PBS Logo NPR Logo
Public Media for Central Pennsylvania

Activities Grades 9 to 12

garden activity guide

Habitats and Pollinators 

In this lesson plan and activity, students learn how the garden provides habitat for a variety of different animal species. Through making observations and collecting data, students determine which species inhabit the garden (especially pollinators), investigate relationships among them, and identify factors that may affect them.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

five images of female scientists

WPSU Women in Science Profiles 

WiSci Files introduces viewers to five local women in diverse STEM careers through a series of short video profiles that feature aspects of their personal and professional lives, aiming to dispel stereotypes about who STEM professionals are and what their lives are like.   

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

smooshy slime experiment
Science-U @home

Smooshy Slime 

Who doesn’t love slime? Slime is oobleck’s ooey-gooey cousin, and another example of a non-Newtonian fluid. When all of the ingredients in this activity are combined you get a squishy substance that is fun to stretch, shape, and smoosh. Try it!

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

math in the workforce logo

Math in the Workforce 

In a world where we have calculators and search engines, why is math still a necessary skill to have in many career paths? From fashion design to astrobiology, math is the backbone of those jobs, and this collection will show you exactly why.   

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

pull back cars
Science-U @home

Pull Back Cars 

Pull back vehicles use springs to store energy. When the vehicle is released, the energy stored in the spring moves the vehicle forward. Can you make any toy vehicle into a pull back vehicle?   

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Science-U @home

Popsicle Stick Explosion 

Woven popsicle sticks are a blend of art, math, science and just enough mischief to make it an engineering feat of awesomeness!   

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Women’s History Month 

This collection celebrates Women’s History Month by focusing on women and girls around the world. The films tell powerful, personal stories; and the activities encourage students to learn and understand international struggles and take an active role in addressing local concerns.   

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Mapping the Pandemic

Geospatial Revolution

The Geospatial Revolution Project, from WPSU Penn State public broadcasting, provides schools with a look into GPS data gathering, which influences nearly everything. Explore these resources here!

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

girl holding a cup of orange juice
Science-U @home

Dental Decay

Tooth enamel is tough but can be eroded by acids in your mouth. Test the acid levels in your favorite drinks with pH test strips, then soak shark teeth or eggshells in each drink to see if the acid weakens tooth enamel. Try it!

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

It's Lit! logo

It’s Lit!

It’s Lit! is a series of smart, funny video essays from PBS Digital Studios about our favorite books and why we love to read. Delve into topics like the evolution of YA, how science fiction mirrors our own anxieties, and why the book is sometimes just a bit better than the movie.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

word art

Engineering Is …

Explore Engineering Is… , a collection of media resources that focuses on the intersection of engineering and science. Explore how scientists and engineers are working together across disciplines to investigate issues, make discoveries and develop solutions.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

kid holding a lemon battery
Science-U @home

Lemon Batteries

Batteries consist of two different metals suspended in an acidic solution. Is it possible to use the acid in a lemon to power a light? Try it to find out!

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Science-U @home

Caterpillar Senses

How does a caterpillar find its food? What do they eat and which senses do they use to find it?

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

image of Jimmy Cater waving

Virtual Field Trip: Jimmy Carter

Explore the life and legacy of Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States and the only president from Georgia. With 360 images, photo galleries, videos, and more, this virtual field trip offers students an in depth look at Jimmy Carter’s life.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

mars egg lander
Science-U @home

Mars Egg Lander

NASA faced a huge challenge when they safely landed the Mars Exploration Rovers on the surface of Mars. Can you design a capsule that would protect a raw egg dropped from several stories to the ground? Try it!

