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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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
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
Newton's 2nd Law Lab — Impact Force & Acceleration w/ Micro:bit
**Introduction:** In science, when we talk about things being "proportional," it means that they change together in a predictable way. You already know about proportional force- you can predict what happens when you kick a soccer ball. If you give it a gentle tap, it won't go very far. But if you put more force into it, the ball will shoot off much farther. You know that the force you use to kick the ball is related to how far it goes and how fast it moves. This idea is what Newton's Seco
5th - 10th
Physical Science, Physics, Science
NGSS
MS-PS2-2
Also included in: Forces, Motion, and Newton's Laws Labs Bundle
Optics Investigation — Lenses, Mirrors & the Law of Reflection
INTRODUCTION Light rays change direction when they reflect off a surface or move from one transparent medium into another. Lenses are clear objects which refract, or bend, light. Mirrors reflect light. Lenses come in two main shapes: Convex (outward curved) and Concave (inward curved). Mirrors can be shaped as convex, concave, or plane (flat). The law of reflection states that, on reflection from a flat surface, the angle of the reflected (outgoing) ray is equal to the angle of the incident (in
5th - 10th
Physical Science, Physics, Science
NGSS
MS-PS4-2
Electrostatic Forces Investigation — Attraction & Repulsion Lab
BackgroundStatic electricity is a type of electric charge that builds up on the surface of objects. When two objects rub against each other, they can transfer electrons, which are tiny particles that carry a negative charge. If one object gains electrons, it becomes negatively charged, while the other loses electrons and becomes positively charged. This can cause them to attract or repel each other. You may have experienced static electricity when you touch a doorknob or another person and feel
5th - 10th
Physical Science, Physics, Science
NGSS
MS-PS2-5
Also included in: Electricity and Magnetism Labs Bundle
Blowgun Projectile Investigation — Tube Length, Force & Distance
How does the length of a tube affect distance? BackgroundThe Yagua are an indigenous people in Colombia and northeastern Peru, numbering approximately 6,000. For generations, the Yagua have practiced and perfected the art of using blowguns to hunt currasow, toucans, woolly monkeys, and other animals that live up the trees- they are deadly accurate from 70-150 feet away. A blowgun is simply a tube that you blow into. As you blow into the tube, the air pressure increases, creating an unbalanced
5th - 10th
Physical Science, Physics, Science
NGSS
MS-PS2-2
Also included in: Forces, Motion, and Newton's Laws Labs Bundle
Circuits Comparison Lab — Voltage, Current & Brightness Investigation
All circuits are made of some kind of __________________ which makes a continuous ___________________ for ___________________ to flow along. There are two main types of circuits: ___________________ and ___________________. Series Circuits In a series circuit, there is only ___________________ path for the current to flow through. Current everywhere in the circuit is the ___________________.Advantage: Series circuits are simple and provide the same current to every deviceDisadvantage: If there
5th - 10th
Physical Science, Physics, Science
NGSS
MS-PS3-2
Also included in: Electricity and Magnetism Labs Bundle
States of Matter Virtual Lab — Kinetic Theory & Phase Changes PhET
In this activity you will be exploring the various states of matter- not including plasma- and how they can change as you add or remove kinetic energy in the form of heat. The Kinetic Molecular theory states that all matter is made up of tiny particles in random, constant motion. Particle motion is closely related to temperature. In simple terms, temperature is a measure of how fast the particles that make up a substance are moving. Kelvin is a way scientists measure temperature, but you mi
5th - 10th
Physical Science, Physics, Science
NGSS
MS-PS1-1
Also included in: States of Matter and Phase Changes Labs Bundle
Energy Transformations Virtual Lab — Track Energy Forms with PhET
In this sim, you will be able to “see” several different forms of energy and track the transformations from one energy form to another. As you work within a “system” you will manipulate energy inputs and outputs and make observations of how energy flows as it transforms! Go to the simulation: Link to Simulation Click on the “Systems” tab. We will do all of our work here. Be sure to click the “Energy Symbols” box so the different forms of energy will be visible throughout the process. Getting
5th - 10th
Physical Science, Physics, Science
NGSS
MS-PS3-5
Also included in: Energy Forms & Transformations Labs Bundle
Sound Waves Stations Lab — Doppler Effect, Decibels & Frequency
Lab Questions:What kind of wave is sound: electromagnetic or mechanical? Transverse or longitudinal? What is necessary for a sound to be made?How do wavelength, frequency, and amplitude affect how sound waves look and sound?Doppler EffectThe Doppler Effect is a perceived change in the frequency of a wave as the source of the wave moves towards or away from you! Decibel HornsLabel the image above, “The Decibel Scale”What does a decibel measure?How many decibels is too many for your ears?Range of
5th - 10th
Physical Science, Physics, Science
NGSS
MS-PS4-1
, MS-PS4-2
