Students: Ninth through Twelfth Grade

Program Description: AIMING FOR THE SKY! is a hands-on, minds-on science program that challenges students to learn and apply aeronautical and aerodynamical concepts by designing, constructing, testing, and launching a water-filled rocket. The culminating event is a competition between students with their rocket creation. This unit is successful because it encourages high interest in science and provides relevancy in the application of science concepts.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science - 1,5,6

For More Information Contact:
David Miner
Brush High School
P.O. Box 585
Brush CO , 80723
(970) 842-5171
dminer1@brushschools.org

Students: 4th through 8th Grade

Program Description: ALL FIRED UP! is a unit of study designed to introduce students to the concepts of fire ecology while at the same time covering introductory science skills. Concepts such as observation skills, variables and controls, scientific method, data collection and experimentation are embedded in the theme of fire ecology. These activities serve a double duty as a way to integrate the important principles of fire ecology without adding to an already full curriculum. The start of a school year usually includes a review of science skills. These important skills are designed to build throughout the unit and culminate in an inquiry based project. Students are challenged to put their science skills and knowledge of fire ecology to work by carrying out the processes involved in scientific research through experimentation with a matchstick forest. Being given a "dream home" in the mountains is the event that kicks off this unit of study. Students are given a "piece of land" as well as small buildings and trees to place on the "land" to create the layout and placement of rivers, roads, buildings and trees. These dream homes are then photographed with a digital camera and the images displayed around the room. Little do students realize that these dream homes will become an authentic assessment at the end of the unit! Science skills are developed and honed through several activities that also include key components of fire ecology. In Light My Fire! students learn to distinguish between observation and inference, as well as quantitative and qualitative types of data within the context of observing a candle and flame. The idea of close and careful observation is driven home through some twists and turns in the observations! In Testing Fire students learn the three parts of the fire triangle and the various fuels and heat sources. Data collection and record keeping are valuable skills learned through this activity. Understanding the fire triangle is key to understanding the fire behavior that is tested later during this unit. Fire Triangle in the Wildlands is a chance for students to really explore experimentation. Wildland fire behavior is very complex and involves the interaction of many factors such as slope, forest arrangement and weather conditions. In this activity students embark on the authentic task of investigating some principles of fire behavior while understanding the terms variable and control in the context of an experimental model. Matchsticks are used to model "trees" and arranged on a board to model a "forest". This activity is similar to research done to help wildland firefighters better understand fire. Students first brainstorm variables that could change to effect the rate of burn. Students must then decide how they are going to observe and measure that rate of burn. Once students have selected ONE variable to test, the others become the controlled part of the experiment and must remain the same throughout the testing. Writing up a list of materials and a detailed procedure becomes an exciting task, as students are eager to proceed through to experimentation. As part of their unit evaluation, students are once again given their "dream home". This time they are Firewise Deputies and must offer suggestions to the homeowner as to how to better protect their home from wildland fires. This project allows students to integrate their skills and knowledge while being challenged to make applications to the real world.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science 1, 2, 3, 5, 6

For More Information Contact:
Janet Stellema
Ryan Elementary
1405 Centaur Village Drive
Lafayette CO , 80026
303-665-3345
janet.stellema@bvsd.org

Students: Sixth through Eighth Grade

Program Description: ANATOMY OF A DISASTER is an interdisciplinary research project that affords students a cooperative opportunity to learn about natural disasters. The students work in groups to construct a brief presentation to the entire class about a selected disaster. The project focuses on how human settlement and behavior contribute to many natural disasters. Students are assessed in the following curriculum areas: mathematics, science, social studies and language arts.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Geography - 1 Reading and Writing - 5 Science - 5

For More Information Contact:
John McKinney
Castle Rock Middle School
2575 Meadows Blvd.
Castle Rock CO , 80104
(303) 814-4400

Students: Eighth Graders

Program Description: ANCHOR ACTIVITIES - AN ACTIVE LEARNING CENTER are high-interest, educational activities that students explore when finished with required class assignments or labs. Students can complete the activities individually or with a partner. Many items, such as a rock/fossil/mineral set, liquid density bottles, science trivia cards, optical illusion books, puzzles, brain teasers, a weather station and much more, are included as a permanent part of the center, and others are rotated as they become relevant to the current unit of study. To ensure that students complete their assignments before visiting the Learning Center to do Anchor Activities, the rules and expectations are frequently reviewed.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science 5,6

For More Information Contact:
Cynthia Corlett
Sierra Middle School
6651 Pine Lane Ave.
Parker CO , 80138
303-387-3800
corlett4@earthlink.net

Students: Grade: 7,8,9,10,11,12

Program Description: BALLOON POPPING 101 is an added feature to my Physics class. The activity is a descendent of a Rube Goldberg machine. In this version, the students are required to design, develop, construct, and run a complex machine which is required to break a water balloon. This activity is open-ended enough to allow students to apply their creativity and problem-solving skills, yet specific enough to allow simple, objective scoring.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science: 1,2

For More Information Contact:
David Miner
Brush High School
P.O. Box 585
Brush CO , 80723
970-842-5171
dminer1@brushschools.org

Students: Sixth through Seventh Grades

Program Description: BUOYANCY: FLOATERS, SINKERS AND FLINKERS! is a physical science investigation designed for students to have hands-on experiences that further their understanding of density. They will discover whether an object is positively or negatively buoyant. If an object is less dense than water, it will float; denser than water it will sink. A "flinker" will hover just beneath the surface of water as the density of the substance is very close, but greater than the density of water. As an innovative and creative part of the lesson, students will design and construct a sailboat at home, then race their boats in a "kiddie" pool at school.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science 1,7 Language Arts 2

For More Information Contact:
Nancy Boscheinen
Monarch K-8 School
263 Campus Drive
Louisville CO , 80027
303.665.6424
nancy.boscheinen@bvsd.org

Students: First through Third Grades

Program Description: CHROMATOGRAPHY: AFRICAN KENTE CLOTH integrates science with literacy instruction, social studies and art. After reading "The Black Snowman" (Mendez, 1991), students perform several hands-on experiments that prove most black inks are really mixtures of many colors. The experiments can be used as whole class demonstrations or performed individually. In addition, the children learn about the Ashanti people of Ghana and their beautiful Kente cloth. As a culminating activity, the children create their own Kente cloth that can be used in conjunction with other content area activities, or students can take it home to share with their families. Although this program has been implemented with first and second grade students, it can be easily adapted for use with older students.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science 1,2 Language Arts 2,4

For More Information Contact:
Judy Johnson
St. Mary's Academy
4545 South University Blvd.
Englewood CO , 80110
303-762-8300
Judyjohnson13@aol.com

Students: Ninth through Twelfth Grades

Program Description: CONNECTING WITH REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCES IN THE SCIENCE CLASSROOM incorporates newsworthy events into a meaningful experience for students. The students conduct research on real-life issues appearing in the newspaper, discuss the complex problems and hold a "town meeting" to debate the subjects. In the case of "the worst bridges in the metro area," students build a model bridge so that they can experience the issues facing the engineer firsthand.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science 1,2,3 Language Arts 2,4

For More Information Contact:
Connie Gabel
St. Mary's Academy
4545 South University Blvd.
Englewood CO , 80110
303-762-8300
connie_gabel@ceo.cudenver.edu

Students: Fourth through Tenth Grades

Program Description: Students put their science skills to work by performing Consumer Reports-type tests on products of their own choosing. They select a product to test, design their own investigation, including written procedures spelled out in step-by-step detail, and present their findings orally and in a science-fair type of board format.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science 1, 5

For More Information Contact:
Janet Stellema
Ryan Elementary Math and Science Focus School
1405 Centaur Village Dr.
Lafayette CO , 80026
(303) 665-3345
stellema@bvsd.k12.co.us

Students: Sixth through Tenth Grades

Program Description: "CRACKING THE EARTH'S CRUST" MUSEUM creates a positive learning environment through interaction with younger students. During their study of the Earth's systems and structure, the older student chooses a particular unit to share with a younger student, and then creates a project that demonstrates his/her understanding of the subject matter. For example, the student studies the layers of the Earth, creates an accurate cross-section model of the Earth's layers, labels flags for the various layers, instructs the younger student about each layer, and then has the younger student place the flags on the appropriate layers. By presenting the material in this manner, the transfer of learning is amazing.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science 1,4,6 Social Studies 1,3 Language Arts 1,2,3,4,5

For More Information Contact:
Kelly Babcock
Park Hill School of International Studies
5050 East 19th ave.
Denver CO , 80220
303-322-1811
kelly_babcock@dpsk12.org

