the Monterey Bay Aquarium prepare meals daily to feed a variety of animals. Learn how these chefs work to tempt the taste buds of thousands of species.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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Bumblebee experiment
Science-U @home

Bumblebee Bonanza

What do bumblebees do all day?

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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Pennies and Water experiment

Pennies and Water

Test how many pennies you can put in a full glass of water without letting any leak over the edges.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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apollo astronauts

Space Day

Here from a member of the US Space Force and an Astronaut! Learn what it takes to travel to space.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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air pressure rockets
Science-U @home

Air Pressure Rockets

How do you launch a rocket without using fuel?

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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looking at a camera

Invent Apps That Help Others and Build Empathy

Discover how new apps are improving the lives of people with a disability or illness and helping to raise empathy.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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observe bumblebees
Science-U @home

Bumblebee Bonanza

What do bumblebees do all day?

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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Density Tower
Science-U @home

Density Tower

Make colorful layers using liquids of varying densities.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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cartoon academy

Cartoon Academy

Practice drawing cartoon characters while learning educational facts on the cartoon subjects by cartoonist Joe Wos.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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leaves breathe
Science-U @home

Do leaves breathe?

Create an environment to observe leaves breathing.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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nature

Nature: At-Home Activities

Try out these activities to learn more about animals in nature.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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generation nation

Generation Nation: Self-Reflection & Interviewing Activity

In these activities, students will draw inspiration from Generation Nation: A PBS American Portrait Story to complete a self-reflection about their life, goals, and anxieties.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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Energy Carousel
Science-U @home

Energy Carousel

Make your own carousel toy while exploring some basic energy concepts.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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gardening together

Garden Health and Maintenance

Learn about what a garden needs to remain healthy. Explore the choices that lead to a thriving garden like choosing the best location, preparing the soil, and knowing when to water the plants.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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leaves
Science-U @home

Do Leaves Breathe?

Create an environment to observe leaves breathing.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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healthy eating

Healthy Eating

Healthy eating helps keep a healthy mind. Learn more with the Healthy Lunchtime Challenge, a nationwide recipe contest for kids that promotes cooking and healthy eating.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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living and working in space

Living and Working in Space

Explore the International Space Station (ISS), a unique laboratory that orbits 250 miles above the Earth at a speed of five miles per second, seeing a sunrise every 90 minutes!

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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air pressure rockets
Science-U @home

Air Pressure Rockets

How do you launch a rocket without using fuel?

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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bumblebees
Science-U @home

Bumblebee Bonanza

What do bumblebees do all day?

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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bird

Bird Migration

Learn about migration, the seasonal movement of animals from one location to another.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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speaking

Oratory Tips and Tricks

Looking to give a speech? How you use your voice makes a huge difference.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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experiment miracle milk
Science-U @home

Magic Milk

What makes food coloring dance in milk?

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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free apps

From “Screen” to “Green”

Encourage outdoor exploration with these free apps from PBS and beyond.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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leaves
Science-U @home

Do Leaves Breathe?

In this experiment, create an environment where you can see this carbon dioxide/oxygen exchange happening in leaves!

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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Science-U @home

Pancake Science

Work on some serious math and science lessons while making pancakes.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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What It Is like to Be Autistic | Move to Include

Learn more about autism spectrum disorder through 26-year-old Tyler Leech’s story.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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child observing

Five Senses

In this Science Trek, host Joan Cartan-Hansen and her guests will answer students’ questions about our five senses.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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leaves
Science-U @home

Do Leaves Breathe?

How similar are we to leaves? Create an environment to observe leaves breathing.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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Things Explained: Personal Protective Equipment

In this episode of Things Explained, we talk with a Georgia nurse who is caring for coronavirus patients and examine why PPE is in such high demand during the global pandemic.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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celery in colored water
Science-U @home

Can You Water Plants with Other Liquids?

Most seeds need warmth, light, and water to start growing. But what happens when you replace water with other types of liquids? Test them out using this experiment!

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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Arthur characters

Social and Emotional Learning with Arthur

Use these Arthur resources to take action and improve your world!

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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Pollen in Spring

Why does everything turn yellow in spring? Try this activity to find out!

