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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Electricity and Magnetism Labs Bundle
This Electricity and Magnetism Labs bundle includes 20 hands-on labs, simulations, stations activities, and engineering projects to explore the fundamentals of electric charge, circuits, and magnetism. Students will investigate static electricity, current electricity, series and parallel circuits, electromagnetism, AC/DC, magnetic fields, and energy transformations using engaging experiments, simulations, and STEM challenges. Perfect for 4th–12th grade Physical Science, Physics, Chemistry, and E
4th - 12th
Engineering, Physical Science, Physics
Ultimate STEM Engineering Challenges Bundle | 12 Hands-On STEM Labs & Projects
Ultimate STEM Engineering Challenges Bundle | 12 Hands-On STEM Labs & Design Projects | NGSS AlignedGrades: 5–10 Subjects: STEM, Engineering, Physical Science, Life Science, Makerspace Resource Type: STEM Activity Bundle Formats: PDF + Editable Files (where noted) 🚀 A Complete Hands-On STEM Engineering Program This Ultimate STEM Engineering Challenges Bundle includes 12 classroom-tested STEM labs and engineering design challenges that get students building, testing, analyzing, and im
5th - 10th
Basic Principles, Engineering, Physics
Waves, Sound, and Light Labs: Hands-On Physical Science & Physics Activities
Waves, Sound, and Light Labs BundleDescription: This bundle now includes 25 hands-on labs, simulations, and stations activities to explore the fascinating properties of waves, sound, and light. Students investigate wave interactions, sound waves, light waves, color, optics, refraction, and the electromagnetic spectrum through engaging experiments, simulations, and mini-labs. Perfect for Grades 5–10 Physical Science and Physics classes, these activities build conceptual understanding, critical
5th - 10th
Instructional Technology, Physical Science, Physics
Forces, Motion, and Newton's Laws Labs Bundle
Forces, Motion, and Newton’s Laws Labs BundleDescription: This bundle now includes 23 hands-on labs, simulations, stations activities, and engineering challenges to explore the principles of motion, force, friction, and simple machines. Students investigate Newton’s three laws, acceleration, inertia, action-reaction, friction, speed, particle motion, and mechanical advantage through engaging experiments, simulations, and design challenges. Perfect for Grades 5–10 Physical Science, Physics, Che
5th - 10th
General Science, Physical Science, Physics
Energy Forms & Transformations Labs Bundle
Energy Forms & Transformations Labs BundleDescription: This bundle now includes 14 hands-on labs, simulations, stations activities, and literacy-based discussions to explore the fascinating world of energy. Students investigate gravitational potential energy, kinetic energy, elastic energy, chemical energy, calorimetry, and the Law of Conservation of Energy through engaging experiments, simulations, engineering challenges, and real-world observations. Perfect for Grades 5–12 Physical Science,
5th - 12th
General Science, Physical Science, Physics
Air Car STEM Challenge: Propeller Car Engineering Design Project (NGSS)
🚗 Air Car STEM Challenge: Build a Propeller-Powered Vehicle! Engineering Design Project | NGSS-Aligned | Grades 5–10 Turn your classroom into an engineering lab with this fast-paced, high-engagement STEM challenge where students design, build, and improve a battery-powered air car. The Goal: Create a propeller-driven vehicle that moves efficiently using thrust from a spinning fan. Students don’t just build—they test, analyze, and iterate, just like real engineers. ⚡ Why This Activity Work
5th - 10th
Basic Principles, Engineering, Physics
Energy & Heat Transfer Bundle
Energy & Heat Transfer Labs BundleDescription: This bundle now includes 16 hands-on labs, simulations, and stations activities designed to explore energy, energy transformations, and heat transfer. Students investigate forms of energy, kinetic and potential energy, conservation of energy, and conduction, convection, and radiation through engaging experiments, simulations, foldables, and sensory labs. Perfect for Grades 4–12 Physical Science, Physics, and Chemistry classes, these activities bu
4th - 12th
