Breaking Down Barriers

Supporting Community Engagement and Effective Science Communication

We have discontinued the Breaking Down Barriers program but will continue to make available its web resources. If you have questions, please email us.

Over the years, NCSE has developed and field-tested many climate change and evolution activities, from The Evolution of the Flu to Rising Tides. They’ve been used effectively across the country, engaging thousands of participants to help them overcome misconceptions and misinformation they may have about evolution and climate change. Detailed descriptions of each activity are available online, including how-to videos and resource lists. (Note: You are responsible for purchasing any necessary materials beyond what is downloadable. We strive to make the materials as affordable and accessible as possible.)

Activity Kit
It Isn’t Easy Being a Tree
The strongest effect of climate change on plants is not going to be the change in the overall amount of precipitation they receive, but rather the increased variation in precipitation from year to year.
Activity Kit
Star Grazing
Take a closer look at global warming, keystone species, and the nutrient cycle in this interactive activity by NCSE Graduate Student Fellow Laurie Luckritz.
Activity Kit
Climate Change Summit
Our 2019 topic—dam renovation—divides players into characters representing six stakeholder groups. The groups review data, discuss priorities, and make the best possible decision about what to do with the town’s century-old dam.
Activity Kit
Pollinators on the Move
Pollinators on the Move is a two-part experience in which participants explore flower pollination through the eyes and actions of animal pollinators.
Activity Kit
From Dirty to Clean
What are some of the best ways to clean contaminated rivers and streams? From Dirty to Clean helps participants discover different passive remediation options, such as the use of limestone, plants, and bacteria.
Activity Kit
Every Little Thing
Every Little Thing is a card game about species interactions. It contains 36 sturdy, full color cards that are easy to take with you anywhere and can be used in multiple ways with any number of participants.
A boy experimenting
Article
Evolution activities for at-home learning
Due to the spread of coronavirus, millions of parents and guardians are finding themselves having to take on the role of parent and teacher this spring.
Article
Climate Change in My Community: Farming and Weather and Runoff, Oh My!
This activity demonstrates how agriculture affects water systems in the form of runoff.
Activity Kit
Evolution of Food
In this activity, participants will learn about the evolution of dog domestication, as well as crop domestication, in this hands-on, carnival-themed game. Watch wolves change into dogs before your very eyes! Taste ancient food that predates domestication! Explore our archaeological test pit!
Activity Kit
Bioluminescence
In this fun and illuminating activity, participants learn that the ocean presents a strong selective environment for bioluminescence — a trait that has evolved in the oceans over 40 t
Child at home
Article
Climate activities for at-home learning
Due to the spread of coronavirus, millions of parents and guardians are finding themselves having to take on the role of parent and teacher this spring.
Activity Kit
To Lose a Tooth
Designed primarily for learners ages eight and older, To Lose A Tooth presents an evolutionary puzzle focused on human teeth. Participants will explore how natural selection, sexual selection, gene flow, and isolation result in genetic diversity.
Woman looking at a computer, chewing pencil
Article
How to (productively) discuss climate change online
It took less than five minutes to destroy my YouTube recommendations.
Activity Kit
EcoStax
Climate change affects ecosystems in multiple ways.
Activity Kit
Journey to Flight
Dinosaurs, pterosaurs, birds, oh my! Explore the evolution of flight with a phylogenetic tree of prehistoric and living creatures. Use character-trait observations and DNA sequences as evidence to re-create the tree and solve the mystery.

Become a DIYSci Affiliate

DIYSci Affiliates (formerly Science Booster Clubs) lead science activities in communities that may not have strong connections to science learning opportunities. Run by local volunteers, DIYSci Affiliates hold activities in publicly accessible places, such as libraries, farmers’ markets, and community centers. DIYSci Affiliates can make use of fully stocked activity kits sent quarterly by NCSE, as well as any of the materials available for download on this page. Love science and communicating science with kids? Then consider organizing a DIYSci Affiliate.

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