Welcome to Science & Stories Online!
Join ECHO Educator Elizabeth Nuckols for at-home science learning any time!
In each episode, Elizabeth engages audiences with a song, reads a book, and introduces a hands-on STEM activity for you to try at home.
ECHO Science & Stories: I am a Toy Engineer!
What is your favorite toy? Did it come from a store? Sometimes the very best toys are homemade. Let’s work together and figure out how we can make a toy out of things we find around the house. It might just become your favorite toy!
Featured book: Have Fun, Molly Lou Melon. Written by Patty Lovell, Illustrated by David Catrow. Published by G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers, October 25, 2012.
Do More, Learn More Activity Links:
ECHO Science & Stories: I am a Robotics Engineer!
Robots are machines that help humans do their work. Will you be my engineering partner and help me build a robot? The problem is…I don’t know how to get started. Two problem solvers are better than one, so let’s work together to get the job done!
Featured book: Robots, Robots Everywhere by Sue Fleiss. Illustrated by Bob Staake. Published by Little Golden Books, 2013.
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ECHO Science & Stories: I am a Mechanical Engineer!
Are you an inventor, a creator, a maker, a builder? Today I want to build something magnificent and I need your help! Let’s do some research, talk through some ideas and then create and improve the most magnificent machine together! You can be a Mechanical Engineer!
Featured book: The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires. Published by Kids Can Press, 2013
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ECHO Science & Stories: I am a Marine Engineer!
Can you build a boat that floats? How about a boat that floats and moves all by itself across the water? That is hard! But, you can do hard things. You can be a Marine Engineer!
Featured book: Boats Float by George Ella Lyon and Benn Lyon. Illustrated by Mick Wiggens. Published by Atheneum/Richard Jackson Books, September 1, 2015.
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ECHO Science & Stories: I am a Civil Engineer!
Calling all makers and builders! There is a little turtle that needs your help! City planners are building a road right through the little turtle’s home. There has got to be another way to build the needed road without destroying the turtle’s home! Together we will read a story to learn more and then get to work solving this big, big problem. You can be a Civil Engineer!
Featured book: Little Turtle’s Big Adventure by David Harrison. Illustrated by J.P. Miller. Published by Random House Books, November 12, 1969.
Do More, Learn More Activity Links:
ECHO Science & Stories: I am a Chemical Engineer!
Chemists are scientists who mix things together to make something new. Chemical engineers mix things together to make something new and THEN figure out how to make a whole lot of it. Let’s work like Chemical Engineers together because making a whole lot of something can be a whole lot of fun!
Featured book: Whopper Cake by Karma Wilson. Illustrated by Will Hillenbrand. Published by Simon and Schuster’s Children’s Publishing Division.
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ECHO Science & Stories: I am an Automotive Engineer!
I want to make a car that drives itself, does not use gasoline, and has a built in ice cream sundae making machine! What special features will your car have ? Let’s imagine together and then build some crazy and creative cars! You can be an Automotive Engineer!
Featured book: If I Built a Car by Chris Van Dusen. Published by Puffin Books, 2007.
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ECHO Science & Stories: I am an Architectural Engineer!
Would you like to build a fort? A treehouse? A castle? If you can dream it, you can build it! Let’s work like architectural engineers and make our building dreams come true. You can be an Architectural Engineer!
Featured book: The Perfect Plan by Leah Gilbert. Published by Bloomsbury Children’s Books, 2021
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ECHO Science & Stories: I am an Aircraft Engineer!
Calling all builders and makers! Elizabeth has made an airplane that does not fly. She needs your help! Together we will read a story to learn more and then get to work imagining, creating, testing and improving our aircraft. You can be an Aircraft Engineer!
Featured book: Jabari Tries by Gaia Cornwall, published by Candlewick Press.
Do More, Learn More Activity Links:
- Paper Helicopter Pinwheel with Free Template
- Relentlessly Fun, Deceptively Educational: How to Make a Paper Airplane AND a Launcher
- Blue Skies Ahead: Flight School…with paper airplanes and hula hoops 🙂
- Sid Science Kid: Let’s Fly! (Leap Motion) Mobile Downloads | PBS KIDS
- 15 Creative Airplane Craft Projects For Kids And Adults
ECHO Science & Stories: I am an Aerospace Engineer!
Program Description: 3,2,1 Blast off! But wait…we need a spaceship. Let’s work like aerospace engineers and build one. I don’t know if it will get us all the way to outer space, but we will have fun trying! You can be an Aerospace Engineer!
