MIDDLE SCHOOL CLASSROOM PROGRAMS
The Asombro Institute can bring a bit of hands-on science and the desert to your classroom. All programs provide an opportunity for students to learn about science through hands-on activities. Each program is aligned with the New Mexico STEM Ready! science standards (including the Next Generation Science Standards) and Common Core mathematics and English Language Art standards, where appropriate. Please call the Asombro Institute office (575-524-3334) to schedule your classroom presentations.
- Where: In your classroom
- Cost: $60 for first presentation; $30 for additional, same-day presentations (additional travel charges may apply for schools outside Las Cruces, NM – $25 + 45 cents per mile)
- Maximum Group Size: 1 class per presentation (exceptions on an individual basis)
- Length: Approximately one hour per presentation (some lessons are multi-day)
Asombro provides programming in all four science disciplines in the NGSS curriculum: life science; physical science; earth & space science; and engineering, technology, & applications of science. Please scroll down to see our specific program offerings. A brief description of the program and applicable science standards are listed for each lesson. Click the science standard to read more on the Next Generation Science Standards website.
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Carbon CyclingStudents explore the exchange of one important type of matter (carbon) between respiring animals and photosynthesizing terrestrial plants in investigations using their own breath, plants, carbon dioxide sensors, and data loggers. Students then participate in a carbon cycle quiz game where they use the carbon cycle to earn points for their team.
SCIENCE STANDARDS ADDRESSED
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Desert Data JamIn this three-part lesson, students are introduced to the Desert Data Jam and begin to prepare their projects. As a class, we walk through the steps needed to create all sections of the presentation board using the rubric and complete a whole class creative example project. Students then begin to prepare for the Desert Data Jam. By the end of the third lesson, students will have analyzed their data, identified a data trend and its possible explanation, and begun to think about graphing their trend.
SCIENCE PRACTICES & CONCEPTS ADDRESSED
Science & Engineering Practices
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Energy TransferStudents trace the transfer and transformation of energy as it flows through a small section of the desert food web centered on a kangaroo rat. They learn about energy as a crosscutting concept, applying “physical science” concepts of kinetic and potential energy to “life science” concepts like photosynthesis, metabolism, thermoregulation, and movement of organisms.
SCIENCE STANDARDS ADDRESSED
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Human ImpactsStudents will identify trends in state and national public supply water use data. They will apply their understanding to identify the need for further water conservation. They will explore three models of outdoor water conservation, while collecting quantitative data on water that is conserved.
SCIENCE STANDARDS ADDRESSED
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Insulating You, Insulating EarthTo model the enhanced greenhouse effect, students will conduct an experiment using their own body heat, thermometers, towels, and space blankets. Students will use data and models to forecast the rate of climate change and impacts on Earth.
SCIENCE STANDARDS ADDRESSED
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White Sands LizardsStudents are introduced to the phenomenon of camouflage in desert animals. They then move through activities highlighting major stages of evolution by natural selection in the context of blanched lizards at White Sands National Monument in New Mexico. Students will apply what they learn about blanched lizards at White Sands to explain the process of natural selection in rock pocket mice at the Valley of Fires in Carrizozo, NM.
SCIENCE STANDARDS ADDRESSED
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