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Zora Neale Hurston

Characters in Context: Their Eyes Were Watching God

In this lesson, students will determine the relationship between characters in Their Eyes Were Watching God and black cultural moments throughout history. Students will analyze primary and secondary sources looking at slavery, reconstruction, and the black renaissance.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

meringue tops
Science-U @home

Marvelous Meringues

Beating egg whites causes an amazing change. When you add sugar and bake them, more changes happen! Go from slimy egg white to fluffy foam to a crunchy solid and delicious cookie while learning about the science behind the marvelous meringue.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

blood vessels

Blood Vessels Help Tumors Grow

Cancer researcher Dr. Judah Folkman describes his approach to proving a new idea he had about how tumors grow inside the body focused on angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Eva Kor Holocaust Survivor

Eva: A-7063 Documentary

As a 10-year-old “Mengele Twin” at the Auschwitz concentration camp, Eva Kor suffered some of the worst of the Holocaust. At 50, she launched the biggest manhunt in history. At 60, she publicly forgave the Nazis, and into her 80s, she circled the globe to promote hope, healing and humanity.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Binary Bracelets
Science-U @home

Binary Bracelets

Using the binary code, you can show off your name on a really cool bracelet, keychain, or necklace.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

bouncing egg experiment
Science-U @home

Bouncing Egg

Change Everything You Think You Know About Eggs! We all know what happens when you drop a regular egg on the ground. When you add vinegar (and some patience), you end up with a bouncy, squishy object!

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Martin Luther King Jr.

The Life and Legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Historians reflect on the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his role in the Civil Rights Movement.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

bands of color in a tube
Science-U @home

Density Tower

Make colorful layers using liquids of varying densities, then experiment to see which items sink or float to each layer! https://science-u.org/experiments/density-tower.html

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

image of a cow with a barcode on its body

Food Inc.: The Dollar Menu

In Food, Inc., filmmaker Robert Kenner lifts the veil on our nation’s food industry, exposing the highly mechanized underbelly that’s been hidden from the American consumer. Watch and discuss the economics of the food industry and how the cost of foods affects their choices.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

girl wearing safety goggles
Science-U @home

Water Filter 

Make your own water filter! You’ll be able to remove dirt, heavy metals and chemicals from filthy water!   

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

woman sitting with emojis in front of her

How Does Your Phone Send Emojis? 

The physics of smartphones is a complicated and amazing mixture of engineering, physics, electronics and computer science.   

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

soda bottle with a tube on top
Science-U @home

Mentos Explosion 

Are you ready for a blast? What is the secret behind the reaction between carbonated cola and little mint candies that makes such an explosion? Try it!   

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

two girls making hand casts
Science-U @home

Plaster Casting 

The Science-U campers used plaster casts to determine who left shoe prints at the scene of the crime. You can set up your own mystery, or just have fun making plaster casts out of anything you want!   

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

wildlife rehabilitator and two other people and a lizard

Wildlife Research 

Learn how rehabilitators and veterinarians at the Wildlife Center of Virginia treat tens of thousands of wild animals each year and are often the first to notice trends that contribute valuable insights to overall wildlife health using data from the patients admitted to the center.   

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

bowl of soup called ozoni

Celebrate Japan’s Oshogatsu Holiday 

Oshogatsu is the most important holiday in Japan and is a celebration of the new year. Learn about the traditions of this special holiday, and how to make Ozoni, a one bowl soup that is a central dish of the holiday.   

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

bath fizzie held over tub
Science-U @home

Bath Fizzies 

Splish splash, let’s do science in the bath! Make your own bath fizzies and have fun exploring chemical reactions while taking a relaxing soak!   

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

child holding a homemade comet up to a lightbulb
Science-U @home

Make a Comet 

Some scientists call it a “dirty snowball in space”. You can make your own comet with a mixture of materials that might surprise you.   

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

painting of native americans and colonists at first thanksgiving

A History of Thanksgiving 

Take a trip through time and learn about the origins of Thanksgiving and from the original colonists through the proclamation of a national Thanksgiving holiday.   

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

strawberries on a plate
Science-U @home

Strawberry DNA 

All living things store genetic information in DNA, but can you actually extract DNA from a plant and see it with the naked eye?   

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

American Veterans

American Veteran 

Learn about the diversity of people who have signed up for military service with the United States Armed Forces and the various reasons that prompted them to make the decision to do so.   

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

three native american authors

Native Voices 

Native Americans had established a rich and highly developed tradition of oral literature long before the writings of the European colonists. This program explores that richness by introducing Native American oral traditions through the work of three contemporary authors.   

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

smooshy slime experiment
Science-U @home

Smooshy Slime 

Who doesn’t love slime? Slime is oobleck’s ooey-gooey cousin, and another example of a non-Newtonian fluid. When all of the ingredients in this activity are combined you get a squishy substance that is fun to stretch, shape, and smoosh. Try it!   

