Basic Principles Centers

Great for distance-learning discussions or in-class use. Using these science phenomena digital-ready photos are a great way to introduce many of the NGSS. There are 108 different photos; with at least one per standard. The standards are listed at the top of each sheet. Pick and choose what you want. Using this strategy with students creates a routine way of thinking. It requires them to observe, think, and wonder!

The “Science Kids” series of packets is intended to help teachers implement developmentally appropriate, hands-on science activities for children in Preschool, Kindergarten and the early grades. The activities in these packets are based on the scientific method and encourage inquiry-based learning.

The "First Quarter" bundle contains enough science activities to fill the first quarter of the school year (About 8 weeks) and supports Next Generation Science Standard K-PS2.

Unit 1- “What do Scientists do?” helps students learn how to be scientists. Every activity in this packet is aligned with one of the five stages of scientific inquiry. The packet includes:

Color posters of the five stages of scientific inquiry

Explanation of the stages of scientific inquiry for teachers

A two-week long, step-by step scientific investigation about balls and wagons

Printable scientific recording sheets for tracking hypotheses and data

Discussion guide

Ideas for sharing student learning

Unit 2- “Floating and Sinking” is designed to help students learn the concepts of buoyancy and water displacement. They will also begin to understand that the size and shape of an object affects its ability to float. Included in this packet are:

Five sinking and floating investigations, with directions and recording sheets

Guide for helping students plan their own individual investigations

Guides for forming hypotheses and reflecting on students' learning

Guide for sharing student learning

Tips and helpful suggestions

Unit 3- “Color Mixing” includes instructions for all of these hands-on, scientific investigations:

"Paint Mixing" Investigation

"Color and Water" Investigation

"Bubbling Color" Investigation

"Colored Lights" Investigation

"Wandering Water" Investigation

"Spinning Color Wheel" Investigation

"Coffee Filter Chromatography" Investigation

"Invent Your Own Color" final investigation

Printables, including:

Color Wheel

Recording sheets for investigations

Reflection and Planning Questions

Unit 4- “Magnets” includes instructions for all of these investigations:

“Magnetic or Not Magnetic?”

“The Magic Paper Clip”

“Magnet Cars”

“A String of Paper Clips”

“Magnet Train”

“Magnet Detectives”

The packet also includes:

Printable recording sheets for investigations

Guide for helping students develop independent investigations

Tips and helpful suggestions