mindMESA
32 Followers
Cañon City, Colorado, United States
About the store
The Expertise Behind the Innovation: With over 14 years of experience in the trenches of STEM education, we've led everything from all-female engineering cohorts to district-wide science initiatives. Our background isn't just in teaching science—it’s in advancing it through accessible technology. We’ve integrated programmable drones, CAD design, micro:bits, and 3D printing into curriculum that meets standards while capturing imaginations.
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Ecosystems & Ecology Labs Bundle
⭐ Ecosystems & Ecology Labs BundleDescription: This bundle includes 16 hands-on labs, simulations, and projects designed to explore ecosystems, species interactions, energy flow, and human impacts on the environment. Students investigate biotic and abiotic factors, food webs, trophic levels, population dynamics, and ecological relationships through engaging hands-on activities, collaborative projects, and guided investigations. Perfect for Grades 5–10 Biology, Life Science, and Environmental
5th - 10th
Biology, Environment, General Science
3D Diorama Project: Ecosystems and Interactions
🏡 The Paper Habitats Project | Geography & Environmental Systems Performance Task Human Geography | Environment & Society | Sustainability | Resource Use | Middle School Social Studies/Science Bring geography and environmental systems to life with this hands-on project where students design a paper house, build a surrounding environment map, and explain how people interact with Earth’s resources. Students analyze how location shapes daily life, including food systems, water access, energy use,
5th - 9th
Environment, General Science, Geography
Earth and Space Science: Geology & Earth’s Systems Bundle
Earth & Space Science: Geology & Earth’s Systems BundleDescription: This bundle now includes 15 hands-on labs, simulations, and engineering challenges that help students explore the structure, processes, and dynamics of Earth and the solar system. Students investigate rocks and minerals, plate tectonics, the rock cycle, crystallization, seismic activity, and solar system concepts through engaging experiments, models, and STEM design challenges. Perfect for Grades 3–9 Earth Science, Physical S
3rd - 9th
Earth Sciences, Environment, Physical Science
Photosynthesis & Plant Systems Bundle
🌱 Photosynthesis & Plant Systems BundleDescription: This bundle includes 10 hands-on labs, simulations, and guided activities designed to explore plant biology, energy flow, and the processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration. Students investigate how plants capture and use energy, the exchange of gases, plant propagation, and growth in different conditions through engaging experiments, observations, and collaborative projects. Perfect for Grades 5–10 Biology, Life Science, and Envi
5th - 10th
Biology, Environment, General Science
Nature's Cleanup Crew Lab — Isopods & Decomposers in Soil Ecosystems
Title: Nature’s Cleanup Crew — Isopod Ecosystem Lab & Decomposer Investigation Summary: In this hands-on ecosystem investigation, students explore how consumers and decomposers work together to recycle nutrients in soil ecosystems. By observing organisms such as isopods, earthworms, and springtails, students identify their ecological roles and document how these “cleanup crew” organisms break down leaf litter and support nutrient cycling. Students complete observational drawings, analyze the rol
5th - 9th
Biology, Earth Sciences, Environment
Also included in: Ecosystems & Ecology Labs Bundle
Atmosphere, Weather, Climate, and Hydrosphere Bundle
Atmosphere, Weather, Climate, and Hydrosphere BundleDescription: This bundle includes 14 hands-on labs, modeling projects, and data analysis activities to explore the dynamics of Earth’s atmosphere, weather patterns, climate, and water systems. Students investigate atmospheric layers, air pressure, cloud formation, condensation, climate graphs, the water cycle, evapotranspiration, density-driven ocean layering, groundwater filtration, and climate impacts on local economies. Engaging experiment
3rd - 9th
Earth Sciences, Environment, Physical Science
From Trash to Treasure: Making Recycled Paper – Sustainability Lab
Title: From Trash to Treasure: Making Recycled Paper – Sustainability Lab Summary: In this hands-on sustainability lab, students recycle used paper to create brand-new sheets of paper. By blending scrap paper into pulp and forming it with a mold and deckle, students explore how recycling and reuse reduce waste and conserve natural resources. The activity introduces key concepts such as recycling, reuse, and sustainability, while encouraging observation, reflection, and real-world connections t
5th - 9th
Earth Sciences, Environment, Physical Science
Also included in: Mixtures, Solutions, and Separation Chemistry Labs Bundle
Plant Adaptations Field Lab — Observe Local Plants & Survival Traits
Title: Local Plant Adaptations Lab: Survival in Action 🌵 Summary: In this hands-on lab, students observe native desert plants such as prickly pear, cholla, agave, and yucca to identify adaptations that help plants survive and reproduce. Students record how traits like spines, thick leaves, and narrow foliage help access resources, avoid herbivory, and conserve water. The activity connects adaptations to population survival, resource availability, and carrying capacity, and includes an observ
