Steam Activity Kits

DFW Environmental Affair Department has prepared a limited number of STEAM activity kits with supplies for lessons relating to local wildlife, water quality, and other DFW Earth Day topics. Schools may register for one or more of the STEAM activities, but supplies are limited. Kits will generally be distributed on a first come, first serve basis, but priority will be given to classes (or groups) with at least 25 students to maximize engagement. A more detailed description of each activity kit is included below:

The Rain Gauge Kit

Students will measure rainfall using a scientifically accurate rain gauge and report into the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network through a citizen science project. Additional NASA inspired engineering challenges, associated with this kit, involve open-ended projects encouraging students to design, create, and test their own rain gauge prototype and compare results with the scientifically accurate rain gauge included in this kit. While exercising their engineering muscles, students will learn about weather patterns, the water cycle, and data collection. This activity kit is designed to accommodate one class (approximately 30 students).

Please click the Download button to view the instructions and supply list for this kit.
Use the Request a Kit button to let DFW know you are interested in receiving this kit.

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rain gauge
air quality

The Air Quality Kit

This STEAM Activity Kit was put together in partnership with Dallas Airmotive. Teachers and students will be able to actively engage in the measurement of air quality. As pollution is increasing worldwide, and discussions of climate change, ozone, and greenhouse gases are more common, students will have the opportunity to understand that technical terminology by engaging in the collection of measurements using an air quality sensor and interpreting scientific data to make Air Quality Index (AQI) categorical determinations. This kit includes a technical sensor and AQI flags making the materials most appropriate to those in grades 9-12. One kit would provide the resources sufficient to supply one school or campus.

Please click the Download button to view the instructions and supply list for this kit.
Use the Request a Kit button to let DFW know you are interested in receiving this kit.

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The Spill Cleanup Kit

Be prepared for laboratory chemical spills with this Spill Cleanup Kit. The kit includes hazmat absorbent pads, packs of both acid and base neutralizing loose absorbent, disposable gloves, mini dustpan, and disposable bag to contain the waste. Students and teachers can use this kit as a starting point for discussions on lab safety, hazardous material management, and personal protective equipment. One kit would provide the resources sufficient to supply one school or campus.

Please click the Download button to view the instructions and supply list for this kit.
Use the Request a Kit button to let DFW know you are interested in receiving this kit.

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cleanup-kit
bird feeding

The Bird Feeding and Observation Station Kit

Students will show their creativity by assembling and painting a bird feeder, bird house, and creating a safe-haven feeding station for our feathery friends. Students will then engage in Citizen Science by watching, identifying, and counting bird species with help from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and logging their observations. In addition to the bird house, bird feeder, and display stand, this kit also comes with a guidebook, binoculars, and birdseed. This activity kit is designed to accommodate multiple classes, so DFW will limit one Bird Feeding and Observation Kit per school campus.

Please click the Download button to view the instructions and supply list for this kit.
Use the Request a Kit button to let DFW know you are interested in receiving this kit.

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The Water Quality Test Kit

DFW scientists will lead students (via video) in hands-on experiments on the subject of H2O, an essential resource for human survival. Students will learn about the composition of water, the distribution of fresh versus salt water on our big blue planet, the most common pollutants impacting fresh water, and how to identify/measure water pollutants and evaluate water quality in urban creeks and streams. DFW's Virtual Earth Day website will include additional engaging content related to this topic such as videos and sample lesson plans. Water testing kits, color comparison charts, and activity worksheets are included in this activity kit. This activity kit is designed to accommodate one class (approximately 30 students) and is best suited for grades 3 through 8.

Please click the Download button to view the instructions and supply list for this kit.
Use the Request a Kit button to let DFW know you are interested in receiving this kit.

Download
water quality
butterfly observation

The Butterfly Observation Kit

Students will watch a butterfly as it develops from a dormant cocoon to an essential member of the North Texas ecosystem. Students will be able to engage with topics such as the biology of metamorphosis and the role of pollinators in an ecosystem. Students will also have the opportunity to engage in citizen science projects focused on identifying, logging, and counting butterfly sightings that will help scientists answer questions regarding butterfly distribution, abundance and conservation. In addition to the butterfly chrysalis, this kit will include wildflower seed paper, and information on other pollinators. This activity kit is designed to accommodate one class (approximately 30 students).

Please click the Download button to view the instructions and supply list for this kit.
Use the Request a Kit button to let DFW know you are interested in receiving this kit.

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Curated by DFW Airport

DFW Airport is honoring Earth Day with a curated collection of videos, documents, websites, etc. about the natural world.