The Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) has engineered a weekly STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) curriculum aligned with Florida’s new Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (BEST) standards for students of all grade levels. The MODS Challenge invites students, teachers and parents in PreK through grade 12 to solve real-world problems through STEM and project-based learning.
During a time when distance learning is at the forefront, this curriculum bolsters 21st century skills, including creativity, critical thinking, design, teamwork, leadership, risk-taking and perseverance. Additionally, each week’s challenge offers selected readings for every grade level and access to some of the IMAX® films in MODS’ library of documentaries. The challenges strive to empower students to become STEAM learners and passionate problem-solvers for life.
Environment and Nature Week
MODS Challenge and Introductory Videos.
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| Grades PreK-5 | Grades 6-12 |
- Grades PreK-2: Backyard Wilderness
- Grades 3-5: My Square Backyard
- Grades 6-8: Quadrant Plot Survey
- Grades 9-12: Quadrant Plot Survey
Engineering Week
MODS Challenge and Introductory Videos.
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| Grades PreK-2 | Grades 3-5 | Grades 6-8 | Grades 9-12 |
- Grades PreK-2: Be an Engineer!
- Grades 3-5: Skinny Tower Challenge
- Supplementary Video: The Engineering Process Crash Course Kids
- Grades 6-8: Zip Line Challenge
- Grades 9-12: Trebuchet Challenge
Physical Science Week
MODS Challenge and Introductory Videos.
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| Grades PreK-2 | Grades 3-5 | Grades 6-8 | Grades 9-12 |
- Grades PreK-2: Float a Boat
- Grades 3-5: Pie Pan Convection Cells
- Grades 6-8: Action Figure Driver
- Grades 9-12: Rubber Band Powered Car
Ecosystems Week
MODS Challenge and Introductory Videos.
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| Grades PreK-2 | Grades 3-5 | Grades 6-8 | Grades 9-12 |
- Grades PreK-2: Animal Homes
- Grades 3-5: Ecosystem in a Bottle
- Supplementary Video: Ecosystems for Kids
- Supplementary Video: Understanding Ecosystems for Kids: Producers, Consumers, Decomposers
- Supplementary Video: Everglades National Park Ecosystem Overview: Top of the Food Chain
- Supplementary Video: PBS Florida’s Everglades Face New Invasive Threat: Rising Sea Levels
- Grades 6-8: Create a Watershed
- Grades 9-12: Ocean Acidification
Health and Wellness Week
MODS Challenge and Introductory Videos.
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| Grades PreK-2 | Grades 3-5 | Grades 6-8 | Grades 9-12 |
- Virtual Camp Discovery: Sinister Sneezes
- Grades PreK-2: Health, Wellness and Germs
- Grades 3-5: How Does Your Immune System Work?
- Grades 6-8: How Far Can Your Sneeze Go?
- Grades 9-12: How Do Viruses React to Soap?
Space Week
MODS Challenge and Introductory Videos.
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| Grades PreK-2 | Grades 3-5 | Grades 6-8 | Grades 9-12 |
- Virtual Camp Discovery: 3…2…1…0…Blast Off!
- Grades PreK-2: Space: The Sun, Moon and Stars
- Grades 3-5: Oreo Moon Phases
- Grades 6-8: Soda Straw Rockets
- Grades 9-12: Alka-Seltzer Rockets
Animals Week
MODS Challenge and Introductory Videos.
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| Grades PreK-2 | Grades 3-5 | Grades 6-8 | Grades 9-12 |
- Virtual Camp Discovery: Otter Talk
- Virtual Camp Discovery: Florida Box Turtle
- Grades PreK-2: Animal
- Grades 3-5: Jellyfish in a Bottle
- Grades 6-8: Build a Coral Polyp
- Grades 9-12: Shark Anatomy
Eye of the Storm: Hurricanes and Climate Resilience Week
This Week’s Challenge and Introductory Videos.
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| Grades PreK-2 | Grades 3-5 | Grades 6-8 | Grades 9-12 |
- Virtual Eye of Storm: Hurricane Hunters
- Virtual Eye of the Storm: National Hurricane Center
- Grades PreK-2: Weather and Preparedness
- Grades 3-5: Waterproof the Roofs
- Grades 6-8: Make a Hurricane
- Grades 9-12: Solar Oven S’mores
MODS Supplemental STEM Programming Videos
Click here to watch the Virtual Camp Discovery STEM programming series. The Museum is providing daily activities, resources, and high-quality educational content to be consumed in the comfort of your own home. These fun STEM programs range from storytime and hands-on activities to science demonstrations. We will be releasing videos every weekday morning. Dig in, enjoy and keep science in Motion!