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
Your Learning Neighborhood Activities
Habitats and Pollinators
In this lesson plan and activity, students learn how the garden provides habitat for a variety of different animal species. Through making observations and collecting data, students determine which species inhabit the garden (especially pollinators), investigate relationships among them, and identify factors that may affect them.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
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
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 Pre-K to 3
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
Science-U @home
Foam Fountain
Create a fantastic foaming fountain with just a few household ingredients!
Suggested for Grades 4 to 8
WPSU Women in Science Profiles
WiSci Files introduces viewers to five local women in diverse STEM careers through a series of short video profiles that feature aspects of their personal and professional lives, aiming to dispel stereotypes about who STEM professionals are and what their lives are like.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
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 9 to 12
Science-U @home
Simple Sorting
It is easy to forget that math is a part of our everyday lives. Use this activity to help your child notice differences, follow simple directions, sort objects, and identify patterns. These are important steps for data collection and analysis – which are a part of the scientific method!
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Marie Curie
Learn about Marie Curie, two-time Nobel Prize winner, with this video clip, printable biosketch reader, and support materials.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Math in the Workforce
In a world where we have calculators and search engines, why is math still a necessary skill to have in many career paths? From fashion design to astrobiology, math is the backbone of those jobs, and this collection will show you exactly why.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Science-U @home
Pull Back Cars
Pull back vehicles use springs to store energy. When the vehicle is released, the energy stored in the spring moves the vehicle forward. Can you make any toy vehicle into a pull back vehicle?
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Science-U @home
Flashlight Constellations
For thousands of years, humans have looked up at the sky and told stories about the stars twinkling in the night. The most famous constellations in Western culture come from the Greeks. In this activity, your child can learn more about several well-known constellations as you talk about the stories and science behind them.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Math + Arts
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 Pre-K to 3
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
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
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 9 to 12
Women’s History Month
This collection celebrates Women’s History Month by focusing on women and girls around the world. The films tell powerful, personal stories; and the activities encourage students to learn and understand international struggles and take an active role in addressing local concerns.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
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
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
Science-U @home
Watch a Seed Grow
When seeds are in the soil, it is impossible to observe all of the stages of 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 Pre-K to 3
Xavier Riddle | Biosketches
Explore the lives of famous historical female figures in these short engaging biographies written for young children.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Sesame Street Story Book Builder
Early readers will love building their own story book with Elmo, Abby Cadabby, or Cookie Monster! A perfect tool for helping identify feelings and emotions, word and letter recognition, and letter sounds.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
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 9 to 12
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
It’s Lit!
It’s Lit! is a series of smart, funny video essays from PBS Digital Studios about our favorite books and why we love to read. Delve into topics like the evolution of YA, how science fiction mirrors our own anxieties, and why the book is sometimes just a bit better than the movie.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
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
Science-U @home
Magnificent Mimicry
Mimicry occurs when a plant or animal looks like another species to help it survive. One of the best examples of this is the Monarch and Viceroy butterflies. Try this experiment to explore how Viceroy butterflies use mimicry to trick predators!
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
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
Engineering Is …
Explore Engineering Is… , a collection of media resources that focuses on the intersection of engineering and science. Explore how scientists and engineers are working together across disciplines to investigate issues, make discoveries and develop solutions.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Science-U @home
Foam Fountain
Create a fantastic foaming fountain with just a few household ingredients!
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
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 9 to 12
Obstacle Course Challenge
Miss Penny and KidVision kids explore Engineering through an obstacle course challenge and challenge you to create an obstacle course of your own using things around your house.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
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
Science-U @home
Caterpillar Senses
How does a caterpillar find its food? What do they eat and which senses do they use to find it?
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Virtual Field Trip: Jimmy Carter
Explore the life and legacy of Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States and the only president from Georgia. With 360 images, photo galleries, videos, and more, this virtual field trip offers students an in depth look at Jimmy Carter’s life.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
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
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
Science-U @home
Oobleck
When is a liquid not always a liquid and a solid not always a solid? When it’s “Oobleck”! Explore Non-Newtonian fluids – solutions that change their state of matter under pressure! It’s easy to make and super fun to play with. Try it!
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Lincoln’s Words
In this video segment, from the PBS documentary Looking for Lincoln, Professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr. cites several of Lincoln’s most famous lines of oratory from different points in his political career, noting the “seemingly simple but profoundly eloquent language” he used “to express and ennoble his cause.”
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Science-U @home
Mars Egg Lander
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 9 to 12
Characters in Context: Their Eyes Were Watching God
In this lesson, students will determine the relationship between characters in Their Eyes Were Watching God and black cultural moments throughout history. Students will analyze primary and secondary sources looking at slavery, reconstruction, and the black renaissance.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
There Goes the Neighborhood
Explore the concepts of prejudice and tolerance with Martha Speaks. When a new kitten moves in to the neighborhood Martha struggles with the attention she receives.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Science-U @home
How Do Plants “Drink” Water?
You may know that you have to water plants to keep them alive, but how do plants get water from the soil into the parts they need? Try this experiment to learn how!
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
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
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
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 9 to 12
Blood Vessels Help Tumors Grow
Cancer researcher Dr. Judah Folkman describes his approach to proving a new idea he had about how tumors grow inside the body focused on angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
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
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
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 Pre-K to 3
Ouch! | Wild Kratts
Come explore the cypress swamp with the Wild Kratts gang. While on an adventure, they get swarmed by a bunch of biting mosquitoes and observe how the creatures draw blood.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
A Letter from Eva Mozes Kor
Eva Mozes Kor, a Holocaust survivor, became a global ambassador for peace, forgiveness and inclusiveness. Read this letter Eva Kor wrote emphasizing four overarching life lessons she encouraged everyone to live by.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
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
Eva: A-7063 Documentary
As a 10-year-old “Mengele Twin” at the Auschwitz concentration camp, Eva Kor suffered some of the worst of the Holocaust. At 50, she launched the biggest manhunt in history. At 60, she publicly forgave the Nazis, and into her 80s, she circled the globe to promote hope, healing and humanity.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
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
Science-U @home
Pattern Power
Practice creating and replicating patterns—an important math skill—with this simple activity.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Science-U @home
Binary Bracelets
Using the binary code, you can show off your name on a really cool bracelet, keychain, or necklace.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Science-U @home
Bouncing Egg
Change Everything You Think You Know About Eggs! We all know what happens when you drop a regular egg on the ground. When you add vinegar (and some patience), you end up with a bouncy, squishy object!
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
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
Science-U @home
Dancing Raisins
Learn about density and displacement with this fun, easy experiment. Turn on some tunes and discover how raisins bust a move!
