Happy Halloween!

How Kids Judge the Halloween Candy You Give Out

5 Minute Science Lesson - Astronauts

1. Why do you think astronauts grow taller?

2. Do you think they stay that tall when they return to Earth?
(The answer is they don't. They shrink back to their original height.)

3. Do you think growing taller is a good thing in space, or a bad thing? Why?

Line Rider - Mountain King

This video (link here) is one of the most entertaining videos I've seen in a long time. Children of all ages will enjoy this rendition of Grieg's In the Hall of the Mountain King.

Rabbit or Duck?

5 Minute Science Lesson - Hurricanes, Cyclones, and Typhoons

1. What word do we use where we live?

2. Why do you think they're called something different in other parts of the world?

What Scares You the Most?

The Battle of English and Mathematics

5 Minute Science Lesson - Moonquakes

1. What do you think causes moonquakes?

2. Are moonquakes as dangerous on the moon as earthquakes are on Earth? Why or why not? 

3. How do you think moonquakes were discovered?

How Many Animals Do You See?

How Many Squares?

5 Minute Science Lesson - Satellites

1. What is a satellite?

2. What is solar energy? Where does it come from?

3. Can you name something else that uses solar energy?
(Hint: Many school districts speed limit signs and crosswalk signs are powered by solar energy.)

Number Matching With Paper Cups - With a Suggestion

I often see activities like this where a student is working independently to match numbers. I've used a few of them myself. However, there have been times when I've noticed a child put the wrong answer on top, and unless it's brought to my attention, it doesn't get corrected.

My suggestion is this. At the bottom inside the cup, put the same number of dots. That way, when the child mentions s/he's done, you can turn the cup over and have them check to see if their answers are correct.

On activities like this, there has to be a way for them to check their answers to make sure they're actually counting correctly and not just putting down any answer for the sake of finishing the job.

Leafy Ghosts