Hands-on learning will always have a place in science education.
Science is about exploring physical phenomena. Generations of clever teachers have developed approachable, engaging ways to explore and learn with simple hands-on science learning activities.
LoomLab is an ambitious project to create a community of teachers who will create and curate a library of the most effective hands-on science learning activities — and make them available for free for teachers everywhere.
Imagine science learning activities that engage student curiosity, don't require complex equipment or reliance on being glued to computer screens, and have clearly achievable learning goals. Activities like this are out there.
LoomLab is a focused repository — a collection curated by educators of the very best hands-on activities for science teaching. It's the collective work of the science teaching community, organized so the collection can be shared, used, and grown.
LoomLab is a community of educators working together to improve science education for everyone.
A very specific slice of science teaching.
Every activity in the library clears the same bar. Here's exactly what earns a place — and what we deliberately leave out.
What earns a place
- Hands-on. Students manipulate something themselves, rather than watching someone else.
- Exploration that builds new understanding — not activities that merely amuse.
- Equipment and supplies that are accessible to most classrooms.
- Set-up time that's manageable for a real teacher.
- Classroom-tested, so the activity is likely to succeed.
- Instructions that are clear and complete.
What we leave out
- Pen-and-paper-only activities — word finds, crosswords, worksheets.
- Teacher-centered demos where students just watch.
- Cookbook labs and verification labs.
- Gee-whiz labs that grab attention but don't deepen understanding.
- No AI slop. 100% of LoomLab activities are created and written by educators.
What makes LoomLab different
Focused on effective, engaging hands-on learning.
100% free for teachers.
Detailed instructions ensure teachers and students achieve the learning goals.
Created and tested by a community of educators with a shared vision to improve science education.
Free to use, and free to share.
LoomLab is a nonprofit. Every activity in the library is free, and licensed under Creative Commons BY-NC — so any teacher can use and adapt it for non-commercial teaching, as long as the creators are credited.
Ready to dig in?
Browse the library, or join the educators building it.