Students: Fifth through Ninth Grades

Program Description: CRAWLING WITH COCKROACHES is an innovative approach to the study of invertebrates. In order to excite the students about the Madagascar Hissing Cockroach, the unit begins with cockroach races. Preparation of data tables and graphs is an excellent skill review and also helps the students become more comfortable around the cockroaches. Students study insect morphology, make careful observations and begin to develop a list of questions about the cockroaches. Small groups of students then select a question to investigate further. The open-ended questions become the focus of a one-week in-depth study that culminates in a "science fair" type of display and presentation.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science 1,3

For More Information Contact:
Janet Stellema
Ryan Elementary Math and Science Focus School
1405 Centaur Village Dr
Lafayette CO , 80026
303-665-3345
janet.stellema@bvsd.org

Students: 3rd through 5th Grade

Program Description: CRAZY CHEMISTRY provides a curriculum that actively involves elementary students as they discover some basic science concepts in chemistry. A different theme is presented in each of the fun-filled days in order to give an overall view of chemistry. It is appropriate for the classroom because the topic is highly motivating to the students and they love creating and exploring new concepts in science. The experiments vary by design to give the children a chance to work alone and together in groups and to have the opportunity to use the learning styles they prefer to learn about chemistry. An overview of the Crazy Chemistry curriculum begins with a study of crystals. The students create crystals gardens, look at crystals up close, and watch as crystals change states. Two favorite activities include making edible glass to eat on that day and rock candy that is consumed at the end of the unit. The theme of the second day is acids and bases. The students use two different indicators to test a number of materials and then use an acid and a base to create a trick they can do at home to amuse and amaze their friends and family. Chemical reactions dictate the experiments on the third day. There are fast and slow reactions and after watching a chemical reaction with food, they get to eat the result. Day 4 of the curriculum revolves around molecules. The students prove water molecules move in celery, watch them move in milk, and explore the different molecules in oil and water. Finally, on the fifth day the children create a variety of chemical mixtures including one of their favorites, Slime.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science 1, 2, 5. Language Arts 1.

For More Information Contact:
Diane Simmons
Colorado Academy
3800 S. Pierce St.
Denver CO , 80235
303-986-1501
dsimmons@mail.coloacad.org

Students: Grade: 8

Program Description: CREATIVE CARTOONS – LEARNING WHILE LAUGHING, is a naturally fun learning activity that appeals to all learners. Students are actively involved from the very beginning. First, students are presented with comics and cartoons that have science content or vocabulary as a part of the humor. Students are able to access background knowledge, draw inferences, and synthesize learning to create personal understanding. As students view science related cartoons, they are asked to consider the question, What knowledge is needed to understand the humor in this cartoon? Students share their thinking with each other and the class. Cartoons can be used as daily warm-ups or wrap-ups to reinforce content area learning. After acquiring the knowledge necessary for truly understanding the scientific value in the cartoons, students then design their own creative cartoons. Though the topic can vary with the current unit of study, this particular activity has been successfully completed with states of matter and the introduction of chemistry.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science: 2,5

For More Information Contact:
Cindy Corlett
Cimarron Middle School
22219 Hilltop Road
Parker CO , 80138
303-387-4500
cindy.corlett@dcsdk12.org

Students: 5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12

Program Description: DEMOS YOU CAN SHAKE A STICK AT is a minds-on hand-ons based series of demonstrations designed to be inquiry-based interactive demonstrations. The demonstrations are a collection of activities (nineteen in total) that I have seen, read about, or developed over my teaching career. The demonstrations require little in the way of cost or time to setup. The demonstrations/activities engage the students. The students are challenged to think why, how, and what is the purpose of each demonstration. Developing a student's critical thinking skills is crucial for the student's later success in science and life in general.
Demos You Can Shake a Stick At contains demonstrations/activities that can be adapted to students of all ages and abilities. The demonstrations allow the teacher to lead their students and develop the scientific concepts to any level that the teacher feels is appropriate. Demos You Can Shake a Stick At requires a minimal amount of material and will fit nicely in a shoestring science budget. The demonstrations/activities can be completed in minutes or can be stretched out for an entire class period. Demos You Can Shake a Stick At can be used to reinforce physical science concepts such as the scientific method, friction, torque, levers, pressure, and air pressure.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science - 1,2

For More Information Contact:
David Miner
Brush High School
P.O. Box 585
Brush CO , 80723
970 842 5171
dminer1@brushschools.org

Students: Kindergarten through Twelfth Grades

Program Description: DESIGNER CHEMISTRY mixes art and science using chromatography. With rubbing alcohol and felt tip pens, students produce magical designs on fabric. This project creates the opportunity to connect with other content areas and encourages cooperative learning. Students have so much fun with this, they don't realize they're learning.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science - 1, 2, 5

For More Information Contact:
Kathryn Jordan
St. Mary's Academy
4545 South University Boulevard
Englewood CO , 80110
(303) 762-8300
Kathy_Jordan@smanet.org

Students: 1,2,3, grade

Program Description: EASY EDIBLE EXPERIMENTS is a teacher's guide to a variety of hands-on experiments that use food and cooking to learn about science. The experiments transform any classroom or kitchen into a laboratory worthy of a serious scientist as the students make exciting discoveries, such as how rocks are formed and why popcorn pops. Then, at the conclusion of each activity, the children can eat the results of their hard work: ice cream, rock cookies and candy, biscuits and cheese.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science: 1, 2 Reading and Writing: 3, 4

For More Information Contact:
Judy Johnson
St. Marys Academy
4545 S. University Blvd.
Englewood CO , 80113
303-762-8300 (ext. 328)
judyjohnson13@comcast.net

Students: 4, 5,6 grade

Program Description: ENERGY TIMES: READ ALL ABOUT IT is a portion of an energy unit that culminates in the production of a timeline in the form of a newspaper. Students are taught the information, given library time, given internet resources and then are being asked to create a newspaper. In this way they are learning valuable research skills and summarizing. Each group will write several articles on their topics. These articles will include fact-based articles, editorials, letters to the editor and advertisements. These articles and ads will allow students to apply their writing abilities to a variety of writing styles. Students will also be asked to include graphics with their articles. Upon completion, newspaper layout will be taught using a liquid crystal projector and the computer. Set up of the newspaper will be a group activity. This project allows students to understand how a real world newspaper would be set up for print. The newspaper is then shared with the 4th and 5th grade classrooms as well as the library and administration at the school.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science: 5 Reading and Writing: 5

For More Information Contact:
Jodi Connelly
Malley Drive Elementary
1300 Malley Drive
Northglenn CO , 80233
720-972-5480
jodi.connelly@adams12.org

Students: Third through Fifth Grades

Program Description: Students explore the microscopic world of common things in nature by making a series of microscopic slides, examining them through a 30x hand microscope and making drawings of their findings. They make a notebook case in which to keep categorized slides and learn how to create a home microprojector.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science 1, 3, 4

For More Information Contact:
Gary Bloemker
Beaver Valley Elementary School
420 Glacier Avenue
Brush CO , 80723
(970) 842-4794

Students: Fifth through Eighth Grades

Program Description: ESTEEMED SOCIETY OF FELLOW ARCHAEOLOGISTS has two distinct parts: First, each student creates a personal midden (dig site), building from bottom to top, telling their life story through artifacts. Next, they excavate another student's midden, seeing that life in reverse order. Each student becomes an archaeologist/detective, figuring out that society/person. They present their results in both written and oral formats as an application for acceptance into our ESTEEMED SOCIETY.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science - 1, 4, 5, 6

For More Information Contact:
Ruth Larson
Colorado Academy
3800 South Pierce Street
Denver CO , 80235
(303) 986-1501
RLboot@aol.com

Students: Fourth through Sixth Grades

Program Description: EXPERIMENT WITH ENERGY is an innovative interdisciplinary unit that combines science experimentation, scientific method and basic writing skills. The students work in cooperative groups. The groups work independently and at their own pace to complete the activities. The unit begins with a general discussion about different kinds of energy, natural and man-made. Focusing on seven kinds of energy, students find examples of each in the classroom. To introduce students to the type of experiments that they will be conducting, an experiment is demonstrated using one of the seven, and the checklist is explained. Students are then given four new energy systems to use for their experiments. In each of the systems, the students are required to state a purpose, record observations, list the parts of the system, identify the forms of energy in the system and give evidence of each of them, make an energy chain, and give an example of energy transfer and transformation. They must complete the final summary checklist before handing in their lab reports.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science 1,2 Language Arts 3

For More Information Contact:
Diane Simmons
Colorado Academy
3800 South Pierce St.
Denver
CO , 80235
303-986-1501
dsimmons@mail.coloacad.org

Students: 1,2,3

Program Description: FASCINATING FEATHERS-A BIRD'S BEST FRIEND! is a teacher's guide to unit on feathers and the essential role they play in a bird's survival. During the course of the unit, the children will discover that feathers serve different functions for birds, such as providing insulation, water resistance, and protection from UV light, allowing for flight, and determining what birds look like.

