Category Archives: Uncategorized

Science of Ferns Online Workshop April 9th

Events & Contests, Other Events & Contests, Uncategorized
Ferns may seem like quiet, leafy plants, but their life cycle and adaptations are full of scientific wonder. This virtual program explores the different types of ferns found in Nebraska, how they reproduce through spores instead of seeds, and the roles they play in local ecosystems. You’ll learn how ferns survive in diverse habitats, their fascinating history dating back millions of years, and tips for spotting them in the wild.
This is a free virtual program, however, registration is required to attend. Please use this link to register: https://outdoornebraska.zoom.us/…/FyXCjT4cRaG-aQIOG7B9uw
Questions? Email monica.macoubrie@nebraska.gov, or visit the Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Calendar.

The SciFest Art Contest- Topic Weather

Events & Contests, Other Events & Contests, Uncategorized

Nebraska experiences some of the most dramatic and diverse weather in the country—from powerful prairie winds and towering summer storms to icy winter snow, biting cold, and intense summer heat.

Create (draw, paint, glue, sculpt) artwork that captures the spirit of Nebraska’s weather. Your artwork may reflect any season or weather event, such as strong winds, thunderstorms, tornado skies, snowfall, blizzards, heat waves, drought, or the changing moods of the prairie throughout the year.

Ages: All ages

Date Due: Image must be postmarked no later than April 30, 2026.

Prizes: Three winners will receive a swag bag of NE SciFest goodies.

All entries must meet the following requirements:

  • All entrants must live in the state of Nebraska
  • Each participant may only submit one image. However, a teacher/coach/parent may submit multiple images
  • Must be able to email a clear, well photographed image of creation to NE SciFest

For more information visit- https://www.nescifest.com/participate/art/

#51 Teeny Tiny Drawing Challenge

Full STEAM Ahead, Uncategorized

One day an illustrator ask herself… just how small can I draw? Today is the day we all find out!

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your STEAM mini spark page #51 Teeny Tiny Drawing

2.  Watch this video to remind you how to measure to the nearest 1/32 of and inch.  If you had a ruler that had measurements marked to  1/32, how many little lines will there be from 0 to 1.  If you do not have a 1/32 ruler, how can you find 1/32?

NOTE: The image of a ruler is at the end of this post if you need it later.

3.  Copy this table on to your recording page.

4. Watch this video stop at 2:23. Record any measurements that she makes in your chart.

5. Before you resume the video, predict how many versions of her drawing she can create. Record that number on your recording page.

6. Keep watching the video and recording the measurements in your chart. You will have to pause the video to and zoom in to look closely at the ruler and decide the measurements. The ruler she is using in the video is a 1/32 ruler. (The last drawing was very small to so it is ok if your answer for that one is a little off.

7.  Answer these questions.

Which version of the drawing was your favorite and why?

Were the drawing proportional to one another? Explain.

Why was the last drawing so hard to measure.

What are the measurements for her next two drawing if she had increased the paper size instead of decreased. Start with 5 in. X 7in.

8. Share your STEAM mini spark recording page with your teacher/EY coordinator.

OPTIONAL: Create your own series of drawings matching the paper sizes from this challenge.

  •  Get two pieces of paper, a pencil, and a ruler.
  • Use a ruler to carefully measure and draw each rectangle before you start.
  • Label each rectangle with its size (length × width).
  • Notice how each one gets smaller and smaller — teeny tiny!
Rectangle Size (inches) Space to Draw
1️⃣ 5 in × 7 in ⬜ Large rectangle space
2️⃣ 2½ in × 3½ in ⬜ Medium rectangle space
3️⃣ 1¼ in × 1¾ in ⬜ Small rectangle space
4️⃣ ½ in × ¾ in ⬜ Tiny rectangle space
5️⃣ ¼ in × ⅜ in ⬜ Very tiny rectangle space
6️⃣ 3/32 in × 4/32 in ⬜ Teeny-tiniest rectangle space!

Share your work with your teacher or EY coordinator and get credit for a Second STEAM Mini Spark!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#10: Brain Break: Thought Bubbles

Uncategorized

Ever feel that your mind is too busy? Do the ‘Thought Bubbles’ video to blow them away.

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your SEL mini spark recording page: #10: Brain Break: Thought Bubbles 

2.  Watch this video. When you are done write, ” I did the brain break: thought bubbles” on your recording page.

3.  Why would brain breaks be helpful for students? 

4. Write the steps explaining how to do this type of brain break. The audience is a grade 4 student.

5.  Share your SEL mini spark recording page with your teacher or the EY coordinator in your building.

#9: Guided Meditation: Procrastination

SEL Mini Sparks, Uncategorized

What is procrastination? According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, procrastination means “to put off intentionally the doing of something that should be done.” Do you ever procrastinate? Sal from Khan Academy has recorded a few short meditations to help with this problem.

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your SEL mini spark recording page: #9: Guided Meditation: Procrastination

2.    Think of a time when you put something off until the last minute, something that you knew you probably shouldn’t have. It doesn’t have to be school related. Write it here.

3.   NOTE: This step will take about 12 minutes and it is helpful if you can sit in a quiet space.

Complete this “Guided Meditation to help you stop procrastinating” with Sal. When you are done, write “I did guided meditation” on your recording sheet.

 

4.  Write down three ideas you would like to remember from your guided session.

5. Share your SEL mini spark recording page with your teacher or the EY coordinator in your building.

#36: All about Pandas

Science Mini Spark, Uncategorized

Spark your thinking!