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

glowing ghost jugs

Glowing Ghost Jugs 

You can get ready for Halloween tricks and treats with some ghostly decorations for your sidewalk, front porch, or trunk-or-treat set up, by creating cute or spooky glowing ghost jugs.   

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

pull back cars
Science-U @home

Pull Back Cars 

Pull back vehicles use springs to store energy. When the vehicle is released, the energy stored in the spring moves the vehicle forward. Can you make any toy vehicle into a pull back vehicle?   

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

afrofuturism in books

Afrofuturism: From Books to Blockbusters 

What is Afrofuturism and what is its place in Black storytelling? Learn how Afrofuturism is more than just “science fiction plus Africa” and the roots of this important genre in this video from the digital series It’s Lit.   

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

young girl holding a cup of orange juice
Science-U @home

Dental Decay

Test the acid levels in your favorite drinks and learn if they can weaken tooth enamel.   

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

pantings of Zitkála-Šá and Susan La Flesche Picotte

Multiple Perspectives

Zitkála-Šá and Susan La Flesche Picotte, worked tirelessly to improve the lives of Native Americans. By learning more about their lives and analyzing primary source documents written by both women, you will gain a deeper understanding of how assimilation policies impacted indigenous people in the past and continue to have consequences in the present.   

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

kid holding a lemon battery
Science-U @home

Lemon Batteries

Can you get power from a lemon? Try this fun experiment at home to find out. 

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Fighting Prejudice and Bullying 

Learn how a young girl who immigrated to New York City from Yemen dealt with Islamophobia in this video from FILMS BYKIDS: Poet against Prejudice.   

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Science-U @home

The Hungry Caterpillar 

Determine what caterpillars eat and what senses they use to find their food in this hands on experiment.   

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Just Breathe 

A tropical rainforest’s ability to take a deep breath depends in large part on a somewhat surprising factor—the age of its leaves. Explore more about the connection between the seasonal variation in Amazon rainforest productivity and its possible resilience to climate change in this interactive infographic.   

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

s'mores
Science-U @home

Solar Oven S’mores

Before the weather starts to cool off, dive into the fun experiment in which you create your own solar oven from a pizza box.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

latino culture

Diversity In Latino Culture

Explore the rich diversity within Latino culture in this interactive lesson that presents the variety found within Latino food, music, and art.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Debugger coding game

Debugging the Code

Get immersed in a multi-level adventure game cleverly designed to introduce computer programming concepts and improve problem-solving skills. To save the motherboard, players create a custom hero character and fight bugs!

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

popsicle stick explosion
Science-U @home

Popsicle Stick Explosion

Woven popsicle sticks are a blend of art, math, science and just enough mischief to make it an engineering feat of awesomeness!

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Family Tree Activity

Tracing Ancestry

In this interactive web activity your task it to complete a family tree by comparing the DNA sequences of Y chromosomes of known men to the sequences of their relatives.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

experiment plaster casting
Science-U @home

Family Plaster Cast Handprints

Plaster casts are used by professionals like crime scene investigators. Learn how to create plaster casts and cast each of your family members handprints.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

mars egg lander
Science-U @home

Mars Egg Lander

How do you drop an egg without breaking it?

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

community culture

Culture Creates Community

Explore videos about artists and arts organizations that maintain or adapt traditional art forms, and that build a sense of community through their art practices. Create your own classroom community through meaningful art experiences.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

meringues
Science-U @home

Marvelous Meringues

Change slimy egg whites to a fluffy foam to a crunchy solid!

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

brain image

Your Brain and Emotions

Learn about how our brain participates in our social-emotional selves and what students and teachers need to understand about emotions.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Creating Modern Dance

Creating Modern Dance

Using the videos from the Dance Arts Toolkit collection learn everything from the elements of dance to ensuring healthy dance practices.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Bath Fizzies
Science-U @home

Bath Fizzies

Splish splash, let’s do science in the bath! Make your own bath fizzies and have fun exploring chemical reactions while taking a relaxing soak!

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

what are the chances game

What are the Odds? And What are the Chances?

