When it is nice out and trees are in bloom, we can take kids on a walk through the park and study and identify trees, look for evidence of living things, gather specimens, collect water samples...you get it. Lots to see and do. Plus, you don't have to wear a coat.
But, don't let the winter weather keep you from doing some outdoor explorations! There's plenty to do and they can be fun!
Here's an idea to get you started. I'll post some more next week..after we get even more snow!
Snow Melt
- Go outside and check out the snow (bring a few glass jars for collecting samples).
- Have kids look at the TEXTURE, COLOR and HARDNESS of the snow.
- Discuss their observations and gather their ideas of what would make the snow feel and look different in different locations.
- Have kids collect snow samples in the glass jars. Be sure to get the samples from a variety of locations, BUT put only one location in each jar. Label the jars (or remember where the samples are from - if it were me, with my memory, I'd bring a sharpie to write on the lid!)
- Decide what experiments they'd like to do with the snow once back inside:
- collect data on how long it takes the snow to melt. Place the jars in different locations around your house/apartment and set a timer.
- test how food coloring moves through the different samples. Does the color matter?
- explore what kind of material will make the snow melt more quickly (when placed in the same spot). Use a metal pan, a ceramic dish, a plastic plate, etc...
Have fun! Drop me a comment and let me know how your exploration goes...
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