Elements of Change - The Wonderment

Elements of Change

Fire. Earth. Water. Air. Choose your element. Learn and discover the way they work in the world through science and stories. Become inspired to create the world you want to live in.

Fire. Earth. Water. Air. Choose your element. Learn and discover the way they work in the world through science and stories. Become inspired to create the world you want to live in.

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theperpetualadventurer

Matt Thomas

Wonderment HQ

Happy wanderer, Education Person @ The Wonderment

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Elements and Essence of Xochimilco

Discover the elements and essence of this unique wetland in Mexico City. Throughout this adventure, we will explore the plants and animals and some myths of this area. Follow ...

The World’s Most Mysterious Book

With drawings, a secret code, or a made-up language, how would you represent an encyclopedia of your life? What would it say and who would be able to read it? Create it ...

Change: Bike Party

The atlas of the invisible sparks this question as we dive into the revolutionary transport of bike shares... and how one group planned to rid Amsterdam of cars! This case...

Change! Spring Phenology 101

Miss Cat explores a wetland near where she lives, sits in a sit-spot, OIFACQs and encounters some fun wildlife (alive and dead), a classic adventure. Then, an elements of chan...

Fire + Earth = Cleaner Air

Learn how a coffee farmer can help reduce the effects of climate change by buring his berries. Biochar is created when biomass (plant material) is burned to produce ash that i...

Fire + air = new Earth

On the Big Island of Hawaii, the Mauna Loa volcano errupted in 2018, taking out 700 homes. We toured with Melissa and learned about geothermal forces that created the newest l...

fire and anger

I right now don't feel as happy as I want to so I would like how you've overcome your anxiety or anger so I could learn from your ideas and help myself and others

How can we change the world?

Watch this video about changing the world, a small financial scholarship from a Swedish women to a village in Kenya. What would you do as one small act to change the world? Ho...

Dance like water!

Flowing, still, rushing, waves? How do you embody water? Create a dance or movement and add your expression to the conversation!

Where is there water in the desert?

Originating deep behind rocks and seeping out of cliffs, we track down so water in the beautiful desert. As you watch, see what essential skills of science you notice. OIFACQ ...

Where is there water in the desert?

Originating deep behind rocks and seeping out of cliffs, we track down so water in the beautiful desert. As you watch, see what essential skills of science you notice. OIFACQ ...

Where is there water in the desert?

Originating deep behind rocks and seeping out of cliffs, we track down so water in the beautiful desert. As you watch, see what essential skills of science you notice. OIFACQ ...

Where is there water in the desert?

Originating deep behind rocks and seeping out of cliffs, we track down so water in the beautiful desert. As you watch, see what essential skills of science you notice. OIFACQ ...

Earth Badge: Regenerative Farming

Regenerative farming is a holistic practice that takes into consideration our human interaction with the environment through building from the bottom up, from soil to biomass ...

Water Bender: Hatching curiosities!

Fish hatcheries are used to stock fish and help them move through our waterways. Explore this one with us! After watching, complete an OIFACQ for a water bender badge! O- What...

Air Bender

Isomorphs abound on this adventure learning about base jumping off a bridge. Why is it important to take 1 whole hour to meticulously pack your bag for a 30 second jump? How d...

Moab Community Connections

Coyote Adventures

Coyotes can often be found roaming the edges of society, the liaison between nature and human civilization. They are clever, curious and cute. They are mediators between the u...

Food for thought from the field #1

Coyote and I explored and chatted with experts in the field about elements of leadership. What does it mean to be an ethical leader? What are qualities of good leaders? How d...

Is there water on Mars?

Scientific sleuthing from start to finish as this creative scientist analyzes the rocks on the red planet to reveal potential water! Where there is water, there could be life!...

The brain-changing effects of excercise

How do you feel after you work-out and do physical activity? Do you notice an effect on your mood, focus or personality? After watching the video, can you transform your rout...

Ingenuity: a mission to Mars

Humanity reaches further than ever with this bold mission. What does this mean to you? Do you want to go to Mars? If so, why? If not, why not? Watch the video of this high sch...

Join the ‘Project Drawdown.’

Drawdown is a military term that means a 'reduction in force.' This is a comprehensive list of 100 solutions to reverse climate change by drawing down the CO2 in our atmospher...

Bioengineering Biophilic Cities

Cities are massively complex arrangements of roads, buildings, and homes. In all that design, sometimes the 'natural landscape' gets lost. In this path, you will engineer a ci...

Frogs, focus and environmental justice

In this path, we will look at the connection between paying attention to nature, using the sit spot meditation, and having an impact on the world, using your observations for ...

Let’s go MeatLOAF//LESS

Cows contribute methane to the environment, a greenhouse gas that increases the effects of climate change. I am committed to cutting out meat and milk for one week to see if m...

Sit Spot Meditation Technique

A technique from Coyote's Guide to Connecting with Nature (by Jon Young, Ellen Haas, and Evan McGown) Adapted by Ms. Cat Your challenge: Find a spot to sit, in your ...

Reclaim Troubled Waters

For a water badge, post below with your response to this rally, using the OIFACQ technique (o- observation, i-inference, f-feeling a-action c-connection q-question). how does...