5th - 10th
Biology, Environment
Also included in: Evolution and Natural Selection Bundle
Ecosystem Diorama Project — Model Biotic & Abiotic Interactions
Title: Ecosystem Diorama Project – Biotic & Abiotic Interactions Summary: In this hands-on project, students create a 3-D diorama of an ecosystem to explore how living (biotic) and nonliving (abiotic) components interact. Students model an ecosystem of their choice—forest, desert, grassland, freshwater, marine, or tundra—by including producers, consumers, decomposers, and abiotic factors. The project emphasizes energy flow, food webs, predator–prey relationships, populations, and niches. Inclu
5th - 9th
Biology, Environment
Also included in: Ecosystems & Ecology Labs Bundle
Invasive Species Project — How Non-Native Organisms Disrupt Ecosystems
Title: 🌎 Invasive Species Poster Project — Invaders That Change Everything Summary: Students research an invasive species and create a poster explaining how a non-native organism changes ecosystems. The poster includes the species’ ecosystem (native and invaded regions), its behavior and interactions with native species, and the environmental impacts caused by its introduction. Students also include labeled visuals such as images, maps, or food web diagrams to communicate ecosystem effects. T
5th - 8th
Biology, Environment
Also included in: Ecosystems & Ecology Labs Bundle
Keystone Species Research Project — How One Species Shapes an Ecosystem
Title: 🐾 Keystone Species Poster Project — Animals That Keep Ecosystems Together Summary: Students research a keystone species and create a poster explaining how one organism can have a major impact on an ecosystem. The poster includes the species’ ecosystem, its ecological role, and what could happen if it disappeared, along with images or a simple food web diagram. The activity helps students understand food webs, biodiversity, and ecosystem balance while practicing research and scientifi
5th - 8th
Biology, Environment
Also included in: Ecosystems & Ecology Labs Bundle
Creature Adaptation Engineering Project — Build a Survival Model
Title: 🐾 Creature Adaptation Modeling Project – Hands-On STEM Activity Summary: In this creative project, students design and build a model of an organism to showcase a key adaptation that aids survival. Using materials like paper, clay, cardboard, or recycled items, students highlight traits such as camouflage, fur, claws, or specialized roots. Each model includes an information card detailing the adaptation, its environment, and survival benefit. Students present their models briefly, rein
4th - 8th
Biology, Environment
Also included in: Evolution and Natural Selection Bundle
Earth Science Weathering, Erosion, and Landforms Bundle
Earth Science Weathering, Erosion, and Landforms BundleDescription: This bundle includes 10 hands-on labs, simulations, and field activities designed to explore how natural forces shape Earth’s surface. Students investigate mechanical and chemical weathering, soil formation, erosion by water, wind, and glaciers, sediment deposition, and strategies for mitigating natural hazards through engineering design. Activities include stream table investigations, sand tray experiments, and outdoor explo
3rd - 9th
Earth Sciences, Environment, Physical Science
Sustainability & Human Impact Projects Bundle
♻️ Sustainability & Human Impact Projects BundleDescription: This bundle includes 6 hands-on labs, modeling projects, and data analysis activities designed to explore sustainability, human impacts on the environment, and the life cycle of products. Students investigate recycling, resource use, mining effects, e-waste, and climate change through engaging experiments, collaborative projects, and poster-based learning. Perfect for Grades 5–10 Environmental Science, Earth Science, and STEM classe
5th - 10th
Biology, Environment, General Science
Natural Selection Elimination Challenge — Survival of the Fittest
This competitive lab transforms the high-stakes reality of survival into a high-energy classroom game, helping students visualize how "fitness" is determined by the tools an organism possesses. Activity DescriptionThe Extinction Elimination Challenge is a gamified simulation of Interspecific Competition. In this lab, students play the role of different bird species, each equipped with a unique "beak" (tool). By introducing a "Feeding Island" with diverse food sources—ranging from tiny rice "in
5th - 10th
Biology, Environment
Also included in: Evolution and Natural Selection Bundle
Condensation Investigation — Cloud in a Jar & Water Cycle Lab
This lab provides a hands-on look at the invisible stages of the water cycle, specifically how thermal energy and temperature gradients transform gas into liquid. Activity DescriptionThe Condensation Lab uses two distinct models to demonstrate phase changes in the atmosphere. Students first complete a Water Cycle Bag experiment, which uses a sealed environment to show evaporation and the "rain" that follows as droplets collect on the plastic. The second demo, Cloud in a Jar, introduces the co
3rd - 8th
