Observing,Comparing and Classifying Rocks part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
This activitiy is a lab experience where students observe, compare and classify rocks. Close examination of a variety of rocks reveals their differences and can also spark questions regarding their origins.

Creating understanding how metamorphic rock is formed part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
This activity gives a visual representation of how we are able to see the different layers of metamorphic rocks.

2-Day Investigating Soil Samples: observing and identifying soils part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
This activity is designed for a primary classroom (outdoors & indoors) investigation where students collect and investigate soil samples and describe the soils, looking for similarities and differences. Students develop a method of recording the data colleted and can present the information gathered.

Investigating Three Main Ingredients Needed to Create a Cloud in a Bottle part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
This is a hands on activity for creating and observing a cloud in a bottle.

Watershed: Exploring Run-Off and Infiltration in the Classroom part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
This activity is a classroom based inquiry activity where students will observe how water changes when it is moved through a variety of different mediums. Eventually, the students will take this model to the larger ideas of watershed in the community.

Identifying the sun as a source of light by observing shadows. part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
This activity is a kindergarten field and classroom investigation where students make observations, collect data and share conclusions that shows they understand that the sun is a source of light.

Moon Phases Box part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
This activity is an observation opportunity for students to view the phases of the moon and learn that the juxtoposition of the Earth and moon dictates the appearance of the moon in the sky.

Worm Farming and Composting part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
This activity is a lab investigation where students design an experiment to create rich soil using organic matter, dirt, newspaper and red worms.

Observational Skills: Observing and creating sketches of an outdoor environment part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
In this series of activities, students observe and sketch the environment outside their school using their senses. Students create a classroom book using one of their sketches.

Classroom Phenology: Using the Environment as a Source of Data and Observations part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
This activity is a classroom and schoolyard investigation where students collect daily temperature and precipitation readings, weather observations, and weekly phenology reports in a phenology binder and in nature journals. Students then analyze this data and compare to recorded values in the Weatherguide calendar.

Seed Investigation part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
This activity involves seed collection and exploration of common seeds.

Singing the Water Cycle part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
This activity teaches the water cycle using song and movement.

Backyard Science...The Five Senses part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
This lesson uses centers to reinforce the five senses incorporating backyard science in the wonderful world of nature.

What Is Water? part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
What Is Water? is an introductory lesson that introduces students to the properties of water and its presents in the environment.

How Clouds are Made part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
This activity is a classroom demonstration where students observe how clouds are formed.

Observing Leaves and descriptive writing part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
In this activity students will explore leaves using inquiry and their senses.

How Wind Affects Various Objects part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
This activity is a center investigation where students learn about wind force using a fan/wind tunnel and objects.

Dissecting Soil part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
This activity is a field investigation where students find out what makes up soil.

Weather/Water Cycle part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
This activity is a class activity where students gather information of the water cycle, weather and seasons by doing a lab and game that enforces the concepts of the water cycle.

The Science of Puddles part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
This activity is a field investigation of puddles where students gather data and record their findings.