“The students loved the "jumping competition." I love how the writers of this lesson worked math into the activity in an enjoyable way. We had a lot of information to add to our solar system notebook. Thanks Mystery Science Team!”

“The students loved this activity. It was very simple to implement, but again, Mystery Science did a wonderful job teaching the complex concept of seed dispersal. Second graders had a great time thinking through and deducing how the Koa seed actually was dispersed. Some students were very surprised at how animals disperse seeds. Great job Mystery Science Team!”

“Love the engaging videos! Graphic organizers are perfect! Even my struggling writers are writing thanks to the word banks! Love the 2 sources- video and text! The kids don't moan and groan when it's writing time!”

“Watching the videos was one of the best part of the lesson. Being able to see the videos in slow motion helped us understand the internal and external features of a frogfish and reef squid. Thank you Mystery Science!”

“This was the most involved in preparing and setting up, but also the most rewarding of all! The steps helped the students conduct the demonstration perfectly! They were exclaiming and shouting out the names of landforms as the water changed their models. They were comparing and seeing differences, drawing conclusions, and making connections. As a teacher, you might be tempted to skip this one just because it involves more prep and more time, but don't! It was the most impactful experience and provides such a powerful learning opportunity!”

“My students are I are really loving Mystery Writing! Very entertaining, engaging, and fun lessons to promote writing.”

“The students loved all the facts given and were amazed by all that these animals can do! Fun Lesson!!”

“We loved learning about the different trees especially the mysterious tree. We learned how our body systems are similar to those of the tree. ”

“We loved the way we had to work together and analyze information to solve the puzzle. We also loved learning about different kinds of trees and seeing how they survive.”

“I loved that two of my students realized BEFORE sending their sound codes that they would have difficulty with the constraints as given . . . too MUCH sound interference. . . which is EXACTLY what I'd hoped they'd eventually notice. This activity also allows students to think about using "failure" as an aid for revision in a non-threatening way. ”

“The actual measuring (weighing) to prove the salt is still in the water. It weighed the same. The salt did not disappear!”

“The students LOVED all of the videos. I loved how each one showed different behavioral and physical features. We all liked how the field guide helped with the videos. Great lesson!!!!”

“The tie-in between the mystery items/sensory input and memories for the raccoon tied in nicely to the larger concept questions for the turtle, and had the children thinking a little deeper on the larger question of survival.”

“My students and I thoroughly enjoyed this lesson. I heard them discussing observable traits with their partners and using other science vocabulary during our work time. ”

“I thought the book that they created was fun. I also appreciated the way the kids had to think about what the behaviors of the frogfish were vs the structure. It made them think about each one and how it was unique to their adaptation. ”

“This lesson was great! The booklet followed along with the video perfectly. The students really enjoyed learning about the frogfish and its adaptations!”

“This lesson was great no only was it hands on but students had to apply what they learned to answer the questions about the forest.”

“The students were introduced to a new fish species that they found really intriguing. They even want to complete a research project on the frogfish now. They were able to make connections to a background fish they have seen in a movie as well. It really deepened their knowledge of behavioral and structural adaptations as well. ”

“Engaging, clear instructions. Students should be able to demonstrate clear understanding of the standard after this activity.”

“It was interesting getting to see the frogfish in action. My students really loved the slow motion part. It was an "ah-ha" moment they will never forget.”

“I enjoyed experimenting with the model in this lesson. It helped me understand how the parts in trees work together as a system to help them survive in a particular environment.”

“The materials were great, and easy to use and implement. It was a great visual when learning hereditary traits for the students.”

“The kids were totally engaged in the videos which promoted great discussions! Some students who don't always actively participate were able to share their knowledge and ideas. ”

“My students were very engaged with this lesson. They found the frog fish and it's structures and adaptations fascinating. They enjoyed learning! Thank you! ”

“The engagement of my students. They really enjoyed becoming scientists to observe the different rock layers. The discussion questions were great help with getting them thinking. We LOVE mystery science!!”

“The students really enjoyed this lesson. It does take a minute to organize but it's worth it. You also really have to remind them that the mystery bag item isn't what the raccoon is really trying identify. My class loved it after and then could easily give a valid reason why the turtles would try to eat the bags!”

“I took the kids outside to look at different trees and especially their roots. I really liked the Roots chart because we discussed how and why roots would grow the way they do. The video with the rain really helped with the explanation on why roots would grow horizontally or vertically.”

