I’m always looking for great resources. What are my standards for determining if a resource is great? There’s not a magical formula, but some things I consider include:

  • the content of the information: Is the information research-based? Who developed the resource? What was their purpose in developing the resource? Is the “science” behind the activity explained?
  • the presentation of the information: Is it professionally presented? Are the graphics clean and neat? Is the content shared in an easy-to-understand format?
  • the format of the activity: science and engineering activities should be approached with a holistic mindset; we don’t just do an activity and box it up. Activities need to allow youth to develop critical thinking skills by making predictions, testing ideas, and refining methods.
  • the materials needed: Realizing financial budgets and access to supplies varies throughout the state, I always prefer activities that require minimal supplies that are easy to acquire.

Dyson engineers (yep, the vacuum cleaner folks) have created a series of 44 science and engineering challenge cards. The activities are offered as a free PDF download from their website. In addition to meeting all of the requirements above, I appreciate they are simplistic but cover a variety of concepts within science and engineering disciplines. Their website includes videos of the challenges being completed, making it as easy as possible to implement these activities. Download The James Dyson Foundation Challenge Cards today! Happy Science!

An adult leader mentoring three youth during a science activity with balloons.
Oconee County 4-H members completing science challenges during the summer.
Photo Credit: Andrew Davis Tucker / University of Georgia

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