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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Science-U @home

How Does a Soda Geyser Work?

Try it yourself with step by step instructions and guided scientific questions available in the downloadable handout.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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Science-U @home

What’s in an Owl Pellet?

See how our Science-U campers did it, then try it yourself with step-by-step instructions and guided scientific questions available in the downloadable handout.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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Strategies of Women’s Suffrage

Learn about the groundbreaking strategies women used to give rise to the largest expansion of voting rights in American history.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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Odd Squad Collection

Odd Squad agents use effective mathematical practices and critical mathematics concepts and skills to ultimately solve each case. In other words: Odd is the problem, math is the solution.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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Finding Your Roots: The Seedlings

“Finding Your Roots: The Seedlings” follows 13 young people in a genetics and genealogy camp as they explore their family history and DNA ancestry with techniques never before used in an educational setting.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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Mars Egg Lander
Science-U @home

How Do You Drop an Egg Without Breaking It?

Try it yourself with step by step instructions and guided scientific questions available in the downloadable student handout.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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Slavery and Freedom

This virtual journey explores the complexities of slavery and freedom in antebellum Savannah through the lens of the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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Mars Egg Lander
Science-U @home

How Do You Drop an Egg Without Breaking It?

Try it yourself with step by step instructions and guided scientific questions available in the downloadable student handout.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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Science-U @home

The Big Sale Game

Solve unit rate problems to determine the best deal per ounce of grocery items.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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Healthy Snack Ideas for Kids

You can encourage healthy eating by talking to your kids about nutrition, involving them in their food choices, and leading by example.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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Young girl shows water bottle dyed green from the food coloring in her mouth
Science-U @home

Does Backwash Really Happen?

Try it yourself with step-by-step instructions and guided scientific questions available in the downloadable student handout.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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Woven Heart Baskets

Learn how to make these lovely baskets and fill them with sweets or greeting cards for Valentine’s Day!

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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Science-U @home

Can You Transform a Regular Car into a Pullback Car?

Try it yourself with our step-by-step instructions and guided scientific questions available in the downloadable support materials.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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Building a Snow Shelter

This DragonflyTV segment illustrates how snow and clouds affect air temperatures and serve as insulators against extreme cold and heat.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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The Questioning Cube

Practice reading comprehension by asking questions about short stories and passages.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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Science-U @home

What Affects Blood Pressure?

Can different activities change blood pressure? Gather a group of friends and try it!

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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 Presidential Inauguration

This episode of Social Studies Shorts explores what happens on this exciting day and looks at interesting moments from past inaugurations.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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Science-U @home

History of Magnification

Understand the unpredictable way that innovation works, and explore the cascade of advancements in disease control and astronomy that 16th-century innovations in lens making prompted.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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Bird Journal

Winter is a fun time to watch birds in your yard. Many feathered friends even enjoy the snow, and you can keep track of them with this journal.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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STEM Careers Collection

Watch as some people in STEM careers profile their positions in STEM and what it entails.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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Science-U @home

Density Tower

Make colorful layers using liquids of varying densities, then experiment to see which items sink or float to each layer!

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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Science-U @home

Spiced Oatmeal Muffins

This hearty and healthy snack will power your child’s daily adventures.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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New Year’s Eve Origami Popper

To close out the year and welcome a new one, celebrate with some paper poppers! And learn how to say “Happy New Year” in different languages.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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Science-U @home

Mission: Materials Science

The Penn State Center for Nanoscale Science is developing a new interactive website with informal educational content to explore how materials have unexpected behaviors that lead to new, innovative technologies.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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Kindness Campaign

Watch and listen to these inspiring one of a kind kindness stories. Then download the Kindness Bingo cards to spread kindness in your community!

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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The Detective’s Notebook Game

You get to be a detective! Sort through clues in a story to predict what will happen next.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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various shapes cut out of construction paper
Science-U @home

Pattern Power

Practice creating and replicating patterns—an important math skill—with this simple activity.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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energy carousel
Science-U @home

Energy Carousel

Make your own carousel toy while exploring some basic energy concepts.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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All About Hanukkah

Hanukkah is a Jewish celebration, but anyone can find meaning in the holiday. Check out the origins of the tradition, and how it is observed today.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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Thankful Tree

Celebrate the beauty of fall by creating a festive centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table!

