AtomTouch is a molecular simulation app, created through a partnership between UW MRSEC and Field Day Lab, that allows learners to explore principles of thermodynamics and molecular dynamics in a tactile, exploratory way.

Meet the Data Decoders—a team of scientists at the Solís-Lemus Lab who use math and computers to interpret huge amounts of data from biological experiments.

Resources available for learning about this lab include:
• Interactive cards designed to introduce students to scientists in a more personal way
• A video with a personal story that explains why the lab's research matters in real life
• Questions to consider that will spark connection, reflection, and conversation
• An interactive video experience where you can ask questions of scientists in the lab and learn about their research
• An inquiry-based activity that focuses on doing science, using some of the same science practices that the lab uses
• An educator guide with information about standards alignment, curriculum connections, and tips for using the media resources

These resources are part of Meet the Lab, a collection of educational resources for middle school science classrooms.

Students will construct a distance model of the solar system to scale, using colored beads as planets. The chart below shows the planets and asteroid belt in order, along with their distance from the sun in astronomical units

Remix of OpenScied 8.2 lessons 1-3 in Google Slide format, starting with the introduction of the phenomenon and progressing through model building and discussion. 

The scenario is that the student is working in the engineering department of a manufacturing plant. The plant has access to a wide variety of machining tools, so it is customary for them to make or repair their own parts as things wear out. Many of the parts are unique to the equipment at the facility, so it is impossible to simply order one from some outside supplier. Even if a part was available, it is cost prohibitive to buy new.

Students will be provided with a small piece of machinery that they must reverse engineer the dimensions. For middle school level students, the geometry will be kept rather simple and the measurements straightforward. For high school students, the geometry can become more complex, requiring some drafting skill, caliper use, and higher level CAD design.

Once the students take all the necessary measurements, then using CAD (Tinkercad for the lower grades), they will build up a virtual mock-up of the part. From there, the option would be to teach additive or reductive design. The part could be recreated using either a CNC or 3D printer.

Meet the Virus Investigators—a team of scientists at the John W. and Jeanne M. Rowe Center for Research in Virology who study how viruses replicate and evolve so that we can better control them!

Resources available for learning about this lab include:
• Interactive cards designed to introduce students to scientists in a more personal way
• A video with a personal story that explains why the lab's research matters in real life
• Questions to consider that will spark connection, reflection, and conversation
• An interactive video experience where you can ask questions of scientists in the lab and learn about their research
• An inquiry-based activity that focuses on doing science, using some of the same science practices that the lab uses
• An educator guide with information about standards alignment, curriculum connections, and tips for using the media resources

These resources are part of Meet the Lab, a collection of educational resources for middle school science classrooms.