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| Science DAZE |
c.2005 - 2008 |
| Science and Sensory
By: Mandy DeJardine "Science is all about learning and discovering. Science is in the air we breathe and the food we eat. Its the flowers that grow and the engine that runs our cars. The trick to facilitating science is being prepared to teach while it is happening. A successful science experience happens when everyone comes out learning something new including you, the educator. Remember that you do not need to know all the answers. The children have more fun if they see that you are learning along with them." *** Find many of Mandy's favourite playdough and sensory recipes and ideas. These are fun and easy ideas to pull out after you have been stuck inside all week with the winter blahs. Try mixing and matching ingredients to make your own spectacular science experience. Happy experimenting! *** Ideas to Try: Tips to make science a fun, creative part of your child's world: 1. Bring science to kids' attention. When traveling in the car or taking a walk, help kids notice that science is all around them. Point out cloud formations, pick up acorns, or comment on the direction the wind is blowing. 2. Ask engaging questions. Get kids thinking. How do acorns become trees? Why do cakes rise? Where does snow come from? 3. Plan experiments together. Make it a priority to investigate the topics that interest your child, or introduce a brand-new area of discovery. 4. Perform experiments together. Help knead some slime or trace some leaves! Your enthusiasm for learning will be infectious. 5. Be part of the discovery team. Don't feel like you have to know all the answers. Sharing in the experiment process is a key element of the fun. 6. Record your observations in creative ways. "How about making a scrapbook for all these different leaf shapes?" "Maybe we should capture this on videotape so we can compare it to what we'll see next time." 7. Help children relate new things to what they already know. "Look this insect has two sets of wings. Have you ever seen another insect with two sets of wings?" 8. Look for surprises things that break the rules. "Why does a feather 'float' even though it's heavier than air?" 9. Keep things light. Put less emphasis on "true facts" and more on the scientific process of looking around, posing questions, and looking around some more. The Science Center This area should have a display counter, bulletin board, storage space, and a table and chairs where children can handle and examine animals, plant life and objects. It should be located in a tiled rather than carpeted area. The possibilities for materials in this area are endless. Children will find things outdoors to bring in for further study and examination. Field trips, films and videos, and other learning experiences will stimulate questions which prompt further investigation. Frequent additions or changes in materials will help children maintain high interest and curiosity. Choose materials that encourage wonder, exploration, experimentation and prediction Fill a Science Shoe Box Put together a science shoe box so children are always ready to experiment. Here are the essentials: Spiral notebook for recording questions, ideas, and discoveries Pencil and crayons to sketch what's been observed Scissors to snip and trim samples and to cut paper Magnifying lens for a closer look Clear tape for securing samples, like leaves, to the notebook's pages Resealable bags or empty egg cartons to store specimens Discovery Collections Children love to look at and touch interesting objects. By displaying simple collections they can start to make comparisons, sort objects into similar groups and develop their communication skills through discussion. animals (small) antlers (sanitized) aquarium equipment and food for animals geometry set magnets / magnetic chips/ magnetic wands microscope and slides Tweezers Ruler Tape Measure Stopwatch Egg Timer Terrarium Jars, Clear Containers Binoculars/Monocular Listening Tubes Flashlights Graphing Grids Test tubes Beakers Trays Hose/Tubing Pulleys Gears Small Machines to Take Apart mirrors paper, drawing and writing tools (for graphs, charts, etc.) plants plastic tubing rocks seeds (e.g., sunflower heads) smelly items (spices, juices, etc.) Leaves Seeds Socks Pieces of material Seaweed Buttons Pasta Stones and pebbles Fastenings Shoes |
| Prop Box Resources Include the following collections of objects and materials for children to create, discover, and use for imaginary play. Store collections in boxes or baskets to be accessible at any time (indoors or outdoors) for children to enhance their play. Chemistry for Kids Chemistry can be explored in a variety of ways with children. Reactions cornstartch and water oil and water baking soda and water salt and ice rubbing alcohol and water make Jell-Obaking sink and float experimentation soap and water batteries iron fillings and magnetic materials Measurement ruler balance scale with plastic weights measuring tape thermometer height chart measuring spoons funnel flour sifter eye droppers Identify Solid, Liquid & Gases ice crystals balloons empty containers kettle straws mobiles pinwheels Always in Stock writing pads/booklets reference books clipboard lab coat Small Scientist (Toddler Discovery Kit) goggles, gloves, flashlight, cellophane on paper tubes, bathroom scale, measuring cups & spoons, calculator, tin foil, ziplock bags full of egg shells or dirt clumps or hair gel or shaving cream, fridge magnets, bubble wrap, plastic pop bottles filled with popcorn seeds or screws or macaroni or beads, aluminum pie plates, prisms, kaleidoscope, rocks, shells, bells, feathers, magnifine glasses |
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| "To the world you might be one person, but to one person you
might be the world." ~ Author unknown ~ |
| Curriculum Resources Art Dramatic Play Prop Boxes Fine Motor Games Language Math Music Outdoor Play Quiet Time Recipes Science/Sensory Fine Motor Themes MY BOOKS |
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