  1. Set up your Science Mini Spark recording page: #36: All about Pandas
  2. Read this fact page about pandas.  Create a challenging 5 question mini quiz using information from the fact page. Make an answer key as well.
  3.   Watch this video about the pandas diet. Choose 2 questions to answer on your recording page. For each question include two sentences.

How do pandas adapt physically to their bamboo diet?
Explain why panda cubs are born so small compared to their mothers.
What role does a panda’s diet play in its fur color?
Discuss the historical range of giant pandas and how it has changed.

  1. Bamboo is a type of grass. It can grow as tall as a tree and can look more like forest than grassland. Read more about bamboo at Britannica Kids.  Make a tiny fact page about bamboo. Include 5 details.
  2. Read this article to find out the types of pandas that are there and why are pandas endangered. From the point of view of a panda, explain the different types of pandas and why pandas are endangered. Use information from the article.  Please write 3+ sentences.

6. Share your Science Mini Spark Mini Spark recording page with your teacher or EY Coordinator.

 

#34: A Dog’s Nose

Science Mini Spark, Uncategorized

You may have heard the expression that dogs ‘see with their noses.’ But these creature’s amazing nasal architecture actually reveals a whole world beyond what we can see. Learn about how a dog’s nose can smell the past, the future and even things that can’t be seen at all.

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your science mini spark recording page: #34: A Dog’s Nose

2.  Watch this video and record 5-10 details about dog noses on your recording sheet.

3. Choose 2 of these questions to answer with 2 sentences. Write your answer from the point of view of a dog.  Remind your teacher that the answer key can be found in the Science Mini Spark folder.

  1. What are the main features of a dog’s nose that allow it to smell so effectively?
  2. How does a dog’s ability to smell differ from that of humans?
  3. Describe the role of the vomeronasal organ in a dog’s sense of smell.
  4. In what ways can dogs use their sense of smell to understand their environment?
  5. How can dogs be trained to respond to various scents, and what are some examples of their abilities?

4. Read an article about a dog detective.  Record number facts from the article. Example: Their sense of smell is 10,000 times more sensitive than a human’s.

5. Look over this  animal nose information page from the San Diego Zoo.  Record 2 details about each of the animals listed in the article.

6.  Share your science mini spark recording page with your teacher/EY coordinator.

#110: Extreme Records

Math Mini Sparks, Uncategorized

THE TALLEST, DEADLIEST, FASTEST,
SMALLEST, HOTTEST STUFF ON EARTH!

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your Math mini spark recording page: #110: Extreme Records

2. Study this teaching page carefully. Write 3 facts that are new to you on your recording sheet.

3. Set up a table like this on your recording sheet:

Leave one row blank for now.

4. Under each of these headings write out all of the numbers included in the resource and their units of measure. Lut Desert has been complete for you as an example:

5. Do your own research to find your own EXTREME RECORD data to add to the table. Examples: the fastest flying animal, the heaviest animal, coldest place on earth, etc. Find 1 or 2 samples of measurement about that extreme record and add it to the last row in the table.

6. Share your Math mini spark recording page with your teacher/EY coordinator.

#86: Doreen Cronin

Reading Enrichment, Uncategorized

Doreen Cronin has a remarkable talent for transforming everyday occurrences into humorous tales, showcasing her comic genius within the pages of children’s books. She believes that while most of the information we encounter daily fades away, certain thoughts and words linger in our minds for a purpose.

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your language arts mini spark page #86: Doreen Cronin

2. Learn more about Doreen Cronin and her books. Read this article. Write 3 facts about her on your recording page.

3. Look over this webpage with the titles of her books. Record 3 books you have read or heard of before and 3 that you have not read.

4. Listen to this interview. Record at least 3 suggestions she gives about becoming a better writer.

5. Listen to one of the stories from this playlist. Write the title of the book you choose. After listening choose 2 of these questions to answer.

List 3 adjectives to describe a character in your book. Give an example to prove how each is true.

Some characters play small but important roles in the story. Name such a character. Why is this character necessary for the story?

Did the author keep you interested? How or why?

6. Share your language arts mini spark page with your teacher/EY coordinator.

Use this mini spark as your first task in the Author’s Speaks to Kids badge at the EY website.

#109: Volume of a Triangular Prism

Math Mini Sparks, Uncategorized

A triangular prism is a three-dimensional geometric shape characterized by having two identical triangular faces at its ends, connected by three rectangular sides.

Spark your math thinking!

1. Set up your math mini spark recording page: #109:Volume of a Triangular Prism

2. Make a sketch of these triangular prism examples on your recording page

  • Tents: Many camping tents have a triangular prism shape, with the top forming a triangle and the sides being rectangular.
  • Pyramids: Some structures, like certain types of pyramids, can resemble triangular prisms when viewed from the side, especially if they have a rectangular base.
  • Wedges: Tools like doorstops or some types of wedges are often designed in the shape of a triangular prism to provide stability and support.
  • Chocolate Bars: Some chocolate bars are shaped like triangular prisms, with two triangular ends and rectangular sides.

3. Record this formula on your recording page.

4.  Watch the teaching video and pause it to do the math on a piece of paper with the teacher. Add a picture of your notes to your recording page.

5. Do 3 practice problems at IXL. Record your work and your answers on your recording sheet. Add your score when you are done. (Sixth grade HH.5  Volume of triangular prisms 6ZL)

6. Share your math mini spark recording page with your teacher/EY coordinator.