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
The Life and Legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Historians reflect on the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his role in the Civil Rights Movement.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
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
Martin Luther King Day
The third Monday in January is a national holiday observing the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. Learn more about this leader of the civil rights movement and about how we honor him today.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
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! https://science-u.org/experiments/density-tower.html
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
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 Pre-K to 3
Food Inc.: The Dollar Menu
In Food, Inc., filmmaker Robert Kenner lifts the veil on our nation’s food industry, exposing the highly mechanized underbelly that’s been hidden from the American consumer. Watch and discuss the economics of the food industry and how the cost of foods affects their choices.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
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
Washy Wash
Hand washing keeps us healthy. Be like Elmo and make sure to wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds—just enough time to sing this song once!
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
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
Science-U @home
Water Filter
Make your own water filter! You’ll be able to remove dirt, heavy metals and chemicals from filthy water!
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
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
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 Pre-K to 3
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
Button Snowflake
Add some kid-friendly decoration to your home with these ornaments made from popsicle sticks and colorful buttons.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
How Does Your Phone Send Emojis?
The physics of smartphones is a complicated and amazing mixture of engineering, physics, electronics and computer science.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
PBS Kids Scratch Jr.
Is your child interested in coding? The @PBSKIDS ScratchJr app is a fun way to teach kids coding skills using the characters they love!
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
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
Science-U @home
Mentos Explosion
Are you ready for a blast? What is the secret behind the reaction between carbonated cola and little mint candies that makes such an explosion? Try it!
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
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
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 Pre-K to 3
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
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
Science-U @home
Plaster Casting
The Science-U campers used plaster casts to determine who left shoe prints at the scene of the crime. You can set up your own mystery, or just have fun making plaster casts out of anything you want!
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Wildlife Research
Learn how rehabilitators and veterinarians at the Wildlife Center of Virginia treat tens of thousands of wild animals each year and are often the first to notice trends that contribute valuable insights to overall wildlife health using data from the patients admitted to the center.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
“Get Out the Mad” Cookies
How do you talk with your children about managing their feelings? This activity encourages children to knead and pound dough as one way to talk through and deal with feelings like anger and frustration.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
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
Celebrate Japan’s Oshogatsu Holiday
Oshogatsu is the most important holiday in Japan and is a celebration of the new year. Learn about the traditions of this special holiday, and how to make Ozoni, a one bowl soup that is a central dish of the holiday.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
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
Molly’s Winter Kitchen
Help Molly of Denali and her mom prepare traditional foods to last all winter! Learn about different ways of preserving foods like moose stew and blueberry jam.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Science-U @home
Bath Fizzies
Splish splash, let’s do science in the bath! Make your own bath fizzies and have fun exploring chemical reactions while taking a relaxing soak!
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Science-U @home
Simple Sorting At Home
Use this activity to help your child notice differences, follow simple directions, sort objects, and identify patterns. These are important steps for data collection and analysis – which are a part of the scientific method!
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Science-U @home
Make a Comet
Some scientists call it a “dirty snowball in space”. You can make your own comet with a mixture of materials that might surprise you.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
A History of Thanksgiving
Take a trip through time and learn about the origins of Thanksgiving and from the original colonists through the proclamation of a national Thanksgiving holiday.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
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
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
Science-U @home
Flashlight Constellations
For thousands of years, humans have looked up at the sky and told stories about the stars twinkling in the night. In this activity, your child can learn more about several well-known constellations as you talk about the stories and science behind them.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Gratitude Jar
A gratitude jar is the perfect project to help your child express thankfulness! As they draw the things for which they are thankful, add the drawings to the jar and watch the collection grow.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Science-U @home
Strawberry DNA
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 9 to 12
Science-U @home
Magnificent Mimicry
Mimicry occurs when a plant or animal looks like another species to help it survive. Try this experiment to explore how Viceroy butterflies use mimicry to trick predators!
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Elmo’s World Kindness Bingo
World Kindness Day is November 13th. Download and print this kindness bingo card and see how many acts of kindness your children can complete.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
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
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
American Veteran
Learn about the diversity of people who have signed up for military service with the United States Armed Forces and the various reasons that prompted them to make the decision to do so.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Science-U @home
Exploding Baggies
Combine a liquid and a solid and watch the chemical reaction that’s BIGGER than the components themselves!
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Fry Bread
In this video from Let’s Learn, author Kevin Nobel Maillard reads, Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story, a book celebrating Native American culture. After reading, he and his two children create fry bread using playdough.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
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
Science-U @home
Air Pressure Rockets
How do you launch a rocket without using fuel?
Suggested for Grades 4 to 8
Native Voices
Native Americans had established a rich and highly developed tradition of oral literature long before the writings of the European colonists. This program explores that richness by introducing Native American oral traditions through the work of three contemporary authors.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
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 9 to 12
Glowing Ghost Jugs
You can get ready for Halloween tricks and treats with some ghostly decorations for your sidewalk, front porch, or trunk-or-treat set up, by creating cute or spooky glowing ghost jugs.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
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
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
Science-U @home
Foam Fountain
Create a fantastic foaming fountain with a few household ingredients.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Halloween Haunted House
Children can draw spooky creatures in the windows of their own lift-the-flap haunted house with this fun Halloween craft for all ages.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Science-U @home
Pull Back Cars
Pull back vehicles use springs to store energy. When the vehicle is released, the energy stored in the spring moves the vehicle forward. Can you make any toy vehicle into a pull back vehicle?
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Afrofuturism: From Books to Blockbusters
What is Afrofuturism and what is its place in Black storytelling? Learn how Afrofuturism is more than just “science fiction plus Africa” and the roots of this important genre in this video from the digital series It’s Lit.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
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
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
Science-U @home
Oobleck
When is a liquid not always a liquid and a solid not always a solid? When it’s “Oobleck”! Explore Non-Newtonian fluids – solutions that change their state of matter under pressure! It’s easy to make and super fun to play with. Try it!
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Reading Buddies
Over 10 sessions you can help your child learn new vocabulary and inspire a love of reading book using the Martha Speaks Reading Buddies Program. Each session provides plans, book suggestions, and activities designed around a set of new vocabulary words to explore.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Science-U @home
Dental Decay
Test the acid levels in your favorite drinks and learn if they can weaken tooth enamel.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Multiple Perspectives
Zitkála-Šá and Susan La Flesche Picotte, worked tirelessly to improve the lives of Native Americans. By learning more about their lives and analyzing primary source documents written by both women, you will gain a deeper understanding of how assimilation policies impacted indigenous people in the past and continue to have consequences in the present.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Science-U @home
Soda Geyser
Explore the science behind the reaction caused by dropping Mentos® into soda.