Dog Diversity!

Selective Breeding has led to many different varieties of dogs. Let's see what our community diversity of dogs looks like! Post a picture of your dog below, and describe their...

What have you heard about climate change?

Before you begin this lesson, take stock of what you already know or have heard about climate change. What questions do you have that you'd like to answer or learn more about?...

Are we alone? Does it matter?

On this blue planet a goldilocks effect makes it perfect for life, as we know it. As intelligent beings, we start thinking outside of our quaint home here and pondering the l...

On the edge…

The edge effect. In gardening and ecological systems, the edge is a defined space rich with a diversity of life forms. In personal growth journeys, its the feelings of inspir...

Breakfast Burrito Biology

Our food is a party of diverse molecules. Cook up your favorite food, and post a video or photo of your culinary adventure. Then identify the pieces of the (pie)! Lipids (fat...

Hacking Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis drives the energy exchange from the sun to every cell powering life. Learn about this reaction and the ways humans are tinkering with it to supercharge our worl...

Biographies of Black History in Science

Diversity imparts strength and resilience- an underlying principle in evolution. For Black History Month (February) you are invited to research a scientist that discovered ne...

Is Dust Mostly Dead Skin?

Debunk a myth or a claim using the internet. In your response, state a claim. Find 2 different sources from the internet that provide evidence for the claim. Ident...

The Science of Thinking

Think of your own process of learning. What strategies help you learn? How do you feel when learning? Comment below with a time you learned something and used a specific tec...

#loveyourwatershed

What is a watershed, you may ask? Simply, it’s an area that drains into a larger water body. So in Salt Lake area, that’s everything around that drains into the G...

Collect Plastics for a Day!

For one whole day, gather the singe-use plastics you throw away in a separate bag. As you gather, share the interesting things you find by posting a photo or video below. Toge...

Water Wize Clean-up

How do we protect and respect the rivers, lakes, and oceans around us? One small action is by picking up trash. This challenge is all about embodying the act of caring for our...

Elements of Change Lesson 1

Join us for lesson 1 from the Elements of Change Adventure! What are the elements that make up the world? How and why do things change? Then a brief overview of the fire, air,...

Water monitoring at Wheeler Farm

Wheeler Farm is a historic farm with two creeks moving through it, ponds, streams, and wetlands! Join us as we test all the waters!

What’s in our water?

Ever wondered what else is in water? Molecules invisible to our eyes, like Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Hydrogen (pH) and Oxygen balance the delicate chemistry that sustains life, li...

Planet Ocean!

What is your experience with the ocean? What questions do you have? What are you excited to learn about? From the Polynesian Sea Farers to plastic trash and sulfuric plumes an...

Storytelling in the wild west

Cowboys and aliens can all be used as elements in your story. The sky is limitless to imagine the wild workings of the world in this harsh environment. Start with the vast ...

The Essence of Success

What do you think? Is success based on hard work or luck? Think about examples from your life. Make a claim below, backing it up with evidence from your experience. Then, watc...

Scales and Comparison

A field of view can be zoomed in and out depending on what you are looking at. Scientists use microscopes to view single-celled organisms and small particles, and telescopes t...

Reforestation

Meet Libby, the education director at TreeUtah. Learn the story of reforestation in Little Cottonwood Canyon. What role do humans play in planting trees for a balanced ecosyst...

A Wonder-Wander with Dr. Dalton

Dr. Dalton asks incredible questions and makes great observations! Join us as we wonder our way up to Cecret Lake in Little Cottonwood Canyon, Salt Lake City. We will explore ...

The Wonders of the Natural World

Biology helps us understand the world we live in (from chemical interactions at the cellular level, to the complex relationships in an ecosystem. Enjoy this inpsiring footage...

The Wonders of Wetlands

What do a sponge, your kidney and peat moss all have in common? Wetlands are only 1% of all the land in Utah. Head to the Great Salt Lake or the Bear River Bird Migratory Refu...

Who are naturalists?

E.O. Wilson, Rachel Carson, John Wesley Powell, Jane Goodall all had one thing in common: insatiable curiosity and a notebook! In this lesson, read the stories of these great ...

Healthy Streams!

Join me as I float the Jordan River, exploring the bugs, bends and biodiversity of this important river system in Salt Lake City. What is your experience on or by the Jordan R...

Bird by Bird

Hummingbirds, golden eagles, and the orange towhee my favorite birds. What are yours? In this lesson, you will learn about how birds’ unique adaptations, from their bea...

The soul of soil

Soil is home to plants, worms, insects and microorganisms. There are many different varieties! In this lesson, we dig into the details of soil, experimenting with vermicompos...

Discussions in the Desert

“The desert tells a different story every time one venture in it.” – Robert Edison Fulton Jr What does the desert mean to you? Take a moment to reflect on t...

Sol Party

The stars and planets are a fascinating bunch of characters. Celebrate your learning with a ‘sol party’ on May 2nd for National Astronomy night. Join your peers ...

The “Let’s Plant Something for Earth Week” Challenge

It’s the 50th anniversary of Earth Day and Arbor Day—all in the same week. Just because we’re all at home doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate. You’...

