By Rosalinda Cardoso
Here at NSTEM, we understand what a rainy day can do for the morale and mood of your middle school students, and that’s why we compiled a few ideas to help turn those frowns upside down while simultaneously supporting STEM outcomes! Your future scientists can work together to explore the wonders of the hydrological cycle, its influence on weather and climate, its presence on faraway planets, and our innovation of coping mechanisms.
1. Water On Other Worlds
Inspire the next generation of space scientists with a 100-130 minute lesson. This lesson is designed for teachers looking to develop their students’ critical thinking skills while furthering their understanding of the nature of science. Students will investigate and create evidence-based arguments for water availability on other planets and moons, comparing the abundance, form, and accessibility of water on Ceres, Europa, and Enceladus.
Link to project: https://whyy.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/buac21-68-sci-ess-waterotherworlds-lp/water-on-other-worlds-lesson-plan/
2. Learning About Acid Rain
For this rainy-day indoor experiment, your students will learn through collaborative problem-solving and critical inquiry while observing the influence of acid rain on various objects and materials. In this lesson plan from the Environmental Protection Agency, you will have a choice of experiments (9 in total) relating to the study of pH. While at it, try taking water samples of your local rainwater so your students can learn about their local geographical area in real-time. Each experiment ranges from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on your schedule, and can be a great way to take the monotony out of your rainy day!
Link to lesson plan: https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2017-03/documents/teachersguide.pdf
3. Cape of Storms or Cape of Good Hope?
This lesson from Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education is estimated to take around 70 minutes, and it will help students learn about the nature of science and weather through critical inquiry. Students will study how changes in sea temperature can determine or affect the regional climate. They will use that data to write a persuasive letter for a fictional commercial fisherman, weighing the pros and cons of exploration and its impact on local culture and society.
Link to lesson: https://orise.orau.gov/k12/documents/lesson-plans/cape-of-storms-lesson-plan.pdf
4. Modeling Weather Patterns and the Coriolis Effect
This activity from the California Institute of Technology’s Jet Propulsion Lab is estimated to take 30 minutes to an hour, and it will help your students gain critical thinking skills relating to STEM and the nature of science and weather learning outcomes. Students will focus on the Coriolis Effect and how pressure systems affect the environment, using NASA’s ASTHROS radio telescope as a study example before using balloons in groups to study those pressure systems hands-on.
Link to activity: https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/edu/teach/activity/modeling-weather-patterns-and-the-coriolis-effect/
5. Design an Umbrella!
This fun and interactive lesson from STEM Education Works will have your students collaborating to create innovative, hands-free umbrella designs. Working in groups, students will develop prototypes culminating in a presentation and group discussion on innovative designs, including ways to improve prototypes for future use. This lesson will cultivate STEM creativity, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration learning outcomes should take around an hour to complete.
Link to project: https://resources.stemeducationworks.com/sts-design-umbrella
At NSTEM, we know the importance of having a contingency plan, which is why each lesson featured today was chosen for its adaptability and flexibility to your schedule and overall budget. These five lessons will strengthen your student’s understanding of the interrelationship between water and their environment.
At NSTEM, we believe that middle school (Grades 6-8) is where students are transformed, entering as children and emerging as young adults. Project-based learning enrichment can help students connect the dots between STEM and real life, making math and science relevant for them, and keeping them engaged and interested. With a meaningful middle school experience, students are far more likely to focus on STEM disciplines in high school and beyond. To start your 6-8 middle school chapter of the National STEM Honor Society, click here.
Do you want more educational resources on rainy day projects? NSTEM’s vast resources database provides thousands of searchable STEM resources by category, school level, and state. This comprehensive library includes info on enrichment activities, curricula, internships, scholarships, and more. Check out a free sampling here. Or get an NSTEM membership today to unlock the complete list.
