Exploring Sound Waves with a MEL Science STEM Kit

We recently explored the science of sound waves with a MEL Science STEM kit. My kids built a music box on their own with supplies from the kit. They also learned about vibration and sound waves with a lesson on the free MEL STEM app. They definitely learned a lot and enjoyed the activities in their STEM kit. Then we extended our learning with one of my favorite easy sound wave investigations. 

MEL Science offers monthly subscription box STEM kits for kids. The kits come with everything kids need to complete a STEM project. My children loved doing the activities and made some great science connections and discoveries.

This post contains affiliate links meaning I receive a small commission from purchases made from these links at no additional cost to you. Please see disclosures for more information.

Find out what we thought about our MEL STEM kit below. I've included a discount promo code so that you can try out MEL Science too! 

You will also find out how you can teach about sound waves at home or school, whether you have a subscription STEM service or not. 

Exploring Sound Waves with MEL Science

We were excited to dive into our MEL Science STEM kit. The box came with everything necessary to complete the project, including some extension activities and access to digital resources. 

Our box, "Sound Waves" is part of the MEL STEM subscription box line. This subscription is designed for kids ages 5 and up. It was perfect for two of my children, ages 5 and 8. 

We really liked that the instruction booklet included a story. As the kids built their music box, the story played out. It was an engaging way to connect with the science concepts in a kid friendly way.

By taking turns the kids were able to work together independently to complete their task with very little arguing! They are familiar with LEGO and the instruction booklet is laid out in a similar way to a LEGO kit. Each page had a diagram for a single step and the materials needed to accomplish it. 

Want to try a MEL Science STEM kit, too? Take 50% off your first box with our exclusive promo code: SHAREITSCIENCE Click here to get started.

Building a Music Box

The music box activity was a great way to connect the concept that vibrations make sound to a real life scenario. The kids were able to create their own songs by moving around the pieces that would make the hammers strike. 

In the finished product we wished the hammers hit the bars more accurately and firmly so the sound was louder and more consistent. However, this did give us the opportunity to think like engineers and discuss how we might redesign that one element to make it better. 

Augmented Reality Sound Wave Lesson

In addition to the hands-on STEM project, we had access through the free MEL STEM app to a short science lesson on sound waves. We watched our interactive lesson using Augmented Reality (AR). The kids really got a kick out of seeing the animations sitting right on our kitchen table. We liked the characters and kid-friendly explanations.

While building my kids connected the concepts from the AR science lesson to their build. They recognized that the different sized bars would make either low or high sounds based on how fast they were vibrating.

MEL Science Perks

The instruction booklet offered several ideas for extension activities. With some adult assistance, kids can get a lot more out of their MEL Science STEM kit. 

MEL Science also offers subscription plans and bulk prices for schools and other groups. You can learn more about school and bulk ordering here.

Want to try a MEL Science STEM kit? Take 50% off your first box with our exclusive promo code: SHAREITSCIENCE Click here to get started.

 

We Recommend MEL Science STEM Kits

We really enjoyed our MEL Science STEM Kit. I asked my kids what they liked best about it compared to other subscription box kits we've used before and they said they liked that there was an illustrated story in the instruction book. I agree that the story was a fun way for the kids to engage with the project. 

I liked that my kids could easily work together to build something that they could use again later. Through the sound waves augmented reality science lesson on the free app they connected with science concepts in a fun and accessible way. The MEL Science Sound Waves box inspired some curiosity and a desire to continue to explore and play with the concept of sound waves. 

We would highly recommend MEL Science to other families and students who enjoy hands-on building projects!

Dancing Salt: A Sound Waves Experiment

We played around with the concept of sound waves some more. Here is a little experiment I have used in the traditional science classroom. 

For this sound waves experiment you will need:

• A speaker or device that can produce loud sounds
• An empty plastic container, like a yogurt tub
• Salt, sugar, confetti (something small and light weight)
• Plastic wrap or aluminum foil
• Rubber band

Put some plastic wrap or foil over the opening of the recycled container. Set the container on or very close to your speaker. Sprinkle just a bit of salt, or something small and light weight on top of the plastic. Start your speaker at low volume and slowly increase. 