Featured book: Edward Built a Rocketship by Michael Rack. Illustrated by Graham Ross. Published by Meadowside Children’s Books, 2007
Do More, Learn More Activity Links:
ECHO Science & Stories: A Solar Eclipse Is Special
A solar eclipse is a special event that happens when the moon moves in front of the sun and casts its shadow onto the earth. On April 8, 2024 there will be a total solar eclipse and, depending on where you are, you can watch as the day turns to night for a few amazing minutes. But, how does our small moon completely block the big, big sun? Join Elizabeth for some hands-on, thumbs-up investigations as we learn more about the solar eclipse and how to safely watch it.
Featured book: Someone is Eating the Sun by Ruth Sonneborn. Illustrated by Eric Gurney. Published by Random House Books for Young readers, First Edition, September 12, 1974.
Do More, Learn More Activity links:
ECHO Science & Stories: What Makes a Shadow?
Shadows are tricky! Sometimes you see them and sometimes you don’t. What is going on? Investigate together with Elizabeth to figure out what makes a shadow and make a few tricky shadows of your own.
Featured book: Bear Shadow. Written and Illustrated by Frank Asch. Reissue Edition, Monnbear’s Shadow, Published by Aladdin, August 19, 2014.
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ECHO Science & Stories: Pollinator Party
ECHO Science & Stories: Roller Coaster Challenge
Calling all engineers! Do you like to build and create? Join Elizabeth as we look for inspiration and then get ready to build your own roller coaster thrill ride!
Featured book: Roller Coaster by Marla Frazee. Illustrated by Marla Frazee. Published by HMH Books for Young Readers, 2006.
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ECHO Science & Stories: Everybody Needs a Rock
Do you have a special rock? Join Elizabeth and learn about the steps you can take to find your very own special rock. We will investigate how rocks are made and how they weather away!
Featured book: Everyone Needs a Rock by Byrd Baylor. Illustrated by Peter Parnell. Published by Aladdin Publishing.
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ECHO Science and Stories: Owl Prowl
Have you ever seen an owl? Join Eizabeth for Science and Stories to help solve a backyard mystery and gather all the things you need to go on an owl prowl of your own.
Featured book: Owl Babies by Martin Waddell and Illustrated by Patrick Benson. Published by Candlewick Publishing
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ECHO Science & Stories: Kitchen Chemistry Starring… Dairy!
When you mix things together and they make something new… that is Chemistry in action! What will we get if we start with butter and mix in a few other ingredients from the kitchen? Join Elizabeth, ECHO’s Group Programs Manager, as we investigate where our ingredients come from and discover the delicious result of their chemistry. In partnership with Cabot Creamery.
Featured book: A Cow, A Bee, A Cookie and Me by Meredith Hooper and Illustrated by Alison Bartlett. Published by Kingfisher Publishing
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ECHO Science & Stories: Engineers at Play!
Calling all engineers … Do you like to make, tinker and create new things? Join Elizabeth and together we will practice our engineering skills as we build, test and improve our designs. Will we get it wrong sometime? Yes we will! Will we give up? No we won’t!
Featured book: The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires. Published by Kids Can Press, Ltd.
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ECHO Science & Stories: Tracks in the Snow
Winter animals can be very secretive. But, they leave clues in the snow that tell us about their secret winter lives. What do you think we can learn from the tracks and traces animals leave behind? Share your ideas with Elizabeth as we explore tracks in the snow together.
Featured book: Tracks in the Snow by Wong Herbert Yee. Published by Square Fish Publishing
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ECHO Science & Stories: Ice Is Nice!
Join us for an icy story that will warm your heart. We will explore the chilly properties of ice and Elizabeth, ECHO’s Youth Programs Manager, will show you how to create a cool craft.
Featured book: Stella Queen of the Snow by Marie Louise Gay. Published by Groundwood Books.
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ECHO Science & Stories: Winter Trees
Many of our Vermont trees stand all sticks and bones in the winter time, but not the evergreens. They provide us with color all winter. Join Elizabeth Nuckols, ECHO’s Youth Programs Manager, for Science and Stories online as we learn more about these majestic trees.
Featured book: The Sheltering Tree: A Felt Board Story by Linda Meuse retold by Elizabeth Nuckols
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ECHO Science & Stories: The Power of Wind
Wind can be as soothing as a summer breeze or as biting as a winter snow squall. Explore the power of wind with Elizabeth, ECHO’s Youth Programs Manager, during this week’s Science and Stories Online.
Featured book: Gilberto and the Wind by Marie Hall Ets. Published by Puffin Books.
