For Educators
We are the champions of play.
Play isn’t killing time. It’s creating character.
Everything we want from our children is already in them. And play is how they unlock it.
For Educators
We are the champions of play.
Play isn’t killing time. It’s creating character.
Everything we want from our children is already in them. And play is how they unlock it.
Constellation Creation
This lesson is part of a big Space unit in Kindergarten. Students connect to stars all the time, whether it be stargazing at night with their family or wondering about why stars are so bright. This is a great lesson to help deepen their understanding about the extraordinary world of stars and the importance that constellations played in history. This lesson incorporates science, art, literacy and math in an engaging hands-on activity.
Where Did All the Water Go?
As plant researchers, we have grappled with how to water our plants when we are away for the weekend or vacations. We figured it out! Now, we need to figure out where the water goes after we put it in the soil. Everything that is absorbed into the soil affects what we harvest from the earth. Plants help us to survive in many ways. How can we help them?
Let’s Learn A-Boat Surface Tension
“Let’s Learn A-boat Surface Tension” encourages students to experiment with various substances and analyze their effects on the surface tension of water. They will utilize no-cost and readily available materials to work with their peers, families, and teachers to create a boat that uses surface tension to propel it across the surface of a container of water. Experiments such as this promote critical thinking skills, foster scientific reasoning, and encourage cooperation and perseverance.
Backyard Birding
Birdwatching is a great way to study nature. Children love to observe and identify birds to learn more about them. This bird-watching activity can help children learn about birds, and increase their knowledge about the many types or species of birds native to Rhode Island.
Water Works!
Students will make a water delivery system reusing recyclable materials that will deliver water to the roots of their plants by conserving water and slowing down the rate of delivery.
How can you make a water delivery system that will deliver water to the roots of your plant and deliver it slowly?
Ice Cream in a Bag
In this lesson, students will act as scientists and develop their understanding about the properties of matter, especially two elements of matter- solid and liquids. They will develop their understanding of the scientific process, plan and lastly experiment in changing matter from its liquid form to a solid form by changing the temperature. They will realize that energy can cause matter to change, and that matter is all around us.
Catch Me If You Can!
The Leprechaun is on the loose! Let your creativity shine as you write a step by step plan and put your plans into action to build a trap to catch a Leprechaun! As engineers, you will approach the design process using everyday household items to create an inviting masterpiece. Then WHALA! the Leprechaun will come visit, find himself trapped leaving behind all of his gold, and allow you the great opportunity of practice setting up an experiment and testing your trap.
Painting Rainbows with Natural Materials
Rainbows and colors are a huge motivator for learning! Children can learn about these science concepts during the creative process by designing their own rainbows. Students will problem-solve how to extract colors from natural materials, explore the color spectrum, mix primary colors to make secondary colors, and find natural or cooking materials that work well for this task.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, & Recreate!
Understanding the role we can all play in taking care of the earth is important. Prompt students to think creatively by reusing materials that will be thrown out or recycled. Students will transform materials, develop problem solving skills and be able to explain what they created and how it can be reused in a different way.
Shaping the Sand
Students need an understanding of the movement of sand with air and water in order to understand the concept of erosion and how the forces of wind and water can shape the earth. Rather than trying to mimic the concepts after studying them, playful exploration before studying these concepts can help to deepen students’ understanding.