What happens? Can you make the salt dance? What happens when you change the type of music? How does the vibration of high notes and low notes differ? Do you notice any patterns or interesting motion as you experiment with volume and music type?

Here is just a short clip of our experiment. In this clip we are using a microphone that is attached to the speaker.

Try it! 

Must-Have Resources for Observing the Night Sky

With the right resources, observing the night sky children can be an exciting activity. Whether it is a celestial event like a meteor shower or lunar eclipse, or just regular stargazing, here are some of my favorite resources for learning astronomy. 

These are my favorite resources and can be used in the classroom and out. However, its not always possible to get into the field with students. Maybe you only see the kids during the day, or city lights or weather prevent them from observing the night sky. Some of the digital resources in this post can help with that too! 

This post contains affiliate links, meaning I make a small commission from purchases made from these links, at no additional cost to you. See disclosures for more information. 

Free Resources for Understanding the Night Sky

You don't need expensive equipment to enjoy stargazing. A dark clear area is all you need, a decent pair of binoculars and a star wheel are a bonus. 

If you are not feeling confident with your astronomy skills, here are some resources that will be helpful to you, and are also fairly kid-friendly. 

Download and explore Stellarium. This is a free open-source planetarium. You can choose a location and time and see what the night sky in your area will look like. This is a powerful free resource for becoming familiar with astronomy. Encourage your students to have some free exploration of the software. They can turn on and off constellations, locate planets, "observe" moon phases, etc. It is especially useful when you are in a situation where observing the night sky is not possible. 

When you look up at the night sky and notice a really bright object but have no idea what you are looking at, you need Google's free Sky Map app. Just point your device at that part of the sky and see it labeled on the app. This can be super handy. (Then once you have identified what you are looking at, turn off the device and enjoy nature!)

Download this free star wheel from Sky and Telescope and print it out. You can turn the wheel to the current date and find out what you should be able to see in the night sky in your area. 

Observe and Track the Moon

A fabulous way to connect with the night sky is observing and tracking the phases and position of the moon. It is a great assignment for kids too. Observe what the moon looks like each night for a month, or even just a few times a week. You'll understand a piece of nature more fully and get some fresh air to boot! 

Assign kids a moon observing and  tracking project. Here are some printable downloads that make great hand-outs for this assignment:

 

• Moon Phases Tracker 
• Moon Observation Logbook 
• Northern Hemisphere Moon Observation Chart 

Astronomy Books for the Science Library

There are tons of astronomy books out there, but here are the three I'd start with in my collection. 

Chet Raymo's 365 Starry Nights : An Introduction to Astronomy for Every Night of the Year is the perfect opportunity to hone your amateur astronomy skills. Something to learn or observe each day of the year, illustrated and clearly explained. 

H.A. Rey's The Stars and H.A. Rey's Find the Constellations are also indispensable classics. Kids will gravitate to the appealing illustrations.  

Now get outside and LOOK UP! I think you'll be glad that you did! 

10 FREE Online Science, STEM, STEAM Classes for Kids- September and October 2024

If you are looking for a little something extra for your kids in the science, STEM, and STEAM department, then this post is for you! I've rounded up 10 different online classes that your child can try for FREE this fall. 

Science inspired book clubs, princess and wizard STEM, dinosaurs, biology, current scientific research and more! 

Use my code: MSSARAH2020 for a $20 credit you can use towards any class on Outschool. (New enrollments only.) Each of the classes I've listed in this post are $20 or under. Use your credit to try a class for FREE! 

STEM, STEAM and Science Fantasy Fun!

Who says you can't mix in a little fiction with your science? Check out these magical classes: 

Science is Magic: STEM Alchemy for Young Witches and Wizards

In this class for ages 7-10 kids will complete fun STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) projects through scientific spells, potions and alchemy! Learn more here.

Zoey & Sassafras: A Hands-On STEAM and Book Club Experience 

This class/book club combines reading comprehension with STEM and STEAM projects for ages 6-9. Learn more here.

We love the Zoey and Sassafras books! A great combination of fantasy and science for young readers. 

