Students explore the four seasons by engineering protective shelters and modeling the seasonal cycle to predict changes in nature. Includes TEKS 1.9(A) alignment for first grade.
A comprehensive set of extension activities for the book 'The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind', featuring reading analysis, creative writing, renewable energy research, and a hands-on STEM engineering challenge.
A deep dive into how short constructed response (SCR) questions are scored on the Biology STAAR test, focusing on the mechanisms of evolution and the impact of genetic mutations.
A health-focused lesson on the importance of fruits and vegetables, understanding humans as consumers, and planning balanced, nutritious meals.
An investigation into the physical properties of matter, including mass, volume, and state changes, through observation and assessment.
Students explore the life cycles of various plants, including flowering plants, vegetables, and trees, while understanding the role of plants as producers in an ecosystem.
Masters Insulation and Convection. Students engineer 'Arctic Armor' to stop heat transfer and visualize 'Convection Currents' in liquids to understand energy flow.
Focuses on Radiation and Conduction. Students build Solar Ovens to harness radiation and conduct the 'Spoon Showdown' to test how different materials transfer heat via conduction.
Explores phase changes in water (solid, liquid, gas). Students solve the "Desert Water Trap" using 'Ice Island Rescue' and 'Cloud Catcher' activities to master evaporation and condensation.
Investigates how physical properties change through melting, freezing, and sanding. Students explore the "Sanding Lab" and "Chocolate Foundry" to see how energy changes materials.
Focuses on identifying changes caused by heating and cooling, specifically distinguishing between reversible (melting wax) and irreversible (baking/cooking) changes. Includes 'Crayon Sculptors' and 'Pancake Puzzle'.
An immersive study of lions, exploring their social structures, habitats, and survival strategies in the African savanna.
A deep dive into the lives of jungle and safari animals, comparing their environments, diets, and amazing natural behaviors.
Targets TEKS 4.6B/C and 5.6B/C, engaging older students in the science of mixtures and solutions. Students investigate the conservation of mass and the physical properties of substances through activities like 'The Vanishing Gram' and 'Separation Challenge', complete with STAAR-aligned review questions.
Focuses on TEKS 1.6C, 2.6C, and 3.6D, introducing younger students to systems, parts, and material properties through building and reassembling challenges. Activities include 'The Toy Hospital' and 'The Sky High Tower' to explore how materials combine to form functional objects.
A collection of unit-wide resources for the Force Field Academy, including a master shopping list and student achievement certificates.
Upper elementary students design and conduct experimental investigations to test the effects of friction, gravity, and force on systems like cars and rockets. Alignment: TEKS 4.7(A), 5.7(B).