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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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
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
pH Indicators Lab — Red Cabbage, Universal Indicator & Neutralization
This lab transforms chemistry into a visual arts project, using the pigments found in everyday vegetables to reveal the hidden "strength" of acidic and basic molecules. Activity DescriptionThe pH Indicators Lab is a dual-purpose investigation that explores the concentration of hydrogen ions and the chemistry of neutralization. By using both a synthetic tool (Universal Indicator) and a natural one (Anthocyanin from red cabbage), students learn to interpret color as a mathematical value on the
6th - 10th
Biology, Chemistry, Other (Arts)
Also included in: Acids, Bases, and pH Chemistry Labs Bundle
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
Mystery Mixture Separation Challenge — Use Physical Properties
This lab turns students into "materials engineers," tasking them with reversing the process of mixing to isolate individual components. By moving from large-scale mechanical sorting to the molecular level of magnetism and sifting, students prove that in a physical mixture, substances keep their original identities and their total mass. Activity DescriptionThe Mystery Mixture Separation Lab is a fundamental inquiry into matter and its properties. Unlike a chemical change, a physical mixture all
5th - 10th
Chemistry, Physical Science
Also included in: Mixtures, Solutions, and Separation Chemistry Labs Bundle
Exothermic vs. Endothermic Lab — Hand Warmers & Cold Packs
This lab transforms the abstract concept of thermodynamics into a "feel it to believe it" experience. By comparing the instant heat of a chemical hand warmer to the chilling effect of a cold pack, students learn that every chemical bond broken or formed involves a measurable exchange of energy with the environment. Activity DescriptionThe Exothermic vs. Endothermic Lab is a high-impact inquiry into Enthalpy. Using commercial-grade heat and cold pack chemicals (like Calcium Chloride and Ammoniu
6th - 12th
Chemistry, Physical Science
Periodic Table Jigsaw Project — Become an Element Family Expert
This jigsaw activity transforms the Periodic Table from a static chart into a vibrant map of chemical neighborhoods, encouraging students to become experts in their assigned "territories" and teach their peers. Activity DescriptionThe Periodic Table Jigsaw is a collaborative research and presentation project designed to master chemical families. Instead of a traditional lecture, students are divided into specialized research teams (e.g., the "Halogen Team" or "Noble Gas Team"). Each group inve
7th - 12th
Chemistry, Physical Science
Also included in: Atoms and Periodic Table Chemistry 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
Bouncy Ball Energy Investigation — Polymer Chemistry & Conservation
This hands-on chemistry and physics crossover transforms the "magic" of a bouncy ball into a measurable study of energy efficiency and material science. Activity DescriptionThe Bouncy Ball Energy Lab is a two-part investigation that blends polymer chemistry with classical mechanics. First, students synthesize their own bouncy balls using a cross-linking reaction between Borax and glue. Once the balls are formed, the focus shifts to physics. By dropping the balls from a set height and measurin
5th - 12th
Chemistry, Physical Science
Also included in: Energy Forms & Transformations Labs Bundle
Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells Lab — Cell Theory & Gallery Walk
This handout transforms the microscopic world of cellular biology into a clear, comparative study, helping students categorize all life on Earth into two fundamental groups based on their internal "blueprints." Activity DescriptionThe Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells Handout is an introductory inquiry lesson designed to teach the foundations of Cell Theory and biological classification. By starting with the core principles—that the cell is the basic unit of life—the activity guides students to
6th - 10th
Biology
Copper Electroplating Lab — Redox Reactions & Chemistry Art Gallery
This lab transforms a classic redox reaction into a creative showcase, allowing students to "paint" with atoms by moving copper ions out of a solution and onto a solid metal surface. Activity DescriptionThe Copper Plating & Chemistry Art Gallery is a hands-on exploration of Single-Displacement Reactions and Electrochemistry. In this experiment, the more reactive iron atoms ($Fe$) "kick out" the less reactive copper ions ($Cu^{2+}$) from the solution. As the iron dissolves into the liquid, the
8th - 12th
Chemistry, Other (Arts), Physical Science
Genetic Disorders Research Project — Mutation & Public Health Poster
This research and design project turns complex medical science into accessible public health communication, helping students bridge the gap between microscopic genetic "typos" and their real-world impact on human lives. Activity DescriptionThe Genetic Disorders Mini-Poster Assignment is a student-centered inquiry project that focuses on the "Human" side of biology. While textbooks often treat mutations as abstract concepts, this assignment requires students to investigate a specific condition—r
7th - 12th
Biology, Health
Also included in: Genetics, DNA, and Heredity 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
Invisible Ink Chemistry Lab — pH Indicators & Spy Message Science
This lab transforms the classroom into a secret intelligence agency, using the colorful chemistry of pH indicators to prove that what looks like a blank sheet of paper is actually a complex chemical canvas. Activity DescriptionThe Invisible Ink Lab is a high-engagement investigation into anthocyanins and curcumin—natural pigments that act as chemical "light switches." Students explore two distinct chemical systems: one involving an acid-base neutralization (Grape Juice/Baking Soda) and one i
4th - 12th
Chemistry, Other (Arts), Physical Science
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
Pedigree Genetics Project — Build a 4-Generation Inheritance Chart
This project transforms family history into a scientific map, allowing students to visualize how microscopic alleles travel through time from ancestors to offspring. Activity DescriptionThe Pedigree Project is a logic-based genetics task that teaches students how to track phenotypes through a lineage to determine hidden genotypes. By constructing a 4-generation chart, students act as genetic counselors, identifying patterns of inheritance such as autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, or
7th - 12th
Biology
Also included in: Genetics, DNA, and Heredity 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
Specific Heat Capacity Lab — Measuring Thermal Storage in Materials
This lab helps students move past the idea that "everything gets hot at the same rate" by providing a direct comparison of thermal storage. By measuring how much a material "warms up" a cup of water, students can indirectly observe the hidden property of Specific Heat Capacity. Activity DescriptionThe Specific Heat Lab is a quantitative inquiry into Thermodynamics. Students use a method called calorimetry—using a known mass of water in an insulated container to measure energy transfer. Becau
7th - 12th
Chemistry, Physical Science, Physics
Also included in: Energy & Heat Transfer Bundle
Atomic Architect Lab — Build Elements & Discover Isotopes w/ PhET
This project turns the abstract concept of an atom into a physical masterpiece, challenging students to balance scientific precision with 3D engineering. Activity DescriptionThe Build-an-Element Project is a cumulative assessment where students transition from "reading" the periodic table to "constructing" matter. By calculating subatomic particles and placing them into a Bohr Model, students demonstrate their mastery of electron shell capacity and nuclear composition. The addition of the Lew
6th - 10th
Chemistry, Physical Science
Also included in: Atoms and Periodic Table Chemistry 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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