(Learn more about this book series in these blog posts: Design an Insect Investigation with Zoey and Sassafras: NGSS Linked Activity and this one, perfect for fall: Monsters and Mold: An Apple Experiment)

Princess STEM Club- A Magical Hands-On STEM/STEAM Club with a Princess

Hands-on STEM projects with a princess!! For ages 4-9. Learn more here. 

STEM-ology (a Hands-On Exploration of Mythology and Fantasy + STEAM challenges) 

Hands-on STEM and STEAM projects through storytelling for ages 7-11. Learn more here. 

Use my code: MSSARAH2020 for a $20 credit you can use towards any class on Outschool. (New enrollments only.) Each of the classes I've listed in this post are $20 or under. Use your credit to try a class for FREE! 

Classes for Kids Wild About Animals and Dinos

Junior Paleontologists: Dinosaur Collectors' Club (STEM Science for Dino Lovers) 

Students travel back in time to learn about dinosaurs and fill in their dinosaur field guide along the way. For ages 4-8. Learn more here. 

Ocean Animal Inspector Club: Show and Social 

Investigate a new ocean animal each week in this science and art class for ages 4-9. Learn more here. 

Use my code: MSSARAH2020 for a $20 credit you can use towards any class on Outschool. (New enrollments only.) Each of the classes I've listed in this post are $20 or under. Use your credit to try a class for FREE! 

Free Online Science Classes

Maybe you're looking for a science curriculum. Check out these Hands-On Science courses. 
Hands-On Science 4/5! for ages 8-11, or Hands-On Science 6/7! for ages 10-13. 

In Biology for Beginners: Life Science for Curious Learners students learn the basics of life science, including classification and observation skills, etc. For ages 7-10. Learn more here. 

Build the Human Body with Clay- Learn Anatomy, Biology and Life Science 

Learn about the human body by building models with play dough for ages 6-11. Learn more here. 

Science Journal Club: Let's Discuss Current Research Articles Like Scientists! 

What an awesome opportunity to think like a scientist! In this class for ages 10-13 students discuss current scientific research in articles adapted for kids. Learn more here. 

Use my code: MSSARAH2020 for a $20 credit you can use towards any class on Outschool. (New enrollments only.) Each of the classes I've listed in this post are $20 or under. Use your credit to try a class for FREE! 

Funding for Online Science Classes

Be sure to use the code: MSSARAH2020 when you checkout on Outschool to redeem your $20 credit. This code is only valid for students who have not enrolled in an Outschool class before. If you did not see something you liked in this post, there are so many other courses available! The $20 credit will work towards any class, in any subject.  

If you are in search of additional funding for Outschool online classes, and live in Arizona, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Indiana or New Hampshire you can use your ESA funds through Classwallet for Outschool Classes. You'll find more information here. 

Solar Oven Recycled Crayons Activity

Recycling your bits of broken crayon into new crayons is always a fun activity. Have you ever built a solar oven to recycle your crayons in? 

When the sun is hot and you're looking for something to do with your kids or students, this makes for an engaging STEAM project. Not only will you create something new that you can make art with, there are science and engineering concepts inherent in each step of the process. Plus, making crayons in the solar oven is adaptable across a wide range of ages.

Create an engineering challenge out of designing a solar oven, or build a simple one and focus on the science of heat transfer, phase changes and melting point. If the kids are really young it is a great opportunity to identify and sort colors. 

This post contains affiliate links, meaning I receive a small commission from purchase made through these links at no additional cost to you. Please see disclosures for more information.

Build a Solar Oven

First, decide how you will go about building your solar oven. You can make this an engineering challenge in and of itself. I had kids build them annually for years and it is always a super engaging learning experience. You can see how I've given students a solar oven engineering design challenge here. 

While I enjoy seeing kids create their own solar oven designs, this time around we were focused on the recycled crayon portion of this project. So we built a solar oven out of a pizza box with these directions from Science Buddies. 

Preparing the Crayons for Recycling

First you'll need to gather up the bits and bobs of crayons from the crayon box. This crayon prep work is excellent for small hands. 

