This article highlights activities for elementary students that model icebergs and develop an informal understanding of the concepts of buoyancy and density. Suggestions for inquiry-based activities are included.

Students focus on the testing phase of the design process by considering how they have tested computer programs in the past and learning about a new method called JUnit to test programs in the future. JUnit is a testing method that is included with NetBeans (Java) installs or can be downloaded from the web and included in the Java build. Students design tests using JUnit and implement those tests.

This activity provides a complete curriculum for teaching the photoelectric effect using the PhET Photoelectric Effect simulation in a large-lecture modern physics course. It includes links to powerpoint slides for two to three 50-minute lectures using Peer Instruction with clickers, and one homework assignment suitable for an online homework system. Research has demonstrated that students in classes using this curriculum have a better understanding of the photoelectric effect than students in classes using traditional instruction supplemented by a computerized tutor.

This article explains how organizing a rock swap between classrooms across the country or around the world can help elementary students investigate geographic and geologic diversity.

This article provides ideas and lessons on how elementary teachers can integrate webcams from the Arctic and Antarctica into their teaching. Five webcams are highlighted as well as three lessons on writing poetry and observing animal behavior.

This video adapted from the University of Leicester demonstrates the proper use of different-sized micropipettes to measure precise volumes of liquid in the lab.

Students learn how to quickly and efficiently interpret graphs, which are used for everyday purposes as well as engineering analysis. Through a practice handout completed as a class and a worksheet completed in small groups, students gain familiarity in talking about and interpreting graphs. They use common graph terminology such as independent variable, dependent variable, linear data, linear relationship and rate of change. The equation for calculating slope is explained. The focus is on students becoming able to clearly describe linear relationships by using the language of slope and the rate of change between variables. At lesson end, students discuss the relationship between variables as presented by the visual representation of a graph. Then they independently complete a homework handout.

Take control of a virtual car and learn how vectors are used to represent velocity and acceleration in this interactive activity developed for Teachers' Domain. Grades 6-12.

In this lesson, students will learn about virtual reality and 3D environments, then create their own VR planet using an online program called CoSpaces. Note: the activity in this lesson requires your class to have access to a paid “Pro CoSpaces EDU” account. If you and your students do not have access to a paid CoSpaces EDU account, you may be able to activate a free trial. Alternatively, you may use the free version of CoSpaces, but it has extremely limited capabilities.

Estimated time required: 1-2 class periods.

Technology required for this lesson: Design Software, Laptop/Desktop, Smartphone, Tablet, VR Headset (Optional).

In this lesson, students will learn how to incorporate 360 images in a CoSpaces project. Then, they will recreate a “rendering” of the 360 image using only digital assets in CoSpaces. Note: the activity in this lesson requires your class to have access to a paid “Pro CoSpaces EDU” account. If you and your students do not have access to a paid CoSpaces EDU account, you may be able to activate a free trial. Alternatively, you may use the free version of CoSpaces, but it has extremely limited capabilities.

Estimated time required: 1-2 class periods.

Technology required for this lesson: Camera, Design Software, Laptop/Desktop, Smartphone, Tablet, VR Headset (Optional).

In this lesson, students will learn how to create engaging, self-guided VR stories and movies using CoSpaces. They will start by following a tutorial video and end the lesson by creating their own custom VR story that teaches 3rd grade students about sustainability. Note: the activity in this lesson requires your class to have access to a paid “Pro CoSpaces EDU” account. If you and your students do not have access to a paid CoSpaces EDU account, you may be able to activate a free trial. Alternatively, you may use the free version of CoSpaces, but it has extremely limited capabilities.

Estimated time required: 2-3 class periods.

Technology required for this lesson: Camera, Design Software, Laptop/Desktop, Smartphone, Tablet, VR Headset (Optional).

In this lesson, students will learn how to outline, design, and code their own space-themed VR video game using CoSpaces. Note: the activity in this lesson requires your class to have access to a paid “Pro CoSpaces EDU” account. If you and your students do not have access to a paid CoSpaces EDU account, you may be able to activate a free trial. Alternatively, you may use the free version of CoSpaces, but it has extremely limited capabilities.

Estimated time required: 2-3 class periods.

Technology required for this lesson: Camera, Design Software, Laptop/Desktop, Smartphone, Tablet, VR Headset (Optional).

This is an applied project where your students will choose from three different project options, then use the design thinking process to create a virtual reality experience in CoSpaces that solves their user’s problem. The challenge: students will identify, interview, and design a product for a real person in their community! In Lesson 1, each student will read all three project overviews. Then, they will choose the project they want to work on for the remaining lessons in the project! Note: this project requires your class to have access to a paid “Pro CoSpaces EDU” account.

