This module will introduce kids to benthic macroinvertebrates, small aquatic organisms living on the bottom of streams, lakes, and rivers. Children will learn how these creatures help scientists assess water quality. Through hands-on activities like collecting samples from local water sources, students will identify different species and understand their role in ecosystems. The session encourages observation, classification, and environmental awareness, while fostering curiosity about aquatic life and its connection to ecosystem health.

This module will teach children about water pollution, oil spills, and the importance of filtering water. They’ll learn through hands-on experiments: one demonstrating emulsification using oil, dish soap, and water to simulate the impact of oil spills, and another showing how filtration works using sand, gravel, and coffee filters to clean dirty water. The lesson will emphasize water’s importance as a vital resource and will encourage ways to keep it clean, such as avoiding harmful substances in drains and conserving water. The goal is to inspire kids to understand and protect water for future generations.

This lesson will introduce children to group travel and electric vehicles (EVs). Kids will explore the benefits of buses and trains in saving space and energy, then compare toy wind-up and battery-powered cars to learn how EVs work. The class will discuss the environmental advantages of electric cars and play a true/false activity to reinforce their knowledge. The lesson will conclude with a recap of key concepts and a creative activity, encouraging children to imagine their own “dream EV” or transportation solution. The takeaway will emphasize the importance of saving space and using electricity for a cleaner environment.

This lesson will teach children about the importance of sunlight, water, and location for plant growth. Kids will participate in a matching game where they match crops with their ideal conditions, learn about the geographic locations where crops grow, and may even plant seeds to observe growth. The lesson highlights that different crops need varying amounts of water, sunlight, and specific environments. The wrap-up will encourage reflection on how these factors affect plant growth and invites students to apply their knowledge by caring for their own plants at home.

The “What’s in that Pond?” lesson will introduce K-5 students to the rich diversity of life in lakes and ponds, from visible creatures like fish and frogs to microscopic zooplankton and phytoplankton. Through hands-on exploration using microscopes and collected pond samples, kids will identify species, learn about aquatic food webs, and explore symbiotic relationships. The activity emphasizes scientific observation and inquiry, allowing students to predict food web connections, reflect on their discoveries, and share their findings. By blending science, exploration, and collaboration, this lesson provides a deeper understanding of how organisms interact in aquatic ecosystems while aligning with NGSS standards.