Suggested for Grades 4 to 8
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
Science-U @home
Sink or Float
Learn about density in this simple experiment you can do in your bathtub, kitchen or outside.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
First Fish
Explore Alaska Native culture and values with Molly of Denali as she catches her first fist and follows the tradition of honoring one’s elders by offering her prized catch to her grandpa.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
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
Friendship Cards
Spend time coloring and decorating these Daniel Tiger friendship cards with your children as you discuss friendship and what makes a good friend with them.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
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
Science-U @home
Lemon Batteries
Can you get power from a lemon? Try this fun experiment at home to find out.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Fighting Prejudice and Bullying
Learn how a young girl who immigrated to New York City from Yemen dealt with Islamophobia in this video from FILMS BYKIDS: Poet against Prejudice.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Science-U @home
Watch a Seed Grow
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 Pre-K to 3
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
Science-U @home
How Do Plants “Drink” Water?
You may know that you have to water plants to keep them alive, but how do plants get water from the soil into the parts they need? Try this experiment to learn how!
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
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
Science-U @home
The Hungry Caterpillar
Determine what caterpillars eat and what senses they use to find their food in this hands on experiment.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Apple Donuts
Snack Hacks are fun healthy recipes to make with your child that provide positive experiences with healthy foods. Make this fun, healthy twist on the fall favorite apple donut.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Just Breathe
A tropical rainforest’s ability to take a deep breath depends in large part on a somewhat surprising factor—the age of its leaves. Explore more about the connection between the seasonal variation in Amazon rainforest productivity and its possible resilience to climate change in this interactive infographic.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Salsa: Spanish for Children
SALSA is a series of videos that blends puppets, animation, live action and music to create a unique experience for first-time learners of Spanish language and culture.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
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
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
Science-U @home
Bumblebee Bonanza
Take a trip outdoors and spend some time observing bee behavior. Learn how to be safe when watching bees while learning about these amazing insects.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Science-U @home
Solar Oven S’mores
Before the weather starts to cool off, dive into the fun experiment in which you create your own solar oven from a pizza box.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Diversity In Latino Culture
Explore the rich diversity within Latino culture in this interactive lesson that presents the variety found within Latino food, music, and art.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
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
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
Coding with Peanut Butter & Jelly
Learn the basics of coding with this fun video in which Valerie Brock builds a PB&J. Children are then encouraged to solve fun, simple coding sequence puzzles.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Science-U @home
Pattern Power
Can you follow the code? Work with you child on pattern recognition in this interactive activity in which you create a pattern with cutout shapes and have them replicate it.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Debugging the Code
Get immersed in a multi-level adventure game cleverly designed to introduce computer programming concepts and improve problem-solving skills. To save the motherboard, players create a custom hero character and fight bugs!
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
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 9 to 12
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
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
Our Favorite Day
Watch a reading of the book Our Favorite Day by Joowon Oh. Then share and draw some of your favorite days together.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Tracing Ancestry
In this interactive web activity your task it to complete a family tree by comparing the DNA sequences of Y chromosomes of known men to the sequences of their relatives.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Science-U @home
Family Plaster Cast Handprints
Plaster casts are used by professionals like crime scene investigators. Learn how to create plaster casts and cast each of your family members handprints.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Science-U @home
Family Sharing
Families share many things, but does that include germs? Discover if drinking straight from the milk carton really does leave backwash behind in this fun at home experiment.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Science-U @home
Mars Egg Lander
How do you drop an egg without breaking it?
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Science-U @home
Oobleck
Can something be both a solid and a liquid?
Suggested for Grades 4 to 8
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
Science-U @home
Water Filter
Can you make muddy water crystal clear?
Suggested for Grades 4 to 8
Arthur – All About Community: Making a Difference
Learn with Arthur and friends on how to make a difference in your community and connect with your neighbors.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Culture Creates Community
Explore videos about artists and arts organizations that maintain or adapt traditional art forms, and that build a sense of community through their art practices. Create your own classroom community through meaningful art experiences.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
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
Science-U @home
Marvelous Meringues
Change slimy egg whites to a fluffy foam to a crunchy solid!
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
First Day of School Sign
Celebrate the first day of school by completing this poster! Keep it in a scrapbook to see the changes over the years.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
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
Your Brain and Emotions
Learn about how our brain participates in our social-emotional selves and what students and teachers need to understand about emotions.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Creating Modern Dance
Using the videos from the Dance Arts Toolkit collection learn everything from the elements of dance to ensuring healthy dance practices.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Science-U @home
Dancing Raisins
Learn about density and displacement with this fun, easy experiment. Turn on some tunes and discover how raisins bust a move!
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Science-U @home
Bath Fizzies
Splish splash, let’s do science in the bath! Make your own bath fizzies and have fun exploring chemical reactions while taking a relaxing soak!
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
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
Create a Yup’ik Dance Fan
Explore an Alaska Native dance tradition with your child by making a Yup’ik dance fan together.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Science-U @home
Magic Milk
When food coloring and soap are added to whole milk, strange things happen.
Suggested for Grades 4 to 8
Pattern Power
Practice creating and replicating patterns—an important math skill—with this simple activity.
Suggested for Grades 4 to 8
The Big Sale
Solve unit rate problems to determine the best deal per ounce of grocery items.
Suggested for Grades 4 to 8
Make Your Own Mathroom
This Odd Squad craft supports fine motor skills while learning about operating with numbers and introducing children to fractions.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
What are the Odds? And What are the Chances?
These flexible interactives provide opportunities to practice identifying simple, compound, and/or dependent probabilities using answers in the form of fractions, percentages, and/or decimals.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Science-U @home
Binary Bracelets
Using the binary code, you can show off your name on a really cool bracelet, keychain, or necklace.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Using Technology to Treat Social Anxiety
Learn about ways to treat social anxiety and the elements of cognitive behavioral therapy.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Science-U @home
Do leaves breathe?
Create an environment to observe leaves breathing.
Suggested for Grades 4 to 8
Science-U @home
Bouncing Egg
Turn a regular egg into a bouncing egg.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Science-U @home
Simple Sorting at Home
Turn everyday tasks into math activities.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Back to School
These back to school-themed activity sheets allow children to choose their own learning adventures.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
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
Science-U @home
Foam Fountain
Create a fantastic foaming fountain with a few household ingredients!
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Creating Routines
It’s always a good time for children to brush up on everyday routines like greeting friends, picking up toys, and getting ready for bed. This collection is filled with tips and ideas!
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Science-U @home
Dancing Raisins
Learn about density and displacement with this fun, easy experiment. Turn on some tunes and discover how raisins bust a move!
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Reading and Sharing Stories
Words can take you anywhere! Use the activities in this collection to help build literacy skills and create and share family stories.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Summer of Reading
Get summer started on the right page with PBS LearningMedia’s Summer of Reading collection!
Suggested for Grades 4 to 8
Science-U @home
Reaction Time
How fast does your brain send messages to your body?