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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young boy holding a ruler
Science-U @home

Reaction Time

Who in your family has the quickest reaction time? Thanksgiving is the perfect time to experiment with different family members!

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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pancakes
Science-U @home

Pancake Science

Work on some serious math and science lessons while making pancakes.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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Who are the Northern Arapaho?

In this video and accompanying lesson plans, students will learn how the Northern Arapaho came to Wyoming, what are the Arapaho values, and why were Arapaho tribal names changed?

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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Close up leaf photo by Adam Przeniewski on Unsplash
Science-U @home

Do leaves breathe?

In this experiment, create an environment where you can see this carbon dioxide/oxygen exchange happening in leaves!

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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Create a Kindness Tree

Kindness can grow! Create a Kindness Tree in your house to watch your kind acts multiply.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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energy carousel
Science-U @home

Energy Carousel

Make your own carousel toy while exploring some basic energy concepts.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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Arthur and Francine Go to War

Watch this Arthur episode to learn about the complexities of the voting process. 

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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Science-U @home

Bouncing Egg

Turn a regular egg into a bouncing egg.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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How to Use Children’s Books to Talk About Race and Racism

Picture books help create a safe place to start when talking to children about race and racism. Use this list of suggested books to start your conversation.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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Science-U @home

Foam Fountain

Create a fantastic foaming fountain with a few household ingredients!

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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Build it From Nature

The natural world serves as inspiration for human inventions, such as scuba fins, the Bullet Train, and VELCRO. Use this worksheet to learn more examples, and then search for more in your neighborhood.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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Science-U @home

Bumblebee Bonanza

What do bumblebees do all day?

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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DragonFly TV – Leaves

Why do leaves change color in the Fall? In this video, the students explore to find out!

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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Science-U @home

Pancake Science

Work on some serious math and science lessons while making pancakes.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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Chef Cookie Pops

Create these delightful desserts for your cooking-themed party! Let every little guest enjoy their very own delicious ‘chef’ cookie pop.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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Science-U @home

Blood Pressure

Learn how to use a stethoscope and a blood pressure cuff to measure blood pressure. Can different activities change blood pressure? Gather a group of friends and try it!

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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Personal Protective Equipment Explained

In this episode of Things Explained, we talk with a Georgia nurse who is caring for coronavirus patients and examine why PPE is in such high demand during the global pandemic.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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various shapes cut out of construction paper
Science-U @home

Pattern Power

Practice creating and replicating patterns—an important math skill—with this simple activity.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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Play a Storytelling Game

In this activity, your child will use her imagination and practice storytelling by rolling homemade dice to tell a unique story!

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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Science-U @home

Square Bubbles

Most bubble wands are circular, so is that why bubbles come out round?

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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DIY Fun Time Spinners

Sometimes parents need children to play quietly while they work or take a break. Create a Fun Time Spinner with activities your child can do alone, and one with family activities!

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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Science-U @home

Pancake Science

Breakfast can be a learning experience! Work on some serious math and science lessons while making pancakes.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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Helping Kids Cope with Back to School Anxiety

“STOP” is a 4-step plan you can use to gain more control over anxiety-causing situations like back-to-school.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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Science-U @home

Pull Back Cars

Can you transform a toy car into a pull back car?

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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Exploring Hot and Cold Changes

You and your child can investigate what happens when you heat solid materials and then cool the materials.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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bee next to a checklist
Science-U @home

Bumblebee Bonanza

What do bumblebees do all day?

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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Nature Paint Brushes

You need a paintbrush to paint your nature-y masterpiece! What will you use to make your paintbrush?

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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air powered rocket
Science-U @home

Air Pressure Rockets

How do you launch a rocket without using fuel?

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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Cat in the Hat

Exploring Weather

Does your child like to splash in rain puddles or watch the clouds as they move across the sky? You can help your child learn about weather by making a simple weather chart together and observing the weather with all their senses!

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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close up leaf
Science-U @home

Do leaves breathe?

