The South Dakota Afterschool Network works to better our state and its communities by connecting providers, parents and policymakers with proven tools and resources to increase the quality of and access to out-of-school time programming for K-12 children and youth.

Afterschool is a lifeline that keeps youth safe, helps kids learn and grow, and provides parents the ability to work without worry. While South Dakota is home to more than 300 afterschool programs, the demand for programs exceeds available spaces. In fact, 1 in 3 South Dakota children (34 percent) who are not in an afterschool program would be enrolled if it were available. That’s more than 42,000 children who are missing out on opportunities to participate in programming that supports their development academically, socially and economically.

Afterschool can provide valuable opportunities for students to explore STEM, and we are here to help your program succeed in STEM Learning! From webinars and trainings to our signature TMC Trailers that bring turnkey STEM activities to your doorstep, our diverse collection of resources meets you and your students where you are and provides the support you need to deliver quality programming to your students at any age. 

The South Dakota Afterschool Network wanted to create a mapping tool to better understand the landscape of afterschool and summer programs available for children and families. From the initial launch of the new mapping tool, we have identified some startling findings.

Spooky Science Activities

Gather your mad scientists, your ghouls and goblins for some spooky (and not so spooky) science activities. We have curated a list of fun for all ages that celebrates for the season!

Check out these science themed activities:

  • These Circuit Powered Bats makes for spooky Halloween decor.
  • Freeze the beauty of fall with a Leaf Press activity.
  • Create a moveable Skeleton Hand to learn about the mechanics of bones, muscles and tendons.
  • Thes Edible Spheres are a molecular gastronomy wonder that will have kids amazed by the magic of liquid being turned into a solid within seconds.
  • Nature Oddities: Take a nature walk and collect samples of leaves, grasses and twigs in search of galls, a strange plant growth caused by insects, injury or microorganisms.
  • This Skittles Science activity is low-prep and fun for all ages but an especially sweet way to introduce chemical properties and changes.

 

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