All of the experiments and activities have been developed in accordance with the science standards set by the state of Colorado and the National Science Teachers of America. The experiments can be used as whole-class activities, performed individually or with a partner, and/or repeated at home.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science - 1,3 Reading & Writing - 2,4

For More Information Contact:
Judy Johnson
St. Mary's Academy
4545 S. University Blvd.
Englewood CO , 80113
303-762-8300
judyjohnson13@comcast.net

Students: Fourth through Tenth Grades

Program Description: Students learn the Laws of Motion and principles of aerodynamics by creating kites (which they share with students from a nearby elementary school) and then progressing to paper airplanes. Their culminating activity is to design, construct, test and launch model rockets.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science 1, 2, 5, 6

For More Information Contact:
Janet Stellema
Ryan Elementary Math and Science Focus School
1405 Centaur Village Dr
Lafayette CO , 80026
(303) 665-3345
stellema@bvsd.k12.co.us

Students: Sixth through Ninth Grades

Program Description: FOOD OR FUEL? THE CONTROVERSY HEATS UP is sound science instruction where students empirically determine the heats of combustion of a peanut and a marshmallow by designing a homemade calorimeter. The heat from a measured mass of each burning food item is used to warm a known quantity of water, and beginning and ending temperatures are measured. The heats of combustion are determined mathematically. Sources of error are analyzed, and the calorimeter is redesigned. As a result of this program, students develop an understanding of and an appreciation for the scientific method, as well as a beginning perception that the world's growing human population needs both food and fuel to sustain its civilization. In the process of working on a fun experiment, students learn and practice the process of science.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science 1,2,5,6 Math 3

For More Information Contact:
Dr. Charles A. Bottinelli
Isaac Newton Middle School
4001 East Arapahoe Road
Littleton CO , 80122
303.347.7900
nrgyman@aol.com

Students: Eleventh Grade

Program Description: FOUR STAR CHEMICAL DEMONSTRATIONS is a classroom guide for incorporating intriguing chemical demonstrations into the curriculum for a meaningful experience for students. Demonstrations, such as the Rainbow Density Column or the Disappearing Cup, are used to illustrate specific concepts in chemistry, and to also increase the students' critical thinking skills. Students want these demonstrations done again and again, and they want to show them to their friends and parents. The demonstrations incorporated into the curriculum never fail to excite students about chemistry.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science 1,2 Language Arts 4

For More Information Contact:
Connie Gabel
St. Mary's Academy
4545 South University Boulevard
Englewood CO , 80110
303-762-8300
connie_gabel@ceo.cudenver.edu

Students: Fourth through Tenth Grade

Program Description: GET BEHIND THE DRIVER'S SEAT! is a program that uses the constructivist theory of learning to create a "vegetable" car. Once the car is complete, students progress to inventing a wind car. The culminating project will be to design, build, and race solar powered cars. The project challenges students to use scientific know-how in combination with creativity, teamwork, and experimentation. This is an opportunity to combine the teaching of social, environmental, and scientific principles in an atmosphere of fun and excitement.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science - 1,2,5

For More Information Contact:
Janet Stellema
Ryan Elementary Math and Science Focus School
1405 Centaur Village Dr
Lafayette CO , 80026
(303) 665-3345

Students: Sixth Grade

Program Description: GLOBAL WARMING IN A POP BOTTLE? is a multi-disciplinary environmental activity that focuses on a real and controversial issue, and is one in which students apply laboratory, research, and communication skills as they attempt to establish a casual link between increasing global temperature and an increasing concentration of carbon dioxide in our planet's atmosphere.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science - 1,5 Math - 3 Reading and Writing - 2 Geography - 5 History - 4

For More Information Contact:
Charles A. Bottinelli
Isaac Newton Middle School
4001 E. Arapahoe Road
Littleton CO , 80122
(303) 734-6247

Students: 1st Grade

Program Description: Bats are often misunderstood and are usually feared by many young children. GOING BATTY OVER BATS enlightens students to the uniqueness of bats and their vital role in our ecosystem will hopefully dissolve many misconceptions and fears while conveying the need for their preservation. By incorporating a variety of fun activities for students, they are able to learn about bats, their habitats, their food, their behavior, and their value in our world. After immersing students with information through the books included in the bibliography, students create a venn diagram comparing the differences and similarities of megabats and microbats. In addition, they create their own book of bat facts that they can take home and share with family and friends. With the use of the book, Bat Jamboree, students are introduced to a T – bar graph. Students also begin to use simple forms of multiplication in the book, Bats On Parade. Through one of the many activities provided in this program, students learn that bats help to pollinate plants. In yet another activity, students learn that bats too are mammals and begin to compare the bodies of bats with their own bodies, i.e. we each have hands with opposing thumbs. Students also enjoy learning with the software, Stellaluna, as it provides many activities for children. Once the story is read in the bat cave and the CD version of the book, Stellaluna, is viewed, another venn diagram is created, comparing the similarities and differences between the book and the movie. Next, students are amazed at how a zoetrope works and take pride in creating one with bats. They also have fun making a bat stick puppet. Finally, students end the unit with an understanding and appreciation for bats

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science 3

For More Information Contact:
Annette Acevedo-Martinez
Foothills Elementary
13165 W. Ohio Avenue
Lakewood CO , 80228
303-982-9324
amaceved@jeffco.k12.co.us

Students: 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th graders

Program Description: Children put their hands over their hearts to say the Pledge of Allegiance, feel their beating hearts after running around at recess, and draw hearts on Valentine's Day. They are naturally curious about the organ that pumps blood throughout their body. The Have a Heart curriculum uses that interest to hook the students and then with an interdisciplinary approach targets the different learning styles of the students to present the information. By teaching some of the concepts themselves, doing jumping jacks and feeling their pulse, crawling around on the floor as a blood cell, watching "blood" travel through a simulated artery, and putting their fingers through the aorta of a sheep heart, the students remain focused and motivated to learn about the heart.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science - 1,5,6 Language Arts - 1 Math - 2,3

For More Information Contact:
Diane Simmons
Colorado Academy
3800 S. Pierce Street
Denver CO , 80235
303-986-1501
dsimmons@mail.coloacad.org

Students: Sixth through Twelfth Grades

Program Description: Students apply laboratory, historical research and communication skills to investigate the properties of silicon solar cells, learning that solar cells convert light into electrical energy. Students are encouraged to enrich their study by "connecting" with the PV Data Center Computer for additional challenges in schools fortunate to have rooftop arrays.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science 1, 2, 4, 5 - Math 3, 4, 5, 6 - History 4 - Reading and Writing 2

For More Information Contact:
Charles A. Bottinelli
Isaac Newton Middle School
4001 E. Arapahoe Road
Littleton CO , 80122
(303) 734-6247
nrgyman@aol.com

Students: 5

Program Description: HOW DOES IT WORK? is a program that uses two technology based activities to help students develop a science fair project using the scientific method.

Students begin with the Brightsville School Simulation to give them some background knowledge of how to conduct a science fair project. Students then visually rank the six steps they feel are the most important to least important. Students use persuasive writing skills to explain their choice in choosing their first and last steps.

Once science fair projects are complete, students participate in the culminating activity of podcasting their science fair projects.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science: 1 Visual Arts: 1,2 Music: 3

For More Information Contact:
Kelley Borchert
High Plains Elementary School
6100 S. Fulton St.
Englewood CO , 80111
720-554-3600
lborchert@cherrycreekschools.org

Students: Grade, 1,2,3

Program Description: HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW is designed to show students the importance of plants and the role they play in our daily lives. During this unit, students discover that plants are living things with unique physical characteristics that allow them to survive and interact with their environment. When the life of a plant is endangered, when forests and plant life in certain areas are destroyed, or when poor farming methods are used, we are affected as well. Plants are a vital part of our environment, and without them, animals and human beings could not survive. All of the experiments and activities in this unit have been developed in accordance with Colorado state science standards. Experiments in this activity can be performed individually or with a partner and/or done at home. Created for first and second grade students, this program could easily be adapted for use with older or younger students.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science: 1,3 Reading and Writing: 2,4

For More Information Contact:
Judy Johnson
St. Mary's Academy
4545 S University Blvd
Englewood CO , 80113
303-762-8300
judyjohnson13@comcast.net

Students: 7th through 12th Grade

Program Description: Simple, but profound it its scope, HOW FAST CAN YOU ACCELERATE? is an inquiry based lab that asksstudents to measure their own accelerative ability armed with nothing more than a meterstick and a stopwatch. Studeents are challenged to develop the rpocedure themselves, and in doing so develop a much deeper awareness of what acceleration really means, and how algebra can relate to the real world.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science 1