Suggested for Grades 4 to 8
Read to Lead
Try these digital learning games that promote literacy and leadership in an immersive virtual workplace.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Science-U @home
Plaster Casting
Can you make a plaster cast like a crime scene investigator?
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
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
Science-U @home
Bumblebee Bonanza
What do bumblebees do all day?
Suggested for Grades 4 to 8
Science-U @home
Caterpillar Senses
How do hungry caterpillars find food?
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Amazing Animal Superpowers
Joe Hanson, host of It’s Okay to be Smart, explores animal superpowers, from radiation-resistant bacteria to geckos who climb glass using atomic adhesion to a shrimp that can shoot a bubble the temperature of the sun.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Investigating Animals
Crawl like an ant, jump like a frog, and gallop like a horse!
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Science-U @home
Magnificent Mimicry
How do Viceroy butterflies use mimicry to trick predators?
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Experiment With Walking Water
This fun science activity introduces basic concepts of physics and gravity.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
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
Science-U @home
Bath Fizzies
Splish splash, let’s do science in the bath! Make your own bath fizzies and have fun exploring chemical reactions while taking a relaxing soak!
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Illustration of Water Conductivity
Explore how water conducts electricity through a variety of experiments.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Science-U @home
Flashlight Constellations
Learn about the stories and science behind some well-known constellations.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
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
Science-U @home
Air Pressure Rockets
How do you launch a rocket without using fuel?
Suggested for Grades 4 to 8
Exploring Space
Travel to the moon and beyond with these activities all about space.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Color Mixing and Liquid in Space
Learning doesn’t stop when you reach outer space, learn about color mixing aboard the International Space Station.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Science-U @home
Mars Egg Lander
How do you drop an egg without breaking it?
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
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
Science-U @home
Watch a Seed Grow
Explore the Stages of Seed Growth.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Science-U @home
Bumblebee Bonanza
What do bumblebees do all day?
Suggested for Grades 4 to 8
Being a Good Friend & Neighbor
There are lots of things kids can do to celebrate neighbors and friends.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
13-year-old’s Invention Helping the Blind to Read
Dive into a new invention allowing the blind to print Braille more easily than ever.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Science-U @home
Density Tower
Make colorful layers using liquids of varying densities.
Suggested for Grades 4 to 8
Science-U @home
Binary Bracelets
Using the binary code, you can show off your name on a really cool bracelet, keychain, or necklace.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
The Creative Corner
Explore new topics through the lens of the visual and performing arts, with step-by-step instructions for at-home activities.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Science-U @home
How do plants “drink” water?
How do plants get water from the soil into the parts they need?
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Sharing Your Creativity
Spark creativity as you explore all of these games and activities!
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Cartoon Academy
Practice drawing cartoon characters while learning educational facts on the cartoon subjects by cartoonist Joe Wos.
Suggested for Grades 4 to 8
Science-U @home
Can you “water” plants with other liquids?
Water seeds with other liquids and see if they grow.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Nature: Earth Science
Explore glaciers, volcanoes, and more!
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Science-U @home
Do leaves breathe?
Create an environment to observe leaves breathing.
Suggested for Grades 4 to 8
Nature: At-Home Activities
Try out these activities to learn more about animals in nature.
Suggested for Grades 4 to 8
Science-U @home
Magnificent Mimicry
How do Viceroy butterflies use mimicry to trick predators?
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Observing Nature
Enjoy a variety of activities all about nature with PBS KIDS Summer of Possibilities
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
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
Family Traditions Bingo
Learn how sharing our family traditions helps us to respect the diversity of our community.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Science-U @home
Energy Carousel
Make your own carousel toy while exploring some basic energy concepts.
Suggested for Grades 4 to 8
Sensorial Writing/Sense of Place
Students will explore vivid sensorial writing while considering how to write about smell, taste, or sound in a setting.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Science-U @home
Marvelous Meringues
Change slimy egg whites to a fluffy foam to a crunchy solid!
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Science-U @home
Pattern Power
Practice creating and replicating patterns—an important math skill—with this simple activity.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Soil: Garden Activity Guide
How does soil texture and fertility contribute to the overall health and productivity of a garden? In this activity, help students explore the details of garden soil and learn about the different ingredients that help fertilize growing plants.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
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
Science-U @home
Watch a Seed Grow
Explore the Stages of Seed Growth
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Science-U @home
Can you “water” plants with other liquids?
Water seeds with other liquids and see if they grow.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Plant a Terrarium
A terrarium is a micro-environment: moisture evaporates, then condensates and falls back down (just like rain) in an enclosed glass container. Bring the great outdoors inside!
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Science-U @home
Do Leaves Breathe?
Create an environment to observe leaves breathing.
Suggested for Grades 4 to 8
Yoga for Kids
Practice these meditative breathing exercises meant to help you focus, relax, and feel energized.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Science-U @home
Smooshy Slime
Make a squishy substance that is fun to stretch, shape, and smoosh.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
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
Science-U @home
Exploding Baggies
Combine a liquid and a solid and watch the chemical reaction that’s BIGGER than the components themselves!
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Youth Mental Health
For Mental Health Awareness Month, explore resources that can help you meet the mental health needs of students at school and at home.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Science-U @home
Blood Pressure
What affects blood pressure?
Suggested for Grades 4 to 8
Science-U @home
Make a Comet
Can you make a comet?
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Moon Landing Game
With a “rocket”, brain power, and teamwork, you’ll be blasting off with fun playing this game!
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Science-U @home
Flashlight Constellations
Learn about the stories and science behind some well-known constellations.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
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
Science-U @home
Air Pressure Rockets
How do you launch a rocket without using fuel?
Suggested for Grades 4 to 8
Is There Life in Space?
Discover how scientists find distant planets and moons and how they determine whether those astronomical bodies could be habitable.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Science-U @home
Bumblebee Bonanza
What do bumblebees do all day?
Suggested for Grades 4 to 8
Science-U @home
Dancing Raisins
Turn on some tunes and discover how raisins bust a move!
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Bird Migration
Learn about migration, the seasonal movement of animals from one location to another.
Suggested for Grades 4 to 8
Beneficial Bats
Learn how bats play a key role in Texas agriculture as predators of crop-destroying pests such as the corn earworm moth.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Science-U @home
Owl Pellets
What’s in an owl pellet?
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
The Butterfly/La Mariposa
This Mexican folktale that explains why butterflies do not live in houses and why they migrate. Story told in Spanish and English.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Science-U @home
Bath Fizzies
Splish splash, let’s do science in the bath! Make your own bath fizzies and have fun exploring chemical reactions while taking a relaxing soak!
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Science-U @home
Magnificent Mimicry
How do Viceroy butterflies use mimicry to trick predators?