Please email VILHQ@asu.edu if you are interested in receiving free CoSpaces “Pro” annual licenses.

Estimated time required: 1-2 class periods.

Technology required for this lesson: Design Software, Laptop/Desktop, Tablet, VR Headset (Optional).

In this lesson, students will find a real person in their community to act as their “end-user.” Students will contact this person by phone or email to set up a time for an interview. Students will interview their end-user and record their responses. If possible, students can even observe their end-user in action! The interview responses will be used to create an empathy map and develop a problem statement for this project. Remember that students should only work on the project they selected (a student that chose project 3B will only use the presentation and worksheet for 3B).

Please email VILHQ@asu.edu if you are interested in receiving free CoSpaces “Pro” annual licenses.

Estimated time required: 1-2 class periods.

Technology required for this lesson: Design Software, Laptop/Desktop, Tablet, VR Headset (Optional).

In this lesson, students will ideate (brainstorm) ideas for their project, sketch their favorite ideas, and put together a rough budget for their project. Remember that students should only work on the project they selected (a student that chose project 3B will only use the presentation and worksheet for 3B). Note: this project requires your class to have access to a paid “Pro CoSpaces EDU” account. If your class does not have a paid CoSpaces account it may be difficult to complete.

Please email VILHQ@asu.edu if you are interested in receiving free CoSpaces “Pro” annual licenses.

Estimated time required: 1-2 class periods.

Technology required for this lesson: Design Software, Laptop/Desktop, Tablet, VR Headset (Optional).

In this lesson, students will refer to their sketches and budget as they create prototypes for their project in CoSpaces. This lesson includes examples and tips for creating a prototype in CoSpaces, but this is a great opportunity for students to be creative and dedicate a good amount of time making a polished VR experience. Remember that students should only work on the project they selected (a student that chose project 3B will only use the presentation and worksheet for 3B). Note: this project requires your class to have access to a paid “Pro CoSpaces EDU” account.

Please email VILHQ@asu.edu if you are interested in receiving free CoSpaces “Pro” annual licenses.

Estimated time required: 3-4 class periods.

Technology required for this lesson: Design Software, Laptop/Desktop, Tablet, VR Headset (Optional).

In this lesson, students will arrange a time to meet with their end-user (in person or virtually) to show them their CoSpaces prototype. The end-user will interact with the prototype, and the student will capture their feedback in the activity worksheet. Finally, students will take the feedback and use it to improve their prototype. Remember that students should only work on the project they selected (a student that chose project 3B will only use the presentation and worksheet for 3B). Note: this project requires your class to have access to a paid “Pro CoSpaces EDU” account.

Please email VILHQ@asu.edu if you are interested in receiving free CoSpaces “Pro” annual licenses.

Estimated time required: 1-2 class periods.

Technology required for this lesson: Design Software, Laptop/Desktop, Tablet, VR Headset (Optional).

In this lesson, students will finish their CoSpaces project, create a pitch video for their project, share their project with their peers, give/receive feedback on each other’s projects, export and submit their designs, and answer a series of reflection questions. Note: the content for 3A, 3B, and 3C are almost identical in this section. This is a great chance for students to teach each other about their specific project choice and user! Note: this project requires your class to have access to a paid “Pro CoSpaces EDU” account.

Please email VILHQ@asu.edu if you are interested in receiving free CoSpaces “Pro” annual licenses.

Estimated time required: 3-4 class periods.

Technology required for this lesson: Design Software, Laptop/Desktop, Tablet, Video Editing Software, VR Headset (Optional).

Students develop a STEM mindset while learning the concepts of virtual reality (VR) development. Students use a mobile app to see the world from a new point of view through interactive, guided tours. They learn the basic skills to create their own virtual 360-degree tour experience using the Projects feature in Google Earth Web or on the web on their mobile device and share their projects with others. Students practice critical thinking and creativity as they work through the design process to develop their tours.

Estimated time required: 1 class period.

Technology required for this lesson: Internet Connectivity, Smartphone, Tablet or Smartphone.

Students study the physical properties of different fluids and investigate the relationship between the viscosities of liquid and how fast they flow through a confined area. Student groups conduct a brief experiment in which they quantify the flow rate to understand how it relates to a fluid's viscosity and ultimately chemical composition. They explore these properties in milk and cream, which are common fluids whose properties (and even taste!) differ based on fat content. They examine control samples and unknown samples, which they must identify based on how fast they flow. To identify the unknowns requires an understanding of the concept of viscosity. For example, heavy cream flows at a slower rate than skim milk. Ultimately, students gain an understanding of the concept of viscosity and its effect on flow rate.