For More Information Contact:
Erik Nickerson
Fountain Valley School
6155 Fountain Valley School Road
Colorado Springs CO , 80911
719-390-7035
enickerson@fvs.edu

Students: Fifth through Seventh Grades

Program Description: Students write a poem inspired by the outdoors. Then they make a sunprint of something that captures the essence of their poem. They put the two together to create a personalized greeting card that they address and mail to a loved one after sharing this "masterpiece" with the class.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science 5, 6 - Reading & Writing 2, 3

For More Information Contact:
Nancy Boscheinen
Monarch K-8 School
263 Campus Drive
Louisville CO , 80027
(303) 665-6424
nancy.boscheinen@bvsd.org

Students: Fifth through Seventh Grades

Program Description: IN TUNE WITH ATOMS is a fine arts project designed so that students can use their research skills to learn about a chemical element, and then apply that knowledge to create, plan and construct a visual display. To introduce the unit, Periodic Chart of the Elements, students sing a fun, educational song, "The Atoms Family" and view the Bill Nye video, "Atoms." Each student is assigned an element to research, and then must provide information on that element to the class in some creative fashion, such as a non-traditional poster shape, mobile, 3-D product, etc. The unit meets the needs of both special education students, and the gifted and talented; all students achieve success.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science 2 Language Arts 3 Music 1,2,4

For More Information Contact:
Nancy Boscheinen
Monarch K-8 School
263 Campus Drive
Louisville CO , 80027
303-665-6424
nancy.boscheinen@bvsd.org

Students: Ninth Grade

Program Description: INTO THIN AIR: PLATE TECTONICS AND MT. EVEREST provides students with relevant, hands-on experiences with the concepts of mountain building, plate tectonics and the effects of altitude on the body. Students complete a series of psychometric tests and view videos of potential Mt. Everest climbers as they perform the same testing. During the climbing season, the progress of Mt. Everest climbing teams can be tracked on the Internet.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science 1,3,4,5

For More Information Contact:
Michael Crouch
Standley Lake High School
9300 West 104th Ave.
Westminster CO , 80021
303-982-3311
mcrouch@jeffco.k12.co.us

Students: Sixth through Tenth Grades

Program Description: IT WAS THE ALIENS! requires students to each create an unknown organism, and then as a class, create a dichotomous key for all of the organisms. Students create an "alien" and report the following: how the organism obtains nutrients, ‘recharges,' propagates, moves, and how the body is covered. As a class, they discuss similarities and differences between organisms, and create a dichotomous key from the very general to the very specific. Each organism is classified and assigned a name. After this activity, students understand the purpose behind the classification systems that scientists use, and the five Kingdom classification process suddenly makes sense.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science 3

For More Information Contact:
Myka Raymond
Laredo Middle School
5000 S Laredo St
Aurora CO , 80015
720-886-5163
mraymond3@cherrycreekschools.org

Students: 7 grade

Program Description: IT'S A MYSTERY DISEASE is a program which encourages students to apply their critical thinking and evaluation skills to the science topic at hand: the outbreak of disease in their state. By using engaging simulations, and aplication of the information to real-life situations, students have a chance to see how the National Center for Disease Control works in the midst of a outbreak of a disease.

Hands-on activities, the opportunity to work both individually and separately, and the chance at being the hearo who saves the day for a community naturally keeps students on task while teacing them essiential elements in science. After this unit, your students will be champions against disease.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading and Writing: 1,2, 5 Science: 1, 3

For More Information Contact:
Jennifer Congedo
Rocky Top Middle School
14150 York St.
Thornton CO , 80602
720-972-2250
jennifer.l.congedo@adams12.org

Students: Third through Eighth Grades

Program Description: LIVING ON THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION: A CLASS PROJECT teams fifth and third grade students together to research and produce a final product. Students are introduced to the International Space Station (ISS) through a variety of media. Class discussions and brainstorming sessions are used to explore the requirements to sustain life on Earth. Students then transfer their perception of survival needs to life in space. Each team represents a survival system aboard the ISS. They become mini experts about their system and present their information with confidence and authority. The topic is current, new and "almost" science fiction.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Language Arts 1,2,3,4,5 Science 3,4,5

For More Information Contact:
Chuck Call
S. Christa McAuliffe Elementary
600 51st Avenue
Greeley CO , 80634
970-348-1900
ccall@greeleyschools.org

Toby Layden
S. Christa McAuliffe Elementary
600 51st Avenue
Greeley CO , 80634
970-348-1900
tlayden@greeleyschools.org

Students: 3

Program Description: LOOKING INSIDE AN INSECT focuses on the genre of non-fiction science books, and technology. Third graders studied life cycles of insects in science. In collaboration with our library media specialist, the students choose an insect they want to research. Two column notes are taken and Enchanted Learning web site is used as a resource to find the different stages of the life cycle. Students turn their notes into paragraphs and create a pop up book with illustrations of each stage. Third graders are very excited to share their pop up books with the other students and have them displayed in the hall.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading & Writing - 1,3,5 Science - 3

For More Information Contact:
Teresa Hart
Columbine Hills Elementary
6005 W Canyon Ave
Littleton CO , 80128
303-982-5540
tbergman@jeffco.k12.co.us

Marie Jacob
Columbine Hills
6005 W Canyon Ave
Littleton CO , 80128
303-982-5540
cjacob@jeffco.k12.co.us

Students: Seventh and Eighth Grades

Program Description: MIDDLE SCHOOL MOBILE MUSEUM gives students the opportunity to learn through teaching about earth history. Middle school students design a presentation for elementary school children. The elementary students learn about extinction events, diversity of past life and how fossils are made. Middle school students have the chance to pass on what they've learned to others, creating accurate and detailed teaching materials.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science - 4 Reading and Writing - 2

For More Information Contact:
John McKinney
Castle Rock Middle School
2575 Meadows Boulevard
Castle Rock CO , 80104
(303) 814-4400

Students: Seventh through Twelfth Grades

Program Description: MYSTERIOUS DRINKING BIRD is an introductory laboratory activity in Chemistry I. It is not just one experiment but a series of experiments that have been designed and linked in order to show students how various scientific principles can be related to each other. The students must use both inductive and deductive reasoning to solve the problem of how the Drinking Bird works. Students prepare a written laboratory report, recording their observations and measurements. The "toy" can be used to reinforce physical science, chemistry or physics concepts, such as evaporation, condensation, closed systems and pressure.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science 1,2

For More Information Contact:
David Miner
Brush High School
P. O. Box 585
Brush CO , 80723
970.842.5171
dminer1@brushschools.org

Students: Grade: 9

Program Description: NEWTON'S COMMERCIAL is a project used as an assessment tool for Newton's 3 laws of motion. Students spend 3 weeks reading, taking notes, and completing mini labs to learn about each law in detail.

This project helps students think about the laws and apply them. Imagination and creativity are a large part. Students created a product, and complete an explanation paragraph, as well as a visual to show their understanding of one or more of Newton's laws. Having students apply their knowledge past just being able to pass a test helps to evaluate whether or not the students understood the concept.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science: 2

For More Information Contact:
Jennifer Callaghan
Ponderosa High School
7007 E.Bayou Gulch Road
Parker CO , 80134
303-387-4233
jenifer.callaghan@dcsdk12.org

Students: 4,5,6 grade

Program Description: NOTABLE NATURE JOURNALS curriculum provides an opportunity for children to be outside and to observe, record, and respond to their environment. The students are given blank journals in which they record twenty different entries. (See Nature Journal Requirements, mailed separately to Carol Shearon) For example, a leaf is the topic of one of the entries. Then, there are numerous ways listed in which they could present the leaf in that entry. It is the student's choice which method they would like to use. (They can only use each method choice once.) They could create a drawing, a rubbing, a Haiku poem, or a story about a leaf, for instance. The multi-disciplinary approach is most beneficial at this point. The class goes outside once a month and the children add one to three entries into their journals at that time. Before going outside, examples of entries and/or method choices are presented as focus lessons by the teacher. It is appropriate for the classroom because going outside to learn is highly motivating to the students and they love creating the journals in their own way. Many standards are met with the completion of the nature journals and the children are able to be outside and observe their surroundings in depth at the same time. Since the students regularly share their work with their peers, this also encourages high quality and pride in their work.