Do More, Learn More Activity links:
Paper Helicopter Pinwheel with Free Template
Windy Day Hair Painting with Straws
Super Fun Straw Races Kids Will Love Playing and Exploring
It’s a Windy Race to Make the Kids Silly
ECHO Science & Stories: Animals in November
ECHO Science & Stories: Sleeping Bears
Bears have been hungrily eating berries and nuts all summer and fall, packing on the pounds in order to get ready for a long winter’s nap. Do bears really sleep all winter long? Bring along your favorite Teddy Bear and join Elizabeth, ECHO’s Youth Programs Manager, as we explore this question and more during this week’s Science and Stories Online.
Featured book: Time to Sleep by Denise Fleming Published by Square Fish Publishing.
Do More, Learn More Activity Links
Create a Hibernating Bear Den | Activity
Make a Diorama of Animals that Hibernate in Winter – Printables Included
Snow Dough Recipe
ECHO Science & Stories: Migration
Flying south seems like a good strategy for dealing with our harsh winter weather, but some birds stay in Vermont all winter long. What determines if they stay or if they go? Come and explore this question with Elizabeth, ECHO’s Youth Programs Manager, during this week’s Science and Stories Online.
Featured book: Round Robin by Jack Kent. Published by Prentice Hall.
Do More, Learn More Activity links:
DIY- How To Turn A Milk And Juice Carton To A Bird Feeder
Bird puppet kids craft
Why do birds fly in a “V”?
ECHO Science & Stories: Pumpkins
Did you plant a pumpkin in your garden last spring? What happened after you planted the seed? Join Elizabeth, ECHO’s Youth Programs Manager, as she explores the life cycle of a pumpkin with some messy pumpkin fun.
Featured book: The Listening Walk by Paul Showers and Illustrated by Aliki. Published by Harper Collins Publishing
Do More, Learn More Activity links:
Five Little Pumpkins Cutting Practice Printable
Mini Pumpkin Volcanos Fall Science Experiment for Kids
Fluffy Pumpkin Slime
ECHO Science & Stories: Shadows
Have you ever noticed that shadows can make things seem a lot bigger than they really are? And sometimes you can’t find a shadow at all. What makes a shadow anyway? Join Elizabeth, ECHO’s Youth Programs Manager, to explore this question and have some fun with shadows.
Featured book: Moon Bear’s Shadow by Frank Ashe. Illustrated by Frank Ashe. Published by Aladdin Books
Do More, Learn More Activity links:
Shadow Sidewalk Chalk Art
Shadow Puppet Printable Play Sets
Shadow Games
ECHO Science & Stories: Fall Leaves
There is nothing more beautiful than a maple tree in the fall. And nothing more fun than jumping into a big pile of leaves once they have fallen off the tree. Come jump into the science and fun of fall leaves with Elizabeth, ECHO’s Youth Programs Manager.
Featured book: Going on a Leaf Hunt by Steve Metzger, Illustrated by Miki Sakamoto. Published by Cartwheel Books.
Do More, Learn More Activity links:
Fall Leaf Hunt Activity: Gather & Sort
Easy Marbled Fall Leaves
ECHO Science & Stories: Bubble Science
Can you make a round bubble? Sure you can! How about a square bubble? Explore bubble shapes with Elizabeth, ECHO’s Youth Program Manager, during this week’s Bubble Science episode.
Featured book: Bubble Magic by Mercer Mayor. Published by Carson- Dellosa Publishing
Do More, Learn More Activity Links:
2 Ingredient DIY Bubbles | Homemade Bubble Recipe For Kids | Easy Bubble Solution
Creative Bubble Wands
Popped Bubble Art
ECHO Science and Stories: Sound Detectives
We learn so much about the world around us by using all of our senses. Join Elizabeth, ECHO’S Youth Programs Manager, to explore your sense of hearing as we go on a listening adventure and practice listening closely.
Featured book: The Listening Walk by Paul Showers and Illustrated by Aliki. Published by Harper Collins Publishing
Do More, Learn More Activity links:
Outdoor Activities for Kids: Go on a Sound Walk (with free printable)
DIY Sound Sensory Jars
Science of Sound Waves Experiments
ECHO Science and Stories: Marvelous Monarchs
Monarch Butterflies have been busy all summer sipping nectar and laying eggs. It is time for the young Monarchs to prepare for their long journey south. Where do they go? How do they know? Join Elizabeth, ECHO’s Youth Program Manager, for Science and Stories as she investigates the mysteries of the Monarch.
Featured book: The Butterfly by Anna Milbourn and Kathy Shimmen. Published by Usborne Publishing Ltd.
