Open-and-go lessons that inspire kids to love science.

Science curriculum for K—5th grades.

90 sec
  • Hands-on — lead students in the doing of science and engineering.
  • Standards-aligned science lessons — Cover core standards in 1-2 hours of science per week.
  • Less prep, more learning — prep in minutes not hours. Captivate your students with short videos and discussion questions.

Sign up now to try Mystery Science for free.

Sign up

Open-and-go lessons that inspire kids to love science.

Sign up now for tons of free lessons like this one!

Mini-lessons

Full Screen
Controls Icon Exit Full Screen
Slide Image
Full Screen
Controls Icon Exit Full Screen
Full Screen
Controls Icon Exit Full Screen
Full Screen
Controls Icon Exit Full Screen
Slide Image
Full Screen
Controls Icon Exit Full Screen
Full Screen
Controls Icon Exit Full Screen
Slide Image
5
To keep germs from spreading, keep your distance from other people. Can you come up with an invention that makes that fun?
Full Screen
Controls Icon Exit Full Screen
5
A hoop protects your space. You can even add a rolling table! But making a hoop is hard. What’s an invention you can build at home?
Full Screen
Controls Icon Exit Full Screen
5
One Chinese school had students make hats like one worn by an emperor 1,000 years ago. The long flaps keep students far apart.
Full Screen
Controls Icon Exit Full Screen
Full Screen
Controls Icon Exit Full Screen
Slide Image
4
Imagine that it’s your birthday, but you can’t have friends over. How can people have parties while staying apart? Any ideas?
Full Screen
Controls Icon Exit Full Screen
4
You could have a car parade! Or people could leave messages outside! How could people graduate together or have a school dance?
Full Screen
Controls Icon Exit Full Screen
4
Check out these creative celebrations! A boy threw a “dance” for his babysitter. This graduation party has real faces on pretend people!
Full Screen
Controls Icon Exit Full Screen
Full Screen
Controls Icon Exit Full Screen
3
These signs tell people what to do. But check out the blue sign. What do you think that one is telling you to do?
Full Screen
Controls Icon Exit Full Screen
3
These people have figured out the sign’s message! It tells you that this is a place for Silly Walks. Everyone walks silly in their own way!
Full Screen
Controls Icon Exit Full Screen
3
Make your own Silly Walks sign! Put it in your home, or have an adult put it outside. You can also write silly directions on a sidewalk!
Full Screen
Controls Icon Exit Full Screen
Full Screen
Controls Icon Exit Full Screen
2
Tens of thousands of flamingos have flocked to this city lake. Why do you think that’s happening? Why now?
Full Screen
Controls Icon Exit Full Screen
2
Many animals are visiting cities, not just flamingos! There’s less pollution in the air and water—and fewer people out to be scared of!
Full Screen
Controls Icon Exit Full Screen
2
Animals are in even stranger places! Since people aren’t going to museums, zookeepers have given curious birds a chance to roam!
Full Screen
Controls Icon Exit Full Screen
Full Screen
Controls Icon Exit Full Screen
1
An art museum had a fun idea: dress up like a painting! People use silly stuff from around their home. What could you use to make a collar and eyepatch?
Full Screen
Controls Icon Exit Full Screen
1
People get very creative. Look closely at what people use! Can you spot any rolls of toilet paper? What other things do you notice?
Full Screen
Controls Icon Exit Full Screen
Slide Image
1
Try it out! Here are three famous paintings to choose from. Can you copy one using blankets, paper, fruit, pets, or more?
Full Screen
Controls Icon Exit Full Screen
Slide Image
Full Screen
Controls Icon Exit Full Screen
Full Screen
Controls Icon Exit Full Screen

Voting for this episode is now closed. Would you like to vote on the most recent poll?

We pulled three questions from our jar. Which question do you want to explore?

  • How is cheese made?

    -Glenn, 2nd Grade

  • Why do animals have tails?

    -Eowyn, 4th Grade

  • How many stars are in the sky?

    -Danna, 3rd Grade

Has anything like the coronavirus ever happened before?

Watch the video to discover the answer and don't forget to vote for next week's question. There are mysteries all around us. Have fun and stay curious!