An overview of the year-long nature journal project begins in September with a summer observation of the environment (focus lesson) and a spider web entry. (This is the time of year the students will most likely find webs.) The students can also prepare future pages by using water colors to paint the background or scissors to make a fancy edge to a page. October and November provide the opportunity for the students to do a fall observation, write a Haiku poem (focus lesson), complete other entries such as the title page, which are not highlighted in focus lessons, and to share their journals with their peers. In December and January, a winter observation and an animal track entry (focus lesson) are added to their journals. At this time, the students share the entry, of which they are the most proud, with the entire class. The February focus lesson is how to write a story using one of the entry topics as a main character. The students may also add other entries, complete their winter observation, or record the animal tracks. In March and April, the sun is bright so the students make a sun print (focus lesson), add a spring observation, begin their table of contents (focus lesson), and get their picture taken outside. Once again they share their work with their classmates. And finally, May is the month to complete any unfinished work and to evaluate themselves on their journals with the rubric (focus lesson). The teacher also assesses the work and returns the keepsake to the students.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading and Writing: 2 Science: 3,5 Visual Arts: 3

For More Information Contact:
Diane Simmons
Colorado Academy
3800 South Pierce Street
Denver CO , 80235
303-986-1501
dsimmons@mail.coloacad.org

Students: 10

Program Description: OUTBREAK! HANDLING HUMAN HEALTH brings relevancy to students by asking essential questions that link directly to their own health or the health of someone they know. It allows students to choose which direction they would like to go with their study and then capitalizes on their interest in the topic by providing a venue for research, collaboration, and the use of technology in science. The program begins with questions such as: How would your body respond if you broke a bone? If you are exposed to a virus? If you become infected with bacteria? What happens when you are allergic to something? What happens within your body if you get cancer?

With a partner, students develop a program to present to the rest of the class using the essential question they chose as their focus. Students then decide individually which program they would fund and why.

Students follow the steps below through the program:
o Select an essential question (outlined above).
o Brainstorm with a partner what you know about the topic and what questions you still have. Develop a concept map that delineates your understanding of the essential question.
o Research using textbooks, the library, and the computer (internet-specific resources suggested).
o Develop a program to educate high-school age students about the essential question (i.e. how the body responds to allergic reaction, broken bones, etc.) The program students develop will contain the following elements:
➢ Homeostasis (Which organs or systems are affected and what is the normal function of the system?)
➢ Nature of homeostatic disruption? How can it be corrected? What is the role of the immune system?
➢ Risk Assessment (What is the impact? Who is the target population? How does the behavior/lifestyle of person relate?)
➢ Ethical Issues (Are there ethical issues involved in risk, treatment, etc.)
o Students choose one of the following options to demonstrate their understanding of their essential questions. Students present to the rest of the class. As each student in the audience listens to each presentation, he/she takes notes and then ultimately decides which "program" he/she would fund:
➢ Podcast
➢ Newsletter or Brochure
➢ Comic Life
➢ Powerpoint
➢ iMovie
➢ Poster
➢ Model

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science: 1,3,5

For More Information Contact:
Cynthia Long
Douglas County High School
2842 Front St.
Castle Rock CO , 80104
303-387-1000
cynthia.long@dcsdk12.org

Students: 9th through 12th Grade

Program Description: PAPER BAG BABIES allows students to create an offspring of two people, and by comparing the offspring of all others, students can see how genetic variability is manifested in the population.
Using two headshots of famous people, students determine the genes for traits such as face shape, eye size, hair texture, freckles, dimples and gender. Selected genes go into a paper lunch sack. By drawing one gene from each "parent" and recording the results, students are able to determine the genotype and phenotype of each "child". Students then draw the child created from the genes they drew, and answer questions about the genetic variability they see in the children created by the same "parent" genes.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science 3

For More Information Contact:
Myka Raymond
Overland High School
12400 E. Jewell Ave.
Aurora CO , 80012
720-747-3835
mraymond3@cherrycreekschools.org

Sandra Molitoris
Overland High School
12400 E. Jewell Ave.
Aurora CO , 80012
720-747-3835
smolitoris@cherrycreekschools.org

Students: 8th grade

Program Description: "Pizza the Earth…Crust and All!" is an earth science activity that involves student in measurement and uses their creativity to enhance their learning of the interior of the earth. Students use detailed measurement and scaling to create an accurate model "slice" of the earth. This vertical slice gives students a new found awareness of the thickness and the depth of the layers. The students "carry" the learning forward and because of their work have a greater understanding of the processes that shape the Earth's surface (earthquakes, volcanoes, plate tectonics, etc). This activity serves as a great springboard for further work with geological processes or as a stand-alone activity with a great deal of knowledge acquisition. With few materials, students are able to develop an in-depth understanding of the layers of the earth and the materials that make-up each layer. "Pizza the Earth…Crust and All!" provides an effective review of measurement (including density a conceptually difficult topic for middle level students). This activity is also very effective as it can be modified to varying levels to differentiate for the needs of all learners in heterogeneously grouped classes. By completing the "Pizza the Earth", students gain an understanding of what a truly "thin crust" the earth has!

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science: 4, 4.1

For More Information Contact:
Cindy Corlett
Cimarron Middle School
22219 Hilltop Road
Parker CO , 80138
303-387-4500
cindy.corlett@dcsdk.12.org

Students: Fifth through Eighth Grades

Program Description: PLANET-AQUA-MICROTARIUM is a portable dome used to teach students about the universe outside of our world, about the worlds within and under our oceans, or about the microscopic world of cells, molecules and atoms. The 18-foot circular dome can house one classroom of children, is collapsible so it can be placed in various locations within a school, and can be easily set up for a short period. Students help in the planning and construction of all three elements of the project: the dome, the projection unit, and the development of programs about space, the oceans, and the inner micro world. Through program development, students learn many facts, concepts and principles.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science 2,3,4

For More Information Contact:
Gary Bloemker
Beaver Valley Elementary
420 Glacier
P. O. Box 585
Brush CO , 80723
970-842-4794
glbloemker@hotmail.com

Students: Grade: 5

Program Description: POWERING OUR LIVES: AN ELECTRIFYING EXPERIENCE turns the study of electrical energy from a placid, static study of electricity into an array of dynamic, active, meaningful labs that demonstrate the basic principles of static and current electricity, charges, circuits, switches, fuses, bells, motors, generators, magnetism, the multiple means of electric generation including hydroelectric, coal, wind, solar, nuclear, and other alternate energy forms, and famous scientists connected with electricity.

Sequencing these lessons allows students to move form a basic understand of electricity to a global awareness of energy resources and conservation practices. They can then begin to link their own personal lives with (1) potential careers in the energy industry, with (2) how energy impacts their everyday lives, and with (3) what they can do to help ease the ever growing demands of energy in our society. Inadvertently, the students pick up a rich technical scientific vocabulary about electrical energy as well as putting the scientific process to practice through the series of labs.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science: 1,2

For More Information Contact:
Gary Bloemker
Beaver Valley Elementary School
420 Glacier Ave. / Box 585
Brush CO , 80723
970-842-4794
glbloemker@hotmail.com

Students: Eighth Grade

Program Description: ROCK . . . AND ROLL is a project that incorporates students' science knowledge of rock groups with their interest in music, art and technology. Students select their favorite rock group (igneous, sedimentary or metamorphic) and combine their science information with their interest in music. Students creatively include rock types, uses of rocks, formations, classification criteria and more into "rock group" names, song titles, CD cover designs, song lyrics and background information. This project is extremely successful in enhancing student learning as shown by their interest in displaying their work, viewing the work of their classmates, and from positive parent feedback.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science 4,5

For More Information Contact:
Cynthia Corlett
Sierra Middle School
6651 Pine Lane Avenue
Parker CO , 80138
303.387.3800
cindy.corlett@dcsdk12.org

Students: Ninth Grade

Program Description: ROCKS & BLOCKS: A LAB ON HOW TO MAKE SCIENTIFIC MEASUREMENT takes an innovative approach to a common experimental activity. This unit is creative in both its approach to its topics of scientific measurement, measurement error and instrument uncertainty, and in the materials and instruments students use to perform the activity and develop the concepts. The approach is iterative. Students measure the same objects several times using the same instruments, but each time the instruments are used to a new level of precision. While rulers, graduated cylinders, balances and spring scales are not innovative, their use in this process certainly is. This lab sets a tone of high, yet attainable expectations, professionalism and critical analysis.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science 1

For More Information Contact:
Mary Ann Varanka Martin
Estes Park High School
1600 Manford Avenue
Estes Park CO , 80517
970-586-5321
maryann_varanka_martin@psdr3.k12.co.us

Students: Sixth through Eighth Grades

Program Description: ROLLER COASTER PHYSICS is a program to evaluate the concepts of motion, and how these concepts are used in the development of new amusement park technology. Students apply their understanding of the concepts of motion by creating a virtual roller coaster and graphically representing the data generated. They draw and create a three-dimensional model of the roller coaster, and then design the materials necessary to promote the new premiere attraction at the amusement park.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science 2,3,5,6 Language Arts 2

