Montana State University is offering elementary teachers in the state a free Sensing for Science kit designed for students in kindergarten through second grade. The kit contains seven lessons and all necessary materials, and can be used both during school hours and in after-school programs.
The lessons introduce young children to the basic concepts of sensors, their functions, and their uses. These include tools like air quality monitors, smoke detectors, and weather instruments that help track environmental conditions, detect hazards such as wildfires, and support public safety by providing important data.
The activities start by helping students understand how their own senses—taste, smell, sight, touch, and hearing—work. From there, students explore how these ideas relate to various sensor technologies suitable for young learners. Teachers do not need previous experience or knowledge about sensors to use the kit.
This resource was developed by the MSU Science Math Resource Center as part of the NSF EPSCoR SMART FIRES project. The project’s full name is Sensors, Machine Learning, and Artificial Intelligence in Real-Time Fire Science.
Educators interested in obtaining a kit can find more information or apply at www.mtnsfepscor.org/educator-resources. Applications are due by Monday, December 8.
Questions about the program can be directed to Suzi Taylor, director of the MSU Science Math Resource Center: 406-994-2336 or taylor@montana.edu.
