Investigating the Rock Cycle Through Writing and Illustrating part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
Leah Campbell, Central Intermediate School, Stewartville, MN, based on an original activity developed by Alissa Naymark, Rochester Public Schools
This activity is a quantative writing activity where students will use writing and illustrations to show their knowledge of the basic rock cycle.

Air Is Matter part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
Caroline Sorensen
This is a series of investigations about air and its properties. How air exists all around us, and things it is capable of doing.

Plant Field Study: Adaptations of Plants for Survival in Different Environments part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
Diana Magner Hill City Elementary Hill City, Minnesota Based on a lesson in Macmillan McGraw-Hill science textbook , grade 5, Chapter 2 – Plant Structure and Functions, Lesson 3 – Roots, Stems and Leaves
This is a field investigation where students observe plants in a school forest setting . Students then compare adaptations of plants from different parts of the forest.

The Rock Cycle: A hands on Simulation part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
jill selchow
This activity is a hands-on simulation of the rock cycle.

Investigating Soil Composition - Soil Soaks Up Water part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
Carrie Leisch, Centerville Elementary School, ISD 12, Centerville, MN 55038 Based on an original activity from Macmillan/McGraw-Hill, Lesson 2 Soil, p. 315 and 319.)
This activity is a classroom quick lab where students explore sand, soil, and water in relation to absorption and permeability.

Investigating simple plants part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
Claire Torrey
Students will observe simple plants, develop an investigable question, and form an investigation. They will document their investigation in their science notebooks.

The Incredible Journey- A Walk Through the Water Cycle part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
Kristin Contons
This activity is a classroom investigation where students predict, explore and evaluate what happens to water as it travels through the water cycle.

Make a Model Fossil part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
Anne E. Flynn St. Charles Borromeo School St. Anthony Village Minnesota Based on an original activity from Harcourt Science 2006. Page 215
This activity is a combination outdoor/indoor lab where students will collect natural materials from the environment and use them to create both a mold and cast model of a fossil. Students will learn how a fossil is formed and why scientists use models to help them understand how things work and develop.

Comparing Soil Samples from different locations part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
Chris Bakke, Clearbrook-Gonvick School, Clearbrook, MN, based on an original activity developed as an assignement during MnSTEP Inquiry class.
In this field investigation, students compare various soil samples taken from specific locations. Students compare samples, record data, create a chart or graph, and journal.

Save an Animal Board Game - Impact of Human Activity or Natural Disasters part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
Ginger Baldwin Bert Raney Elementary Granite Falls, MN Based on an activity from: Bosak, Susan V. (1991). Science Is... (2nd ed.). Ontario, Canada: Scholastic Canada LTD & The Communication Project.
This student activity engages the students' thinking by listening to a story, brainstorming ideas in small groups about how human activity or natural disasters could possibly impact an animal's environment, and then reinforcing that thinking using a board game called Save an Animal.