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
Looking for some simple and sustainable Valentine’s Day crafts for your kids to create? Discover five of my family’s favorite eco-friendly activities to make with supplies you probably already have at home! Choosing to show someone you care can happen any day of the year, not just on Valentine’s Day. However, when February 14th rolls...| Thoughtfully Sustainable
If you’ve ever wondered how to make engineering lessons engaging and memorable for upper elementary and middle school students, look no further than your kitchen pantry and craft drawer. Mini marshmallows and toothpicks might seem like humble materials, but they’re fantastic tools for teaching structural engineering. In this post, we’ll explore how these inexpensive items...| Thoughtfully Sustainable
When it comes to inspiring curiosity and creativity in kids, having the right tools can make all the difference. As a STEM teacher, I’ve spent plenty of time experimenting with gadgets, kits, and activities to find the ones that truly resonate with students and spark their imaginations. Today, I’m excited to share my top five...| Thoughtfully Sustainable
Are you searching for a way to make coding come alive for your students? Meet the Finch Robot by Birdbrain Technologies! Designed to engage kids in grades K-8, this versatile little bot is perfect for classrooms or at-home learning. Let’s dive into what makes Finch such a fantastic tool for teaching and learning. This post contains affiliate...| Thoughtfully Sustainable
The holiday season leaves us with plenty of wrapping paper scraps, empty boxes, and leftover ribbons—so why not turn them into a family STEM adventure? These simple challenges are perfect for keeping kids (and adults) entertained over the holiday break while teaching sustainability and problem-solving skills. Bonus: You’re reducing waste and having fun at the...| Thoughtfully Sustainable
As an educator and a parent, I’m always looking for creative and engaging ways to teach children about the wonders of science. One activity that can spark curiosity and excitement is a scavenger hunt for chemical elements! What’s even better? A chemical elements scavenger hunt takes zero prep and requires zero purchases! By turning your home or classroom into a treasure trove for elements, you can help learners discover the building blocks of the world around them. Here’s how you can co...| Thoughtfully Sustainable
Looking to add some science to your Earth Day celebration this year? I’ve compiled 10 free and easy science activities that you can do at home or in a classroom that will have learners of all ages engaged and excited about sustainability!| 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
Have you ever thought of using your uneaten citrus fruit as an electrical power source? Introduce kids to electricity and alternative energy sources with this fun and simple science demonstration that explains how to make a fruit powered clock, along with free printable diagrams.| Thoughtfully Sustainable
