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Activities PreK to Grade 3

nature cat

All About the Outdoors 

Help your child discover and protect the natural world around them in these printable activities from Nature Cat! From starting a plant journal to completing a “Recycling Challenge”, they will see their neighborhood and the great outdoors in a whole new light.

Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3

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

Backwash 

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

Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3

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sorting blocks
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

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xavier riddle characters and a picture of marie curie

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

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drawings of constellations and a flashlight
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

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math + arts logo

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

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seeds, a jar, and cloth
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

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example storybook

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

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story book builder logo

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

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Viceroy butterfly
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

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foam fountain experiment
Science-U @home

Foam Fountain

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

Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3

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homemade obstacle course

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

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oobleck a slime substance
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

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quote from Lincoln

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

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dog with a kitten on her belly

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

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experiment plants drink water
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

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bee next to a checklist
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

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boy looking at a mosquito

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

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Eva Kor Holocaust Survivor

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

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pattern power activity
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

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Dancing Raisins Experiment
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

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Martin Luther King Jr.

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

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child mixing color into milk
Science-U @home

Magic Milk

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

Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3

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Elmo washing hands

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

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popsicle sticks in a pattern
Science-U @home

Popsicle Stick Explosion 

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

Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3

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snowflake made from buttons and popsicle sticks

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

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PBS KIDS Scratch Jr

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

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tube of liquid with layers of color
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

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two children in front of a tray of cookie dough

“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

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Molly's Winter Kitchen Game

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

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colored blocks in the fllor
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

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drawings of constellations and a flashlight
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

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parent and child holding jars

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

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Viceroy butterfly
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

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Elmo's World

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

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exploding baggie experiment
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

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fry bread book reading

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

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foam fountain experiment
Science-U @home

Foam Fountain 

Create a fantastic foaming fountain with a few household ingredients.   

Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3

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halloween haunted house craft

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

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oobleck a slime substance
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

Explore this Activity »

 

Martha Speaks

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

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plastic bin filled with water
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

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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

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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

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watch a seed grow
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

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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

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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

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Salsa spanish for children

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

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observing bees
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

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coding with peanut butter

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

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Pattern shapes
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

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Our Favorite Day reading

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

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backwash experiment
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

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Arthur

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

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arthur first day of school

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

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Dancing Raisins Experiment
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

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Yup'ik Dance Fan

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

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Odd Squad Mathroom

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

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sorting blocks
Science-U @home

Simple Sorting at Home

Turn everyday tasks into math activities.

Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3

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back to school

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

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foam fountain experiment
Science-U @home

Foam Fountain

Create a fantastic foaming fountain with a few household ingredients!

Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3

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children building with teacher

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

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dancing raisins experiment
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

Explore this Activity »

 

children reading

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

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parrot

Investigating Animals

Crawl like an ant, jump like a frog, and gallop like a horse!

Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3

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butterfly
Science-U @home

Magnificent Mimicry

How do Viceroy butterflies use mimicry to trick predators?

Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3

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water walking

Experiment With Walking Water

This fun science activity introduces basic concepts of physics and gravity.

Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3

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flashlight constellations
Science-U @home

Flashlight Constellations

Learn about the stories and science behind some well-known constellations.

Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3

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Exploring Space

Travel to the moon and beyond with these activities all about space.

Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3

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watch a seed grow
Science-U @home

Watch a Seed Grow

Explore the Stages of Seed Growth.

Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3

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friends

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

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kids making art

Sharing Your Creativity

Spark creativity as you explore all of these games and activities!

Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3

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butterfly
Science-U @home

Magnificent Mimicry

How do Viceroy butterflies use mimicry to trick predators?

Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3

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Nature Cat

Observing Nature

Enjoy a variety of activities all about nature with PBS KIDS Summer of Possibilities

Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3

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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

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patterns
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

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watch a seed grow
Science-U @home

Watch a Seed Grow

Explore the Stages of Seed Growth

Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3

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terrarium

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

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breathe with me

Yoga for Kids

Practice these meditative breathing exercises meant to help you focus, relax, and feel energized.

Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3

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exploding baggie
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

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moon landing game

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

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Science-U @home

Flashlight Constellations

Learn about the stories and science behind some well-known constellations.

Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3

Explore this Activity »

 

dancing raisins
Science-U @home

Dancing Raisins

Turn on some tunes and discover how raisins bust a move!

Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3

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butterfly

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

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Science-U @home

Magnificent Mimicry

How do Viceroy butterflies use mimicry to trick predators?

Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3

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children writing poetry

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

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seed growing experiment
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

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cat in the hat creates art

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

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flashlight constellations
Science-U @home

Flashlight Constellations

Learn about the stories and science behind some well-known constellations.

Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3

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sesame street

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

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My Five Senses

Teacher Sabrin Abedin reads the book, “My Five Senses,” by Aliki.

Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3

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Backwash Experiment
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

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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

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garden seeds
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

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characters from Arthur

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

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plastic bin filled with water
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

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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

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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

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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

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Instructor and young female student examine a tooth
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

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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

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children playing with oobleck
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

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children playing with oobleck
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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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boy experimenting with magic milk
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

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Homemade Snow Globes

A homemade snow globe is a childhood must!  

Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3

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Young girl attempting to blow a bubble in a square frame
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

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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

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boy experimenting with magic milk
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

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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

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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

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children playing with oobleck
Science-U @home

Oobleck

Explore Non-Newtonian fluids – solutions that change their state of matter under pressure!

Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3

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Ice Towers

Sneak in some science with these fun ice towers. Simply place them outside to freeze.

Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3

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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

Explore this Activity »

 

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

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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

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Building Self Confidence with Goal Setting

Help your child set a goal and work towards achieving it.

Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3

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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

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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

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Word Machine Game

By matching sounds to letters, your child can make the Word Machine function.

Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3

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Science-U @home

Simple Sorting at Home

Turn everyday tasks into math activities.

Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3

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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

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flashlight constellations
Science-U @home

Flashlight Constellations

Learn about the stories and science behind some well-known constellations.

Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3

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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

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

Backwash

Does backwash really happen? Experiment around the Thanksgiving table to find out!

Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3

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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

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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

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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

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celery in colored water
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

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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

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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

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Science-U @home

Oobleck

Can something be both a solid and a liquid?

Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3

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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

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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

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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

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Science-U @home

Magnificent Mimicry

How do Viceroy butterflies use mimicry to trick predators?

Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Science-U @home

Oobleck

Can something be both a solid and a liquid?

Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Science-U @home

Magnificent Mimicry

How do Viceroy butterflies use mimicry to trick predators?

Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3

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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

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flashlight constellations
Science-U @home

 Flashlight Constellations

Learn about the stories and science behind some well-known constellations.

Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3

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young girl watching rain through window

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

 

celery in colored water
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

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painting of flowers

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

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learning family
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

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jars with color dyed water

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

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exploding baggie
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

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Splash and Bubbles

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

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children playing with oobleck
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

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mom and child playing with blocks

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

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

 Pattern Power 

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

Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3

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Arthur Conflict Resolution

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

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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

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caterpillars made from food

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

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plants with food coloring
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

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daniel tiger

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

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flashlight constellations illustration
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

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pinkalicious and peteriffic

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

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pattern
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

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boy makes hand shadow on wall

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

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raisins
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

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emotion dolls made from cardboard tube

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

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butterfly
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

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daisy garden

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

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pbskids.org

PBS Kids Website

Watch the PBS KIDS livestream. Find games and activities from all of your favorite PBS KIDS shows including Xavier Riddle, Hero Elementary, Daniel Tiger, and more!

Suggested for Grades Pre-K to 3

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