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Your Child’s a Poet, and Here’s How to Show It
Develop children’s literacy skills by reading and writing poetry.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Oratory Tips and Tricks
Looking to give a speech? How you use your voice makes a huge difference.
Suggested for Grades 4 to 8
Science-U @home
Magic Milk
What makes food coloring dance in milk?
Suggested for Grades 4 to 8
Poetry Everywhere
Explore the power of language, look at the world with a fresh sense of wonder, and build reading and writing skills.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Science-U @home
Watch a Seed Grow
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 Pre-K to 3
From “Screen” to “Green”
Encourage outdoor exploration with these free apps from PBS and beyond.
Suggested for Grades 4 to 8
Create Leaf and Bark Art
Take a walk around your neighborhood and look at the trees you see in a new way!
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
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
Outdoor Art
Use this collection of resources to explore the elements of outdoor art, and maybe find some inspiration to create your own.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Science-U @home
Can you water plants with other liquids?
What happens when you replace water with other types of liquids when watering plates? Test them out using this experiment!
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Science-U @home
Pull Back Cars
Can you transform a toy car into a pull back car?
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Science-U @home
Pancake Science
Work on some serious math and science lessons while making pancakes.
Suggested for Grades 4 to 8
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
Susan Levy on Advances in Autism Research
Listen as Susan Levy discusses advances in autism research.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Science-U @home
Flashlight Constellations
Learn about the stories and science behind some well-known constellations.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Creating Special Times for Everyone
Setting up a comfortable space and doing activities that bring out each child’s strengths can create special times in helping a child with autism.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
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
My Five Senses
Teacher Sabrin Abedin reads the book, “My Five Senses,” by Aliki.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Science-U @home
Backwash
All about taste! Does saliva really wash back into the milk carton from your mouth when you take a drink?
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Sweetness
Students will explore the nature of sweetness and create a scale to measure and compare the sweetness of several types of foods and drinks.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Science-U @home
Solar Oven S’mores
Harness the sun’s energy to treat your tastebuds! Transform a pizza box into a solar oven to make a s’more.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
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
Meet the Helpers Collection
The Meet the Helpers toolkit is designed to introduce “helpers” and explain the role they play in emergency situations.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
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
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
Healthcare Crisis: Who’s at Risk?
In this lesson plan, students research the critical problem that approximately 1/3 of Americans are without adequate or any healthcare insurance.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Science-U @home
Watch a Seed Grow
It is garden season! Try this experiment to see how a seed grows underground.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Social and Emotional Learning with Arthur
Use these Arthur resources to take action and improve your world!
Suggested for Grades 4 to 8
Coping with Feeling Left Out
Using imaginary play, you can help your child work through the disappointment of being excluded — and learn how to include others!
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
The Rise of Social Networking
In this video segment from FRONTLINE: “Digital Nation,” teens talk about why they use social networking sites like MySpace and Facebook.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Science-U @home
Caterpillar Senses
How do hungry caterpillars find food?
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Pollen in Spring
Why does everything turn yellow in spring? Try this activity to find out!
Suggested for Grades 4 to 8
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
Seasons on Earth
Students study satellite data and explore an example of long-term climate change to learn about the seasons, changes in climate, and the role of Earth’s tilted axis.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Science-U @home
Sink or Float?
This easy science activity can be done anywhere you can put a container of water. Try it in your backyard, the bathtub, or the kitchen sink!
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Tissue Paper Flower Bowl
This craft is great for a wide range of ages, and is perfect for Mother’s Day or to create as a fun spring craft!
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
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
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
Science-U @home
Is a Bubble Always Round?
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 Pre-K to 3
Women’s History Month Collection
This collection celebrates Women’s History Month by focusing on women and girls around the world.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Amelia Earhart Reader
Print and fold this 2-page biosketch about Amelia Earhart into a booklet! Then discover other famous women with the Xavier Riddle Collection.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Science-U @home
Women in Science Profiles
Learn about five women in STEM careers, and watch them answer questions from students like you.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
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
Science-U @home
Dental Decay
Try it yourself with our step-by-step instructions and guided scientific questions available in the downloadable support materials.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Finding Math in Everyday Places
In her exuberant way, Peg (and her side-kick Cat), reminds us that we are surrounded by math!
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Science-U @home
The Plants and the Bees
Here’s how the vascular plants (ferns, gymnosperms, and angiosperms) reproduce, from ancient to modern times.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Science-U @home
Watershed Lesson Plan
Learn about watersheds, the factors which can pollute them, the modern-day problems facing watersheds (including pollution), and the ways in which watersheds can be protected, in this lesson plan from Liquid Assets.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Cryptology Files
Cryptologists solve puzzles and crack codes to find solutions. This game from WPSU puts you in the role of a cryptologist to decode clues using pre-algebra skills and track down spies around the world.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
History Detectives – Blacks on the Battlefield
Spotlight on a letter from a young Union soldier interested in a commission with an African American regiment.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
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
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
Science-U @home
Can Something Be Both a Solid and a Liquid?
Try it yourself with step by step instructions and guided scientific questions available in the downloadable student handout.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Science-U @home
Can Something Be Both a Solid and a Liquid?
Try it yourself with step by step instructions and guided scientific questions available in the downloadable student handout.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Black History BINGO
Identifying contributions of people, past and present is important. We learn to celebrate individuals and the part they play in our lives.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
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
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
Set Up a Healthy Media Relationship
Navigating technology in our homes has certainly become more interesting during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are some ideas on how to think about your family’s relationship with technology.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
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
Science-U @home
The Hamburger Game
The Hamburger Game helps students practice attentive reading by choosing the main idea—or “meat”—from a passage of text and dragging it to the center of a sandwich.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Using Emojis to Express Emotions
These yellow faces are everywhere these days, and a familiar language to our little ones.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Science-U @home
Cryptology Files Game
Take on the role of cryptologists to decode clues using pre-algebraic substitution and order of operations.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
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
Heart Apple Chips
A crunchy, sweet Valentine’s Day treat that won’t earn your kids a trip to the dentist!
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
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
Science-U @home
WPSU Women in Science Profiles
Watch as WPSU Profiles these five women with careers in STEM fields.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Citrus Peel Roses
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with these beautiful citrus peel roses! Place them in a bowl with other dried items for decoration.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Science-U @home
What Makes Food Coloring Dance in Milk?
Try it yourself with our step-by-step instructions and guided scientific questions available in the downloadable support materials.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
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
Homemade Snow Globes
A homemade snow globe is a childhood must!
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Science-U @home
Can You Get Power from a Lemon?
Try it yourself with our step-by-step instructions and guided scientific questions available in the downloadable support materials.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
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
Snowpack Drinking Water
Find out how climate change is significantly altering the precious water source from snowpack in the mountains.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Science-U @home
Is a Bubble Always Round?
