Nature & environment [launchpad]

The goal of the Nature & Environment Module is to ignite kids curiosity to explore the connectedness of the natural world around them. Topics in this module include cause and effect, biology, plants, weather, geology, wildlife. STEAM Academy offers an interdisciplinary approach that weaves together the science, technology, engineering, art, and math skills learned in the classroom and connects them to things kids see every day.

Block Breaker Gem Mining is a classic breakout style game. As you progress in the game the levels will become increasingly more difficult. The next level is unlocked when the current one is completed by breaking all the blocks. Collect the falling gems and items that get released from the blocks to gain extra points and its PowerUp.

Our host, Eric Schulze, explains how science is tackling this puzzling question from space.

Dig deep into five sediment layers of the Earth avoiding hazards and enemies all while in search of dinosaur fossils to populate your museum. Inspect the fossils to learn interesting Dino Facts and collect Relics to learn even more! Collect coins from duplicate fossils in order to upgrade your digging equipment to extend the duration and effectiveness of your dig.

Mine your way through tunnels as you clear away endless levels of gems in this classic match 3 game!

Learn all about volcanoes in this digital, illustrated book from FarFaria.

Gather your little ones for story time with the National Air and Space Museum. Museum educator Ann Caspari reads the original story "Mo the Mars Man," a story celebrating the landing of the Perseverance rover on Mars. After the storytime, educators lead an activity to make a mini sandbox and ooblecka substance made of cornstarch and waterfor sensory play.

From the Sierra Nevada to the Rockies, these natural giants were formed in different ways over thousands of years, making up the United States's iconic landscape.

Rocks are formed in many different ways. Some are formed by heat, some are formed by pressure. Learn all about rock formation in this great Farfaria storybook!

Explore the different time periods when Dinosaurs dominated the land, air, and sea, through guided play, puzzles and digging up fossils and facts. Each new dig is an opportunity for budding paleontologists to crack rocks, brush away dirt, assemble fossils and uncover new dinosaurs and new dinosaur facts! Each dinosaur discovery is rewarded with interactive scenes packed with learning moments and interesting information.

This app is filled with animations and interesting facts, from the different layers of rocks which make up the earth, to the identification of precious and semi-precious gems. Do you know why the Hope Diamond's color is named "French Blue"? Learn the answer to that question and more in this fascinating app.

They might all look the same, but rocks are always. These changes happen slowly over millions of years. But why is that? And how are they formed?

Eric Schulze takes a look at the deepest any one has ever dug into the earth, and what it would take to go deeper.