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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Intro to Waves Lab — Water, Sound & Light with PhET Simulation
PHET: Intro to Water, Sound, and Light Waves Go to the Phet Waves Intro sim and choose the Water simulation. Click on the green button to let water drops begin falling. Start with the top view.1. What do the drops create when they hit the water? 2. Describe what you see as the drops continue. 3. Increase and decrease the amplitude setting. How do the drops of liquid AND the waves change as you increase the amplitude? How do they change when you decrease the amplitude? 4. What is amplit
6th - 10th
Physical Science, Physics, Science
NGSS
MS-PS4-1
Energy Forms & Heat Transfer Virtual Lab — PhET Simulation
Objectives:Students will plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence that the transfer of thermal energy through conduction, convection, and radiation is from higher temperature to lower temperature.Students will be able to differentiate between radiation, convection, and conduction. Students will be able to tell the difference between temperature and heat (thermal energy).Students will be able to tell that the specific heat, or the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of a
5th - 10th
Chemistry, Physical Science, Science
NGSS
MS-PS3-4
Also included in: Energy & Heat Transfer Bundle
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
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
Solutions & Concentration Virtual Lab — Solubility with PhET
Instructions: Use the PHET sim and follow the procedure. Fill in the data tables on your copy of the lab and answer the yellow questions on the lab google form. Background: In this online lab, you will explore homogeneous mixtures, also called solutions. You will try to dissolve different kinds of solutes into a solvent (water) and explore their solubility, or how well they dissolve into a solvent. Then you will remove solvent through evaporation to see how this affects the concentration of t
5th - 10th
Chemistry, Physical Science, Science
Also included in: Mixtures, Solutions, and Separation Chemistry Labs Bundle
Ionic & Covalent Bonding Lab — Atoms, Molecules & Gummy Models
Lab Objectives:• Distinguish between atoms and molecules. • Describe the difference between pure substances (elements and compounds) and mixtures. • Explain the difference between ionic and covalent bonds. Intro/BackgroundIn this lab, we will learn about atoms, molecules, and how they come together to form different substances. Atoms are tiny particles that make up everything around us. When two or more atoms of the same kind join together, they form a molecule. If these atoms are all the same,
6th - 10th
Physical Science, Physics, Science
Periodic Table Families Project — Research & Present an Element Group
In this project, you will work with your group to research and present information about a specific family of elements from the Periodic Table. Your goal is to understand what makes each group of elements unique, including their chemical properties, reactivity, and where they are located on the Periodic Table. You will create a short slideshow with at least 3 slides and give a 3-minute presentation to the class. Your presentation must include a visual aid as part of your creative component.
6th - 10th
Physical Science, Physics, Science
Also included in: Atoms and Periodic Table Chemistry Labs 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
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
Coin Battery Engineering Lab — Chemical to Electrical Energy
Key concepts Chemistry, Chemical Reactions Potential & Kinetic Energy Battery Introduction Have you ever wondered exactly how your phone, laptop or a flashlight manages to work without being plugged into a power outlet? Where does the electrical energy come from that makes all these portable devices function? Batteries! Batteries store electrical energy in the form of chemical energy! In this activity you will create a basic homemade battery with paper, vinegar, salt and a handful of pennies a
5th - 10th
Chemistry, Physical Science, Science
NGSS
MS-PS3-5
Also included in: Electricity and Magnetism Labs Bundle
Static Electricity Inquiry Lab — Charge, Induction & Forces
Static Electricity LabStatic electricity occurs when electric charge gathers on surfaces. This leads to attraction, when opposite charges pull together, and repulsion, when similar charges push apart. In this lab we will learn how friction can cause charges to build up, see induction- when charged objects influence nearby ones without touching, and observe charged objects attract and repel. Static Attraction and Repulsion with TapeObjective: To observe the interaction between differently ch
6th - 10th
Physical Science, Physics, Science