Try it yourself with step-by-step instructions and guided scientific questions available in the downloadable handout.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Train Game
This train cannot travel down an uncompleted track! Choose the correct words to complete the sentence and get the train moving.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night
Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare as performed at Penn State, including lesson plans to teach each Act and Scene.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
The Questioning Cube
Practice reading comprehension by asking questions about short stories and passages.
Suggested for Grades 4 to 8
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
Science-U @home
What Makes Food Coloring Dance in Milk?
When food coloring and soap are added to whole milk, strange things happen. Why?
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Science-U @home
Jim Lovell at the Morehead Planetarium
The astronaut returns to the planetarium that had trained him in the art of celestial navigation before his two moon missions.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Science-U @home
The Half Mile Long Microscope
Learn how scientists turn a half-mile long particle accelerator into a microscope in this video from SciTech Now.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
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
How do voters decide?
Use this video and lesson plan to learn how voters make the important decision about who should lead their country.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
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
Make your own Magnifying Glass
Magnify the fun with a closer look at the world through a homemade magnifying glass.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Your Vote Counts!
Video reading of the book Your Vote Counts! and a classroom lesson plan for discussing campaigning, voting, and democracy.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Science-U @home
Bouncing Egg
Turn a regular egg into a bouncing egg.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Documenting Winter Stories
Create a documentary to inform viewers about the winter in your area.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Science-U @home
Square Bubbles
Is a bubble always round?
Suggested for Grades 4 to 8
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
Science-U @home
Oobleck
Explore Non-Newtonian fluids – solutions that change their state of matter under pressure!
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Ice Towers
Sneak in some science with these fun ice towers. Simply place them outside to freeze.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
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
Science-U @home
Dancing Raisins
Learn about density and displacement with this fun, easy experiment. Turn on some tunes and discover how raisins bust a move!
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Encouraging Curiosity With Elinor Wonders Why
Elinor and her friends have fun engaging with plants, animals, and nature, asking simple but probing questions to figure out why and how things work – early STEM skills!
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
WPSU Women in Science Profiles
The Women in Science Profiles created by WPSU highlight five women in STEM careers and their career journeys.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Science-U @home
Make a Comet
Can you make a comet?
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
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
Science-U @home
Exploring Hot and Cold Changes
Will a solid material melt? Can you change it back to solid again? Investigate what happens when you heat solid materials and then cool the materials.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Building Self Confidence with Goal Setting
Help your child set a goal and work towards achieving it.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Science-U @home
Spiced Oatmeal Muffins
This hearty and healthy snack will power your child’s daily adventures.
Suggested for Grades 4 to 8
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
Holiday | Craft in America
HOLIDAY embraces familiar and new winter celebrations as part of our American experience with the handmade.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Science-U @home
Marvelous Meringues
Change slimy egg whites to a fluffy foam to a crunchy solid!
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
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
Science-U @home
ScratchJr
Coding is the new literacy! With ScratchJr, young children (ages 5-7) can program their own interactive stories and games. In the process, they learn to solve problems, design projects, and express themselves creatively on the computer.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
The Gift of Life
Ahmed Khatib was killed by the Israeli army in 2005. Ahmed’s father decided to donate his son’s organs and help the Jewish families who received them.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
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
Make Your Own Thank You Cards
With your help, have your child think about someone who has done something nice or helpful for them. Talk about how one of the ways we can show we’re thankful is by giving thank you cards.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Science-U @home
5 Amazing Stars
While Jupiter and Saturn are aligning to create a bright “star” in the sky on December 21st, learn about five actual stars that light up the sky nightly.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
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
Cryptology Files
Can you crack the code and stop an international smuggling ring? The activity integrates geography and algebra, and is best for grades 8 – 12.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Word Machine Game
By matching sounds to letters, your child can make the Word Machine function.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Science-U @home
Pattern Power
Practice creating and replicating patterns—an important math skill—with this simple activity.
Suggested for Grades 4 to 8
Science-U @home
Binary Bracelets
Using the binary code, you can show off your name on a really cool bracelet, keychain, or necklace.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Science-U @home
Simple Sorting at Home
Turn everyday tasks into math activities.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Make a Kwanzaa Card with Elmo
Each family celebrates Kwanzaa in its own way, but celebrations often include songs and dances, African drums, storytelling, poetry reading, and a large traditional meal.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Science-U @home
Pull Back Cars
Can you transform any toy car into a pull back car?
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Science-U @home
Flashlight Constellations
Learn about the stories and science behind some well-known constellations.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Celebrate Japan’s Oshogatsu Holiday with Ozoni
Japanese celebrate Oshogatsu on the first day of the New Year. For this holiday families head over the river and through the woods to grandma’s house.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Science-U @home
Energy Carousel
Make your own carousel toy while exploring some basic energy concepts.
Suggested for Grades 4 to 8
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
Thankful Tree
Celebrate the beauty of fall by creating a festive centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table!
Suggested for Grades 4 to 8
Science-U @home
Blood Pressure
What affects blood pressure? Gather a group of friends or family to find out!
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Harvest Shakers
Make it then shake it! Create two to make a musical duo and have twice the fun.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
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
Learn About Relatives
The holidays are a great chance for children to learn about family culture. Encourage them to mingle and learn their family history by having them engage with their relatives.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Science-U @home
Backwash
Does backwash really happen? Experiment around the Thanksgiving table to find out!
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Science-U @home
Marvelous Meringues
Change slimy egg whites to a fluffy foam to a crunchy solid!
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Science-U @home
Pancake Science
Work on some serious math and science lessons while making pancakes.
Suggested for Grades 4 to 8
Science-U @home
Mason Jar Whipped Cream
Whip liquid cream into a solid with this easy and delicious kitchen science activity!
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
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
Who is Molly of Denali?
Molly of Denali can be your personal guide to learning about Alaskan natives, the Alaskan wilderness, and as a bonus, literacy skills! Check out her podcast.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
How does Tribal Government Work?
The Tribal Government on the Wind River Reservation is in a state of flux. In the accompanying lesson plans, learn how the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes govern their people. What is the relationship between Tribal, State, and Federal government?
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
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
Kindness BINGO
Pick a day or a week, and see who in your family can fill out their Kindness BINGO card first!
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Science-U @home
Can you “water” plants with other liquids?
What happens when you replace water with other types of liquids?
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Being Kind for Kindness’ Sake
In this daily news story, PBS NewsHour Extra looks at the impact and meaning of community service and why the winter break may be a more challenging time for students than many people may realize.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
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
Science-U @home
How do plants “drink” water?
You may know that you have to water plants to keep them alive, but how do plants get water from the soil into the parts they need?
