Grades K-2: Cloverbuds

Youth will be introduced to science and engineering as they explore properties of materials and discover how objects are designed with material properties. Special focus is placed on the impact and prevalence of plastics in our everyday lives. Youth will explore materials and their properties, sort materials based on their observations, identify different types of plastics and their proper disposal, learn how to lessen our impact on the Earth and its resources, and explore the role scientists and engineers play in advancing our knowledge about the world.

Preview of Curriculum

What is a Scientist? Engaging Youth as
Scientists and Engineers

Activity A: What is a Scientist?

Activity B: I Wonder … Hydrogel Crystals and

Scientist Mystery Boxes

Activity C: What is an Engineer? 

Curriculum Introduction and Overview

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Module 2

The Many Properties of Materials

Activity A: Exploring Materials

Activity B: Materials Engineering

Module 3

Plastics in Your World

Activity A: What “Sort” of Plastic is This?

Activity B: U.S. Numbering System

Activity C: What Can We Do with Our Plastic?

Module 4

Reduce, Re-use, Recycle

Activity A: The Recycling Factory

Activity B: Be a "Re-Use" Engineer!


Module 5

Renewable vs. Non-Renewable

Activity A: Sorting Materials

Activity B: Mining for Materials


Module 6

Scientists and Engineers

Activity A: An Engineer’s Tale

Activity B: YOU are a Scientist or Engineer!