Making science come to life!

Life science should include live observations when applicable. Here are some science lessons your child will never forget by making science come to life:

*Peak your child’s fascination by planting seeds in a garden to teach your child how plants grow and the different parts of a plant.

*Witness the magic of biology as tiny larvae bloom into beautiful ladybugs.

*Discover the incredible life cycle of a frog by raising tadpoles.

Teach the process of metamorphosis with a butterfly kit, and observe how the insects transform into beautiful works of God. After observing your butterflies, experience the joy of releasing them into your backyard.

I love how excited my boys get!

*Experience the timeless classic of an ant farm by getting a glimpse into the amazing underground world of the ant.

I have used all four of these kits several times with my boys and they love them! I even gave these kits to my nieces and nephews for bithday gifts- very unique!

Enjoy making science FUN!

Fantastic video to prepare for science projects!

Have you ever realized that some of the best educational tools are invented by students themselves? While attending high school, Kevin Temmer noticed how students were dreading science projects, so he decided to do something about it. Since Kevin wanted to encourage others to participate in the science fair and pursue science careers, he created a video that simplifies the scientific process in an engaging, award-winning film. This unique film teaches science project terms right on the children's level and it is entertaining and very funny, too!


Kevin's animation has been featured on several sites including NASA, the National Science Foundation Knowledge Network, National Geographic Kids, PBS Kids, George Lucas Foundation-Edutopia, and Intel's Inspired by Education site.

Kudos to Kevin for inspiring children to love science!

Check out this video now. I guarantee you'll love it!

Kevin Temmer Presents: Prepare for the Science Fair

Enjoy!

Sensational Science Sites

Here are some of my favorite sites that I continuously learn so much from when looking for science teaching tips.

Steve Spangler Science is created by an author, professional speaker, Emmy Award winner, and science teacher. Steve has such unique and creative ways of teaching science.

More Science Toys

The Futures Channel is an awesome website that shows children how math and science is used in the real world. Parents and teachers can use these video clips to enliven curriculum and give their children an opportunity to see real life jobs. Make sure to bookmark this site because you'll be using it again and again.

Discover how a pinch of curiosity can improve your cooking with the Science of Cooking. Explore recipes, experiments, activities, and Webcasts that will enhance your understanding of the science behind food and cooking. The whole family can learn from this amazing site!

Supercharged Science is created by a NASA Rocket scientist, university professor, pilot and mom. Aurora Lipper is dedicated to making science intriguing and fun for children.

Check out these sites and enjoy making science FUN!

My favorite science books!

Here are my two ABSOLUTE FAVORITE science books for teaching children.

Play and Find Out about the Human Body by Janice VanCleave is just plain awesome!  It has wonderful experiments that are simple and FUN for preschoolers to elementary-age children.

If I had to purchase only one book to use in science ever, this would be the one (and after 20 years of teaching, I have purchased quite a few). It's not Magic, It's Science! by Hope Buttitta teaches science in an entertaining and engaging way that makes concepts stick for elementary children (and even middle schoolers). I just love this book!

Enjoy Science Week!

Art Skills products rock!

I love using Art Skills products and so do my children. Just take a look at some of the fantastic art projects they recently created.

Making sand art 

They thought this was super cool.

Making projects with clay

I had never seen this project before so it was fun to try something new.

Build and Grow Program

Look what my boys made this weekend for FREE at Lowe's! My kids have attended the Build and Grow Clinics for almost ten years. They love them!

Here is a photo of my little man. He is so hard to photograph because he's always in perpetual motion.

Just in case you haven't heard of the free workshops that Lowes offers, make sure to {CLICK HERE} for more information. These stores really treat the kids very special with aprons, pins, patches, awards, and even cookies and juice. (FYI- Home Depot has a similar program, too.) Both stores even offer field trips for schools and homeschool groups. Check it out!

Enjoy!

Journal Jar

I found a creative way to introduce children to writing and reinforce writing skills and I can't wait to share it with you- journal jars! Aren't these so cute and clever?

This photograph and activity is shared with permission from Organized Christmas.

A jar is filled with simple, kid-friendly questions that turn journaling sessions into fun!

First, print off the colorful writing prompts. Next, cut, fold, and place them in a jar. Have your children/students pick a prompt each day. They can tape it on top of a page in a blank book or copy the questions and then write their responses. They can even add illustrations.

Perfect for Summer Writing

Would you like your child writing over the summer to avoid the summer slide? Simply place the journal jar in the center of your table and have your child choose his topic.

Spark great conversations

Not sure what to talk about at the dinner table or during circle time in class? Pick a topic and go around the dinner table or classroom discussing it. Try to predict each other's answers beforehand to make it even more exciting.

Happy writing!

Paragraph Train Freebie

All aboard the Paragraph Train!

I am jumping up and down about this freebie I have for you! I searched for the past year for a paragraph train to help teach my younger children how to write a paragraph. This method of teaching was popular years ago when I taught elementary school and I even used it for my oldest son. But this train supposedly traveled on out of cyberspace. 

So I first panicked and then I took a few deep breaths and enlisted my amazing TBA partner, Leslie from Kindergarten Works, to hook me up.  I still do not know how to create those cutsie lil' printables that so many of you make. Boy, I wish I did! 

Anyways, this is how the paragraph train works. Write one descriptive topic sentence on the engine. Write three detailed topic sentences on the box cars. Write one amazing concluding sentence that wraps up your paragraph on the caboose. After writing your sentences, cut out the train templates and glue them together to make the paragraph train. 

Chugga-chugga choo-choo!

{CLICK HERE} to print the activity for FREE.

This writing assignment is part of 101 Ways to Make Writing FUN!

Enjoy!