For More Information Contact:
Myka Raymond
Laredo Middle School
5000 S Laredo St
Aurora CO , 80015
720-886-5163
mraymond3@cherrycreekschools.org

Students: Seventh through Ninth Grades

Program Description: SCIENCE EXPO – STUDENTS TEACHING STUDENTS involves eighth graders and elementary students in developing a love for science. The project provides a unique way for the older students to review the science information that they have learned throughout the year, as well as choose a topic of personal interest. The students research the topic, develop a lesson (including demonstrations and hands-on activities) and create a learning station for the Expo. At the Science Expo, elementary students go from station to station performing the activities. The younger students learn advanced scientific principles and activities; the eighth graders learn what it is like to be a teacher.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science 1,2,3,4,5,6

For More Information Contact:
Cynthia Corlett
Sierra Middle School
6651 Pine Lane Avenue
Parker CO , 80134
303-805-6400
corlett3@earthlink.net

Students: 1,2,3,4,5

Program Description: The Science Expo is a great way to further investigate science and is open to all students. Branching off from a traditional science fair, the Science Expo has 4 themes to allow lots of different ways for students to participate. All grades K-5 can join the fun. Students taking part in Share Fair participate in "show-n-tell," becoming the mini-expert and sharing their knowledge. In Wonder World, students investigative a topic that interests them but are not held to experimental designs and variables. Invention Convention is a way for those student inventors to dream and be creative. Students invent something to address a need and create a prototype of their invention. The traditional Science Fair remains a part of the Science Expo with a focus on projects that are experimental in nature. The excitement for Science Expo is amazing and all students can choose their own level of participation in science!

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science: 1,5,6

For More Information Contact:
Janet Stellema
Ryan Elementary Math and Science Focus School
1405 Centaur Village Dr.
Lafayette CO , 80026
303.665.3345
janet.stellema@bvsd.org

Students: Kindergarten through Second Grades

Program Description: SCIENCE: IT'S IN THE BAG! is a teacher's guide to a wide variety of hands-on experiments that allow students to learn important scientific principles while having fun. Students perform a variety of science experiments using self-sealing, plastic bags. The Baggies allow the children to safely handle the experiments while getting a close look at what is happening. Students develop self-confidence as they begin to understand the science behind their experiments and learn to communicate their understanding with others.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science 1,2,3 Language Arts 2,4

For More Information Contact:
Judy Johnson
St. Mary's Academy
4545 South University Boulevard
Englewood CO , 80110
303-762-8300
judy_johnson@smanet.org

Kathryn Jordan
St. Mary's Academy
4545 South University Boulevard
Englewood CO , 80110
kathy_jordan@smanet.org

Students: Pre-K through 3rd Grade

Program Description: SCIENCE: IT'S IN THE BOTTLE! is a teacher's guide to a variety of hands-on experiments that can be performed in glass or plastic bottles. The bottles allow the children to safely handle the experiment while getting a close look at what is happening. In addition, the activities provide students with opportunities to learn important scientific principles while having fun. Students develop self-confidence as they begin to understand the science behind their experiments and learn to communicate their understanding with others. All of the activities in this program have been developed in accordance with the science standards set by the state of Colorado and the National Science Teachers of America. The experiments represent a variety of science topics and can be used as whole-class demonstrations or individual experiments. This program has been implemented with first and second grade students, but it could be easily adapted for use with younger or older children. It is highly successful because it helps to create motivated, self-confident students who love science.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science 1, 2, 3

For More Information Contact:
Judy Johnson
St. Mary's Academy
4545 S. University Blvd.
Englewood CO , 80113
303-762-8300
judyjohnson13@comcast.net

Students: 6,7,8,9,10,11,12

Program Description: SINK OR SWIM: THE GREAT CARDBOARD BOAT REGATTA allows students to put their understanding of Archimedes principles and problem solving skills to the test. Using donated cardboard and standard duct tape, students create a "sea-faring" craft (capable of holding two students) and a method of propulsion to the test. Races are run for the fastest boat and the longest-lasting watercraft. Students research designs and how the laws of physics and fluid mechanics affect those designs. In addition to creating the watercraft in the style of a watercraft of historical significance, students write a paper explaining their researched style, and following the Regatta, students write a reflection paper, discussing what went right and what they should have done differently

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science - 1,2

For More Information Contact:
Myka Raymond
Laredo Middle School
5000 S. Laredo St.
Aurora CO , 80015
720-886-5200
mraymond3@cherrycreekschools.org

Students: 8th through 12th Grade

Program Description: SODA STRAW ROCKETS (SSR) is an inquiry-based laboratory for Physics and Physical Science. This program challenges students to think and reason for themselves. Over the years, modification has been made to the experiment to challenge students in Physical Science to design a straw rocket which is capable of hitting a target a set distance from the launch location. While the SSR experiment is just one experiment, given the open-ended nature of this experiment several scientific concepts may be incorporated into it. For example, the students have to discover for themselves the best tail fin design for their rocket. The students must calculate the velocity of their rocket. As they work on this experiment the students face several design challenges that must be overcome leading the students to a better understanding of the scientific principles which affect their straw rocket. The students must use both inductive and deductive reasoning to solve the associated with the straw rocket experiment. The timing for this laboratory in a Physics courses is always mid-September after an initial laboratory safety and vector experiments. Students use three to foud days to collect data and perform the experiments. The students quickly begin to attempt to reason through the process of how design and build their straw rockets. The SSR experiment can be easily modified to a classroom demonstration and discussion activity. The SSR experiment can be used to reinforce physical science, mathematical, or physics concepts such as vectors, projectile motion, speed, and velocity. The program is successful because this experiment allow the student to be creative and requires the student to think about how various concepts can be related to each other.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science 1, 2

For More Information Contact:
David Miner
Brush High School
P.O. Box 585
Brush CO , 80723
970-842-5171
dminer1@brushschools.org

Students: 1st through 12th Grade

Program Description: SPEAKING A COMMON LANGUAGE - VOCABULARY is a program that helps students understand the vocabulary in a terminology-rich content area such as science. This is crucial for student success and achievement. Activities have been created and adapted to assist students in building a stronger and more in-depth science vocabulary. The activities in the vocabulary program go much further than merely having students copy textbook definitions. The students are required to think at higher levels and work more diligently to truly get to the heart of each concept. New terms are discussed with the root word(s) often being identified. The creation of authentic vocabulary activities supports effective instructional strategies and provides a more exciting and consistent learning environment for all students

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

For More Information Contact:
Mary Fitts
Sierra Middle School
6651 Pine Lane Avenue
Parker CO , 80138
303-387-3800
mary.fitts@dcsdk12.org

Cindy Corlett
Cimarron Middle School
22219 Hilltop Road
Parker CO , 80138
303-387-4500
cindy.corlett@dcsdk12.org

Students: Fourth through Sixth Grades

Program Description: SPICE UP SPACE SCIENCE is an interdisciplinary unit in which the students use reading and writing skills to prepare for a space simulation game. The students are assigned a job on a space shuttle crew, and in that role, they research information about the space shuttle and the International Space Station. The students learn about the exploration of space and how objects interact in the universe. It is a creative approach for the students to learn about our space program with a fun format to assess the information. The curriculum is designed to address various learning styles, and the material can be modified to meet the needs of the students.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Language Arts 1,5 Science 4

For More Information Contact:
Diane Simmons
Colorado Academy
3800 South Pierce Street
Denver CO , 80235
303.986.1501
dsimmons@mail.coloacad.org

Students: 8th through 12th Grade

Program Description: The SSR experiment is one of the best inquiry-based introductory laboratory for Physics and Physical Science I have ever devised and used in my twenty years of teaching. Many years ago, a colleague and myself started to develop this experiment. The design of the experiment was to challenge our students to think and reason for themselves. Over the years, I have modified this experiment to challenge students in Physical Science to design a straw rocket which is capable of hitting a target a set distance from the launch location. While the SSR experiment is just one experiment, given the open-ended nature of this experiment several scientific concepts may be incorporated into it. For example, the students have to discover for themselves the best tail fin design for their rocket. The students must calculate the velocity of their rocket. As they work on this experiment the students face several design challenges that must be overcome leading the students to a better understanding of the scientific principles which affect their straw rocket. The students must use both inductive and deductive reasoning to solve the associated with the straw rocket experiment. The timing for this laboratory in my Physics courses is always mid-September after an initial laboratory safety and vector experiments. I plan to use approximately three to four days for the students to collect data and perform the experiments. The students quickly begin to attempt to reason through the process of how design and build their straw rockets. The SSR experiment can easily modified to being a classroom demonstration and discussion activity. The SSR experiment can be used to reinforce physical science, mathematical, or physics concepts such as vectors, projectile motion, speed, and velocity. The program is successful because this experiment allow the student to be creative and requires the student to think about how various concepts can be related to each other.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science - 1,2

