Lesson 7: Mega STEM Adventures with the National Geographic Mega Science Lab (130+ Experiments)
A flexible, year-round lab plan pulling from chemistry, earth science, and “magic of science” demos—perfect for rotating stations or weekly family labs.
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National Geographic Mega Science Lab
Bundle of chemistry, earth science, and “magic” STEM projects with clear guides and materials for over 130 experiments—great for building a consistent lab habit at home.
View on Amazon(Print-ready rotation schedule, station cards, and lab log sheets.)
Learning Objectives
- Establish a repeatable weekly lab routine across multiple STEM strands.
- Collect and analyze data with age-appropriate logs and reflection prompts.
- Differentiate between observation and inference; practice safe lab habits.
- Strengthen vocabulary for chemistry, geology, and physical science.
Materials Needed
- National Geographic Mega Science Lab
- Safety glasses, paper towels, and table cover
- Notebook or printed lab log (from PDF)
- Optional: thermometer, kitchen scale, stopwatch, ruler
Preparation & Setup (5–10 min)
- Skim the kit booklet and star 3–4 experiments suitable for today’s time window and age group.
- Set up two stations: Chemistry (safe reaction) and Earth Science (rock/mineral or crystal demo).
- Print lab logs and station cards (included in the PDF) so learners rotate smoothly.
Lesson Steps (40–60 min)
- Hook (5 min): Show a quick demo (color change or density trick) and ask, “What evidence would prove a chemical change?”
- Station A — Chemistry (15–20 min): Choose one safe reaction. Learners predict, run, and record observations (bubbles, temp, color). Emphasize variables and controls.
- Station B — Earth Science (15–20 min): Identify/observe minerals or begin a crystal growth setup. Record properties and sketch observations.
- Share & Reflect (5–10 min): Compare results across stations. What evidence supported a reaction? What patterns were seen in mineral properties?
Data & Assessment
- Use the lab log to capture Prediction → Procedure → Observations → Conclusions.
- Quick exit ticket: “One thing I observed, one question I have, one variable I would change.”
- Optional rubric (1–4) for safety, participation, accuracy of notes, and reflection quality.
Discussion & Reflection
- What counts as evidence when we claim a chemical change happened?
- How did the setup of each station influence your observations?
- Which tools (thermometer, scale, timer) improved data quality the most?
Extensions & Cross-Subject Links
- Math: Graph temperature or time-to-reaction vs. mixture ratios.
- ELA: Write a one-page “lab story” from the perspective of a molecule or a crystal.
- Long-Term: Continue crystal growth all week; photograph daily and make a mini report.
Parent & Teacher Tips
- Keep stations consistent week to week; rotate experiments, not the entire setup.
- Model concise note-taking. Bullet observations beat long paragraphs for young learners.
- Celebrate “good questions” as outcomes, not just “right answers.”
- Store reusable station bins so setup stays under 10 minutes.
Wrap-Up
This kit lets you run a sustainable, multi-strand STEM lab at home. With simple rotations, consistent logging, and weekly routines, kids build real scientific habits—predicting, testing, observing, and explaining.
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