Click2Science is a FREE interactive, professional development site for trainers, coaches, site directors and frontline staff/volunteers working in out-of-school time programs serving children and youth.
The University of Arizona developed the 2014 National Science Experiment, Rockets to the Rescue!, which explores the field of aerospace engineering.
This year, youth will be tasked with the same mission: in light of the recent natural disasters such as Typhoon Haiyan, National 4-H Council is asking youth to design and build an aerodynamic food transportation device that can deliver a payload of nutritious food to disaster victims. Youth will learn engineering concepts, develop math skills, learn about nutrition and help solve a relevant, global issue.
Jr. Scientists will develop observation skills to encourage viewing the Sonoran Desert up-close and through many perspectives. Jr. Scientists will look at the Sonoran Desert and interpret the interconnections to sustain a habitat for both people and animals. They then will learn how to conduct a field study to further develop observation skills while collecting, comparing and discussing data. Jr. Scientists will explore the diversity of plant life, the water cycle and water usage as well as birds, animals and solar energy.
The goal of the Literacy Strategies After School: A Teaching and Learning Strategies Guide is to support after school program managers and staff working with children in grades 1-6 to provide meaningful literacy-related activities that are in alignment with the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) in the area of English Language Arts (ELA). It offers a set of teaching and learning strategies, and lesson suggestions related to (1) Reading: Literature; (2) Reading: Informational Text; (3) Foundational Skills for Reading; (4) Writing; (5) Speaking and Listening; and (6) Language.
The VEX IQ Challenge is an integrated learning program that allow teachers to engage elementary and middle school students meaningfully in STEM.
The free online VEX IQ Curriculum offers twelve flexible units of instruction that can be used in sequence, in chunks, or as standalone lessons. Whatever your elementary and middle school STEM education needs may be, the VEX IQ Curriculum is an engaging hands-on learning tool that will excite and inspire your students.
ExtendED Notes, formerly School-Age Notes, offers a free Note of the Week email for afterschool professionals. ExtendED Notes will equip you with the latest resources and information in a rapidly growing movement – one that expands learning throughout the day and across settings with rich, engaging activities. Subscribe to the ExtendED Note of the Week, a free e-mail sent to you each Friday that provides a programming tip, activity idea or grant or contest opportunity.
Engineering Adventures is a FREE curriculum created especially for elementary out-of-school time programs! Follow the adventurous duo India and Jacob around the world and solve real-life problems through the engineering design process.
The entomology series explores insects, their behaviors, their life history, body parts, insect behavior, what they eat, their habits, and then progresses to experiments, collections, and career opportunities.
The curriculum includes a Facilitator’s Guide and 3 different levels of Teaming with Insects.
Through fun and challenging activities, youth will learn about flying, kites, hot air balloons, remote control airplanes, gliders and rockets as they develop important life skills. Youth will need to complete a total of seven activities per level to complete this project. The curriculum includes the Aerospace Helper’s Guide and three different levels – Lift-Off, Reaching New Heights, and Pilot in Command.
