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Roller Coaster Engineering & Physics BundleTake your students from the history of "Ice Slides" to the high-stakes world of modern engineering with this Complete Roller Coaster STEM Unit. This bundle includes everything you need to teach the physics of energy, the biology of G-forces, and the hands-on engineering of marble coasters. Developed by a middle-level educator (Grades 5-8), these resources emphasize the "integration of play and real-life simulations," ensuring that complex concepts lik

Rubric Included! Can your students engineer a solution to one of the most significant public health crises in modern history? This DIY Water Filter STEM Project serves as the final summative assessment for the Flint Water Crisis unit. Students move beyond the history books to act as environmental engineers, designing and testing filtration systems to combat various types of pollutants. Developed by a middle-level educator (Grades 5-8), this 5-day project focuses on "real-life simulations," cha

The ultimate physics finale! This Paper Roller Coaster STEM Project is a comprehensive, 7-day engineering challenge where students design, budget, build, and safety-test a functional marble coaster. Designed by an Illinois middle-level educator (Grades 5-8), this project turns your classroom into a professional engineering firm. Students aren't just building a toy—they are managing a budget, navigating "Government Safety Inspections," and proving the laws of physics. ⚠️ IMPORTANT REQUIREMENT: T

"Houston, we have a problem!" Challenge your students to become NASA engineers with this Apollo 13 Egg Drop Project. This high-engagement STEM simulation tasks students with building a lunar capsule strong enough to survive a "re-entry" fall back to Earth. Designed by a middle-level educator (Grades 5–8), this resource perfectly integrates physical science concepts like forces and gravity with the historic drama of the Apollo 13 mission. The Mission:Your students' goal is to land their spacecr

Bring physics to life with this hands-on Marble Roller Coaster Project! Perfect for middle-level educators (grades 5-8), this comprehensive resource engages students in real-world engineering simulations through the power of play. Students will design, build, and test their own paper roller coasters while mastering complex concepts like potential and kinetic energy, structural integrity, and iterative design. This project is designed to be low-cost but high-impact, using simple materials like

The ultimate capstone for your botany unit! This Seed Dispersal Project challenges students to move beyond definitions and become biological engineers. Using the STEM design process, students will invent an entirely new plant species adapted to a specific biome and engineer a working device to disperse its seeds. Designed by a middle-level science educator (Grades 5-8), this 7-day project is the perfect way to assess student mastery of adaptations and plant reproduction in an engaging, hands-

Inspire your students to see themselves in the future of innovation! This Careers in STEM Poster Project is a high-interest research and graphic design activity that challenges students to become "career detectives." Whether they are interested in the depths of the ocean or the reaches of space, this project helps them uncover the "Path There"—mapping out the education, tools, and daily tasks required to succeed in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Designed by an Illinois middle-level

Turn your classroom into a virtual physics lab! This Roller Coaster Physics activity uses an interactive simulator to help students visualize the invisible forces that make thrill rides possible. Instead of just reading about energy, students will manipulate variables in real-time to see how they impact a coaster’s performance. Designed by an Illinois middle-level educator (Grades 5-8), this resource focuses on the "integration of play and real-life simulations" to master the laws of thermodyna

Before students can build a filter, they have to understand the science behind it! This How Do Water Filters Work? literacy activity dives into the mechanics of physical and chemical purification, exploring how everything from charcoal to UV light is used to make water safe for human consumption. Designed by an Illinois middle-level educator (Grades 5-8), this resource focuses on the "science of the solution," making it a perfect pre-lab activity or a standalone lesson on environmental technolo

Why don't we fly out of our seats during a loop? How much pressure can the human body actually handle? This Roller Coaster Safety resource dives into the high-stakes world of "G-force" engineering and structural safety. Designed by a middle-level educator (Grades 5-8), this activity bridges the gap between fun theme park thrills and the rigorous physics required to keep riders safe. It is the perfect reading companion for any hands-on rollercoaster build. What’s Included?20 Targeted Comprehens

Who designs the thrills? In this Theme Park Engineering research activity, students explore the science, creativity, and career paths behind the world’s most famous attractions. From mechanical integrity to thematic storytelling, students will see how "fun" is a serious feat of engineering. Designed by an Illinois middle-level educator (Grades 5-8), this resource is an excellent way to introduce students to specialized STEM careers beyond the traditional lab. What’s Included?Guided Career Explo

Take your students on a journey through one of NASA’s most intense missions! This "What is Apollo 13?" resource is a comprehensive literacy activity that explores the bravery, science, and engineering required to bring three astronauts home safely. Designed by a middle-level educator (Grades 5-8), this activity fits perfectly into your Earth and Space science units or a history block. 🚀 Perfect Pair: The Apollo 13 Egg Drop Challenge!Looking to turn this reading into a full STEM simulation? Che

What makes a world-class rollercoaster in 2025? This Modern Roller Coasters research activity invites students to investigate the pinnacle of current theme park engineering. From record-breaking heights to high-tech special track features, students will analyze the statistics that define modern thrill-seeking. Designed by an Illinois middle-level educator (Grades 5-8), this resource is perfect for teaching data collection, engineering specs, and the evolution of modern technology. What’s Includ

Inspire the next generation of innovators with this interactive Engineering Careers WebQuest! This resource guides students through an exploration of the diverse and high-impact world of engineering, helping them connect classroom science to future career possibilities. Designed by a middle-level educator (Grades 5-8) specializing in math and science, this worksheet is perfect for Career Day, STEM units, or as a meaningful extension for students interested in how the world is built. What’s Inc

Bring real-world weather phenomena into your classroom with this no-prep "What Are Tornadoes?" literacy activity. Designed by a middle-level science educator, this resource is perfect for grades 5-8 and focuses on engaging students through clear, guided inquiry. What’s Included?15 Targeted Questions: The worksheet guides students through the reading with specific prompts covering... Tornado formation and relationship to thunderstorms.Global statistics and "Tornado Alley" geography.Safety protoc

How do plants "move" without legs? Dive into the fascinating world of botanical engineering with this "Seeds! They Travel?" literacy activity. Created by a middle-level science educator for grades 5-8, this resource focuses on how seed structure determines its survival and journey. What’s Included?Comprehensive 16-Question Worksheet: Guided inquiry that covers critical biological and botanical concepts, including:Seed Anatomy: Identifying the embryo, stored food, and protective structures.Repro

Looking for a high-engagement Spring or Easter activity that fits any classroom style? Give your students a mission: save the PEEPS! In this PEEP Parachutes STEM Challenge, students act as aeronautical engineers tasked with designing a descent vehicle to safely deliver marshmallow treats via "helicopter" drop. Designed by a middle-level educator (Grades 5-8), this resource offers two distinct ways to play, making it perfect for both intense STEM competitions and quick, whole-class seasonal fu