We are starting a new section here, indexing resources available to allow you to create or inexpensively buy your own classroom tools.
Hands On Projects And Simple Tools
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How to Make a Volcano Science Project
A volcano is a mountain or a hill with an opening where magma is pushed out into the Earth’s surface with immense force. As soon as magma reaches the Earth’s surface, it is called lava. Types of volcanoes can be classified according to the composition and shape of the cone, and its activity. The type… learn more
Make Your Own Sugru Substitute
Sugru is a mouldable silicone rubber glue or clay that sticks to almost anything, moulds like play-dough, then cures overnight. You can create an inexpensive alternative using just clear silicone caulk (like you'd use in the bathroom) and corn starch. This post covers how to make it, casting or hand forming it into different shapes,… learn more
Making Musical Instruments from Junk
This book by Nic Penny offers a wealth of ideas for making satisfying musical instruments from everyday and junk materials. It is aimed at children aged eight and upwards who can work on their own with occasional adult help, but many of the instruments are also suitable for much younger children. The book includes 14… learn more
Plant Science On-Site Activity Resources
The United States Botanic Garden (USBG) is a living plant museum that informs visitors about the importance, and often irreplaceable value, of plants to the well-being of humans and to earth's fragile ecosystems. Be a plant investigator! Students on Self-Guided Exploration field trips and families visiting with children can take advantage of the U.S. Botanic Garden’s plant passports, field… learn more
Plywood Hot Wire Foam Cutter
Styrofoam is a great material and can be used for many things like prototyping, prop making and even RC airplanes. Cutting Styrofoam can be very tricky though. The best tool for this is a hot wire foam cutter. Benne, in the Netherlands, wanted to be able to use recycled Styrofoam for projects, and decided to… learn more
Science Experiments Around Your Home
This resource provides simple experiments to ask questions and get answers, allowing your students to become scientists. Here are a set of experiments with ingredients you can find in your kitchen or laundry room. Experiments include Testing for Glucose and Starch, Which Type of Water is the Hardest, Measuring The Speed Of Sound Using Echoes,… learn more
Smartphone Digital Microscope
A video showing the steps to build the platform and the gorgeous results. Check out Smartphone to Microscope for $10 on this page. learn more
Smartphone to Microscope for $10
Transform your smartphone into a powerful digital microscope with a stand you can build for for about $10. learn more