“Loved that my students were actually "doing" the science skills: observing, collecting data, graphing, analyzing data, making predictions, drawing conclusions, etc. It was all embedded here! Thank you!”

“My students were engaged and interested! They worked together in pairs, had great conversations, and made connections to the previous lessons. I used this for a formal observation, and my administrator was so impressed! We love Mystery Science!”

“GREAT activity. It was a lot of fun for the students and gave them a chance to think and experience the world the way an animal would. (Raccoons were an excellent choice also)”

“I loved that we were trying to solve a real world problem. ”

“AMAZING Really makes my job easy breaking it down :)”

“Students enjoyed watching the frogfish hunt its prey! ”

“I love this activity with the field journal. Students could interact with the video and write using their own language. The explanation and vocabulary added at the end empowered them to think like scientists and reinforced their ideas during the explanation. Fantastic new lesson design! ”

“The hands-on seed models were the best part of the lesson!!!!”

“Students loved the videos of the Frogfish and the "field journaling" that went with the lesson. ”

“Great and engaging way to show students the correlation between size and gravity.”

“The videos! Pretending to be a racoon and using our racoon senses and memories was SO much fun!”

“this lesson went so well! A lot of pieces to print, but the directions were clear and the kids had a blast!”

“Students loved it and made them think! Asked really good questions. ”

“My students LOVED looking for similarities between the skeletons. They LOVED guessing which animals belonged to the skeletons. They LOVED using their evidence to determine the features of the unknown fossil. ”

“The entire lesson was awesome, my students enjoyed figuring out how the pigeons could mate and produce different traits. They loved the pictures and the activity. I like the vocabulary, and how it was linked to the concepts and pictures in the video. Thank You.”

“My students loved this lesson! Through the whole lesson students were engaged and they were very excited when they matched the offspring with the parents. Great lesson!”

“The hands on and the easy prep for this was wonderful. It kept the students active and gave great step by step directions. The materials required were simple and cheap but poignant for getting the point across. This is much appreciated as a science teacher who has to prepare many activities with lots of supplies.”

“This is one of my favorites....so engaging!”

“I really appreciated the example of structure and looking at the unusual tree with a complex trunk system. This was a great way to explain and have kids ponder structure.”

“My students were engaged the whole time!”

“We enjoyed learning about the different types of roots and how deep or shallow they can grow and how that translates to the environment that they are able to live in. We loved learning about the snow conditions and how trees are able to survive in the snow and also how some trees can survive in water like on the beach.”

“My students had a lot of fun doing this lesson. They especially enjoyed the experimental part with the branches.”

“The students enjoyed learning about the frogfish and the structures that help it survive in the ocean. The videos were their favorite part!”

“Our class liked the lesson because it showed examples of birdfeeders that attract different kinds of birds. It showed how kids could make a bird feeder out of ordinary materials.”

“My students loved the Raccoon Brain activity. They were very engaged the entire time and had a thoughtful discussion. They were able to connect the activity back to the sea turtle and plastic bag even before we saw the part of the video about sea turtles eating jellyfish. Excellent lesson!”

“Really taught the concept of habitats and diversity well. Very appropriate the second grade students. The activity demonstrated data collecting well.”

“The students loved it and stayed engaged the entire lesson. ”

“Everything was great! We loved the videos, the explanations, and the field journal activity.”

“We loved to compare and contrast the pigeons and talking about traits. ”

“It's great that its interactive and has some preparation. The fruit cards are really great too, because besides the observation skill, you really get to know lots of different fruits. Really great lesson.”

“the activity was great, It was super fun getting to find the traits. ”

“I LOVED the part where we decided where the renewable energy sources would go!”

“My students enjoyed the engaging collaborative work and step by step guidelines.”

“The engagement of the students and their ability to investigate which pigeon would give the best results for a particular trait. I also liked the fact that the handouts were easy to use and the questions were "easy" for them.”

“The kids loved the different pigeon names :) but it really showed them how different traits are passed on”

“The videos and handouts are amazing. Students were engaged throughout the lesson. I appreciated that you incorporated all four language domains which is so important. This is particularly helpful for my English language learners. As they were discussing, I was able to access them informally. Thank you!”

“The explanation using bar code readers and how well it connected to the secret code activity and eventually to phones! So relatable for kids! Thank you. ”

“Great job helping us know and understand more about natural and artificial selection, traits and how they are passed down from generation to generation.”

