and Application

hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere, and how these spheres interact with one another.

Alignment to NJSLS - Science 4-ESS2-2 Analyze and interpret data from maps to describe patterns of Earth’s features. 5-ESS2-1 Develop a model using an example to describe ways the geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and/or atmosphere interact. Connections to NJSLS - English Language Arts RI.5.7 Draw on information from multiple print or digital sources, demonstrating the ability to locate an answer to a question quickly or to solve a problem efficiently. Connections to NJSLS - Mathematics MP.2 Reason abstractly and quantitatively.

NEW! Natural Disasters

45 Minutes • Laboratory Workshop Online | At LSC | At Your School Discover the mechanisms of volcanoes and earthquakes and explore the ways scientists use models to prepare for future catastrophic events. Create your own tectonic plate model and investigate ways to minimize damage.

Alignment to NJSLS - Science 4-ESS3-2 Generate and compare multiple solutions to reduce the impacts of natural Earth processes on humans. 5-ESS2-1Develop a model using an example to describe ways the geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and/or atmosphere interact. Connections to NJSLS - Mathematics MP.2 Reason abstractly and quantitatively.

NEW! Planet Hopping!

45 Minutes • Planetarium Program Online | At LSC Find out how to tell the planets from the stars in the evening sky, and explore how planets move against the starry background. Then, leap off Earth and travel to each planet, seeing the planets as seen by NASA’s robot explorers. End the show with a ride on a Mars roller coaster. The entire journey is presented live from the Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium.

Alignment to NJSLS - Science 5-ESS1-1 Support an argument that differences in the apparent brightness of the sun compared to other stars is due to their relative distances from the Earth. Connections to NJSLS - Mathematics MP.2 Reason abstractly and quantitatively.

The Solar System

30-45 Minutes • Planetarium Program Online | At LSC Tour all of the planets and many of the

Alignment to NJSLS - Science 3-PS2-2 Make observations and/or measurements of an object’s motion to provide evidence that a pattern can be used to predict future motion. 4-ESS2-1 Make observations and/or measurements to provide evidence of the effects of weathering or the rate of erosion by water, ice, wind, or vegetation. 5-ESS1-1 Support an argument that differences in the apparent brightness of the sun compared to other stars is due to their relative distances from Earth.

Weather vs. Climate

30-45 Minutes Science On a Sphere Program Online | At LSC Watch Earth data sets come alive on Science On a Sphere. Explore climate changes over time and how the shortterm changes of weather are different from the long-term changes of climate.

Alignment to NJSLS - Science 3-ESS2-1 Represent data in tables and graphical displays to describe typical weather conditions expected during a particular season. 3-ESS2-2 Obtain and combine information to describe climates in different regions of the world. Connections to NJSLS - English Language Arts W.3.8 Recall information from experiences or gather information from print and digital sources; take brief notes on sources and sort evidence into provided categories. Connections to NJSLS - Mathematics MP.2 Reason abstractly and quantitatively.

ENGINEERING, TECHNOLOGY, AND APPLICATION OF SCIENCE

Intro to 3D Design with Tinkercad

45-60 Minutes • MakerLab Workshop Online | At LSC Learn the basics of 3D design in this course. Each student will need a computer and must download open-source software (Tinkercad). A document with directions on how to download Tinkercad will be provided.

Alignment to NJSLS - Science 3-5-ETS1-1 Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or a want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost. Connections to NJSLS - Mathematics 3-5.OA Operations and Algebraic Thinking (3-5ETS1-1), (3-5-ETS1-2) Alignment to NJSLS - Computer Science and Design Thinking 8.2.5.ITH.2 Evaluate how well a new tool has met its intended purpose and identify any shortcomings it might have. 8.1.5.CS.2 Model how computer software and hardware work together as a system to accomplish tasks. 8.2.5.ED.3 Follow step-by-step directions to assemble a product or solve a problem, using appropriate tools to accomplish the task.

Digital Art Studio

45-60 Minutes Tech & Design Studio Workshop Online | At LSC Now available in Spanish. Explore color theory, lighting, and animation to create digital art or animation. We’ll use an intuitive online S.T.E.A.M. toolset that’s limited only by your imagination.

Alignment to NJSLS - Science 3-5-ETS1-2 Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem. Connections to NJSLS – Mathematics MP.2 Reason abstractly and quantitatively. MP.5 Use appropriate tools strategically. Alignment to NJSLS - Computer Science and Design Thinking 8.2.5.ED.5 Describe how specifications and limitations impact the engineering design process. 8.2.5.ED.3 Follow step-by-step directions to assemble a product or solve a problem, using appropriate tools to accomplish the task.

Intro to Game Design

45-60 Minutes Tech & Design Studio Workshop Online | At LSC | At Your School Design custom characters, animations, and behaviors for video games. We’ll use the platform Scratch, which sets a foundation for computational thinking—an essential skill in today’s tech-driven world.

Alignment to NJSLS - Science 3-5-ETS1-3 Plan and carry out fair tests in which variables are controlled and failure points are considered to identify aspects of a model or prototype that can be improved. Alignment to NJSLS - Computer Science and Design Thinking 8.2.5.ED.3 Follow step-by-step directions to assemble a product or solve a problem, using appropriate tools to accomplish the task. 8.2.5.NT.3 Redesign an existing product for a different purpose in a collaborative team. Connections to NJSLS - Mathematics MP.2 Reason abstractly and quantitatively. MP.4 Model with mathematics. MP.5 Use appropriate tools strategically.

BACK TO TABLE Of cONtENTS

GRADES 6 - 8

According to the National Research Council, students from grades 6 - 8 transition to more abstract and detailed models and explanations of scientific phenomena. They learn to ask questions based on phenomena, determine relationships within models, and use mathematical representations and graphical displays of data to support scientific reasoning. LSC’s programs for grades 6 - 8 have students working more closely with authentic data sets to create models of the scientific phenomena being observed.