Do More, Learn More Activity links:
Monarch Butterfly Stick Puppet
How to Raise Butterflies
ECHO Science & Stories: Beach Treasures
Join Elizabeth for a virtual trip to the seashore! We will hunt for sandy treasures and investigate the creatures that make them. Close your eyes, put your feet in the water, dig your toes in the sand and breath in that sea breeze.
Featured book: Seashells by the Seashore by Marianne Berkes. Illustrated by Robert Noreika.
Do More, Learn More Activity links:
Make Noodle Necklaces! | Activity
Ocean Slime Recipe for Kids Summer Fun! | Little Bins for Little hands
Seashell Science and Math
ECHO Science & Stories: A Good Day Fishing
The snow is melting and the rivers are running high and fast. It is a great time of year to go fishing! But what do you need for a good day fishing? Join us for Science and Stories to find out and share stories about the one that got away!
Featured book: A Good Day Fishing by James Prodsek. Published by Simon and Schuster Books
Do More, Learn More Activity Links:
DIY Magnetic Fishing Game
Rainbow Fish Art Craft for Kids
ECHO Science & Stories: Sink or Float?
Who sank the boat? Join Elizabeth, ECHO’s Youth Program Manager, to find out as we explore the sink and float properties of different objects. Can you design your own boat that will float even when loaded with heavy cargo?
Featured book: Who Sank the Boat by Pamela Allen. Published by the Putman and Grosset Group.
Do More, Learn More Activity Links:
Recycled Boats – Sink or Float – Science Experiments for Kids
Sink Float Water Science Experiment in the Kitchen
ECHO Science & Stories: Seed Science
A seed holds all the promise of a colorful field of flowers, a bountiful garden or a big oak tree. Where can you find seeds to plant if you can’t get to the store? They are in your kitchen cabinet, in your yard, in your compost! Plant some seeds today with Elizabeth, ECHO’s Youth Program Manager, and feel the joy as they take root, sprout and grow.
Featured book: I’m a Seed by Jean Marzolla. Illustrated by Judith Moffatt. Published by Scholastic.
Do More, Learn More Activity Links:
Grow a Seed in a Ziploc Bag Greenhouse: Observing Seed Germination in a Plastic Bag From our friends at Shelburne Farm: Seed hunt and sort
Kitchen Scrap Gardening: 15 Foods You Can Regrow from Scraps
ECHO Science & Stories: Explore the Pond
Do you know the ingredients of a pond? Join Elizabeth, ECHO’s Youth Program Manager, as she mixes one up and together we will stock it with the creatures that call the pond habitat their home.
Featured book: Little Turtle’s Big Adventure by David Harrison. Illustrated by J.P. Miller. Published by Random House, Inc. 1969.
Do More, Learn More Activity Links:
Make your own underwater pond scope
Create an indoor pond habitat with this Pond Playset Printable
ECHO Science & Stories: Celebrate Earth Day!
How do you help take care of the earth? Celebrate Earth Day with Elizabeth, ECHO’s Youth Program Manager, as she thinks about ways we can help take care of our planet all year long and why it is so important that we all lend a helping hand.
Featured book: The Trouble with Dragons written and illustrated by Debi Gliori. Published by Walker and Company, 2008.
Do More, Learn More Activity Links:
Build a home for animals: DIY Bee Hotel Tutorial
Plant seeds in recycled containers: 8 Recycled Seed Starting Containers for Gardening
Create an Earth Day art project: Earth Day Coffee Filter Craft
ECHO Science & Stories: Signs of Spring
Is it Spring yet? How will we know when it’s finally here? Share the signs of spring you have noticed and we will celebrate the small changes together as we head into the new season. Elizabeth Nuckols, ECHO Youth Programs Manager, reads the book, North Country Spring, by Reeve Lindbergh. Paintings by Liz Sivertson. Published by HMH Books for Young Readers, 1997
Continue hands-on learning with a spring scavenger hunt with your kids!
ECHO Science & Stories: Mud
We are embracing and celebrating Vermont’s fifth season. How do you mix up the perfect batch of mud anyway? Elizabeth, ECHO Youth Programs Manager, will read Mud by Mary Lyn Ray and illustrated by Lauren Stringer. Join Elizabeth in muddy research, testing out some muddy recipes and having lots of muddy fun! Book published by Harcourt, Inc. 1996.
Continue hands-on learning with other activities:
Mud Ooblek recipe
Mud Slime recipe
Playdough recipe: add coffee grounds and a little brown paint to make mud playdough