Ring and Disc Demonstration
The ring and disc investigation is a classic physics demonstration designed to introduce the concepts of rotational inertia, rotational motion, and rolling motion. Both the disc and the ring have the same diameter, width, and mass. When simultaneously released from rest at the same point on an inclined plane, the disc accelerates faster, reaching the […]
Smithsonian Science for the Classroom™ Curriculum Earns All-Green Ratings Across Grades K–5 from EdReports
BURLINGTON, NC, November 20, 2025 – The Smithsonian Science Education Center and Carolina® Science proudly announce that Smithsonian Science for the Classroom™ curriculum has been awarded the coveted All-Green ratings from EdReports for grades 3– 5. This recognition marks a significant milestone in elementary science education, confirming that the entire K-5 curriculum meets EdReports’ rigorous […]
The NGSS Classroom – A Checklist for Administrators
Using Our NGSS Checklist for Classroom Observations This NGSS classroom checklist can make it easier for administrators to observe, understand, and support 3D learning. It’s a consistent tool to use when visiting classrooms—for a quick walkthrough or a formal observation. The checklist highlights key indicators of NGSS science and engineering practices and lists specific examples […]
Darwin and the Galápagos Islands
This article was originally published in Carolina Tips® in November 1989. It was updated in August 2025. Mr. West photographed the natural world for Carolina Biological Supply Company. His work garnered many awards.—Ed. History The Galápagos Archipelago consists of 13 major and 6 minor islands, 42 named islets, and numerous rocks, all volcanic in origin. […]
Carolina STEM Challenge® Resources
Carolina STEM Challenge® kits for middle and high school classrooms offer students real-world design challenges in an exciting tournament-style format. These kits are designed to help you integrate STEM into your current curriculum while addressing the Next Generation Science Standards* (NGSS), including science and engineering practices. Learn More About our Best of STEM® Awards Why […]
Demonstration of Constant Acceleration
Kinematics is the study of the motion of an object without consideration of the force or energy that cause the motion. This is one of the first topics covered in most physics and physical science courses and is addressed in NGSS PS2: Forces and Motion: A: Forces and Motion B: Types of Interactions C: Stability and […]
Bacteria and Media Reference Guide
Exploring the World of Science Together: Family Science Night Made Easy with Carolina
Discover how to plan a successful Family Science Night at your school with engaging STEM activities, tips for organizing volunteers, and ideas to spark curiosity in students and families alike.
Bring Science to Life—Even from a Distance!
Even before schools around the world got an abrupt introduction to remote learning in 2020, distance learning wasn’t an entirely unfamiliar concept. Colleges had already tapped into the benefits of virtual learning and at-home kits, tools that have now grown in popularity even outside secondary education, especially to excite students with STEM. With education becoming […]
How to Plan an Engineering Design Challenge
Engineers apply science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) in order to design solutions to problems. Activities in which students play the role of engineers in a design challenge are an exciting way to grab their attention and foster a need-to-know mindset. This article provides a planning tool you can use to integrate principles of engineering […]