Geology of the Grand Canyon: Interpreting its rock layers and formation part of MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
In this culminating activity, students will be assessed on what they have learned during the Geology unit of their Earth Science class. After conducting classroom and field studies on geology students will utilize this knowledge to interpret the rock layers and formation of the Grand Canyon. Outside of class students will read/review a website and complete a study guide to be reviewed by the teacher to assess students' learning. Following teacher review of study guides, the next class period(s) will be a discussion and questioning session(s) on the formation of the Grand Canyon.

Atoms and Molecules part of MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
Both of these lessons are classroom activities that require students to build models that display understanding of atoms and molecules. One lesson is structured while the other is guided.

Modeling Valence Electrons part of MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
This activity is a guided practice and scaffolding activity in which the students learn how to configure electrons of elements and determine the number of valence electrons.

Rock Cycle Skit part of MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
This activity is a skit, commercial or song/rap about the rock cycle

Food Web and Chains Activity using Differentiated Tiering by Level of Challenge and Complexity part of MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
By using this tiered assignment students at different levels are able to review characteristics of living things by either creating a food web or food chart.

Scientific Observations: A Schoolyard BioBlitz part of MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
This activity is a classroom and field activity where students learn about and practice scientific observations in the classroom and then complete a field activity by making and recording scientific observations on school grounds.

Motion - Investigating Motion Graphs part of MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
In this activity students analyze the motion of a student walking across the room and predict, sketch, and test distance vs. time graphs and velocity vs. time graphs.

Exploration of Shadows in the Earth, Moon, and Sun System: Moon Phases and Eclipses part of MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
This guided inquiry activity has students using models to create variations of alignment of the Earth, Moon, and Sun. By varying their arrangement, students will discover how the positions of the Earth, Moon and Sun interact, how shadows can be cast on the Moon and on the Earth, and how Earth's view of the lit portion of the Moon changes.

Shrinky Dink Chemistry part of MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
This activity is a hands-on activity where students learn about polymers and the science of plastics, while making shrinky dinks.

Radioactive Dating: Looking at Half-Lives Using M&Ms part of MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
This is an activity that students will use M&Ms to gain a better understanding of radioactive dating and half-lives.