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!
Renzulli Learning offers thousands of independent study activities across many different subject areas. Check out our favorite independent study activities below.
To locate these activities within Renzulli Learning:
Under the 'Teach' navigation, click 'Search'.
On the Search page, 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
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 marine food web
Science
Food webs throughout the world all have the same basic trophic levels. However, the number and type of species that make up each level varies greatly between different areas and different ecosystems. In this activity, students build their own food web using images of organisms from the marine ecosystem. This activity can be done indoors on paper or outdoors on a tarmac surface using chalk.
"See" Inside A Closed Box
Science
Learn how radar works by performing your own experiment! Have someone place an object inside a box (don't peek!) and cover it with a piece of paper (that you can't see through). Then use a stick and measurements to create a map of what's inside. Read this page to better understand how scientists can see objects using radar.
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.
Thanks for being a part of the Renzulli Learning family and we hope you find these resources helpful.
Your Renzulli Learning Team