Hands-On Science and STEM for Kindergarten, First, Second Grade

This ongoing class will engage kindergarten, first grade and second grade learners in a different hands-on science experiment or STEM challenge each week. Simple materials routinely found at home will be used and there will seldom be a need to print materials. 

Each class will focus on the scientific method or the engineering and design process. Depending on the experiment or challenge, learners will ask questions, identify problems, create a hypothesis, complete steps in a procedure, create designs, analyze results and draw conclusions.  Application of the experiments/challenges into real-world scenarios will be included to extend student understanding. There will be a free build class at the end of each month. 

Experiments/challenges for the Winter 2025 season are listed below:

Week of January 13
Learning Target: I can explore balanced forces and the effects of gravity on items. 
Challenge: Assemble a stack of 10 cups and find 3 different ways to knock it down without using your body. 

Week of January 20
Learning Target: I can participate in a free build to develop problem solving skills. 
Challenge: Use the building materials of your choice to create a structure. 

Week of January 27
Learning Target: I can explore forces and motion.
Challenge: Create a marble run with paper tubes. 

Week of February 3
Learning Target: I can explore surface tension. 
Challenge: How many drops of water will fit on a penny?

Week of February 10
Learning Target: I can use materials in a creative manner. 
Challenge: Free build day!

No class the week of February 17

Week of February 24
Learning Target: I can combine materials to change states of matter.
Experiment: Make Oobleck. 

Week of March 3
Learning Target: I can explore buoyancy. 
Challenge: Create a boat which will float and hold passengers. 

Week of March 10
Learning Target: I can use materials in a creative manner. 
Challenge: Find a new use for a cardboard box. 

Week of March 17
Learning Target: I can apply the engineer and design process. 
Challenge: Construct a spider web between two chair legs. 

Week of March 24
Learning Target: I can use materials in a creative manner. 
Challenge: Free build day!

Material list for each week will be provided one week prior to class. 

Additional dates will be added as time progresses. 

My teaching style is interactive and engaging. Learners will be actively involved in completing experiments along with the teacher. Ample opportunity will be provided each class for learners to share findings, interact with the teacher and each other, ask questions and share science thinking.