Inspired By Nature!



Hey Science Friends,

The other day we were outside and noticed on our playground that we had a beautiful blooming bush. Considering that our school in under construction this was a welcome sight each time we went outside. In science we had been previously talking about plants so we naturally wanted to create something after our observations and discussion. This was pretty simple and very child driven but the end results are always simply amazing...

In the first picture the children drew plants and plant parts on their paper. Afterwards, they independently used watercolor paint to paint in the entire picture. We all love projects like this because anything goes. No matter the color or painting technique it always comes out beautiful. This is one of those projects that is open ended and child directed. All I am really looking for are the plant parts and a little conversation about what the child knows about plants.

The painting of this project has taken several days but it does not bother us a bit. This is something to really look forward to do when all other work is done in a quiet area of the room. Who am I kidding? Is there really a quiet area with 22 kids? Between each session these dry pretty quickly on a small drying rack just waiting for more paint.

Our favorite part is adding the oil pastel in black to outline the drawings. This step really makes the drawing defined and the painting come alive. The child uses his or her finger to smear or smudge the lines. It is always interesting to see who smears or smudges. You can clearly see the personality in each painted picture.

Zaniaria wanted very thick and smudgy lines that she smeared deep into the painting. It looks like her work. And she sure had to remind me that she had true artist nails! As soon as our paintings are finished we will post them here!

 





An Update and Freebie!

Happy Game Day Science Friends,

So exciting all the sales going around! So, I thought I would throw one too but before I did I had to add a little something extra to my My five Senses Reports. I added a few pages to include a Rock Report because as we kick off rocks in class, I wanted to have a report ready to go. It's a perfect addition for describing properties of objects and oral language development.

All the reports go well with this freebie that I previously posted. If you need it just click on the image above and grab yours for some great investigative reports! Who knew Science could be so much fun?

If you previously purchased this unit all you have to do is download it again to get the updates! It's really that easy!



Run, Run, Run UPDATE Gingerbread Fun!

Hey Science Friends,

Run, run, run as fast as you can! Just had to tell you that if you previously purchased the My five Senses Reports... It has been updated to include THE Gingerbread Man Report! So run, run, run and re download the update and get to investigating Science friends! So excited that I had a request for this today and I couldn't have been happier to make this addition because it gives us yet another opportunity to investigate, write and communicate like scientists. He should have been there all along but now he is in place and ready to go!

Now I am all ready to run out and grab some Little Debbie Gingerbread Men and have a little bit of Science fun of my own. I am sure this will give us a good reason to get out those hand lenses and investigate like the true Scientists that we have come to be!

And another reason to read a few more gingerbread books because we need the proper tools to investigate, right?

For more information just click on the first two images.

This download includes four investigations using objects-popcorn, bubble gum, apples and pumpkins. All investigations are based on the same format and designed to promote independent investigations for young children. The first investigation is completed as a class and the other investigations may be used independently. This is a print and go science resource that is easy to prepare and appropriate for kindergarten or first grade students. The objectives come from National Science Standards and help to develop children using their senses as tools to investigate and describe the properties of objects. Children will describe objects by shape, size, mass, texture and color. Each investigation reviews safety for investigating with the senses. Once the activities are complete you will have a report that children can share as they learn to communicate like scientists!

UPDATE: Gingerbread Report Added!

Run, run, run as fast as you can.



Magnet Mania!



Hey Science Friends,

Let's just say we have had fun with magnets and our unit on Force and Motion. I guess by the looks of it we had just tons of fun and little time to put things away...properly! And before I got upset I realized that at least we were investigating and learning along the way.

We have investigated here and there but it was tons of fun on the playground just as we had expected. This year the children had a lot of prior knowledge about things that are magnetic so predictions were fun for this investigation. So we headed outside for some real field investigations and we were on the hunt for things that nobody had predicted.

We were all able to participate at the same time because we all had Magnet Investigation Tools that I made last year. With a lot of use these have been the best tools for Kindergarten Scientists. I love these because we all can participate at the same time and they are affordable to make. I got my supplies at WalMart and glued them with hot glue in no time at all.

We were up, under and all around.

Investigating with magnets on the playground!

YIKES!

And we finally found a lunchbox that was magnetic because someone left it behind...

Being a Scientist is way too much fun! This sure brought a smile to her face on a rainy day... After all of the lessons have been taught we leave the materials out so that independent investigations can take place.

Because sometimes we need or want to test our own predictions again and again. And then with a little time...

As she set up her own independent investigation she discovered that some magnets are stronger than others and that they can move objects even if the magnet is under the table. And wouldn't you know that everyone thought that was amazing! And then we all wanted to set up our own investigations too!

And before all the excitement was over our Investigation Box was all put back into place. There it is all tidy and cleaned up by five year olds who always knew how to do it! At least it is organized...until next time!

 



I Am Thankful Sale!

Hey Science Friends,

Wanted to wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving break. It is nice to have some time to gather and gab with family and friends and take a break from the day to day rush of all things related to school. Honestly, I feel like I am free! I am the turkey that got away on Thanksgiving Day! I just might look like a turkey running around trying to get those last minute things accomplished so that I can enjoy the holiday season. I have already participated in Black Friday sales online and gobbled up some great savings for Christmas!

And as you know the early bird catches the worm! I finally know how that feels to be the early bird and it feels great to check just another thing off my ever expanding list! So if you are like me and want to get a jump on the shopping rush and catch that little worm I have a deal for you. This Friday I am having a sale in my Teachers pay Teachers store so that if you have a little extra time you can gobble up some savings to just to get you on your way to being prepped and perky and all ready for Monday morning. And just to let you know... Teachers pay Teachers will be having a sale on Monday and Tuesday of next week as well and I will join in that fun too! With the TpT code you can save up to 28%!

Happy Thanksgiving Science Friends!