These flexible interactives provide opportunities to practice identifying simple, compound, and/or dependent probabilities using answers in the form of fractions, percentages, and/or decimals.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

binary bracelets
Science-U @home

Binary Bracelets

Using the binary code, you can show off your name on a really cool bracelet, keychain, or necklace.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

youth mental health logo

Using Technology to Treat Social Anxiety

Learn about ways to treat social anxiety and the elements of cognitive behavioral therapy.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

bouncing egg experiment
Science-U @home

Bouncing Egg

Turn a regular egg into a bouncing egg.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

read to lead

Read to Lead

Try these digital learning games that promote literacy and leadership in an immersive virtual workplace.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

plaster casting experiment
Science-U @home

Plaster Casting

Can you make a plaster cast like a crime scene investigator?

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Caterpillar
Science-U @home

Caterpillar Senses

How do hungry caterpillars find food?

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

animal superpowers

Amazing Animal Superpowers

Joe Hanson, host of It’s Okay to be Smart, explores animal superpowers, from radiation-resistant bacteria to geckos who climb glass using atomic adhesion to a shrimp that can shoot a bubble the temperature of the sun.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Bath Fizzies
Science-U @home

Bath Fizzies

Splish splash, let’s do science in the bath! Make your own bath fizzies and have fun exploring chemical reactions while taking a relaxing soak!

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Water Experiments

Illustration of Water Conductivity

Explore how water conducts electricity through a variety of experiments.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Nasa experiment

Color Mixing and Liquid in Space

Learning doesn’t stop when you reach outer space, learn about color mixing aboard the International Space Station.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Mars Egg Lander Experiment
Science-U @home

Mars Egg Lander

How do you drop an egg without breaking it?

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

showing an invention

13-year-old’s Invention Helping the Blind to Read

Dive into a new invention allowing the blind to print Braille more easily than ever.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Binary Bracelets
Science-U @home

Binary Bracelets

Using the binary code, you can show off your name on a really cool bracelet, keychain, or necklace.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

creative corner

The Creative Corner

Explore new topics through the lens of the visual and performing arts, with step-by-step instructions for at-home activities.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

gorwing plants
Science-U @home

Can you “water” plants with other liquids?

Water seeds with other liquids and see if they grow.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

storytelling

Sensorial Writing/Sense of Place

Students will explore vivid sensorial writing while considering how to write about smell, taste, or sound in a setting.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Meringues
Science-U @home

Marvelous Meringues

Change slimy egg whites to a fluffy foam to a crunchy solid!

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

planting in soil

Soil: Garden Activity Guide

How does soil texture and fertility contribute to the overall health and productivity of a garden? In this activity, help students explore the details of garden soil and learn about the different ingredients that help fertilize growing plants.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

grow something
Science-U @home

Can you “water” plants with other liquids?

Water seeds with other liquids and see if they grow.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

smooshy slime
Science-U @home

Smooshy Slime

Make a squishy substance that is fun to stretch, shape, and smoosh.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Youth Mental Health

Youth Mental Health

For Mental Health Awareness Month, explore resources that can help you meet the mental health needs of students at school and at home.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

life in space

Is There Life in Space?

Discover how scientists find distant planets and moons and how they determine whether those astronomical bodies could be habitable.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

bats

Beneficial Bats

Learn how bats play a key role in Texas agriculture as predators of crop-destroying pests such as the corn earworm moth.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

bath fizzies
Science-U @home

Bath Fizzies

Splish splash, let’s do science in the bath! Make your own bath fizzies and have fun exploring chemical reactions while taking a relaxing soak!

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

poet reading

Poetry Everywhere

Explore the power of language, look at the world with a fresh sense of wonder, and build reading and writing skills.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

art

Outdoor Art

Use this collection of resources to explore the elements of outdoor art, and maybe find some inspiration to create your own.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

watering plants
Science-U @home

Can you water plants with other liquids?

What happens when you replace water with other types of liquids when watering plates? Test them out using this experiment!

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

experiment pull back car
Science-U @home

Pull Back Cars

Can you transform a toy car into a pull back car?