Earth Sciences, Environment, Physical Science
Also included in: Atmosphere, Weather, Climate, and Hydrosphere Bundle
Atmosphere Stack Model — Layer-by-Layer Flap Book of 5 Atm. Layers
This activity is a kinetic, paper-engineering project where students create a layered "flap-book" to visualize the vertical structure of Earth's atmosphere. Activity DescriptionThe Atmosphere Stack Model is a 3D graphic organizer that helps students conceptualize the "stacking" nature of atmospheric layers. By layering construction paper in an offset pattern, students create a visible hierarchy from the Troposphere (at the Earth's surface) up to the Exosphere (the edge of space). Each flap se
4th - 8th
Earth Sciences, Environment, Other (Arts)
Also included in: Atmosphere, Weather, Climate, and Hydrosphere Bundle
Cloud Types Modeling Lab — Cotton Ball Classification of Clouds
This project combines art and meteorology, allowing students to use tactile materials to represent the classification and function of different cloud formations. Activity DescriptionThe Cloud Types Modeling Project is a 3D creative assessment where students manipulate cotton balls to simulate the textures and altitudes of various clouds. By stretching, rolling, and shading the cotton, students differentiate between high-level (ice-based), mid-level, and low-level (water-based) clouds, as wel
3rd - 8th
Earth Sciences, Environment
Also included in: Atmosphere, Weather, Climate, and Hydrosphere Bundle
Biotic vs. Abiotic Card Sort — Classify 16 Ecosystem Components
Title: Biotic vs. Abiotic Card Sort – 16 Full-Color Picture Activity Summary: This hands-on sorting activity helps students distinguish between biotic (living or once-living) and abiotic (nonliving) components of an ecosystem. Students receive 16 full-color images to cut, sort, and categorize, reinforcing key vocabulary and observational skills. Perfect for small groups, centers, or individual practice, this activity makes learning about ecosystems interactive and visual. Grades: 4th – 7th
4th - 7th
Biology, Environment
Also included in: Ecosystems & Ecology Labs Bundle
Wind Erosion Lab — Blow Sand, Build Dunes & Model Eolian Landforms
This lab focuses on the geomorphology of wind—specifically how it transports sediment to reshape the Earth's surface. Activity DescriptionThe Blown Away lab is an introductory geology activity that explores eolian (wind-driven) processes. Students begin with a literacy-based "cloze" exercise to define key features of a sand dune, such as the gentle windward slope and the steep leeward slip face. The core of the lab is a hands-on simulation where students use straws to act as the wind, observ
3rd - 8th
Earth Sciences, Environment, Physical Science
Also included in: Earth Science Weathering, Erosion, and Landforms Bundle
Showing 1-20 of 24 results
About the store
Experience
The Expertise Behind the Innovation: With over 14 years of experience in the trenches of STEM education, we've led everything from all-female engineering cohorts to district-wide science initiatives. Our background isn't just in teaching science—it’s in advancing it through accessible technology. We’ve integrated programmable drones, CAD design, micro:bits, and 3D printing into curriculum that meets standards while capturing imaginations.
Teaching style
Our Classroom Philosophy: We energize the learning environment with a blend of "maker" spirit and pedagogical expertise. Our style is experiential, hands-on, and deeply relevant. We don’t want students to just read about a concept; we want them to hold it in their hands. By bringing 3D design and cutting-edge tech into the classroom, we foster a space where students transition from being consumers of information to innovators and problem-solvers.
Beyond the Bells: Our commitment to the "educational frontier" extends to leadership and advocacy. We have successfully spearheaded mentoring initiatives and secured significant funding through DonorsChoose to revitalize science departments. At mindMESA, we aren't just selling files or prints—we are sharing a philosophy of collaborative, tech-forward, and joyful learning.
Awards & shining teacher moments
Georgia Tech STEM Educators Network Member, 2024
DeKalb PATH Academy Impact Teacher Award, 2021
U.S. Army Garrison, Fort Carson, CO, Mountain Mover Award, 2012
My own education history
Our educational journey is the DNA of mindMESA. With a Docctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Curriculum and Leadership from Columbus State University, where we specialized in how 3D printing and engineering interventions shape the way students see the world. Our 'E' and 'M' (Engineering and Math) come from a Master of Science in Biosystems Engineering Technology from the University of Tennessee, where we researched the physics of vehicle-terrain interaction. The 'S' (Science) was born at Berry College, where I earned a B.S. in Environmental Science, concentrating in Biology with a minor in Geology. Every print we make is backed by a lifetime of scientific inquiry.
Additional biographical information
Our journey reflects a deep commitment to innovation, collaboration, and educational excellence, with a clear vision to make a lasting impact on the field of STEAM education.
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