For More Information Contact:
David Miner
Brush High School
P.O. Box 585
Brush CO , 80723
970-842-5171
dminer1@brushschools.org

Students: Sixth through Twelfth Grade

Program Description: STRUCTURES IN SCIENCE centers around eight activities: The Penny Bridge, The Toothpick Tower, The Tallest Paper Tower, The Book Support, The Descent of the Ball, The Naked-Egg Drop, The Catapult and The Balloon Rockets, which all help students understand scientific investigation and design. This program encourages creativity and illustrates that problems can have more than one solution.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science - 1, 2

For More Information Contact:
Don Gabriel
Brush High School
P. O. Box 585
Brush CO , 80723
(970) 842-5171
dgabriel@lynx.csn.net

David Miner
Brush High School
P. O. Box 585
Brush CO , 80723
(970) 842-5171
dminer1@brushschools.org

Students: Sixth through Twelfth Grades

Program Description: The program consist of six activities--Balloon Car Contest, Bridge Building Contest, Mousetrap Vehicle Contest, Musical Instrument Contest, Another Brick in the Wall and Faraday Pickup--that focus on providing the student with the opportunity to explore, design, invent and create. Students get just enough information to succeed but not enough to stifle creativity.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science 1, 2

For More Information Contact:
Don Gabriel
CO
dgabriel@lynx.csn.net

David Miner
Brush High School
P. O. Box 585
Brush CO , 80723
(970) 842-5171
dminer1@brushschools.org

Students: Seventh through Twelfth Grades

Program Description: STRUCTURES IN SCIENCE, PHASE III has students perform hands-on, minds-on, innovative and creative activities. The six activities are: Tallest Paper Tower, Toothpick Tower, Descent of the Ball, Book Structure, Mousetrap Vehicle, and Balloon Car. Each activity helps the student understand the processes of scientific investigation and design. All the activities are open-ended. The rules and/or guidelines are designed to be brief and to the point. Students can finish with the same end results but do not have to follow the same paths. Students are given the opportunity to explore, design, invent and create.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science 1,2

For More Information Contact:
David Miner
Brush High School
P.O. Box 585
Brush CO , 80723
970-842-5171
dminer1@brushschools.org

Students: Second through Fifth Grades

Program Description: SUMMER OF FIRE presents excellent information about the science of wildland fires, controversial issues around fire ecology, and fire safety for students. A combination of engaging books, games, hands-on science experiments, and current newspaper articles and photos helps them learn and retain important information. Group discussions are a vital part of this unit. Through fire education like this program, it is hoped that students will become good stewards of our forests now and in the future.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science 1,2,3,4,5 Language Arts 1,2,3,4,5 Math 1,3,6

For More Information Contact:
Monica Backsen
Custer County Elementary
709 Main Street
Westcliffe CO , 81252
719-783-2291
mbacksen@bobcats.ccs.k12.co.us

Students: Seventh through Twelfth Grades

Program Description: SUPER SCIENCE COMPETITIONS provide numerous opportunities for students to investigate, design and conduct experiments. All competitions are open-ended enough to allow students to apply their creativity and problem-solving skills, but specific enough to allow simple, objective scoring. All competitions are carried out alone or by two-student teams. Students are graded on how their project compared with the scoring criteria stipulated for each respective competition. During the first week of the school year, a list describing each contest is given to the physics students. Experiments can be used to reinforce physical science or physics concepts, such as friction, mass, vectors, simple machine, forces, and torque. The program is successful because all of the competitions allow the student to be creative and help a student realize that there is more than one possible solution to a problem.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science 1,2

For More Information Contact:
David Miner
Brush High School
P. O. Box 585
Brush CO , 80723
970-842-5171
dminer1@brushschools.org

Students: First and Second Grades

Program Description: SUPER SCIENCE CRAFTS FOR KIDS! is a teacher guide to a variety of hands-on, make and take crafts/projects that allow students to learn important scientific principles while having fun. Children can take their creations home and have the opportunity to explain to their families what they have learned. Students develop self-confidence as they begin to understand the science behind their projects and learn to communicate their understanding to others.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science 1,2 Language Arts 2,4

For More Information Contact:
Judy Johnson
St. Mary's Academy
4545 South University Blvd.
Englewood CO , 80110
303-762-8300
judy_johnson@smanet.org

Students: Sixth through Eighth Grade

Program Description: TERRIFIC TIGERS is a unique unit that brings a variety of students together in an engaging format to study tigrs, their habitats, and key geographic sites around the world. Activities are developed around the Colorado State Education Standards for science. From advertisements about endangered animals, diet plans, habitats, enclosure, life sustainability plans, the activities in this unit ask students to be creative and have fun - they hardly know they are learning key skills in life science, reading, research and math!

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science 1, 3. Language Arts 1, 2, 3, 5.

For More Information Contact:
Jennifere Congedo
Hulstrom Options School
10604 Grant Drive
Northglenn CO , 80223
720-972-2250
jennifer.congedo@adams12.org

Students: Fifth through Seventh Grades

Program Description: THE "EYES" HAVE IT is a biological investigation designed for students to have hands-on experiences to understand eye physiology. This unit includes direct instruction and lab work. Students wear special goggles that simulate an insect's compound eye and perform various tasks while wearing them. To better view the structure of the eye, the students dissect a sheep's eyeball, and see firsthand why many animals' eyes glow in the dark when looking into a light source. As homework, they create and construct a 3-D model eyeball. Students read a controversial scientific article about people near death seeing a bright light at the end of the tunnel. During a Socratic seminar they discuss this possible biological phenomenon.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science 1,3,7

For More Information Contact:
Nancy Boscheinen
Monarch K-8 School
263 Campus Drive
Louisville CO , 80027
303-665-6424
nancy.boscheinen@bvsd.org

Students: 3,4,5,6,7

Program Description: THE BEAUTIFUL BRAIN is a curriculum designed to teach students about the brain. By the time children are in upper elementary school, they begin to comprehend that some ways of learning are easier and more successful for them, they just may not know why. Their brain is at the root of it all. Using a scientific approach to teach the students about the physical brain, their interest is peaked because the brain is part of their body and they are inquisitive about it. Then, using research which has focused on how the brain learns, the students begin to discover facts about their own brain and what can impact how they grasp information. The students gain an understanding about lifelong health for their brain and tips for using it effectively as a student.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Sciece - 1,2,3,5 Reading & Weiting - 1,5

For More Information Contact:
Diane Simmons
Colorado Academy
3800 S Pierce St
Denver CO , 80235
303-986-1501
diane.simmons@coloradoacademy.org

Students: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Program Description: For several years The Flying Cylinder has been an integral part of my science classes. The Flying Cylinder is a program centered around two activities: The Flying Cylinder Laboratory Experiment and the Scientific Method Worksheet. Both activities help the student understand the processes of scientific investigation and design. Both activities used are hands-on and minds-on. Students can finish with the same end results but do not have to follow the same path as would be required in a traditional laboratory experiment. Students are provided just enough information to arrive with an end result but not enough to stifle creativity.
The Flying Cylinder contains an activity that requires a minimal amount of material and will fit nicely in a shoestring science budget. This activity can be completed in one class period or stretched out for two or three periods. The Flying Cylinder can be used to reinforce physical science concepts such as the scientific method, friction, mass, aerodynamics, lift, drag, and Bernoulli's Principle.
The program is successful because this activity allows the student to be creative and helps the student realize that there are frequently more than one possible solution to a problem.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Sciene: 1,2

For More Information Contact:
David Miner
Brush High School
P.O. Box 585
Brush CO , 80723
9708425171
dminer1@brushschools.org

Students: Eighth and Ninth Grade

Program Description: THE HUMAN ELEMENT is a yearlong program designed to popularize science by presenting its human side. Through interactive storytelling, scientists emerge as real people with backgrounds similar to the students of today and possibly the scientists of tomorrow. The program provides students with the opportunity to research the life of a scientist whose birthday is on or near their own. This unit could be easily adpated into any 7th - 12th grade science of history curriculum.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
History - 1,3,4 Reading and Writing - 5 Science - 5,6

For More Information Contact:
Marilyn Frade
Mead Middle School
620 Welker Ave.
Mead CO , 80542
(970) 535-4446
frade_marilyn@stvrain.k12.co.us

