STEM Activity Add-Ons

Dino Dig Lab

Our Dino Dig Lab involves the following activities:

  • Students will explore the role of paleontologists as they dig for fossils (salt dough). The activity includes a sensory and fine motor component that is important for young learners.

  • Students will make observations and discuss structure/function relationship in dinosaurs. They will also practice using evidence when communicating their findings.

  • Students will explore shapes by making dinosaur tangram puzzles.

Sensory Connections:

Using paintbrushes to uncover fossils encourages fine motor skills, particularly hand-eye coordination, precision, and dexterity for younger learners. Feeling the texture of the sand and the fossils creates a tactile experience that can develop a sense of touch.

Standards Covered:

PreK-LS1-1(MA), PreK-LS1-3(MA), PreK-ESS1-2 (MA), K-LS1-1 (MA), 1-LS1-1 (MA), 1-LS3-1 (MA)

Recommended for ages 3.5-6.

Cost:

$7/child

Air-Mazing Tests

Our “AIR-mazing” Motion Lab introduces young scientists to the power of air as they explore how air can move objects, explore forces, and apply early engineering concepts. They will work in small groups to

  • build balloon rockets and test what impacts the distance their rockets travel

  • consider forces of gravity when maneuvering balls through air tubes

  • build and test wind-powered boats & modify designs as needed.

Standards Covered:

PreK-PS2-1(MA), PreK-PS2-2(MA), K-PS2-1, 2.K-2-ETS1-3

Recommended for ages 4-7.

Cost:

$5/child