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Susan Levy on Advances in Autism Research

Listen as Susan Levy discusses advances in autism research.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

apple cakes

Sweetness

Students will explore the nature of sweetness and create a scale to measure and compare the sweetness of several types of foods and drinks.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

smores
Science-U @home

Solar Oven S’mores

Harness the sun’s energy to treat your tastebuds! Transform a pizza box into a solar oven to make a s’more.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Healthcare Crisis: Who’s at Risk?

In this lesson plan, students research the critical problem that approximately 1/3 of Americans are without adequate or any healthcare insurance.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Social Networking

The Rise of Social Networking

In this video segment from FRONTLINE: “Digital Nation,” teens talk about why they use social networking sites like MySpace and Facebook.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

caterpillar
Science-U @home

Caterpillar Senses

How do hungry caterpillars find food?

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Seasons on Earth

Students study satellite data and explore an example of long-term climate change to learn about the seasons, changes in climate, and the role of Earth’s tilted axis.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Women’s History Month Collection

This collection celebrates Women’s History Month by focusing on women and girls around the world.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Science-U @home

Women in Science Profiles

Learn about five women in STEM careers, and watch them answer questions from students like you.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Science-U @home

The Plants and the Bees

Here’s how the vascular plants (ferns, gymnosperms, and angiosperms) reproduce, from ancient to modern times.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Science-U @home

Watershed Lesson Plan

Learn about watersheds, the factors which can pollute them, the modern-day problems facing watersheds (including pollution), and the ways in which watersheds can be protected, in this lesson plan from Liquid Assets.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Cryptology Files

Cryptologists solve puzzles and crack codes to find solutions. This game from WPSU puts you in the role of a cryptologist to decode clues using pre-algebra skills and track down spies around the world.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

History Detectives – Blacks on the Battlefield

Spotlight on a letter from a young Union soldier interested in a commission with an African American regiment.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Set Up a Healthy Media Relationship

Navigating technology in our homes has certainly become more interesting during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are some ideas on how to think about your family’s relationship with technology.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Science-U @home

Cryptology Files Game

Take on the role of cryptologists to decode clues using pre-algebraic substitution and order of operations.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Science-U @home

WPSU Women in Science Profiles

Watch as WPSU Profiles these five women with careers in STEM fields.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Citrus Peel Roses

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with these beautiful citrus peel roses! Place them in a bowl with other dried items for decoration.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

kid holding a lemon battery
Science-U @home

 Can You Get Power from a Lemon?

Try it yourself with our step-by-step instructions and guided scientific questions available in the downloadable support materials.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Snowpack Drinking Water

Find out how climate change is significantly altering the precious water source from snowpack in the mountains.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night

Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare as performed at Penn State, including lesson plans to teach each Act and Scene.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Science-U @home

Jim Lovell at the Morehead Planetarium

The astronaut returns to the planetarium that had trained him in the art of celestial navigation before his two moon missions.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Science-U @home

The Half Mile Long Microscope

Learn how scientists turn a half-mile long particle accelerator into a microscope in this video from SciTech Now.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

How do voters decide?

Use this video and lesson plan to learn how voters make the important decision about who should lead their country.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Science-U @home

Bouncing Egg

Turn a regular egg into a bouncing egg.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Documenting Winter Stories

Create a documentary to inform viewers about the winter in your area.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

WPSU Women in Science Profiles

The Women in Science Profiles created by WPSU highlight five women in STEM careers and their career journeys.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Holiday | Craft in America

HOLIDAY embraces familiar and new winter celebrations as part of our American experience with the handmade.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

meringues
Science-U @home

Marvelous Meringues

Change slimy egg whites to a fluffy foam to a crunchy solid!

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

The Gift of Life

Ahmed Khatib was killed by the Israeli army in 2005. Ahmed’s father decided to donate his son’s organs and help the Jewish families who received them.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Science-U @home

5 Amazing Stars

While Jupiter and Saturn are aligning to create a bright “star” in the sky on December 21st, learn about five actual stars that light up the sky nightly.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Cryptology Files

Can you crack the code and stop an international smuggling ring? The activity integrates geography and algebra, and is best for grades 8 – 12.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Science-U @home

Binary Bracelets

Using the binary code, you can show off your name on a really cool bracelet, keychain, or necklace.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Science-U @home

Pull Back Cars

Can you transform any toy car into a pull back car?

