Spotlight on Sources:
Welcome to Renzulli Learning’s Spotlight on Sources, some of our most engaging resources to excite and inspire your students!
Do you have learners who would benefit from an independent study?
Independent Study Activities are a great stepping stone to prepare students for Project Based Learning! These initial activities could spur student interest to dig deeper and create their own project in our Project Wizard! One of the biggest advantages of Project Based Learning is that it makes school more like real life and provides your students an opportunity to engage in in-depth investigations of real-world topics!
Renzulli Learning offers thousands of independent study activities across many different subject areas. Check out our favorite independent study activities below. Looking for something different? Use the Advanced Search Option as a student, or Search Resources on your Teacher Dashboard to find new activities!
Check out a few of our favorite activities below!
Don’t forget, if you want to assign a weekly activity simply search the title of the weekly activity from your Teacher Dashboard and then send the activity to a student as a favorite! To locate these activities within Renzulli Learning you can SEARCH Enrichment Activities and type in the title of the activity you would like to locate. For more ideas to infuse enrichment activities with your curriculum, please visit the Unit Supplements on the Teacher Site, under “Teach.” We can also link these enrichment resources to your regular curriculum if you send us a theme or topic.
K-2
Air Blown Artwork
Fine Arts
Have you ever tried painting a picture with air? Try this fun art project where you use a straw to blow paint around on the paper to make an abstract design! Jackson Pollock look out!
Alphabet Snake
Reading
Snakes wind and twirl around. You can make an alphabet snake that winds and twirls. Cut the letters and place them on the snake!
Be a Sea Searcher
Science
The ocean is a great place to practice your counting, as well as your pattern-finding skills. This great website will provide you with the materials to complete a scavenger hunt about sea life. One, two, three, off to the sea!
3-5
A Super Science Guide to Your Own Backyard!
Science
Science
Learn how to investigate like a scientist! Follow the steps in this project to create a field guide to your own backyard or a nearby park. Write down your observations, including what you see, hear, and smell, as well as the textures you feel. If you have a camera, take it along so that you can include photos. You could also sketch pictures of the things you write about. Get those pencils ready, because there is a lot more going on in your backyard than you think!
52 Homemade Musical Instruments to Make
Music
Do you want to get the attention of kids? Tell them you are going to make musical instruments. Not only will they want to make, or help make the instruments, but they'll also love playing them! You'll find a nice variety of homemade instruments in this article and many are pretty simple and easy to make.
Build a Pioneer Town
History
This website discusses the buildings of a pioneer town, such as the General Store and the Blacksmith Shop, and why they were important. It also provides printout templates for assembling your own pioneer town!
6-9
“Fold the Paper” Activity
Mathematics
Mathematics
The Fold the Paper activity is an exercise to help students begin thinking “outside the box.” Students must be innovative to figure out how to get everyone in their team off the carpet/tile, despite the mental roadblock of the paper in front of them.
Activities for Animal Farm
Reading
Reading
Here are some ideas for projects to complete once you've read "Animal Farm" by George Orwell. Construct a model or diorama, create a newspaper, or research the Russian Revolution.
Biosphere in a Bottle
Science
Science
Do you know that, in every scoop of soil, there is an underground world of microbes (micro-organisms)? This "underground world" is referred to by scientists as a biosphere. At this site, you can make your own mini-biosphere in a bottle. Go for it!
10-12
University of Massachusetts Amherst: Interpreting Your Soil Test Results
Science
Science
The primary goal of soil testing is to inform efficient and effective resource management. Soil testing is the most accurate way to determine lime and nutrient needs. Soil testing is also useful for identifying contaminated sites (e.g., elevated levels of lead).
Biology Corner: Bioethics
Science
Science
Science and morals have always been conflicting with one another. While many scientists are eager to explore new possibilities, many others question if they should be manipulating genes and what information should be available to whom. Choose one of these controversial topics to learn about, then investigate the social, legal, scientific and educational aspects of the issue. Conduct a survey in your town regarding this practice, then educate your classmates using your research and data.
Coupled Resonant Pendulums
Science
Science
Use this site to learn about mechanics while making coupled resonant pendulums. Watch the pendulums influence how the other swings. Click the link below to get started.
Each week, we will send you a few examples of our best and most popular resources. For more ideas to connect enrichment activities with your curriculum, please visit the Unit Supplements on the Teacher Site, under “Teach.” We can also link these enrichment resources to your regular curriculum if you send us a theme or topic. Use the Submit Your Resource button on the Teacher Dashboard to send us the resources you already have or submit an idea for a new Super Starter Project!