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Science-U @home
Pull Back Cars
Can you transform a toy car into a pull back car?
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
To Vote or Not to Vote?
Students explore the history of voter suppression in the U.S. and arguments for the importance of voting.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Science-U @home
Energy Carousel
Make your own carousel toy while exploring some basic energy concepts.
Suggested for Grades 4 to 8
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
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 Pre-K to 3
Interactive Storybook: The Election Problem
In this interactive storybook your child can watch and count along as the chickens vote for their favorite candidate.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Science-U @home
Smooshy Slime
Make a squishy substance that is fun to stretch, shape, and smoosh.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Confronting Anti-Black Racism
Use these materials with middle and high school students to help them understand the long history of anti-Black racism in the United States, and think about ways to address it in their own families and communities.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Science-U @home
Bouncing Egg
Turn a regular egg into a bouncing egg.
Suggested for Grades 4 to 8
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
Science-U @home
Oobleck
Can something be both a solid and a liquid?
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
What is Race? Having the Conversation With Young Children
Families should be talking more about race. Dr. Aisha White talks about what race is and how to discuss it with young children.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Science-U @home
Mentos® Explosion
How does a soda geyser work?
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Strawberry DNA
Can you extract DNA from a strawberry?
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Science-U @home
Foam Fountain
Create a fantastic foaming fountain with a few household ingredients!
Suggested for Grades 4 to 8
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
Science-U @home
Exploding Baggies
Combine a liquid and a solid and watch the chemical reaction that’s BIGGER than the components themselves!
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
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. Make a second spinner filled with family-friendly activities you can do as a family after work or on the weekends.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Science-U @home
Owl Pellets
What’s in an owl pellet?
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Sweetness: The Botany of Desire
Students consider the nature of sweetness and create a scale that allows them to measure and compare the sweetness of several types of apples, potatoes and soft drinks.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Science-U @home
Bumblebee Bonanza
What do bumblebees do all day?
Suggested for Grades 4 to 8
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
Science-U @home
Magnificent Mimicry
How do Viceroy butterflies use mimicry to trick predators?
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
13 Children’s Books for Celebrating Fall
As we say goodbye to summer, let’s share the wonders of autumn with these 13 fall-themed children’s books.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Science-U @home
Marvelous Meringues
Change slimy egg whites to a fluffy foam to a crunchy solid!
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Doodle Cake Pops
Get creative with these doodle cake pops! Whether you have them ready before the party starts or allow your party guests to decorate as part of a craft, everyone will be delighted with these tasty treats.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Science-U @home
Pancake Science
Work on some serious math and science lessons while making pancakes.
Suggested for Grades 4 to 8
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
Science-U @home
Mason Jar Whipped Cream
Whip liquid cream into a solid with this easy and delicious kitchen science activity!
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Make a Recipe Book
Molly of Denali loves cooking, and has created a recipe book with some of her favorite recipes. Print them out and try them, and then add some of your own.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Science-U @home
Dental Decay
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 9 to 12
Virus Hunter
Jon Epstein is a virus hunter – he chases viruses that can cause outbreaks of infectious disease. Follow Jon as he hunts the path of the Nipah virus from fruit bats to humans in Bangladesh.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
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
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
Science-U @home
Does Backwash really happen?
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 Pre-K to 3
Meet the Helpers
The Meet the Helpers toolkit is designed to introduce “helpers” and explain the role they play in emergency situations.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Science-U @home
Binary Bracelets
Using the binary code, you can show off your name on a really cool bracelet, key chain, or necklace.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Why are your poems so dark?
Linda Pastan’s poems use very simple language and plain statements to describe everyday situations, but she ends up uncovering the dark worries and threats that hide just below that quiet surface of daily life.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Science-U @home
Pattern Power
Practice creating and replicating patterns—an important math skill—with this simple activity.
Suggested for Grades 4 to 8
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
Science-U @home
Simple Sorting at Home
Use this activity to help your child notice differences, follow simple directions, sort objects, and identify patterns. These are important steps for data collection and analysis – which are a part of the scientific method!
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Make a Book About Friends Activity
Young children are learning what it means to be a friend. Making a book can help children learn about friendships and what it means to have and be a friend.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Science-U @home
Bouncing Egg
We all know what happens when you drop a regular egg on the ground. When you add vinegar (and some patience), you end up with a bouncy, squishy object!
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Career Hacks for Workforce Readiness
Use this interactive collection to build strengths in key career skills, such as problem solving, leadership, communication, teamwork and collaboration, and critical thinking.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Science-U @home
Square Bubbles
Most bubble wands are circular, so is that why bubbles come out round?
Suggested for Grades 4 to 8
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
Science-U @home
Oobleck
Can something be both a solid and a liquid?
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
You’ll Feel Better Again Jar
Use this activity to talk with your child and find out about the activities that make them feel better.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Science-U @home
Marvelous Meringues
Your kitchen is a great place for family time and learning math and science! In this experiment, change slimy egg whites to a fluffy foam to a crunchy solid!
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
How to Support Your Child for a Very Different School Year
There’s a lot we can do to bolster our children’s feelings of confidence and security as they head into a new year. This article has some practical ideas.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
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
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
Science-U @home
STEM Teaching Tips for Parents
You can do this! Inspire kids to learn about science with these tips and tricks.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Back to School Checklists
Help students prepare for the year ahead with these checklists for back to school and learning at home.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Energy Transfer in a Roller Coaster
In this interactive lesson, students watch videos and use an interactive activity to learn how energy moves roller coaster cars along a track.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Science-U @home
Pull Back Cars
Can you transform a toy car into a pull back car?
Suggested for Grades 4 to 8
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
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 Pre-K to 3
Spina-ma-Jigger
Your child can use sight and sound to explore the properties of different materials in this set of 8 games from The Cat in the Hat.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Science-U @home
Owl Pellets
What do owls eat for dinner? Find out by dissecting their pellets!
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Native America: Nature to Nations
Learn how Native Americans connected to their environment and how the early U.S. government got lessons from these connections.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Science-U @home
Bumblebee Bonanza
What do bumblebees do all day?
Suggested for Grades 4 to 8
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
Science-U @home
Magnificent Mimicry
How do Viceroy butterflies use mimicry to trick predators?
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
I Spy!
The next time you’re on the road or waiting for a meal, give these classic hidden object games a mathematical twist
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Science-U @home
Solar Oven S’mores
Can you cook a s’more without a fire or electricity?
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Clouds and Weather
Learn about the relationships among the Sun, clouds, and weather in this video excerpt from NOVA’s Cloud Lab.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Science-U @home
Air Pressure Rockets
How do you launch a rocket without using fuel?