Train your Brain with Pencil Miles!

Learn this fun technique for training your brain to draw just what you see. A blind contour drawing of your hand is great, because your hand is always- handy! Post your hands ...

Pollinator Party

Get to know your bee friends and flower anatomy in this citizen science initiative! Your challenge is to observe a flower and see who visits. Watch for at least 5 minutes, re...

Name a chick!

I name my chickens after strong female activists, warriors, and women doing incredible work to create a more positive and equitable future for all. Who do you look up to? Who ...

Backyard Survey

Get to know the biology in your backyard! Scientists call this a biodiversity study, a record of all the organisms that live in one area. I bet you’ll be surprised how many ...

Teachers, how are you doing?

Teachers, what is your experience with the transition to distance learning? What has been the most difficult challenge? How do you deal with these challenges? Have their been ...

Virtual Field Trip- Great Salt Lake

The Great Salt Lake is an unique ecosystem. At first glance, everything seems dead. But if you look closely, you may be surprised what you find! Join me on this adventure as ...

The Sunflower Project

Here’s the challenge: 1. Plant a sunflower seed and watch it grow. Record the progress every day. 2. If you don’t have sunflower seeds, just find a flower and sit ...

Virtual Earth Day 2020- Tree planting

Although we can’t come together to plant trees this year, we can plant a tree in our own yards and share a photo or video below!

Shrimp shenanigans

Let’s have some fun with what we just learned! Creating a limerick is simple, lines 1,2, and 5 rhyme. Lines 3 and 4 rhyme. Use what you learned about brine shrimp ecolog...

Build a Body!

My friend Skelly is a model showing off the structure of the skeletal system. He asked me to ask you if you can make a model too! Together, can we create a model of all the ot...

Make your own car!

There are so many ways to build a car, that doesn't need to be fueled by fossils! Try you hand at a wind-car, a hydrogen-cell car, or a solar cell car! Post what you build...

From one cell to another

In this creative writing challenge, you assume the role of a cell in the body (say a cardiac- heart- muscle cell) to another (say a lung cell). In your letter, you may request...

Wonder-wander

Here’s your mission: As you wander around where you will, say a nature area, your backyard, or around your neighborhood, start to look for patterns and trends that spark you...

Fungus Among Us

Fungus are vital to life on earth. A broad range of organisms, over 10,000 species, that have been found in every environment. Mushrooms are just the spore-fruiting bodies, ne...

Victory Gardens 2020

Growing your own food is a terrific positive community action, especially during uncertain times. Many neighbors have their own gardens, so let’s come together online ...

Nature’s Storyline – Spring

Phenology is a science that studies nature’s calendar. Events like birds building their nests, tree’s budding, and insect emerging all have specific timing that al...

Plastic UPcycling

Elements build molecules, which build molecules which make large change called polymers. Plastics are synthetic polymers that don’t breakdown easily and for potentially ...

Cells!

It’s an oldie but a goodie: use your imagination, look around your house, and create a model for a cell! You can model a blood cell, nerve cell, muscle cell, bacteria, o...

Save the Penguins!

All aboard the magic school bus, we are headed to Boulder Beach, South Africa! Penguins play on the beach, but as they heat up and need to cool off in the water seagulls steal...

The Power of PLOGGiNg

PLOGGiNg is a Swedish term that comes from the words “to pick up” and “to jog.” Its a great exercise that helps our bodies and helps clean up our envir...

How can you cut your plastic use in half?

Last week, you all did a terrific job of collecting your plastic trash and some upcycled it into new treasures (shout-out to Ms. Libbi's class at CSLC- cool creations!) This...

Let’s reinvent school!

With the closures of schools across Utah and the US, school as we know it has ceased to exist. How would you fill your day in a way that's educational, fun, active and inspi...

Science Fair Solutions

To honor your work in preparation for the science fair, upload a video presentation of your science fair project, and get feedback from your peers here! If you weren’t p...

What’s up with the air?

Cars zip back and forth spewing polluting particles into the air. As we breath this air, we suffer from worsening cases of asthma, lung disease and even death. This is a scary...

Observing plastic waste

Plastic pollution poses one of the greatest threats to our oceans and we are drowning in the build up of waste. How can you play a role in solving this problem? First, observe...

What inspires teachers? NSTA 2019

Teachers have an incredible ability to light a fire inside students to inspire them to achieve their full potential and develop a passion for life-long learning and personal d...

Let’s See More Trees

Trees are one of the best, most beautiful ways to help our planet. Can you find a spot somewhere around you that you could make better by planting a tree there? Take a photo o...

How do we reach climate justice?

Climate change is often viewed as a environmental problem. However, many communities are being affected, making it an issue of ethical and moral concern. The heart of climate...

Why Water?

Water is one of the most important elements of life. Watch the video from our friends in Kenya. Then, make a video or drawing to tell the story of where your water comes from ...

Namaste, Friend

Having healthy, strong bodies helps create healthy, strong societies. Yoga is an ancient practice from India that helps strengthen and calm the body and mind. Come up with you...

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