We measured to determine which crayons were keepers and which would be recycled. Then we made sure all the crayons that we were using to recycle had been peeled. 

Next we sorted the crayon bits by color. There is a lot of discussion surrounding this. Do they have to be the same shade of the color? Can you make a rainbow crayon? The sky is the limit here, so anything goes. 

Then we put the sorted crayons into our silicone mold. You can use any shape silicone mold, or even a muffin tin. If you choose to use a muffin tin, spray with cooking spray ahead of time to assure your new crayons slip right out. 

We like this set of molds that looks like building bricks and LEGO mini-figures. We got ours on Amazon, but you can find silicone molds in a variety of shapes anywhere they sell candy making and baking supplies. 

As you can see the silicone molds are a bit stained. They have been used to make milk plastic (the directions for milk plastic can be found in the STEAM Kids activity book, which you can find digitally here or in print here) and many times for recycled crayons. The silicone molds work great for this, but I would suggest dedicating a set specifically for craft projects and science experiments and not for food.

Make Recycled Crayons with Solar Power

Find a spot that will remain sunny for several hours. Take note of the direction and angle of the sun and set up the oven where the sun is shining down. You may need to adjust the position of your oven throughout the day as the sun shifts. You can even build a sundial while you wait for your crayons to melt! 

How long does it take before your crayons begin to melt? You may want to put a thermometer inside your oven, or use an infrared surface thermometer and periodically check the temperature. 

Once the crayon bits have turned completely into a puddle, then very carefully move the solar oven into the shade, or bring it inside where it is cooler. We brought ours inside in the late afternoon. Just to be sure we didn't break any bits that hadn't solidified all the way we waited until the following morning to pull them out of the mold. 

Once they are completely cooled, carefully pull them out of the mold.  

Time to color!

Science Lessons with the Solar Oven

There are so many learning opportunities within this project. You could think about melting point and phase changes. With older children this may lead to further study. Check out this middle school lesson about melting point from the American Chemical Society. Or try this melting point experiment I like to do around Thanksgiving with pop-up poultry timers. 

With younger children a discussion about melting point and phase change could include a simple experiment to see what materials melt in the heat of our hand. Does our hand make as much heat as the Sun? Does a crayon melt in our hand? How about a chocolate chip?  Different materials have different properties. 

We also took the opportunity to discuss why the construction paper had changed color after being exposed to the sun for hours. If this is something you observe, you could continue this study by making nature prints with construction paper and natural objects in the sun. Or you could extend this idea to help answer the question, "Why do we need sunscreen?" and experiment with sunscreen and construction paper. 

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Back to School: Cool Decor for Your Science Classroom

It's back to school time already! Time to get the classroom and homeschool space ready. Here are some inexpensive and creative ideas for decorating your classroom walls. From classy science-themed gallery walls and  informative famous scientist posters to funny science puns, you'll find the goods here! 

You and your students log many hours in your classroom space, so it makes sense to make it a spot you enjoy spending time in! I'm sure you will find something inspiring here. Bonus, many of these are digital downloads so you can use them and print them out year after year.

This post contains affiliate links, meaning I receive a small commission for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. For more information please see disclosures.

Posters for the Science Classroom

I love these colorful and funny science fact posters. For example, did you know a group of porcupines is called a prickle? I think kids will find them super engaging, too. 

Older students will get a kick out of these science pun posters. I love a horribly nerdy science pun, don't you? 

This classy set of science career posters includes intriguing STEM careers such as storm chasers, food chemists and theme park engineers. 

This stunning collection of 24 posters each features an inspirational quote from a famous scientist and watercolor portrait of the scientist.  

8 more engaging posters featuring motivational quotes by inspiring scientists. 

Great Decorating Ideas from Seasoned Science Teachers

Here are some great ideas for decorating the middle school science classroom from Captivate Science. Some of these creative ideas are pre-made, some are DIY and all are tried and true from a fellow science teacher.  

Check out this link for lots of aesthetically pleasing and functional science classroom decorating ideas from the Trendy Science Teacher. 

You'll find several great ideas for incorporating student work into your science classroom decor here. 

