Kool Kat Science

Humans have dreamed of visiting Mars since the 1880s, but getting there isn’t easy.  Using a game board modeled after the orbits of Mars and Earth, student teams will plot a course to Mars and back. As they plan their Mars mission, students will use the same navigation method that NASA uses for interplanetary travel - the Hohmann Transfer Orbit. You can use this STEM activity, and the included Rover's slideshow to introduce a Solar System unit or a Mars rover design project. In addition to plann

Humans have dreamed of visiting Mars since the 1880s, but getting there isn’t easy.  Using a game board modeled after the orbits of Mars and Earth, student teams will plot a course to Mars and back. As they plan their Mars mission, students will use the same navigation method that NASA uses for interplanetary travel - the Hohmann Transfer Orbit. You can use this STEM activity and the Rovers slideshow to introduce a Solar System unit or a Mars rover design project. In addition to planning their v

In this investigation, teams will color-code a kite design on graph paper to visualize the surface area of a kite. The activity can be followed up with a Cloud Banner presentation that shows how kites are used to represent stories from different regions around the world and to show values and special interests. People have used kites to share art and ideas for thousands of years. If you’re planning to build kites for an Art or STEAM unit, this Cloud Banners presentation makes a great introduct

This four-lesson unit uses an engineering approach to build a kite. Teams test their material options, then select their sail and spar materials. While building the kite, students use tools such as a wood file, side cutting pliers, and sandpaper. Don’t forget the safety glasses!  The unit features a customizable design challenge, kite design options, and a budget-conscious material list. Created by a teacher/engineer writing team, this bundle includes procedures and technical tips to aid teacher

Most people know that paper is a versatile product made from natural fibers mashed into a pulp. Did you know that the papermaking process was invented in China and kept secret for centuries until the technology was traded as a state secret to the Turks? For good reason the Chinese view paper as one of their national treasures!  The slideshow that introduces this bundle is a perfect introduction to a papermaking lab or a unit on Chinese history. This papermaking bundle includes the following res

This bundle has a detailed step-by-step guide to get students familiar with SketchUp. Students will model a simple chassis and wheels for their Mars Rovers. Once your fledgling engineers are comfortable with SketchUp, turn them loose to model the rest of the rover. If they need help or inspiration, they can use the Mars Rover Expansion Pack recipe cards. These provide sequenced steps to add a cargo box, bench, dashboard, and windshield.

This editable EDP template will guide students as they use the Engineering Design Process in their project based science lessons.The Engineering Design Process (EDP) is an iterative process for developing and improving an object or process. Engineers use this process for assignments like designing a car, building software, designing a hospital, or any number of other projects.

Are you planning an electricity design challenge? The voltmeter is a vital tool for the IMPROVE step of the Engineering Design Process and gives students a glimpse into specialized technology used by electrical technicians. Students can use a voltmeter to check continuity, test batteries, and measure resistance (ohms). Are you looking for a fun electricity design challenge lesson? This sample comes from the Kool Kat Science Electric Circuit Design Challenge. Give your students a solid underst

This package is designed to accompany the SketchUp Mars Rover Modeling Activity. It provides step-by-step guidelines to add four cool features to the basic rover chassis built in the introductory Mars Rover Modeling lesson. The expansion pack consists of four sequential activities to add: Cargo BoxPassenger BenchDashboard and WindshieldSteering WheelThe activities are set up as four recipe card sets. Each set has numbered steps that show the SketchUp tool needed and a screenshot of the action.

The Lifter Sisters, a trio of science-loving siblings, serve as guides on this project-based-learning adventure. This 3-session unit covers all three classes of levers and culminates in a catapult design challenge. Students will build simple examples of each type of lever. Then, using their models and the Engineering Design Process, teams compete to design and build a catapult capable of hurling a pom-pom across the room! This bundle contains three lessons, three slideshow presentations with scr

When making structures, there are many techniques for building with cardboard. This slideshow provides details about ten different construction techniques: cutting cardboardmaking creasesscoringcreating curvesmaking a flange basebuilding a vertical walland moreFounded on classic engineering principles, these techniques will enable your students to build stable and durable structures that showcase their creativity.

SketchUp is 3D modeling software used by engineers, architects, and designers around the world. It is very powerful and can be used to build highly detailed models. This bundle includes a PowerPoint introduction, a step-by-step beginner's worksheet, four sets recipe cards, and teacher background notes. The introduction familiarizes students with the SketchUp interface and the basic tools.The worksheet guides novice SketchUp users as they build a 3D model of a Mars rover chassis and wheels. Each

SketchUp is CAD software used for 3D modeling. Students can use Sketch-Up for a variety of tasks in the STEM classroom including Design, Virtual Prototyping, Project Drawings, and 3D Printing. This presentation guides students through several fundamental tasks needed to learn the SketchUp application: Setup toolbars and drawing settingsDraw lines, circles and arcsCreate 2D shapes: rectangles, circles, and polygonsPush-Pull tool (3d extrusions and holes)Move and Copy objects