Suggested for Grades 4 to 8
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
Science-U @home
Flashlight Constellations
Learn about the stories and science behind some well-known constellations.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Experience the Weather With Your Senses
When you are out and about, invite your child to feel how warm or cool it is, feel the wind on her skin, listen for the rain or wind and smell the air. (There is no link for this one! Try it!)
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
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 9 to 12
Rain Gardens
This video and support materials shows how a rain garden at Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest slows down the flow of water from the forest’s parking lot and helps prevent soil erosion.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
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
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
Science-U @home
How do plants “drink” water?
You may know that you have to water plants to keep them alive, but how do plants get water from the soil into the parts they need? Try this experiment to learn how!
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Colorful Flower Garden Art
Make a colorful flower garden masterpiece with your child by stamping flowers with different objects found throughout your house.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Science-U @home
Bath Fizzies
Splish splash, let’s do science in the bath! Make your own bath fizzies and have fun exploring chemical reactions while taking a relaxing soak!
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Water Filter
Can you make muddy water crystal clear?
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Science-U @home
Magic Milk
What makes food coloring dance in milk?
Suggested for Grades 4 to 8
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
Science-U @home
Sink or Float
This easy science activity can be done anywhere you can put a container of water. Try it in your backyard, the bathtub, or the kitchen sink!
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Walking Water
With just a few ingredients, your child will be able to see water “walk” up paper towels then down into an empty jar.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Science-U @home
Solar Oven S’mores
Transform a pizza box into a solar oven to make a s’more (melted chocolate and marshmallow between two graham crackers).
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
The Science of Summer
Get ready for summer by exploring the science behind some of your favorite summer activities.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
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
Outdoor Water Blob
Make the perfect activity for hot summer days: a water blob!
Suggested for Grades 4 to 8
Science-U @home
Exploding Baggies
Combine a liquid and a solid and watch the chemical reaction that’s BIGGER than the components themselves!
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Paper Plate Aquarium
Feeling a little bummed out that you can’t go on you beach vacation this summer? Use paper plates to bring the magic of an ocean to your own home!
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Science-U @home
Pull Back Cars
Pull back vehicles use springs to store energy. When the vehicle is released, the energy stored in the spring moves the vehicle forward. Can you make any toy vehicle into a pull back vehicle?
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Invent Apps to Help Others
Design your own app to address a problem facing your school or community.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
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
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
Science-U @home
Oobleck
Explore, oobleck, a Non-Newtonian fluid or solution that changes its state of matter under pressure! It’s easy to make and super fun to play with. Try it!
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Pushes and Pulls
Use these activities with your young child to explore pushes and pulls in your world!
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Science-U @home
Bouncing Egg
We all know what happens when you drop a regular egg on the ground. When you add vinegar (and some patience), you end up with a bouncy, squishy object!
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Confront Racism
There resources will help you understand the long history of anti-Black racism in the United States, and think about ways to address it in your family and communities.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
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
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
Science-U @home
Pattern Power
Practice creating and replicating patterns—an important math skill—with this simple activity.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Play Pretend to Resolve Conflicts
Sometimes we do things that scare others or make them mad — and sometimes we get scared or mad, too. Let’s practice using our words to say we’re sorry to explain why we are upset.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Science-U @home
Caterpillar Senses
It doesn’t look like caterpillars have ears, noses, and eyes like humans. So how do they find food? Try this experiment to learn how caterpillars use their senses.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Write a Poem in Two Voices about Bees
A poem written in two voices allows you to experience a new perspective. Try this activity to make connections about your personal experiences with our pollinating friends.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
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
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
Science-U @home
Magnificent Mimicry
Did you know Monarchs taste bitter to predators, so Viceroys look like them for protection? Try this experiment to explore mimicry!
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Fruit and Veggie Caterpillars
Does your child love all things nature? Add some friendly insects to your backyard party invite list by assembling these tasty fruit and vegetable snacks that look like caterpillars.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Science-U @home
Bath Fizzies
Splish splash, let’s do science in the bath! Make your own bath fizzies and have fun exploring chemical reactions while taking a relaxing soak!
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Uncovering Overt and Systemic Racism
Use these materials from PBS NewsHour with middle and high school students to help them understand the long history of anti-Black racism in the United States.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
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
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
Science-U @home
How do plants drink water?
You may know that you have to water plants to keep them alive, but how do plants get water from the soil into the parts they need? Try this experiment to learn how!
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Coping with Feeling Left Out
Using imaginary play, you can help your child work through the disappointment of being excluded – and learn how to include others!
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Science-U @home
Mars Egg Lander
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 9 to 12
Making Music with Iconic Women of Country
Iconic Women of Country premieres on Monday, June 1, at 9:30 p.m. on WPSU. If you’re inspired to learn more, try writing country music lyrics with this activity.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
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
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
Science-U @home
Flashlight Constellations
In this activity, your child can learn more about several well-known constellations as you talk about the stories and science behind them.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Family Time Hosted by Pinkalicious
Gather your family around for this game hosted by Pinkalicious that you can all play together!
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Science-U @home
Marvelous Meringues
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 9 to 12
Decoding Algebra
Do you have questions while solving your algebra problems from home? This collection from PBS Learning Media contains videos on many topics covered in algebra that just might answer your questions!
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
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
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
Science-U @home
Pattern Power
Practice creating and replicating patterns—an important math skill—with this simple activity.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
See How Shadows Work
You use math every day, sometimes without even realizing it. Try this activity in your backyard and discover the secret of shadows. Why does their length change throughout the day?
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Science-U @home
Mars Egg Lander
NASA faced a huge challenge when they safely landed the MarsExploration Rovers on the surface of Mars. Can you design a capsule that would protect a raw egg dropped from several stories to the ground?
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
Speaking Grief
WPSU’s Speaking Grief website contains resources on grief and grief support for all ages. Note: Please consider this subject matter may be upsetting for certain audiences.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
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
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
Science-U @home
Dancing Raisins
Learn about density and displacement with this fun, easy experiment. Turn on some tunes and discover how raisins bust a move!
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Exploring Emotions with Daniel Tiger
Watch Daniel Tiger explore his own and his friends’ emotions, then make these cute and easy dolls with your children as a way to teach them about emotions.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
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 9 to 12
Deadly Carnivorous Plants
Watch Plants Behaving Badly at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 12 on WPSU’s main broadcast channel to learn more about carnivorous plants, and learn even with this video and discussion questions.
Suggested for Grades 9 to 12
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
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
Science-U @home
Magnificent Mimicry
Mimicry occurs when a plant or animal looks like another species to help it survive. Try this experiment to explore how Viceroy butterflies use mimicry to trick predators!
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
Planting a Garden
Spring is a time to look for plants growing in your yard, and maybe even plant some of your own. After watching Nature Cat, help Daisy decide what to plant in her garden with this printable activity.
Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3
