The Concept: Students will become familiar with the proper way to use pipettes or droppers for experiments involving liquids. Teaching children to squeeze and release the dropper is great for improving small-motor muscles. The pipette can also be used to discuss the concept of air: When the pipette is squeezed, the air is pushed out. When it is let go, the air outside the dropper pushes the water inside the dropper.
dropper



The Concept: This activity introduces a funnel as a tool scientists and other individuals use to prevent spills. Once children know how to use a funnel, you can add it to the sand-and-water table. It also introduces test tubes as tools for holding liquids. Students will explore the proper use of test tubes and the use of funnels to make pouring easier.

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The Concept: Gardening can be another way to encourage scientific discovery and mathematical thinking. The children will experience planting radish seeds and growing them into vegetable plants. Once the radishes are grown and harvested, students can compare sizes, count the radishes, and even cut them and taste how bitter they are. Variations include growing peppers, cabbages, lettuce, herbs, cucumbers, squash, or eggplants. Each type of plant provides opportunities for observation and measurement.



The Concept: The children will learn that, like an animal, a plant follows a life cycle as it develops. Children will use a hand lens to examine dry and soaked seeds. They will describe the physical properties, comparing the sizes and shapes. They will remove the seed coat to reveal the new plant. They will begin a study of plants and gardening by planting their seeds.

parts of a seed    









The Concept: The sun is a powerful energy source. In this activity, children will see the power of the sun firsthand as they create images fixed onto paper by sunlight. Reserve this activity for a sunny day for the best effect.

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The Concept: The children will learn about how simple machines make work easier. They will be introduced to the concepts of an inclined plane, potential energy, and kinetic energy. When they practice rolling cars down ramps, they will learn that the higher the ramp, the farther the car will roll. They will exercise the skills of counting and measurement, including nonstandard measurement.



The Concepts: In this activity, children will combine ingredients to make Play dough. Reinforce while participating in the activity that once all of the ingredients are combined, a chemical change has taken place and the original ingredients cannot be separated. The flour, water, oil and salt will now become another completely different substance, Play Dough. Student will measure, mix, follow directions and use their motor skills to knead and fold the Play Dough.

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