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Celebrate Japan’s Oshogatsu Holiday with Ozoni

Japanese celebrate Oshogatsu on the first day of the New Year. For this holiday families head over the river and through the woods to grandma’s house.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Science-U @home

Blood Pressure

What affects blood pressure? Gather a group of friends or family to find out!

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Learn About Relatives

The holidays are a great chance for children to learn about family culture. Encourage them to mingle and learn their family history by having them engage with their relatives.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Science-U @home

 Marvelous Meringues

Change slimy egg whites to a fluffy foam to a crunchy solid!

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

How does Tribal Government Work?

The Tribal Government on the Wind River Reservation is in a state of flux. In the accompanying lesson plans,  learn how the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes govern their people. What is the relationship between Tribal, State, and Federal government?

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

potted plants
Science-U @home

Can you “water” plants with other liquids?

What happens when you replace water with other types of liquids?

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Being Kind for Kindness’ Sake

In this daily news story, PBS NewsHour Extra looks at the impact and meaning of community service and why the winter break may be a more challenging time for students than many people may realize.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Science-U @home

Pull Back Cars

Can you transform a toy car into a pull back car?

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

To Vote or Not to Vote?

Students explore the history of voter suppression in the U.S. and arguments for the importance of voting.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

child playing with slime
Science-U @home

Smooshy Slime

Make a squishy substance that is fun to stretch, shape, and smoosh.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Confronting Anti-Black Racism

Use these materials with middle and high school students to help them understand the long history of anti-Black racism in the United States, and think about ways to address it in their own families and communities.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Science-U @home

Mentos® Explosion

How does a soda geyser work?

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Sweetness: The Botany of Desire

Students consider the nature of sweetness and create a scale that allows them to measure and compare the sweetness of several types of apples, potatoes and soft drinks.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Science-U @home

Marvelous Meringues

Change slimy egg whites to a fluffy foam to a crunchy solid!

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Cake Pop

Doodle Cake Pops

Get creative with these doodle cake pops! Whether you have them ready before the party starts or allow your party guests to decorate as part of a craft, everyone will be delighted with these tasty treats.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Science-U @home

Dental Decay

Test the acid levels in your favorite drinks with pH test strips, then soak shark teeth or eggshells in each drink to see if the acid weakens tooth enamel. Try it!

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Virus Hunter

Jon Epstein is a virus hunter – he chases viruses that can cause outbreaks of infectious disease. Follow Jon as he hunts the path of the Nipah virus from fruit bats to humans in Bangladesh.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Science-U @home

Binary Bracelets

Using the binary code, you can show off your name on a really cool bracelet, key chain, or necklace.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Why are your poems so dark?

Linda Pastan’s poems use very simple language and plain statements to describe everyday situations, but she ends up uncovering the dark worries and threats that hide just below that quiet surface of daily life.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Science-U @home

Bouncing Egg

We all know what happens when you drop a regular egg on the ground. When you add vinegar (and some patience), you end up with a bouncy, squishy object!

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Career Hacks for Workforce Readiness

Use this interactive collection to build strengths in key career skills, such as problem solving, leadership, communication, teamwork and collaboration, and critical thinking.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Science-U @home

Marvelous Meringues

Your kitchen is a great place for family time and learning math and science! In this experiment, change slimy egg whites to a fluffy foam to a crunchy solid!

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

How to Support Your Child for a Very Different School Year

There’s a lot we can do to bolster our children’s feelings of confidence and security as they head into a new year. This article has some practical ideas.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Energy Transfer in a Roller Coaster

In this interactive lesson, students watch videos and use an interactive activity to learn how energy moves roller coaster cars along a track.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Science-U @home

Owl Pellets

What do owls eat for dinner? Find out by dissecting their pellets!

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Native America: Nature to Nations

Learn how Native Americans connected to their environment and how the early U.S. government got lessons from these connections.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

s'mores
Science-U @home

Solar Oven S’mores

Can you cook a s’more without a fire or electricity?

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

clouds

Clouds and Weather

Learn about the relationships among the Sun, clouds, and weather in this video excerpt from NOVA’s Cloud Lab.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

potted plants
Science-U @home

Can you “water” plants with other liquids?