General Science, Physical Science, Physics
Changes of State Lab — Liquid Duster, 3D Pen & Phase Transitions
This lesson takes the invisible energy shifts of thermodynamics and turns them into a high-pressure, tactile experience. By observing a liquid duster rapidly expand into a gas and using heat to reshape polymers with a 3D pen, students gain a deep understanding of how energy dictates the physical state of matter. Activity DescriptionThe Changes of State Exploration is an inquiry-based lab that focuses on phase transitions and the Kinetic Molecular Theory. The lab uses two high-interest tools:
5th - 10th
Chemistry, Physical Science, Physics
Also included in: States of Matter and Phase Changes Labs Bundle
States of Matter and Phase Changes Labs Bundle
States of Matter and Phase Changes Labs BundleDescription: This bundle now includes 14 hands-on labs and simulations designed to explore the properties, behaviors, and transformations of matter. Students investigate phase changes, energy transfer, physical and chemical properties, the Kinetic Molecular Theory, and non-Newtonian fluids through engaging experiments and simulations. Perfect for Grades 5–12 Physical Science, Physics, and Chemistry classes, these activities develop observation ski
5th - 12th
Chemistry, Physical Science, Physics
Submarine Density Engineering Lab — Ballast Tank Design
This engineering challenge takes the complex physics of buoyancy and turns it into a hands-on mechanical system. By manipulating air volume with a syringe, students act as "ballast control officers," gaining a concrete understanding of how density dictates whether an object defies or succumbs to gravity in a fluid. Activity DescriptionBuild a Submarine is a premier STEM engineering lab that focuses on Archimedes' Principle and Density Control. Unlike static sink-or-float activities, this lab r
5th - 12th
Engineering, Physical Science, Physics
Also included in: Scientific Method and Measurement Skill Labs Bundle
Paper Circuit Engineering Lab — Build an LED Name Tent Project
This is a fantastic "entry-level" Paper Circuit activity that combines art with basic electrical physics. In this project, students use conductive tape, a coin cell battery, a paperclip, paper fastener, and an LED to turn a standard name tent into a glowing, expressive piece of technology. Activity DescriptionThe LED Name Tent Paper Circuit is a hands-on exploration of Current Electricity. Students learn the difference between an Open Circuit (off) and a Closed Circuit (on) while investigat
4th - 12th
Engineering, Other (Arts), Physics
Also included in: Electricity and Magnetism Labs Bundle
Forms of Energy Lift-Flap Foldable — Interactive Graphic Organizer
This foldable project turns a standard piece of paper into a 3D study tool, helping students categorize the invisible forces that power our universe into seven distinct, manageable "buckets." Activity DescriptionThe Forms of Energy Lift-Flap Foldable is a graphic organizer and artistic task that emphasizes dual-coding—the process of learning through both words (definitions) and visuals (drawings). By physically cutting and lifting flaps, students engage in kinesthetic learning while building a
4th - 9th
Physical Science, Physics
Also included in: Energy & Heat Transfer Bundle
S'mores Heat Transfer Investigation — Identify All 3 Transfer Modes
This lab transforms a classic campfire treat into a delicious physics demonstration, allowing students to observe the "invisible" movement of thermal energy through every step of the cooking process. Activity DescriptionThe S’mores Heat Transfer Lab is a high-engagement, sensory-based investigation into thermodynamics. Students act as scientific observers to identify how heat moves from a burner to their ingredients. They witness Radiation as they feel the heat without touching the flame, Con
5th - 10th
Chemistry, Physical Science, Physics
Also included in: Energy & Heat Transfer Bundle
Acids, Bases, and pH Chemistry Labs Bundle
This Acids, Bases, and pH Chemistry Bundle includes 4 engaging labs and activities designed to introduce students to acidity, alkalinity, and the pH scale. Students explore indicators, neutralization reactions, and test a variety of household substances, building hands-on understanding of acids, bases, and ion concentration. Perfect for 5th–12th grade Chemistry and Physical Science classes, these activities develop lab skills, critical thinking, and conceptual understanding of pH and solution ch