Convection, Conduction & Radiation Stations Lab — Reflect & Rise
Convection, Conduction & Radiation Stations LabReflect or Absorb RadiationMaterials: 3 thermometers, dark material (cloth, paper), aluminum foil, white/light colored material (paper, cloth), incandescent lampRecord the temperatures of the three thermometers at this station. Each thermometer is wrapped in a different materialConvection Snake Materials: Snake spiral sheet, heat source (burner, candle, match, electric stove, etc.) Obtain a snake spiral. Cut along the spiral. Suspend the completed
5th - 10th
Physical Science, Physics, Science
NGSS
MS-PS3-4
, MS-PS3-5
Also included in: Energy & Heat Transfer Bundle
Shocking Science! Lightning, Static Discharge & Electrophorus Demo
SHOCKING SCIENCE: Lightning, Static Discharges, & The Electrophorus Lightning is a big electrical spark that happens during a thunderstorm. When a storm is brewing, the air inside clouds rubs together, creating static electricity. This electricity builds up until it needs to escape. When it does, it shoots down from the cloud, sometimes all the way to the ground, creating a bright flash we see as lightning. It happens really fast and can be super powerful, so it's important to stay safe indoors
5th - 10th
Physical Science, Physics, Science
NGSS
MS-PS2-5
Also included in: Electricity and Magnetism Labs Bundle
Simple Machines Lab — Lever, Fulcrum & Mechanical Advantage
Welcome to the exciting world of simple machines and mechanical advantage! In this lab, we'll be diving into the fascinating realm of levers—a type of simple machine that powers everyday actions. Picture a seesaw in the playground, a crowbar lifting a heavy object, your arms, and a dude with a wheelbarrow—these are all real-world levers at work! We'll focus on the fulcrum, the secret ingredient in levers, and investigate how adjusting the input force ("effort") and output force ("load") at diffe
5th - 10th
Physical Science, Physics, Science
NGSS
MS-PS4-2
Also included in: Forces, Motion, and Newton's Laws Labs Bundle
pH & Indicators Lab — Test Household Substances & Decode the Scale
Dive into the colorful realm of acidity and alkalinity with our pH Acids and Bases Lab! Uncover the mysteries of pH levels as you conduct engaging experiments to test various substances. Witness the transformative reactions that occur when acids and bases interact, and learn to decipher the pH scale. Through hands-on exploration, discover the importance of maintaining balance in chemical environments. Join us in the pH Acids and Bases Lab for an enlightening experience where you become the scien
5th - 10th
Physical Science, Physics, Science
Also included in: Acids, Bases, and pH Chemistry Labs Bundle
Scientific Method Lab — Coin Drop Challenge: Variables & Hypothesis
You might think that you can’t fit many drops of water on the top surface of a penny, but you may be surprised. In this experiment, you’ll observe how many drops of tap water can fit on a coin, and then see if there is a difference between regular water and soapy water. QuestionHow many drops of water can fit on a single penny? Is there a difference between tap water and soapy water?Prediction: I think that a penny can hold _____ drops of tap water. Hypothesis: If I add soap to the water, then t
5th - 10th
Physical Science, Physics, Science
Also included in: Scientific Method and Measurement Skill Labs Bundle
Speed & Velocity Engineering Design Lab — Race & Optimize Your Track
Introduction:Today, we will be exploring the exciting world of speed through a hands-on Speed Racetrack Lab! Get ready to design and race your own R/C hot wheels cars on custom racetracks. How do we calculate speed? We need the distance (in meters) and the time (in seconds). The formula for speed is distance/time in meters/second: s = d / t Ever heard of velocity? Speed and velocity are almost the same, but velocity is speed with direction. For example, you might say you’re going 25 miles per
5th - 10th
Physical Science, Physics, Science
NGSS
MS-PS2-2
, MS-ETS1-1
Also included in: Forces, Motion, and Newton's Laws Labs Bundle
Mass & Force Investigation — Newton's 2nd Law Hot Wheels Lab
**Objective:** To investigate the relationship between mass, acceleration, and force of impact using Hot Wheels cars equipped with micro:bit accelerometers. **Questions:** Which truck will hit and cause the most acceleration? How can we predict this? **Materials:** - Hot Wheels cars (various models) - Micro:bit accelerometer - Digital scale - Straight track pieces - Cups - Data table sheets - Pencils - Google Form for data input - Meter stick + Big clip **Procedure:** - Choose a Hot Wheels
5th - 10th
Physical Science, Physics, Science
NGSS
MS-PS2-2
, MS-PS2-1
Also included in: Forces, Motion, and Newton's Laws Labs Bundle
Mystery Density Cube Lab — Measure, Calculate & Identify Materials
Density is a measure of how much stuff (mass) is packed into a given amount of space (volume). Most scientists measure density in terms of grams (g) per cubic centimeter (cm3). One cm3 (also called one “CC”) is equal to one milliliter (mL). For example, you might say that a sample of pure water has a density of 1.0 g per cm3, or just 1.0 g/cm3. Saying water has a density of 1g/CC or 1g/mL is also totally cool. Density can vary a lot: the least dense solid known to exist, aerogel, has a densit
5th - 10th
Physical Science, Physics, Science
Also included in: Scientific Method and Measurement Skill 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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