Recommend science experiments and videos for unfortunate school students
RiderOfGiraffes: Get them to play with toys that demonstrate scientific principles.  It's amazing how much they absorb.  Then you will have a solid basis from which to say "How does this work?  What do these have in common?"I found this link some time ago here on HN:http://www.arvindguptatoys.com/toys.htmlPick two or three, make the toys, play, then ask "What did you see?"  and  "Why is it so?"I don't know your experience in teaching, but your willingness and enthusiasm are fantastic.Good Luck!