What A Cute Idea!

Source: rootsandwingsco.blogspot.com via Jenni on Pinterest

When I saw this on Pinterest I just had to post this. How cute is this idea? How cute is it that he wants to be a Scientist? I love the idea of giving this for a graduation gift!

The Lorax Project!

It has been such a busy week this week with a lot going on. I found this information on Teaching Blog Addict and wanted to share this information with you just in case you has missed it too! Click on the Lorax above to take you to some information and resources for The Lorax Project.

Dr Seuss On The Loose!

We are all celebrating in all things Seuss! Join us this week as we pay tribute to one of our favorite authors! 

Science Just Rocks!

In Science we will soon be talking about Natural Resources. Part of that unit study will include rocks. My class last year really inspired the inner geologist in me so much that I have been on the hunt for a good rock kit or collection ever since. Last year I borrowed a rock collection and the collection was seriously lacking. I wanted to be able to either purchase a good collection or make a rock collection myself. I have settled on creating my own kit. My rock collection was selected based on my State Standards and the objective that I teach. While I was preparing the kit, I also had the activities that we would be doing in mind. I am still looking for other rocks to add to the collection but this is a much better start than a sample of 30 playground rocks... I did not necessarily want all polished and pretty rocks but I did need rocks of different colors other than brown.

I purchased the rocks at a gift shop. I have since heard that they can be found at the zoo and amusement parks. They also can be purchased through school specialty companies but they are expensive. I thought this year I would just try and make my own instead of paying for some rocks I did not need. I found the rock box at either Wal Mart or Hobby Lobby this summer for around ten dollars but you can use a Hobby Lobby coupon to get this container at a great price. I knew I needed a container that had at least 22 compartments so that I could fill it with enough rocks for each child in my class to have one rock. I got the rock information guide at the gift shop where I purchased my rocks. I took a photo of the rocks in the container and have put it with the kit. My students do not need to know what type of rock each rock is but often they ask. If I were working with older students I would make labels for each rock with the proper name.

Last year when I was preparing to present the rock unit in my area my science specialist "AKA Science Fairy Godmother Donna" suggested a the book Roxaboxen to go along with our unit.

I love this story so much and for so many reasons but for me I speaks to me about childhood and growing up and remembering your own childhood. I have to admit, I get a little chocked up at the end. As I was looking around on the internet I found an article about the book. I think The Silverware Thief sums it up better than I could, so if you are interested you can read that here.

This book is such a classic. And the kids are going to tell you the illustrations maybe are a little creepy... Did I say this one was a classic? You just have to have it. And when you finish reading it everybody gets a rock. And they keep it. You just can't have a unit on rocks without this book. One of my favorite college professors read us this book and gave us each a rock. I still have the rock Dr. Marshall. I still have it!

And when your unit on rocks is just about over read this one... Under One Rock. After reading this your young Scientists will be reved up and ready to go for some dirt investigations!

If you are interested in a hands-on rock unit just click on the image above for more information!  

For The Love Of Science!

Source: en.petitchef.com via Little Miss Kindergarten on Pinterest

 

We finally had our Valentine party this Friday. We had lots of fun together. One of our favorite parts of the day was the Magical Color Changing Drinks that I found on Pinterest.

It was simple to set up. All we did was add food coloring to our cups and set aside and let the food coloring dry over a couple of days. When you are ready to serve, just add the ice and clear soda. You can watch as it changes right before your eyes! What a perfect Notebooking activity for a school party!

Science Books!

Meet Einstein. He is a scientist who loves to study light and gravity. Einstein helps to introduce your kids to science, and show them that they are already great scientists!

If you have read either of these books can you let me know if they are worth purchasing? I have them in my basket and I am ready to buy them but I would like an opinion from a teacher. Thanks for your help.

ETA Free Shipping!

Hello Science Friends,

I just had to share this with you! From now through the 17th ETA is offering free shipping and some pretty good prices! Use code CO212XXO7 to get the shipping discount. Click on the image above to start shopping! I am super excited to pick up those magnetic discs and some new dice to go in my collection!

Rocks!

We are working in the Science Lab gearing up for some fun rock investigations. I wanted to share with you the rocks I found. I spotted these on a weekend trip to the Fort Worth Stockyards. I knew these would be the perfect addition to our rock investigations. I found these in a gift shop for around ten dollars a bag. Teachers have also told me that these can also be found at gift shops in local amusement parks. All in all, these were perfect because there was a wide variety, unique shapes and interesting patterns when you look close enough. I was thrilled that I would not have to get on the internet and order rocks and pay shipping. Even though I am thrilled to add these to my collection I am curious to know if anyone else knows where you can find interesting rocks to purchase? 

Changing Seasons!

The changing weather has me wishing for a Spring full of picnics and parties. I have dressed up Roll the Dice and it is ready to roll for some fun this Spring. The wildly popular FREE download will have your little friends forgetting about the Winter blues in no time as they grab their rolling and rambling dice and get ready for some fun. And we all know Math and Science go hand and hand. Every great Scientist has got to have some really great Math skills. 

Source: flickr.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

One Day Fun Day!

Hello Science Friends, 

I have been busy in the lab cooking up some real fun. I have made a Science Investigation to go right along with Valentine's Day fun just so your budding Scientist can continue to explore, investigate and discover! Click on the image above to get your FREE copy today and start some investigating fun! If you are looking for more Scientific Investigations you might try this unit:

This item is currently on sale! 

Nature Rocks Valentine's Day Cards!

Hey Science Friends, 

You have to check out these Nature Rocks FREE printable Valentine's cards. So perfect for your nature loving friends this Valentine's Day. 

What's the Buzz?

Hey Science Friends! 

Just stopping by to let you know that I am having a sale in my TpT store and at Teacher's Notebook! It's always a little fun to sneak in some shopping while you are catching up on all the things happening in the blog world. Have fun and come visit me in the lab soon!

For the LOVE of Science!

I had way too much fun making these for my Science friends. I am sharing these with you! Just click on the image above and it will take you to the download. I bought the bugs at Dollar Tree and you might notice that all of the "bugs" are not true insects. I could not resist a small Science lesson even during Valentine's Day! These were printed on cardstock and then I cut around the image instead of following the lines so it was super fast. I glued the bugs on with hot glue. Just think of how much fun these will be to sort and classify! Who said Science wasn't fun? Not me! 

Love Bugs!

Look what I found... These are the cutest little Scientist Valentine's. I am heading to the Dollar Store to get these bugs and I can't wait to make these. 

Source: blog.craftzine.com via Michelle on Pinterest

Don't Be Mad!

I had to share this with you. I was in my neighbor teacher's room and I looked down on the bookshelf. I saw some books I have never seen before. The titles instantly made me think of Science. First, I apologize for two book related posts but these were too good to pass up. And I know I might get an email or two telling me that they have already ordered my last book selections and now I have posted more... 

I teach Science daily. I teach Kindergarten Science. I struggle in some areas to find a good resource that is age appropriate and that fits a true Science objective. Now when I do find something that fits, I am on top of the moon...literally. 

Earlier in the year we were talking about Force and Motion and part of those objectives included sound. I have searched the world over for something to go with these objectives. So I guess today was my lucky day when I discovered these...

These books are just perfect for so many sound discussions. I love the combination of fiction and non fiction books combined with any Science topic. And even though our time for these objectives have passed, I am sneaking them in... Shhh, don't tell.