Students: Seventh through Twelfth Grades

Program Description: THE HUMAN ELEMENT: THE NEXT GENERATION encourages students to learn the backgrounds, motivations and accomplishments of scientists using a variety of computer applications. Students explore The Human Element web site scavenger hunt, perform scientist data base searches, time lines and concept maps, complete crossword puzzles, read "The Human Element" newsletter and view a scientist slide show. They're expected to know the names and contributions of five scientists on every quiz and test and are graded on the above activities.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science - 5, 6.Geography - 6.History - 1, 3, 4.Reading and Writing - 5

For More Information Contact:
Marilyn Frade
Mead Middle School
620 Welker Ave.
Mead CO , 80542
(970) 535-4446
frade_marilyn@stvrain.k12.co.us

Students: Grade: 3,4,5

Program Description: THE MARVELOUS MOON is a program for upper elementary school students that taps into their awareness of more than their immediate surroundings. They look to the sky and see the moon. Questions form in their minds and they begin to ask why. The Marvelous Moon is an interdisciplinary curriculum appropriate for this age group and because the interest is high for the students, the topic is easily incorporated into daily lessons. The activities vary in their approach to keep the topic fresh and to utilize the different learning styles of the students. It is a curriculum in which the concepts can be applied every time they look at the moon now and in the future.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science: 1,4,5 Reading & Writing: 1,3,4 Visual Arts: 1

For More Information Contact:
Diane Simmons
Colorado Academy
3800 South Pierce St.
Denver CO , 80235
303-986-1501
diane.simmons@coloradoacademy.org

Students: 8

Program Description: THE VOLCANIC RÉSUMÉ~ AN EXPLOSIVE LEARNING OPPORTUNITY

Tired of the traditional volcano project Are you looking for ways to connect science and writing? Do you want your students to develop real-world skills? If so, this project is perfect for you and your students. Here is a hands-on/minds-on opportunity for learning that enables students to have fun while learning science.

Students complete this project individually, however they should be given some guidance with research and some time in class review résumé samples as well as to work on project. There are several sections to this project, which are similar to the parts of a human résumé, thus offering a unique interdisciplinary learning experience. Students are given an instruction sheet, a checklist, a scoring rubric, and a table that shows an example headings from a real résumé and how these heading translate into the headings for the Volcano Résumé.

This activity is easily differentiated in both process and product for varying levels of student abilities. The volcanic résumé project is also easy to adapt to various topics and curricular areas.

As with other types of high interest projects, the Volcano Résumé engages learners, connects school earning to the real world, employs several content areas, integrates teaching with technology, and allows more in-depth coverage of the topic at hand. For the teacher, an activity such as the Volcanic Résumé, can be a way to insert writing into the content area. This is an authentic form of assessment but one that is fun and interesting and engaging for students.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science - 4 Reading & Writing - 2

For More Information Contact:
Cindy Corlett
Cimarron Middle School
22219 Hilltop Road
Parker CO , 80138
303-387-4500
cindy.corlett@dcsdk12.org

Students: Grade: 6

Program Description: THE WAY THE COOKIE CRUMBLES is a program that invites students to investigate the consumption of a non-renewable fossil fuel such as petroleum, natural gas, or coal using chocolate chip cookies to represent the oil field, gas region, or coal mine. They develop skills in employing the scientific method and graphing procedures in an engaging, team effort. The resource must be separated from the matrix using a "standard" drilling/mining device: a plastic fork. Students drill/mine for specified time intervals, and their "annual" production results are tallied.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science: 1,5,6

For More Information Contact:
Dr. Charles A. Bottinelli
Isaac Newton Middle School
4000 E. Arapahoe Rd.
Centennial CO , 80122
303-347-7900
cbottinelli@lps.k12.co.us

Students: 4th through 8th Grade

Program Description: THOSE PULSATING PROVOCATIVE POLYCHROMATIC PLANTS unit turns the study of plants from static reading to dynamic active lab investigations that demonstrate how plants grow, reproduce, and interact in ecosystems. Students examine root, stem, and leaf cells and structures, plant classification, reproduction, photosynthesis, and tropisms. Students use the scientific process daily, gain a rich new vocabulary, and practice their research and expository writing skills.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science 1,3

For More Information Contact:
Gary Bloemker
Beaver Valley Elementary School
P.O. Box 585
Brush CO , 80723
970-842-4794
glbloemker@hotmail.com

Students: Kindergarten through Eighth Grades

Program Description: "Tons of Scientifically Provocative Demonstrations" is a teacher's guide to rare, hard to find, sometimes-obscure science activities. When properly designed, hands-on activities provide children with the tools to discover something "new" on their own. This guide is filled with quality activity-based ideas and quality literature to use with children.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science 1, 2, 5, 6

For More Information Contact:
Kathryn Jordan
St. Mary’s Academy
4545 South University
Englewood CO , 80110
(303) 762-8300
Kathy_JordanW@smanet.org

Students: Grade: 3,4,5,6

Program Description: TOUTING RENEWABLE ENERGY is an extension of a science unit on electricity where 3rd grade students research and become experts on a renewable energy resource. The culmination of this activity requires students to demonstrate their new-found knowledge by creating a multimedia presentation. Students works are presented during a "screening" of their presentation, attended by parents and community members.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science: 1 Reading and Writing: 1,2

For More Information Contact:
Amy Thomas
Witt Elementary School
10255 W. 104th Dr.
Westminster CO , 80021
303-982-3380
athomas@jeffco.k12.co.us

Students: 5

Program Description: This program was developed for a fifth grade science class in order for students to realize that people respond to change everyday of their lives with relationship to our weather. The Sun and other factors such as clouds, winds, elevation, tilt of the Earth axis, proximity to water, changing air pressure, and the seasons all contribute to the weather we experience each day. Students learned about these factors while becoming "experts" on a particular weather system. They presented their weather system in the form of a slide show presentation. They learned the appropriate ways to react to a particular weather system, such as a tornado. There was an emphasis on higher order thinking skills through brainstorming, collaboration, and prioritizing of their responses using the Intel Teach to the Future Visual Ranking tool. Finally, by incorporating all the factors related to weather students became weather forecasters for a particular vacation destination of their choice. They were video taped presenting their forecast.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
English: 1,2,5 Science: 1,4 Math: 3 Technology: 1,2,3,4

For More Information Contact:
Janne Shirley
Columbine Hills Elementary
6005 W. Canyon Ave.
Littleton CO , 80128
303-982-5540
jshirley@jeffco.k12.co.us

Michelle Hollandsworth
Columbine Hills Elementary
6005 W. Canyon Ave.
Littleton CO , 80128
303-982-5540
mholland@jeffco.k12.co.us

Students: Sixth through Twelfth Grades

Program Description: WHO STOLE TOCTO OXICA'S JADE NECKLACE? uses historical knowledge of the Inca Empire along with the biotechnology of electrophoresis to solve a fictional break-in at the Denver Museum of Natural History's "Incas of Peru" traveling exhibit. Students must bolster their laboratory skills and their knowledge of Inca history in order to solve the crime.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science - 1, 5.Math - 3.History - 2.Reading and Writing - 2

For More Information Contact:
Charles A. Bottinelli
Isaac Newton Middle School
4001 East Arapahoe Road
Littleton CO , 80122
(303) 734-6247
nrgyman@aol.com

Students: Sixth through Tenth Grades

Program Description: WIND GUSTS POSSIBLE. . .AT TEN MILLIWATTS! is a blustery activity that generates enthusiasm and makes learning of an important renewable energy technology a breeze. Students research, design, construct and test a working model of a renewable energy technology. They collect and analyze data, hypothesize, explore, and communicate their findings via an oral presentation.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science 1,2,4,5 Math 3,4,5 Social Studies 4 Language Arts 2

For More Information Contact:
Charles A. Bottinelli
Isaac Newton Middle School
4001 East Arapahoe Rd
Littleton CO , 80122
303-734-6247/303-347-7900
nrgyman@aol.com

Students: 6,7,8

Program Description: WINDS OF CHANGE focuses on the modern technology of wind power. Students assemble and test model wind machines with various blade configurations and design to determine which will produce the most electric power given a constant wind provided by a floor fan. Will a machine with short, rectangular blades fare better than one with longer, more tapered blades? Will one with two streamlined blades produce more power than one with three streamlined blades? By hypothesizing, testing, collecting data, and analyzing those data, students are modeling what real engineers do with real wind machine prototypes.

Relevant, hands-on experiences provide middle school students with an innovative and fun way to examine a technology that is certain to become part of our civilization's future energy mix.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science - 1,2,3,4,5

For More Information Contact:
Charles Bottinelli
Isaac Newton Middle School
4001 E. Arapahoe Rd.
Centennial CO , 80122
303-347-3925
cbottinelli@lps.k12.co.us