This summer, our family checked off a major bucket list item: a visit to Epic Universe, Universal Orlando’s newest theme park. And while the park delivered on dragon rides, jaw-dropping design, and total Nintendo immersion, I couldn’t help but look for opportunities to sneak in a little learning along the way. True to Thoughtfully Sustainable...| Thoughtfully Sustainable
This summer, our family set off on our very first visit to Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando—and let’s just say, we were instantly hooked. Between flying through the sky with superheroes, dodging dinosaurs in Jurassic Park, and getting soaked in Toon Lagoon, the day was packed with energy, excitement, and (unbeknownst to the kids)...| Thoughtfully Sustainable
Planning a trip to Universal Studios Orlando with kids? Discover how our family blended the magic of the Wizarding World, Minion mayhem, and movie thrills with hands-on STEM and sustainability learning using free, easy-to-use educational apps and good old fashioned observations. This post contains an affiliate link. If you choose to make a purchase, thank...| Thoughtfully Sustainable
If you’re a parent or educator looking to sneak a little STEM learning into your family’s next adventure (without anyone noticing it’s educational), you’re in the right place. With two totally free, kid-friendly apps—Decibel X and Phyphox—you can transform noisy coasters, splashing slides, and even stroller-pushing walks into fascinating hands-on experiments in physics and sound....| Thoughtfully Sustainable
Written parent-to-parent, iced coffee in hand, with just enough geeky detail to keep the kids curious and the grown-ups sane, these recommendations will turn a Universal Orlando vacation into real world lessons in sustainability and STEM. First, A Note on Sustainability at Universal Orlando Universal Orlando isn’t just thrills and butterbeer. The resort now runs...| Thoughtfully Sustainable
As a certified Pennsylvania educator and K–8 STEM teacher, I’ve spent the past few years creating and integrating environmental literacy and sustainability into my classroom in meaningful, hands-on ways. So when Pennsylvania introduced its new STEELS Standards—which now include an entire domain dedicated to Environmental Literacy & Sustainability (ELS)—I was excited. These standards aren’t just...| Thoughtfully Sustainable
Introduce your learners to sustainable living habits through the classic game of bingo! Composting, eating leftovers, reducing energy consumption, and planting a garden are just some of the 30+ examples provided in this fun family favorite. This printable includes 30 different game boards, two sheets of calling cards, play instructions, reflective writing prompts, and the...| Thoughtfully Sustainable
Spring is in the air, and that means it’s time to break out the eggs, the food coloring, and—of course—a little science! If you’re looking for a fresh spin on egg dyeing this year, I’ve got just the thing: fizzy egg dyeing using baking soda, food coloring, and vinegar. Not only is this activity ridiculously fun (who doesn’t love a little fizz?), but it’s also a great way to sneak some STEM learning into your day.| Thoughtfully Sustainable
Imagine a classroom buzzing with excitement as students bring their ideas to life—from imaginative keychains to functional prototypes—all thanks to the power of 3D design and printing. Whether you’re a STEM educator, a classroom teacher, or a parent looking to enrich learning at home, integrating TinkerCAD and ToyBox Labs 3D printers into your lessons can...| Thoughtfully Sustainable
You’ve probably heard of composting. You may have a friend that composts or live in an area that has a community composting program. Discover how to explain the chemistry of composting to kids with a free, printable activity in English and Spanish!| Thoughtfully Sustainable