Most seeds need warmth, light, and water to start growing. But what happens when you replace water with other types of liquids? Test them out using this experiment!

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

rain garden

Rain Gardens

This video and support materials shows how a rain garden at Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest slows down the flow of water from the forest’s parking lot and helps prevent soil erosion. 

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

bath fizzies
Science-U @home

Bath Fizzies

Splish splash, let’s do science in the bath! Make your own bath fizzies and have fun exploring chemical reactions while taking a relaxing soak!    

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

pizza box oven illustration
Science-U @home

Solar Oven S’mores 

Transform a pizza box into a solar oven to make a s’more (melted chocolate and marshmallow between two graham crackers).     

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

woman standing under hot air balloon

The Science of Summer

Get ready for summer by exploring the science behind some of your favorite summer activities.     

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

person repairing axel of toy truck
Science-U @home

Pull Back Cars

Pull back vehicles use springs to store energy. When the vehicle is released, the energy stored in the spring moves the vehicle forward. Can you make any toy vehicle into a pull back vehicle?    

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

group of students with teacher

Invent Apps to Help Others

Design your own app to address a problem facing your school or community.    

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

eggs in a carton
Science-U @home

Bouncing Egg

We all know what happens when you drop a regular egg on the ground. When you add vinegar (and some patience), you end up with a bouncy, squishy object!

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

group of students with teacher

Confront Racism

There resources will help you understand the long history of anti-Black racism in the United States, and think about ways to address it in your family and communities.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

caterpillar
Science-U @home

Caterpillar Senses

It doesn’t look like caterpillars have ears, noses, and eyes like humans. So how do they find food? Try this experiment to learn how caterpillars use their senses.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Write a Poem in Two Voices about Bees

A poem written in two voices allows you to experience a new perspective. Try this activity to make connections about your personal experiences with our pollinating friends.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

bath fizzies
Science-U @home

Bath Fizzies

Splish splash, let’s do science in the bath! Make your own bath fizzies and have fun exploring chemical reactions while taking a relaxing soak!

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

uncovering racism

Uncovering Overt and Systemic Racism

Use these materials from PBS NewsHour with middle and high school students to help them understand the long history of anti-Black racism in the United States.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Visit Mars Book Cover
Science-U @home

Mars Egg Lander

NASA faced a huge challenge when they safely landed the Mars Exploration Rovers on the surface of Mars. Can you design a capsule that would protect a raw egg dropped from several stories to the ground? Try it!

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Iconic Women of Country

Making Music with Iconic Women of Country

Iconic Women of Country premieres on Monday, June 1, at 9:30 p.m. on WPSU. If you’re inspired to learn more, try writing country music lyrics with this activity.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

meringues
Science-U @home

Marvelous Meringues

Go from slimy egg white to fluffy foam to a crunchy solid and delicious cookie while learning about the science behind the marvelous meringue.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

thinking emoji over math equations written on chalk board

Decoding Algebra

Do you have questions while solving your algebra problems from home? This collection from PBS Learning Media contains videos on many topics covered in algebra that just might answer your questions!

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

egg lander
Science-U @home

Mars Egg Lander

NASA faced a huge challenge when they safely landed the MarsExploration Rovers on the surface of Mars. Can you design a capsule that would protect a raw egg dropped from several stories to the ground?

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Speaking Grief Press Photo

Speaking Grief

WPSU’s Speaking Grief website contains resources on grief and grief support for all ages. ​Note: Please consider this subject matter may be upsetting for certain audiences.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Science-U @home

Can You “Water” Plants with Other Liquids?

Most seeds need warmth, light, and water to start growing. But what happens when you replace water with other types of liquids? Test them out using this experiment!

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

flytrap

Deadly Carnivorous Plants

Watch Plants Behaving Badly at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 12 on WPSU’s main broadcast channel to learn more about carnivorous plants, and learn even with this video and discussion questions.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

Above the Noise

Above the Noise

Myles Bess takes viewers along on his journey to cut through the hype surrounding controversial topics in the news to find out what’s really going on.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »

 

crash course

Crash Course

Fast-paced, imaginative videos on science, social studies, history and literature.

Suggested for Grades 9 to 12

Explore this Activity »