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Recommended Grade Level(s): 2nd 6th
Area(s) of Science: Physical Science
Summary: The Lighting Up module is a basic introduction to electricity. The module starts with a presentation and demonstration of static
electricity. Students explore basic effects of static electricity using a static box, static wands, and balloons. The hands-on portion of
the lab allows students to explore simple series and parallel circuits. Extension activities are included that included introducing
switches and motors into the circuits.
Kit Details: The materials in this kit are very tempting to students. They are bright clear plastic and students at the youngest ages can easily
manipulate them. Students as young as kindergarten have successfully lit up a light bulb! The older students will want to explore the extra activities including what happens when multiple
batteries or switches are used. These kits are also excellent for family science nights where parents and their children can work through the labs.
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Recommended Grade Level(s): K 8th
Area(s) of Science: Physical Science
Summary: While today most artists buy their own paint, at one time painters had to make their own paint. There was no paint for sale.
Today, some painters are faithful to this tradition. By making their own paint, artists can produce the exact colors they want, and the
consistency of paint they want -- thick or thin. This module explores the properties of a colloid as students make their own paint.
They learn how paint is made, and then make their own paint and use it to create a picture. They are also encouraged to experiment with
mixing the different pigments to explore primary and secondary colors.
Kit Details: This kit is a wonderful day camp activity. It can also be done in an after school program where there is access to water
and a sink.
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Recommended Grade Level(s): 4th 8th
Area(s) of Science: Physical Science and Engineering
Summary: For hundreds of years, people have been obsessed with taking the shortcut over valleys and rivers instead of going around them. To do that, bridges are used.
In this module, students will have the chance to become an engineer and design and build their own bridge. They will also learn about some of the different types of
bridges and how to decide which one to use in different situations.
Kit Details: The bridge building module uses KNex bridge kits. The pieces can be hard to snap together for the students younger than fourth grade. Some 3rd grade
groups have been successful. Building designs are given that go beyond the initial activity so it can be used a second time or for a camp or day-long activity.
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Recommended Grade Level(s): 4th 10th
Area(s) of Science: Physical Science
Summary: This module explores the various experimental conditions which can affect the rate of a chemical reaction. The chemical reaction
is that between an effervescent tablet and water. When an effervescent tablet is placed in water, a reaction takes place in which CO2 is released
(bubbles). This reaction will continue until one reactant, the effervescent tablet, is consumed. This simply means that the bubbles will continue
until the tablet is completely gone. Thus, it is very easy to measure the rate of this simple chemical reaction. The students must just measure
the time that it takes the tablet to dissolve. It is then possible to vary the conditions of the reaction and see their effect on the rate.
Kit Details: This experiment is a real chemistry experiment that
uses standard scientific measuring tools graduated cylinders, thermometers,
etc. This experiment is not one to start a program with. It is a more advanced module for older students or those who have a fair amount of experience
with the more basic modules.
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Recommended Grade Level(s): K 6th
Area(s) of Science: Physical Science
Summary: This module is an introduction the properties of magnets. There are multiple paths through the module depending on the
age and experience level of the students. Younger students perform some basic experiments and create their own magnet book.
Older students do a series of more sophisticated experiments.
Kit Details: This kit is completely English/Spanish bilingual. The younger girls will complete the activities in one session.
For the older girls, they will need 2 sessions if they want to finish all activities. Instructors and leaders can pick a subset
of activities that will allow the module to be completed in one session.
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Recommended Grade Level(s): K 2nd
Area(s) of Science: Physical Science
Summary: In this module, young students play with colorful gear sets and discover some of the basic properties of gears.
Kit Details: This is a fun, easy to do activity. There are no consumables
and set-up time is minimal. This kit is also great to set out at family science
nights for younger siblings to play with. It is safe for preschoolers.
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Recommended Grade Level(s): K 3rd
Area(s) of Science: Physical Science and Engineering
Summary: Simple machines are used everyday. They are found in the kitchen, on the playground, and in the classroom. They can be of assistance
to us such as opening a can or lifting a heavy object or they can be used for amusement like a seesaw. The goal of this module is to expose young
students to some common simple machines, learn how they work, and then let them build and design.
Kit Details: This kit uses Lego Dacta Primary Simple machine building
sets. The blocks are the larger duplo size blocks. The kit is simple
to use but a little bulky each team of students needs one green tub of
blocks.
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Recommended Grade Level(s): K 12th
Area(s) of Science: Physical Science and Computer Science
Summary: ChromaDepth is a simple but powerful technique used to visualize 3D scientific data. It is also fun! In this module,
students learn how ChromaDepth works and then using simple gel pens, black construction paper, and special glasses, they design
their own 3D art.
Kit Details: This kit is a hit with all ages and is great at Family Science nights. Students get to look at a gallery of
scientific ChromaDepth images and then use the markers and 3D glasses to make their own artwork.
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Recommended Grade Level(s): 6th 12th
Area(s) of Science: Physical Science
Summary: This module was developed by Lego-dacta and covers an introduction to energy for middle and high school students.
Two versions of the kit exist since Lego changed their product a couple of years ago. The first is a large box that with a
curriculum designed for 4-6 weeks covering all aspects of energy. The newer kits are single student team canisters where the
students build a car out of Legos and then use it to do a series of experiments on energy. This same car can be built with
the larger kit and is usually the only part of the e-Lab curriculum that is done in the Science Enrichment Program.
Kit Details: This module is definitely for middle and high school even though the car can be built by younger students.
The curriculum that accompanies the kits would frustrate the younger students. Note that not all program sites have this module.
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Recommended Grade Level(s): 4th 8th
Area(s) of Science: Physical Science and Engineering
Summary: The sun is a massive source of energy. Every day it warms the earth with way more than enough energy to satisfy our energy
needs several times over. But, are their ways we can use it? In this module, we will be looking at ways that energy from the sun can
be turned into energy that humans can use in our everyday lives.
Kit Details: This kit uses KNex solar energy building sets. Students
build a carousel that is powered by a solar panel. The solar panel will work
with the sun or incandescent lights but not flourscent lights (like those
found in many classrooms). The lights off
an overhead projector work extrememly well. The kits are capable of
building many more and larger structures so this kit also works well for
Saturday events or day camps where there is more time.
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