Plants use their leaves to recycle carbon dioxide and turn it into food for themselves and oxygen for us. In this experiment, create an environment where you can see this carbon dioxide/oxygen exchange happening!

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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garden seeds

Watch a Seed Grow

When seeds are in the soil, it is impossible to observe all of their growth. Use fast-growing seeds in this experiment, and you and your child can closely monitor all of the stages of growth a seed experiences!    

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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boy experimenting with magic milk
Science-U @home

Magic Milk

What makes food coloring dance in milk?    

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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jar of glowing water

Make Glowing Water 

Create “glowing water” by adding the contents of a non-toxic highlighter to water. This project is a great way to learn about bioluminescence in nature.    

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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mentos and coke experiment
Science-U @home

Mentos Explosion

What is the secret behind the reaction between carbonated cola and little mint candies that makes such an explosion? Try it!    

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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daniel tiger at the beach

Outdoor Water Blob

Make the perfect activity for hot summer days: a water blob!    

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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energy carousel
Science-U @home

Energy Carousel

Have you ever ridden on a carousel or merry-go-round at an amusement park? Usually, these rides are powered by electricity, but you can make your own carousel toy while exploring some basic energy concepts.    

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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frog with back leg extendend

 Forces of Gravity

In this interactive, student driven lesson, students watch videos about gravity and investigate the motion of falling objects on Earth and on the Moon.     

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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young boy holding a ruler
Science-U @home

Reaction Time

How fast does the eye send messages to the brain and the brain send messages to your hand muscles to react in time to catch a falling object? Find out using the ruler test!

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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Arthur Takes A Stand

Arthur Takes a Stand

Watch this episode of PBS Kid’s show Arthur, where Arthur thinks his school cafeteria worker is being treated unfairly and seeks guidance from Congressman John Lewis

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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Science-U @home

Bumblebee Bonanza

Penn State entomologists visited Science-U Nature Camp and took the campers to the Penn State Arboretum to observe bumblebees in action. Campers share how to safely observe bees.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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Build a Bug Hotel

Try making your own insect home – or ‘hotel’ – out of upcycled items, to give bugs somewhere to live in your yard. They’ll repay you when they help control pests and pollinate your plants.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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density tower
Science-U @home

Density Tower

Make colorful layers using liquids of varying densities, then experiment to see which items sink or float to each layer!

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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luna

Celebrate World Cultures with Let’s Go Luna!

Hear stories, play through situations, and learn how to make crafts from cultures near and far.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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Air Pressure Rocker Illustration
Science-U @home

Air Pressure Rockets

Can you make a rocket and figure out how to launch it without any fuel? Try it!

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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painting of ben franklin

Think Creatively Like Ben Franklin

This lesson will help you discover more about the many creative endeavors of Benjamin Franklin and imagine what his modern-day social media posts might look like.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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pancakes
Science-U @home

Pancake Science

Math can be delicious? Cooking up a plate of fluffy buttermilk pancakes isn’t just a great life skill, it’s also an opportunity to work in some serious math and science lessons.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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odd squad

The Return of Symmetric Al

Odd Squad airs at 5:00 p.m. weekdays, where you can see the zaniest, craziest team of kid investigators around! Help the Odd Squad solve the mystery of Symmetric Al with this printable activity.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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energy carousel image from pbs.org/parents
Science-U @home

Energy Carousel

Have you ever ridden on a carousel or merry-go-round at an amusement park? Usually, these rides are powered by electricity, but you can make your own carousel toy while exploring some basic energy concepts.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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arthur playing basketball

Practicing Teamwork with Arthur

These two simple games use household items to help children learn the importance of cooperation and working together.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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Close up leaf photo by Adam Przeniewski on Unsplash
Science-U @home

Do Leaves Breathe?

Plants use their leaves to recycle carbon dioxide and turn it into food for themselves and oxygen for us. In this experiment, create an environment where you can see this carbon dioxide/oxygen exchange happening!

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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Kratt Brothers

Exploring Animal Life

If you want to investigate your backyard like the Kratt brothers, this list of activities from PBS Parents can get you started.

Suggested for Grades 4 to 8

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