Students can use sand to simulate lava; online, they can board the International Space Station. An increasing number of educators use similar augmented and virtual reality experiences to teach scientific concepts, as online and digital curricula continue to guide classroom instruction. Still, many teachers rely on hands-on activities and lab kits.
Science Techbook
This California-specific science curriculum aligns with Next Generation Science Standards and state assessments. K8 students can use any device to access these digital resources. They can highlight words, add sticky notes and have the text read aloud. Teachers can change the language setting to Spanish and modify the difficulty level of the text. Science Techbook also offers print textbooks and 1,800 hands-on labs.
Augmented Reality Sandbox
When students shape real sand in this interactive sandbox, a projector augments their creations in real time with color maps, topographic contour lines, and simulated water and lava. A Microsoft Kinect 3D camera sends the images to an included laptop. The kit also features a laptop shelf with a wire management system.
National Geographic Panorama:
Reading Through the Lens of Science
This K6 digital reading program features videos and interactive texts that teach life, earth and physical science topics. Teachers have access to differentiated instruction and customized lessons based on reading and science standards. The full version provides content in English and Spanish.
Complete Introduction To Chemistry Kit
This kit of 27 chemistry lab experiments includes safety equipment and supplies, such as batteries and petri dishes. It also comes with glass beakers, test tubes, wickless alcohol lamp burners and 12-inch thermometers. Completing this set of experiments is a collection of 10 chemicals, such as calcium hydroxide and potassium bitartrate.
Science from Space
Students go on virtual missions to the International Space Station using this online program of formal and informal curricula. They can look out of the station’s windows and work with the same mapping and targeting software that astronauts use. Students also conduct hands-on lab activities, and design challenges to explore the physics of space travel and the effects of microgravity on the human body.
Building Blocks of Science 3D
Carolina Biological Supply Company
Educators can teach 30-minute lessons that align with Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards using this K5 science curriculum. It features an online portal that students can use to watch videos, take assessments and participate in whiteboard activities. The program also comes with hands-on science activities and print and digital textbooks. Teachers can change the difficulty level of the text in English and Spanish.
Labdisc
Fourteen wireless sensors on this compact device collect data on air pressure, temperature, pH levels and more. The Bluetooth-enabled Labdisc automatically calibrates and tests these sensors to a known reference so educators can focus on teaching. A GPS probe plots sensor values as layers on Google Maps. Students can use this device for inquiry-based learning in biology, chemistry, physics and environmental science.
STEM in Action
These preschool through grade 5 kits contain hands-on activities and objects for life, earth and physical science classes. A grade 3 through 5 module on how humans impact animal populations, for example, comes with range maps and wildlife-crossings games. It features up to 180 minutes of instruction time that teachers can break into 30-minute blocks.
EiE for Kindergarten
With this kindergarten engineering program, a teacher can introduce science problems by reading stories about characters who work collaboratively, persist through difficulties and celebrate successes. After reading a chapter, a teacher can organize a hands-on classroom activity such as taping or folding. The program meets Next Generation Science Standards.
