STEM Activities | Teachable Moments

Video

Media Gallery

Grades: PreK-K, Grades 1-3, Grades 4-5, Grown-Ups and Educators

Favorite

Dirt Dessert

Maybe you have seen cups of dirt dessert before. But did you know they represent the 4 layers of soil? Ashley Kovel and Paris Lyons from the Washington and Jefferson Education Department explain each layer and encourage you to investigate the soil below your feet!

Age of a Tree

Did you know that the trees around you could be older than the city of Pittsburgh itself? Joe Stavish, the director of education at Tree Pittsburgh, explains how to estimate the age of a tree using the tools you already have at home!

The Power of Wind

At the Neighborhood North Museum of Learning, they have plenty of ways for you to discover the power of the wind. Teaching Artist, Dennis Garner shows you how you can build one of these contraptions in your very own home.

Circus Science

Constellations are pictures we draw using stars in the night sky. In this Teachable Moment, Lindsay Surmacz, aka “The Starry Messenger”, teaches us a few constellations using the art of circus performance.

A Paper Workout

Can a piece of paper hold up a stack of books? Melissa Unger, South Fayette Elementary School STEAM teacher, gives it a try. Basic concepts like building and distribution of weight are demonstrated in this fun lesson that can easily be done at home.

What’s Up Polaris

Science communicator Ralph Crewe takes us on a trip “up”. In this Teachable Moment, “Up” is the night sky and Ralph teaches us how to always locate Polaris, the North Star.

Tangram Puzzles

Do you like stretching your mind? How about a neat way to learn shapes AND construct dozens of different puzzles? Try making a Tangram with help from Integrative Media Artist and TEKStart owner Shimira Williams.

Coding Step by Step

Stem Coding Lab Program Director Jason Hivner explains what the term “algorithm” means. Coders use it every day in their work, but it’s actually just a fancy word for a step by step process. Jason uses an “algorithm” to teach his partner to complete a simple task.

Science and Slushies

Jasmine Hamilton, a middle school science teacher at Propel McKeesport demonstrates a cool scientific phenomenon using a bottle of water and a homemade freezer. The results are surprising and fun, and students are challenged to try to repeat the experiment themselves in their own homes.

Support Materials

Dirt Dessert
Age of a Tree
Circus Science
Paper Workout
What’s Up Polaris
Tangram Puzzle
Coding Step by Step
Science and Slushies

About

This media gallery of Teachable Moments videos focuses on simple STEM activities. Try out these activities on your own and check out the resources for more ways to extend the learning.

iQ: smartparent Teachable Moments are short vignettes that “extend the learning” at home or in the classroom with additional information, resources, and ideas in the form of PDFs

iQ: smartparent is an Emmy Award-winning program about parenting in the digital age. WQED-TV created a television series and social network for parents to empower them with new knowledge, tools, and abilities to successfully guide their children in the use of digital media and technology. Our show is developed in partnership with WQED’s award-winning education, production, and interactive teams.

Credits: WQED

Standards

Science, Technology & Engineering (STEELS/Science)

3.1.4.A – Know that natural and human‑made objects are made up of parts.
3.1.4.B – Know that living things are made up of parts that have specific functions.
3.2.4.A – Identify and use the nature of scientific and technological knowledge.
3.2.4.B – Apply process knowledge to make and interpret observations.
3.2.4.C – Recognize and use models as representations of real things.
3.2.4.D – Identify and use patterns to make predictions.
3.2.4.E – Recognize change in natural and physical systems.
3.4.4.A – Recognize basic concepts about the structure and properties of matter and energy.
3.4.4.B – Know basic principles of motion and forces.
3.5.4.A – Describe how science and technology are related.
3.5.4.B – Identify and use tools, materials, and processes in technology.
3.5.4.C – Recognize the influence of technology on daily life.
3.6.4.A – Understand that people use tools and machines to solve problems.
3.6.4.B – Describe how design and technology can be used to improve life.
3.7.4.A – Describe the use of scientific and technological knowledge in local problems.
3.7.4.B – Use simple instruments and tools to gather data and solve problems.

Mathematics (STEM problem‑solving, data, and measurement)

CC.2.1.2.B.1 – Use place value concepts to represent amounts and compare values.
CC.2.1.3.B.1 – Apply place value to solve real‑world and mathematical problems.
CC.2.2.2.A.1 – Represent and solve problems involving addition and subtraction.
CC.2.2.3.A.1 – Represent and solve problems involving multiplication and division.
CC.2.3.3.A.1 – Analyze and classify shapes by their attributes.
CC.2.3.4.A.1 – Draw and identify lines and angles, and classify shapes.
CC.2.4.2.A.1 – Measure and estimate lengths using standard units.
CC.2.4.3.A.1 – Solve problems involving measurement and estimation.
CC.2.4.4.A.2 – Represent and interpret data using charts and graphs.

Computer Science & Digital Literacy

3.4.5.DL.1 – Use digital tools to locate and organize information.
3.4.5.DL.3 – Create original works using digital tools.
3.4.5.DL.5 – Practice safe and responsible use of technology.