Discover the fun of science with the entire family!

Heart to Heart

The heart is the hardest working muscle in the human body, pumping out oxygenated, nutrient-rich blood with every beat. In this activity, you will build a stethoscope. Then, try comparing different ways to measure your heart rate, the speed at which the heart contracts and squeezes out blood. Have fun exploring how your family member's heart rates change with exercise! Download the activity in English | Spanish. Want more? Click here to download the full version of this activity for educators.

Light Bulb Challenge

Ever wonder if those funny looking CFL (compact fluorescent light) bulbs are really worth it? Traditionally, incandescent bulbs have been used to light our homes by converting electrical energy to light. But they are not very energy efficient. Why? Most of the energy from electricity is converted to heat. With your kids, investigate whether incandescent or compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs are more energy efficient. Download the activity in English | Spanish. Want more? Click here to download the full version of this activity for educators.

Parachute Parade

Skydivers rely on parachutes to slow them down as they fall from frightening heights. Parachutes catch air and create drag, a force that works against gravity. Parachutes are usually large and made of lightweight materials, so they create the most drag possible without adding a lot of weight. Hone your families’ engineering skills and create a parachute that helps a toy minifigure reach the ground slowly and safely! Download the activity in English | Spanish. Want more?  Click here to download the full version of this activity for educators.

Take it In Stride

The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommends that youth (ages 6–17) engage in at least one hour of physical activity daily. When it comes to walking, studies show that for 6- to 12-year-olds, girls need 12,000 steps/day and boys need 15,000 steps/day to stay healthy. Get your family stepping by measuring stride length. It’s an important factor for speed in many sports, such as soccer, and can even help you estimate distances without a ruler! Download the activity in English | Spanish. Want more? Click here to download the full version of this activity for educators. 

Robot Body Language

These days social robots designed to interact with people are sold in stores as pets, housecleaners, and even healthcare assistants! To make these robots seem more humanlike, designers give them personalities using sounds, digital displays, and gestures. Can you communicate an emotion without using your face or voice? Find out with your family in this activity. Download the activity in English | Spanish. Want more? Click here to download the full version of this activity for educators. 

Going Green
Most people don’t think about what happens to the trash they throw away. Unfortunately, garbage doesn’t just disappear once it goes into a garbage can. This activity will help your children understand where the trash goes and make better decisions to reduce, reuse and recycle. Download the activity in English | Spanish. Want more? Click here to download the full version of this activity for educators.