science
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Easy Camping DIY
We enjoyed a nice long camping trip last weekend and I’m still working through all of the laundry! I had to share this little DIY before I forget – Simple bug catchers. These are such an easy way to keep kids busy and encourage exploration. Before we left I was looking for a quick project that my girl and I could put together for all of the kids that were camping with us. I wanted something that we already had all of the supplies for, would actually capture interest, and wouldn’t take up a lot of space. Catching lightning bugs is always a favorite camping activity, so this was a…
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St. Patrick’s Day Math and Science
St. Patrick’s day is such a fun holiday to celebrate in the classroom because there are some very different opportunities for exploration than we see with other holidays. Because of this, I’ve included some science activities – which means that this is a math and science center for Preschool St. Patrick’s Day! Let’s take a look at some of these materials. Shamrock Observations – This set is designed to help children focus on small details, which is perfect when it comes to shamrocks and finding that elusive 4-leaf clover. There are images of a variety of different shamrocks, and then zoomed in images of the same shamrocks so that children…
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Friday Freebie – Cloud Hunt
Happy Friday! I am all about being outside this week and today’s freebie is the perfect easy outdoor activity for a lazy summer afternoon. This Cloud Hunt Bingo game from Green Grubs is the perfect way to encourage children to be creative while taking time to pay attention to the world around them. Go download your copy and have a great weekend!
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Bubble Play
When the weather finally gets nice the last thing that I want to do is be stuck inside, so we spend a ton of time outside. Bubbles are the number one activity that I turn to when the children start to get bored. Here are some fun ideas for bubble play that I’ve rounded up: Shape bubble wands Water bottle bubbles Huge bubbles Bubble refill station
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Spice Painting
Historically, spices were often used to create paints because many of them have very distinct colors. Making your own spice paints is a great way to explore spices and their scents at the same time! All that you have to do is mix a good amount of a single spice with a small amount of water until the paint is the consistency that you want. You can also add a little cornstarch to make your paints go a little farther. Here are some spices to try and the colors that they will make: Paprika = Orange Turmeric = Mustard Yellow Saffron = Bright Yellow Parsley = Green Cinnamon = Brown…
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Pie Filling Taste Test
I know that there are very strong opinions about using food for preschool activities, and I understand both sides of the argument. Personally, I believe that food is something that brings us together. It is a powerful way to open children’s minds to new experiences, and to introduce them to cultural experiences. I am especially partial to taste-tests as science and social studies activities because it gives me the opportunity to expose children to something that they may not ever encounter at home. I’ve been known to taste test fruits and vegetables, in order to introduce new foods and encourage children to be open to trying new things. This particular…
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20 ways to explore pumpkins
Pumpkin exploration is synonymous with Halloween in preschool. But if you’re ready to try something other than painting pumpkins and sending them home, then check out this list! Carve pumpkins Explore the insides in the sensory table Separate the seeds and bake them Compare the insides to canned pumpkin Explore pumpkins of different shapes and sizes Look at a variety of different colored pumpkins See what items you can stick into the outside of the pumpkin Look at the insides of different types of pumpkins See if your pumpkins will roll down a ramp Measure your pumpkins with a piece of yarn Use the tops of your carved pumpkins as…
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Friday Freebie – Pumpkin Science
Happy Friday! Just in case I haven’t shared enough autumn science ideas with you this week, here’s another one. This Pumpkin Science set includes printables to support your class’ pumpkin exploration. Go download your set from All Things Preschool, and have a wonderful weekend!
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Autumn Science Experiments
Are you looking for some science experiments to help get your students excited about autumn?! I’ve rounded up a few that are guaranteed to get them asking questions and exploring new concepts. Leaf Science Vanishing Ghosts Pumpkin Seed Growing Apple Science Indian Corn Sprouting
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Science center ideas for the whole year
When I’m visiting preschool classrooms, the science center is usually the one center that seems the most neglected. There might be a toy microscope, a few dried up leaves, and some plastic bugs – those are all science staples. I always loved coming up with new ideas for my science center, so I thought that I’d share just in case you find yourself in need of inspiration. These are ideas that can be used year-round, and I hope that they will breathe new life into your science center! A collection of seashells and starfish, books about the ocean, photos of ocean habitats, and plastic ocean animals. Soil samples in clear…
