Web Tool for Exploring the Predictive Power of Scientific Models
The Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology (IRIS) has created an online version of its popular activity “Determining and Measuring Earth’s Layered Interior” to challenge students to use evidence in the form of earthquake data to understand the Earth’s interior layers.
The activities in this free web-based tool emphasize the use of models and the importance of using empirical evidence to make discoveries in Earth Science. When using the tool, students act as scientists as they discover and analyze real-world data. This exploration encourages independent thinking, data analysis, and engineering and design thinking, as it builds an understanding of this dynamic planet and its internal engine.
Using the tool, students answer interactive questions such as How do the Earth’s systems interact? and Why do scientists use models? The tool offers detailed instructions, embedded instructional videos, and a downloadable certificate on completion.
Discovery Education’sMystery Science inspires K–5 students to stay curious. Video-based, open-and-go core and mini lessons are driven by questions from real students, who guide the exploration of the world around them and inspire curiosity.
Every year invention education experts at the National Inventors Hall of Fame develop an all-new curriculum for Camp Invention. The curriculum is filled with hands-on experiences that provide an appropriate level of challenge for students across a range of learning levels in kindergarten through grade 6.
K–12 students are invited to give engineering a try with the 2023 Engineering Challenge from Science Buddies. In the challenge, students use their problem-solving skills to design, build, and test contraptions, using simple materials. This year students are invited to make a device out of paper, string, tape, and paper clips to pick up a ping-pong ball and return it to a start line.