Bulletin Boards and Gallery Walls

Looking to set up a new bulletin board? 

I like these "Science Talk" ideas for a bulletin board, which are prompts for science discussion. For example, "A possible result of __________ is ___________." or "I can demonstrate this by __________." You'll find the digital download to print out here. 

Here is a quick and easy printable for Science Safety Rules, would be great for multiple locations in your science lab. 

This classy periodic table inspired "Be Kind" (Beryllium, Potassium, Iodine, Neodymium) sign can be framed for a wall of the room. 

Frame these gorgeous science images for a gallery wall that will really make the room pop! 

This "SCIENCE" decal would be awesome above the whiteboard or classroom door. 

Other Fun Science Classroom Decor

If you're looking for other unique science classroom decor you should check these out: 

DNA Double Helix Pencil Holder 

Quirky Science Squirrel Throw Pillow 

Periodic Table Elements Throw Pillows 

Good luck with your back to school prep! I hope you have a great year! 

Everything you need to track, juggle and thrive all school year. Shop Back to School at Etsy.com.

Freshen up and expand your fall science lessons with these must-have printable downloads. 

Summer Olympics: Science, STEM and STEAM Activities

The summer Olympic games are about to begin in Paris, France and we are so excited. The games teach us so many life lessons: perseverance, camaraderie, grit, trust, hope, sportsmanship, honesty, compassion...etc.

Olympic sports can also teach us some really cool science! In this post I've piled together some fun ideas for Olympic science, STEM and STEAM activities. Perfect for home, camp or summer school while you wait for your favorite summer Olympic sport to compete. 

Olympic Games Science Activities 

First things first, let's light the Olympic torch! Check out this cool static electricity Olympic flame experiment. 

Try this Olympic flame spin on the popular "fireworks in a jar" science activity. 

Experiment with the physics of spinning and reaction time here. 

Learn how to experiment with and build a shot put catapult here. 

You will find a ton of Olympic sports science activities and experiments from Science Sparks here. From javelin throwing to rock climbing, some super projects to keep the kids busy.

Ibex73, CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

STEM Activities for the Summer Olympics

This a great article highlighting three approaches to bringing the summer Olympics into your STEM curriculum. 

You'll find a series of videos highlighting engineering in the summer Olympic sports from the National Science Foundation here. 

Here are 10 excellent summer Olympics STEM challenges here. Hours of building and experimenting fun organized for different learning levels. 

Which turf is best for playing certain sports? How does your heart rate compare to an Olympian's? Answer these questions and more with the sports STEM activities here.  

Tons of STEM challenge ideas organized by sport. 

Summer Olympic Inspired STEAM Activities

Get drawing, designing and flex that creativity with these fun and free Olympic game inspired STEAM activities. 

Build an Olympic torch with circuits! 

Use this post to help you build the Olympic rings out of LEGO, or take it a step further and create your own design for an Olympic logo out of your bricks. 

I hope you are inspired to learn while you enjoy your favorite sports! Let the games begin!

10 Reasons to Visit the New England Aquarium

We love visiting zoos, nature centers and aquariums as a family. Years ago I wrote about our trip to the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, which was amazing. Recently we were lucky enough to visit the New England Aquarium in Boston, and we had a blast! 

 

It had been a few years since we had visited and we were excited to see some of our old favorites. I could write pages about our day, but instead will highlight 10 reasons why you should visit the New England Aquarium if you have the chance.

African Penguin Colony

 

1. Penguins! One of the first animals you encounter upon entering the New England Aquarium are the endearing African Penguins. A bustling, and sometimes boisterous, group inhabits this enclosure that surrounds the Giant Ocean Tank, the four-story centerpiece to the aquarium. Hailing from temperate habitats, you won't see ice and snow here, but you will see a lot of interesting penguin behavior in the water and on the rocks. 

Photo credit: Vanessa Kahn, New England Aquarium

 

My kids love to learn about each of these penguins. It is easy to do as each is tagged with colorful armbands that serve as identification. Interactive screens located around the African penguin exhibit allow visitors to plug in the colors and location of the tags. Each penguin has a "bio" explaining its name, age, sex, and other interesting facts. 