“The kids were so easily able to apply what they had learned to the final question of how to sort the mystery fruit. They were so proud of themselves for finding all the traits that the video also mentioned.”

“It was great to observe all the patterns and notice all the traits they had in common!”

“My class and I loved the making the different types of seeds. Many said this is the best activity of the year! Super engaging! ”

“Marbles are cool & great way to model simple energy transfers! Kids thought it was fun & energizing.”

“I think the lesson went great! The students understood what they were supposed to be doing. We talked about different kinds of codes and they were super excited about the activities.”

“The best part was watching the students come up with their codes...very creative dance moves for sure!”

“The explanation and activity was engaging for the students. They really enjoyed it.”

“I loved this lesson! My favorite part was that the instructions said no mouth for the voices part, I was nervous because I have an active group and that just made it perfect! We did not have time for the visual ques but I can break it up to a 2 day thing (if time allots) BUT just the sound one alone was a great intro to sound waves unit. ”

“The kids loved this lesson. It was great to see them use there. Observational skills. They even got into some disagreements about what the observations told them. There was some good partner work.”

“Our classes loved this new lesson! It brought together everything we've been learning into an overall system. My students enjoyed this game the most out of the three this unit, and I enjoyed it the most because it was a cooperative game. ”

“It was great! Students really learned about other types of energy transfer (like sound energy). They realized how they could "save the world" with marbles! ”

“They loved it! Seed dispersal was so fun and they and I were amazed at how far and different the simple paper seeds moved.”

“Students loved making the model trapezes and testing them with string length and pennies.”

“My students loved helping Brenda help the baby birds. They now know how to look for traits to help them observe their world.”

“The videos engage students and the activities are so well defined. They do not cost a lot of money and are enjoyable with great learning and challenge.”

“This lesson was a really great lesson. It was interesting to the students and was very easy to follow for the students to complete. Students were able to understand that animals all have life cycles and were able to articulate similarities and differences between various animals on the timelines. ”

“My students LOVED this lesson! They kept guessing throughout the lesson while they were filling out the Flash Flood Finder. It was lots of fun!”

“We loved the lesson, physical involvement, and vocabulary review at the end!”

“Our 8 year old son, Matthew, absolutely loved this lesson. It kept his FULL attention and he did not want it to end. He has been passionate about dinosaurs for a long time, for years even, and to stumble upon this lesson was a treasure for him. And to try to single out a best part would not do the lesson justice as a whole. He thoroughly enjoyed it all. Thank you very much.”

“We loved making the seeds and learning how their shape helps them travel. ”

“Watching the kids discuss the differences in the seed structure was awesome!”

“The excitement that was built before the hands on experiment was palpable!”

“I love the extremely minimal prep part. Just print off a few papers, and you told me exactly how many copies I need of each based on the number students I have. Bravo! The slides are amazing! It goes in an sequential order and shows students exactly how to make their project. They loved it! And now I feel like I can regularly do science since I no longer have to do tons of print and try to figure out the sequence of how to do things. Thank you so much for this.”

“My students were thrilled with the game and told me I HAD to give this five stars. They enjoyed it so much that I'm laminating several copies to use as an anchor activity and I'll be sharing it with parents at our Academic Night.”

“The students loved creating their own codes. The lesson has just enough support for all students to be successful. The students were really engaged and loved understanding how bar codes work.”

“The kids loved it! Reading the fossil clues was great for practicing fluency and for the partner needing to listen carefully for clues. Great for their reading comprehension skills!”

“Love the updates on this lesson. My students LOVED making and testing the different types of seeds. They were all so engaged. What a great way to learn about seed dispersal!”

“The video footage was outstanding! Students loved seeing the bee's proboscis and the different sizes and shapes of flowers! Students also loved the game so much, I had to give them time the following day to play again!”

“It was very engaging and interesting for the students to go through. I was impressed since it was a paper, cut , glue only project and they loved it. ”

“They liked coming up with their own codes and it was engaging!”

“The kids were very engaged and loved learning about fossils and how scientists can tell a lot about them just from their bone structure.”

“My students loved seeing what the animals (who are alive today) were after seeing the bones.”

“Every part of the lesson is so detailed, students know exactly what to do and have a clear understanding of the concepts being taught. We are having fun predicting our local weather based on the information being presented. ”

“This was such a fun activity for the students. They loved looking at the data to figure out where the best place to build a snow fort. ”

“The best part was being able to do a plant experiment without having to spend money on plants. It was also a student-friendly explanation of what a controlled experiment is.”