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

Learn more

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

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

Back

Mini-lessons

Video Bonus Vote
Full Screen
Controls Icon Exit Full Screen
Video trouble?
Slide Image
Full Screen
Controls Icon Exit Full Screen
Full Screen
Controls Icon Exit Full Screen
Video trouble?
Full Screen
Controls Icon Exit Full Screen
Slide Image
Full Screen
Controls Icon Exit Full Screen
Full Screen
Controls Icon Exit Full Screen
Video trouble?
5
Stacking flat rocks is easy. You don’t have to think about balance. The flat side of one rock holds up the flat side of the rock above it. But imagine stacking rounder rocks. How could you do it?
Full Screen
Controls Icon Exit Full Screen
Video trouble?
5
This kid moves each rock until he finds the exact position where it balances. Every object has a balance point. The trick to stacking things is finding that point. Some people are really good at that…
Full Screen
Controls Icon Exit Full Screen
Video trouble?
5
Watch this expert stack a rock, hammers, and walnuts! The balance point of a hammer is always near the hammer’s heavy head. Knowing that helps him make this amazing stack!
Full Screen
Controls Icon Exit Full Screen
Video trouble?
Full Screen
Controls Icon Exit Full Screen
Video trouble?
4
This woman is walking on a wire rope high above the ground. Think about what she is doing to keep herself balanced. Try walking heel to toe on a line without falling. Does that give you any ideas?
Full Screen
Controls Icon Exit Full Screen
Video trouble?
4
Watch this amazing balance trick. The acrobat who’s upside down does something to help him stay balanced. It’s similar to what the tightrope walker does! Do you know what is helping them?
Full Screen
Controls Icon Exit Full Screen
Video trouble?
4
To keep your balance, you extend your arms. Spreading out your weight helps keep you from tipping over. That’s why the acrobat spreads his feet wide and the tightrope walker carries a long pole!
Full Screen
Controls Icon Exit Full Screen
Video trouble?
Full Screen
Controls Icon Exit Full Screen
Video trouble?
3
Richie Trimble set a world record for the world’s tallest bicycle. He built a bike that’s as tall as a 2-story house! Would you want a bike like this? Why? Do you see any problems with it?
Full Screen
Controls Icon Exit Full Screen
Video trouble?
3
Here’s one problem: getting on a tall bike can be tricky. But for tall bike riders, the hard work is worth it! They tower above the traffic, and they have a great view from way up there!
Full Screen
Controls Icon Exit Full Screen
Video trouble?
Full Screen
Controls Icon Exit Full Screen
Video trouble?
2
Most people stand on their feet. But this circus performer can stand on one hand! Wow! Her strength and balance is amazing. Can you think of a way to make a handstand even more amazing?
Full Screen
Controls Icon Exit Full Screen
Video trouble?
2
These talented acrobats take a handstand to the next level—on the top of a human pyramid! By working together, these acrobats support and balance on each other!
Full Screen
Controls Icon Exit Full Screen
Video trouble?
Full Screen
Controls Icon Exit Full Screen
Video trouble?
1
This trick requires balance and timing—but the boy makes it look easy! Have you ever heard the saying, “Practice makes perfect”? Can you think of a way to practice for tricks like this?
Full Screen
Controls Icon Exit Full Screen
Video trouble?
1
Andri Ragettli does tricks on skis that take a great sense of balance. He built this obstacle course to practice. It took Andri 148 tries to get all the way through it! (Don’t try this at home.)
Full Screen
Controls Icon Exit Full Screen
Video trouble?
Slide Image
Full Screen
Controls Icon Exit Full Screen
Full Screen
Controls Icon Exit Full Screen
Video trouble?

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?

  • Why do pandas only eat bamboo?

    -Korban, 3rd Grade

  • What is a drought?

    -Aaliyah, 2nd Grade

  • How do windmills work?

    -Junichiro, Kindergarten

How were skateboards invented?

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!