Giant Ocean Tank

2. The Giant Ocean Tank is the amazing four-story centerpiece of the New England Aquarium. This enormous 200,000 gallon Caribbean reef tank holds hundreds of different fish. My kids loved seeing the giant rays taking their laps and discovering the different types of animals they could spot as we spiraled up towards the top of the tank. 

The aquarium educators at the top of the tank are available to answer questions and its fun to watch the feeding divers too. 

Photo credit: Vanessa Kahn, New England Aquarium

Myrtle the Turtle

 

3. An enormous green sea turtle! In 1970 a green sea turtle named Myrtle came to live at the New England Aquarium. You can still see her there today! It is such a treat to spot this gigantic turtle swimming around the Giant Ocean Tank or coming up to the top of the tank for some lettuce. She is a beautiful and amazing creature, somewhere between 70-90 years old and weighing in at over 500 pounds.

Photo credit: Vanessa Kahn, New England Aquarium

 

Sea Jellies

4. Sea Jellies! Even in a crowded aquarium, watching the Lion's mane jellies is a mesmerizing and calming experience. Native to colder regions of the ocean such as the Arctic and North Pacific, these jellies have a thick "mane" of hair-like tentacles to sting and catch prey such as small fish and crustaceans.

Giant Pacific Octopus

5. A visit to the New England Aquarium gives you the opportunity to see the largest species of octopus on the planet, the giant Pacific octopus. These super intelligent creatures can grow to be 20 feet long. We were lucky to see it put on a bit of a show right near the glass, as they can be a bit elusive. Stunning! 

Photo credit: Vanessa Kahn, New England Aquarium

Sea Lion Show

6. What a treat to watch the California sea lions show off their skills and learn about sea lion handling and training at the show in the Marine Mammal Center.  Not only endearing, intelligent, and entertaining, they are also talented in nature, able to swim faster than any other type of sea lion and dive underwater for up to ten minutes while they search for food. The whole family shared many smiles and laughs during this part of our aquarium visit. 

Please note if you do visit the New England Aquarium that the Marine Mammal Center is an open air exhibit area. It's open year round and if you come during colder months (like we did this time) you'll want to bundle up! 

Greeted by Harbor Seals

7. Before you even enter the aquarium you can observe the Atlantic harbor seal exhibit for free. The harbor seals are located in their enclosure in the front plaza. Get up close and personal with these playful creatures and even learn about them during feedings and training sessions before you even enter the aquarium. 

Photo credit: Vanessa Kahn, New England Aquarium

We enjoyed watching them swim and play in the morning when we arrived, and got a chuckle at them apparently asleep floating in an upright position when we left later in the afternoon. 

Shark and Ray Touch Tank

8. Unfortunately during our visit the Shark and Ray Touch Tank was closed. However, we did stop in the exhibit area to learn about sharks from an aquarium educator. I know if the touch tank had been open that day we would have really enjoyed it, it is a great space and one of few opportunities, unless you purchase a special Animal Encounter, to touch the ocean animals. 

Photo credit: Vanessa Kahn, New England Aquarium

Aquarium Timed Admission

9. The timed admission system at the New England Aquarium was great for planning. We could see how many people had purchased tickets during each of the 20 minute intervals the aquarium was open. We were able to plan exactly when we wanted to go in the night before. Admission was smooth and we entered the aquarium quickly without waiting in line. 

Parking in Boston can be tricky, however, there are several parking garages in close proximity to the aquarium. Several of them participate in parking validation at the visitor's desk in the aquarium. We used SpotHero and would highly recommend it. You can reserve a spot in a garage ahead of time, in some cases at a discounted rate, no searching for parking once you arrive! 

Location, Location, Location: Central Wharf

10. The New England Aquarium is located on Central Wharf, right on Boston Harbor. A great locale for a summer stroll on a part of Boston's Harborwalk, good eats, duck tours, lots of history, and close proximity to other great museums such at the Boston Children's Museum and the Boston Museum of Science. A great area to visit for a lot of learning and family fun.