The Science and Technology Enrichment Program (STEP) program offers standards-based programs for students in grades K-12, focusing on scientific investigations while utilizing classroom and outdoor laboratories. Links to related activities are listed below.
Arthropod Adventures and Pollinator Parade (Grade 2)
Activity Pages :
Books:
- Senorita Mariposa by: Ben Gundersheimer
- Butterflies by: Marfe Ferguson Delano
Videos:
Monarchs:
The following web site is a treasure trove of information and activities for classroom use about Monarch butterflies. On the Multimedia Gallery page of the web site, you can upload student artwork and essays.
http://monarchwatch.org/index.html
Pillbugs:
The following web site has background information, student investigations, and a list of resources about pillbugs.
https://workbasedlearning.pnnl.gov/pals/resource/cards/pillbugs.stm
Audubon Grade 3-5
Post-Trip Activity
Audubon Adventures is an environmental education curriculum product created by the National Audubon Society for grades 3 - 5. Developed by professional environmental educators, Audubon Adventures presents standards-based science content about birds, wildlife, and their habitats.
And the best part is that your students can access it free online at www.audubonadventures.org.
Check out the student magazines and the corresponding teachers' guides, and continue the Adventure into learning about our environment!
Birds Alive (Grade 4)
Activities and Lessons:
Worksheets:
Videos:
Books:
- Animal Adaptations by: Patricia Armentrout
- Animal Adaptations by: NSTA Press
Cycling Through Life (Grade 2)
Activities:
Books:
- My Book of Life Cycles by: Camilla de la Bedoyere
- From Bee to Egg (Life Cycles Series) by: Camilla de la Bedoyere
Videos:
Dazzling Diversity (Grade 4)
Pre- and Post-Activities
Final Task: Students will practice scientific argument to write conclusions for the field investigation/scavenger hunt.
Standard: CC ELA 4.W.2 Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.
Procedure:
- Before going, let students know that they will be using the data collected during the scavenger hunt and taxidermy study to write a scientific argument.They will be gathering data (clues) to figure out what animal their team tracked. They may want to do research and/or brainstorming to find out what animals are native to this region.
- During the program, remind students that they will use the information/data collected to write their paper so they will pay close attention to details.During the taxidermy study, they will gather information about the adaptations and lifestyles of native animals. During the scavenger hunt they should be looking for evidence that tells what animal they are tracking.
- Students will be placed in teams of 4-5 for the taxidermy study and the scavenger hunt. For best results, the teams should be the same for both activities. The teacher should collect the sheets from both activities and save them for students to use back in the classroom.
- Back in the classroom, use the prompt below to go through the writing process. It may be preferable for students to write individual papers and then collaborate with team members for editing and revisions rather than trying to write one paper as a team.
Prompt: As you went from station to station on the scavenger hunt, your team collected evidence of a particular native animal. Write to explain your conclusion about what animal you were tracking. Give specific evidence (clues gathered) to support your ideas.Include ways that your animal is adapted for survival in this area.
Writing Assessment Rubric (7 points)
Scientific Argument (3 points):
- 1- Claim—State the result.
- 1- Evidence—Experimental data used to support the claim.
- 1- Reasoning—Explains WHY the data supports your claim.
Content (4 points):
- 4 – Ideas are very clear; specific details given
- 3 – Ideas are clear; some details given.
- 2 – Ideas aren’t very clear, few details given, somewhat confusing.1 –No clear ideas, no details, very confusing.
- 0 – Off topic, illegible, or not long enough
Extension ideas developed by Leah Lewis, Karey Santos, and the 4th grade teachers at Millbrook Elem.
Dirt Detectives CSI Soil (Grade 3)
Post-Trip Activity
Activities & Lessons:
- http://www.eeao.org/images/pdf_docs/conference/2016/presentationmaterials/goward_soillesson.pdf
- https://www.soils4teachers.org/lessons-and-activities
- https://www.lifelab.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/2ndGradeSoilStories2012.pdf
- Erosion Experiment
Books:
- Dirt: The Scoop on Soil by: Mandy Ross
- Rocks and Soil by: Rebecca Rissman
Videos:
Dirty Business (Grade 7)
Activities and Lessons:
- https://www.soils4teachers.org/lessons-and-activities
- https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/soils/edu/7thru12/
Readings:
Videos:
Green Dirt and Dirt on Dirt Lessons (Grade 1)
Soil Activities & Lessons:
Soil Worksheets:
Plant Worksheets:
Videos:
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=if29mjcd5bc (soil)
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TE6xptjgNR0 (plants’ needs)
Books:
- Dirt: The Scoop on Soil by Mandy Ross
Green Things (Grade 1)
Activities & Lessons:
Videos:
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkFPyue5X3Q
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3St51F4kE8
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TE6xptjgNR0
Worksheets:
Water Dance (Grade 4)
Activities and Lessons:
Videos:
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7OkKEbOc6E
- https://www.generationgenius.com/videolessons/water-cycle-video-for-kids/
Books:
- A Raindrop’s Journey by: Suzanne Slade
- The Great Big Water Cycle Adventure by: Kay Barnham
Pre- and Post-Activities
A 16-copy set of The Curious Adventures of Sydney & Symon in: Water Wonders is available for check out through RPSEC's Traveling Science and Mathematics Demonstration Program.
5K Junior Explorers
Post Activities
For scheduling or logistics information please contact the RPSEC office at 803-641-3313 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For other information, please contact Kimberly Fickling at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 803-641-3769.