Also included in: Electricity and Magnetism Labs Bundle
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
Food on Fire Calorimetry Lab — Burn Food & Measure Energy Content
FOOD ON FIRE LAB: Measuring the Energy Content of FoodsBackgroundAll foods contain chemical potential energy stored in their molecular bonds. When food is burned, this energy is released as heat, which can be transferred to water, raising its temperature. Foods such as carbohydrates, fats, and proteins release energy during combustion, and the temperature change in water can indicate how much heat was produced. In this lab, we will observe the temperature change in water as food burns. While we
6th - 10th
Science
Also included in: Energy Forms & Transformations Labs Bundle
Magnetic Fields Lab — Ferromagnetic Materials & Field Line Patterns
Magnetic Field Exploration LabIn this lab, we will delve into the intriguing world of magnetism and investigate the properties of magnetic fields. Magnetism is a fundamental quantum force that arises from the movement of charged particles within materials. Certain elements, such as iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), and cobalt (Co), exhibit strong magnetic properties and are known as ferromagnetic materials. Things made of these materials can be magnetized and can stay that way for a long time and are call
6th - 10th
Physical Science, Physics, Science
NGSS
MS-PS2-5
Also included in: Electricity and Magnetism Labs Bundle
Build an Atom Virtual Lab — Protons, Neutrons & Electrons w/ PhET
PhET Build an Atom Simulation + Atomic Math LabIntroduction: Isotopes, Ions, and Neutral AtomsAtoms are made up of three types of subatomic particles: protons, neutrons, and electrons. The number of protons defines what element it is and gives the atom its atomic number. In a neutral atom, the number of electrons equals the number of protons, making the atom have no overall charge. However, atoms can exist in different forms: Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have different num
6th - 10th
Physical Science, Physics, Science
Also included in: Atoms and Periodic Table Chemistry Labs Bundle
Intro to Magnetism Lab — Build a DIY Compass & Explore Forces
Intro to Magnets Lab: DIY Compass!Magnetism is a force that arises from the movement of charged particles, particularly electrons, within materials. One of the most intriguing properties of magnets is their ability to attract certain materials, such as iron, nickel, and cobalt. But what exactly makes magnets attract or repel objects? How do they work on a microscopic level?Materials: -Steel Pin -Bowl of water -Small pieces of foam -Magnet -CompassPart 1: Video + Questions from “MAGNETS
6th - 10th
Physical Science, Physics, Science
NGSS
MS-PS2-5
Also included in: Electricity and Magnetism Labs Bundle
Waves on a String Lab — Transverse vs. Longitudinal with PhET
Waves On A String Sim Lab Waves are vibrations that occur all over the natural world. Light, sound, radiation, water ripples, etc. all occur as wave phenomena. There are two main types of waves that are found in the physical world: Transverse waves and Longitudinal waves. One important difference between the two wave types is that all longitudinal waves require some kind of medium to move in. Mediums include anything made of matter like solids, liquids, gases, and even plasmas. The more close
6th - 10th
Physical Science, Physics, Science
NGSS
MS-PS4-1
Sound Wave Properties Mini-Lab — Rubber Band Guitar & Amplitude
Exploring Sound Waves MinilabObjective: To investigate various properties of waves and sound through hands-on activities. Instructions: - Read each activity carefully and follow the instructions provided. - Record your observations and findings in the designated spaces. Rubber Band Guitar:- You will receive several rubber bands. - Stretch the bands across the plastic tray to create a makeshift guitar. - Pluck the rubber bands and observe the waves created. - Make the rubber bands loose by gently
6th - 10th
Physical Science, Physics, Science
NGSS
MS-PS4-1
Geometric Optics Virtual Lab — Lenses with PhET Simulation
Exploring Lenses: A Geometric Optics Sim LabIntroduction: Lenses are essential optical components that significantly influence how we perceive and interact with our environment. There are two primary types of lenses: convex and concave. Convex lenses are thicker in the middle and thinner at the edges, causing light rays passing through them to converge, while concave lenses are thinner in the middle and thicker at the edges, causing light rays to diverge. When light rays converge, they come toge
6th - 10th
Physical Science, Physics, Science
NGSS
MS-PS4-2
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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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