5th - 12th
Chemistry, Physical Science, Physics
Energy Skate Park Virtual Lab — Conservation of Energy with PhET
This lab, utilizing the PhET Energy Skate Park simulator, explores the principles of potential and kinetic energy, as well as the Law of Conservation of Energy. Students begin by creating a track using the simulator and observe how the skater's potential and kinetic energy change. They investigate the relationship between gravitational potential energy (PE) and kinetic energy (KE) at different points on the track. The lab also involves manipulating the track, adjusting mass, introducing friction
5th - 10th
Physical Science, Physics, Science
NGSS
MS-PS3-1
Also included in: Energy & Heat Transfer Bundle
States of Matter Multi-Sensory Lab — 8 Stations: Solid to Plasma
This lab transforms the abstract "particle theory" of textbooks into a series of tactile experiments, allowing students to feel the resistance of compressed air and witness the ethereal glow of energized gas. Activity DescriptionThe States of Matter Lab is a multi-sensory rotation designed to illustrate Kinetic Molecular Theory. By moving through eight specialized stations, students observe the transition of matter across the four primary states: solid, liquid, gas, and plasma. The lab places
5th - 10th
Chemistry, Physical Science, Physics
Also included in: States of Matter and Phase Changes Labs Bundle
Lever Mechanics Lab — Mechanical Advantage & Penny Load Investigation
Using the supplies listed below, build a small lever like the one pictured. Use the ruler as the lever, a pencil as the fulcrum, and tape cups to the ends to hold the pennies. Test the lever with pennies following the instructions given. Supplies: 2 small paper cups, one ruler (30cm long), One pencil, Some tape, About 60 pennies (per group)
5th - 10th
Physical Science, Physics, Science
NGSS
MS-PS2-2
Newton's 1st Law Lab — Inertia, Crash Test Dummies & Seatbelts
Introduction: Newton's First Law of Motion is often referred to as the law of inertia. Inertia is the tendency of an object to resist changes in its state of motion. It means that an object at rest will stay at rest, and an object in motion will stay in motion unless acted upon by an external force. Inertia is why when a car suddenly stops, any objects inside the car tend to keep moving forward. It's also why seat belts are crucial in keeping passengers safe in a car. In this lab, you will expl
5th - 10th
Physical Science, Physics, Science
NGSS
MS-PS2-2
Also included in: Forces, Motion, and Newton's Laws Labs Bundle
S'mores Heat Transfer Lab — Conduction, Convection & Radiation
S’mores Lab Essential Question: How does making s'mores demonstrate heat transfer through conduction, convection and radiation? DANGER: INVISIBLE FLAME! BURN HAZARD! Flammable liquids! Tie back long hair & practice lab safety! Materials: Safety glasses, marshmallow, skewer, alcohol burner, hot plate, graham cracker chunk, chocolate fragment, wax paper, lighter (instructor provided) Procedure: Gather materials: wax paper, skewer, marshmallow, crackers, chocolate. Place a piece of cracker on
5th - 10th
Physical Science, Physics, Science
NGSS
MS-PS3-4
, MS-PS3-5
Also included in: Energy & Heat Transfer Bundle
Simple Machines Stations Lab — 6 Machine Types with Newton Meter
Hands On Simple Machines Stations LabRead through the provided simple machines brief about simple machines. Also touch and practice using the provided manipulatives at each station. Use the information to help answer the questions at each station. Note that you may need a newton meter in order to measure force at your station!Levers (13 pts.) Look at the simple machines brief. Use this information and the lego lever models to draw a picture of each type of lever (class 1, 2, and 3) and label inp
5th - 10th
Physical Science, Physics, Science
NGSS
MS-PS2-2
Also included in: Forces, Motion, and Newton's Laws Labs Bundle
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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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