Science Educator and Children's Author
KATIE SLIVENSKY
Home and Classroom
RESOURCES!
STEM Activities, Discussion Guides, and More!
Make Your Own Ruby!
Would you like a mini mechbot friend to buzz and skitter about your desk? I know I do! While she might not be able to do all of Ruby's tricks, you can find instructions on how to build your own tiny bot here:
Model Rock Cycle
Let's model the phases of the rock cycle using broken crayons! Here is a step by step guide to make your own sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rocks at home or in the classroom. Perfect for readers of I, Rock!
What Kind of Rock Do I Have?
So, you've found a rock and want to figure out what kind of rock it is? This guide will take you through the identification process! Showcasing common rocks and minerals, you might be able to sleuth out exactly what rock you have. Or at least have fun trying! Perfect for readers of I, Rock!
Design a Mission Patch
Space missions often come along with cool, unique mission patches. What should the mission patch for the Destined for Mars program look like? Downloaded this activity here:
Straw Rockets
Try your hand at rocket science and be an engineer like Miranda from The Countdown Conspiracy! Make your own rocket with simple, at home materials.
Fossil Pawprints
How do we learn about ancient animals, like prehistoric wolves? Through fossils, of course! Here is a step by step guide to creating a model of a wolf paw fossil. Perfect for readers of This Wolf Was Different!
Modeling Domestication
This Wolf Was Different tells the story of the first time a wolf and human chose to live together. But what happened next? This simple, fun activity models this very important process!
Apply to a Mars Mission!
What would your answers be to the application form for the Destined for Mars program? This form can be found at the beginning of The Countdown Conspiracy or can be downloaded here:
Volcano Experiments!
Why do volcanoes explode? The secret is in the gas! Fans of The Seismic Seven, try out these at-home explorations of pressure and reactions to create your own messy volcanic fun. Three experiments included!
More for Educators
Additional ideas from educators who have used The Countdown Conspiracy in the classroom:
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Cardboard Challenge! Create a spaceplane, mechbot, or EMU out of cardboard and simple home items. Try working on schoolwork from inside your spaceplane!
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Program your own Moon or Mars rover via Scratch. Click here to learn more about this activity from NASA's JPL team.
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Launch a rocket! Construct a water rocket out of a 2 liter bottle and totally wow your students with a wildly fun engineering experience. Click here to learn more about this activity.
Still looking for more engagement? Book Katie Slivensky for a virtual or in-person visit!