GEMS Handbook and Sample Challenges

We are frequently asked how to start a GEMS club. The resources, including our free Handbook, are here for your use. Check out the subject pages under Challenges and Activities for many more.

The GEMS Club Handbook — resources and ideas to help your club succeed. 
If you download the Handbook, please complete the Request for Information form.

And if you have started a GEMS club, or use our resources, please register or let us know at GEMS at Purdue.

Components of a GEMS Lesson

Sample lesson–Buoyancy–Building Boats (Elementary, Middle)

Sample lesson–Data with M&Ms (Elementary, Middle)

Sample lesson–Solar Power and UV (Elementary, Middle)

Sample lesson–Consumer product testing.      This can be done with diapers, whitening toothpaste, or many other products. (Elementary, Middle, High)

Sample lesson–Binary necklaces (Elementary, Middle, High)

Sample lesson--Error detection in Computer Science–from CSUnplugged (Middle, High)

Sample lesson– Chromatography (Elementary, Middle)

Sample lesson–Instant Insanity using ThinkFun materials (Elementary)

Sample lesson–LED “Throwies” (Elementary, Middle, High)

Sample lesson–Topology with Mobius Strips (Elementary, Middle, High)

Sample lesson–Communication in programming (Elementary, Middle)

Sample lesson–Sorting Networks–not quite a Hogwarts Sorting Hat but just as fun–also from CSUnplugged (Elementary, Middle, High)

Sample lesson–The puzzle of the Konigsberg bridges–topology (Middle, High)