Sewing Machines

Show the children a sewing machine and how it works.

Sink & Float Fabric

Provide many different types of fabric and some water and let the children experiment with them to see which types sinks and which types float.

Sewing Buttons

Help the children to sew buttons on material, talk about the different equipment and tools you need and explore different types of buttons.

My Fingerprints

Fingerprint all of your children. Write the name of the corresponding child on their fingerprint. Place all of the fingerprints in one area with magnifying glasses. Tell the children to look closely and they will see that everyone has a unique print.

Types of Berries

Find a children's book about berries ("The Berry Book" by Gail Gibbons). Talk about the different types of berries and how some are edible and not, wild and cultivated, what you make with edible berries. Explore the different types of berries & seeds.

Bubble Solution

Make your own bubble solution by combining the following ingredients:
3/4 cup liquid soap
1/4 cup glycerin (you can find it at a drugstore)
2 quarts of water.

Place the solution in a shallow pan with bubble makers for the children to experiment with. Ideas for bubble makers: straws, funnels, plastic six pack holder, bent wire (check for no sharp edges), etc.

Sports Balls

Explore several different types of balls with the children: football, basketball, baseball, volleyball, soccer, tennis, golf, etc. Observe the way the different balls move if you bounce them, throw them, kick them, hit them with a bat, etc. Discuss why each type of ball is used to play different games.

Numbers and Weight

Place a scale with a variety of objects for the children to measure with the scale and note the differences in weight. Point out the numerals and explain what they mean (smaller numbers= lighter, larger numbers= heavier).

Temperature and Thermometers

Place a thermometer outside and let the children record the temperature, then bring the thermometer inside and check the difference. Point out the numerals & explain what they mean (colder and warmer).

Worm Farms

Place dirt in a glass jar and add worms. Place lettuce, corn or cereal on top of soil. Tape construction paper around the outside of the jar (we used black). Periodically remove the paper temporarily to show the children the tunnels the worms made. Keep soil moist, but not wet.

Magnetic Attraction

Provide magnets, cups, paper clips, rubber bands, toothpicks, pennies, metal nuts, crayons, tinfoil, etc. Have the children predict which items will be attracted by the magnets. Write down their predictions. Then let them experiment with the items and magnets to see which items are attracted by the magnets. Record the results and compare them to their predictions.

Magnetism Pass

Provide magnets, water in a plastic cup, wood, paper, cardboard, and cloth; have the kids vote on which materials magnetism will pass through, then experiment; depends on the thickness of material and the strength of the magnet.

Tree Nuts

Provide tree nuts in shells and let the children classify and explore them (almonds, brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios, walnuts, etc.).

Tree Parts

Talk about the different parts to a tree (leaves, branches, fruit, trunk, roots, etc.) and how different parts of different trees are used for different things (food, wood, shade, etc.).

Crystal Growing

Fill a jar half full with hot water. Stir in salt until no more will dissolve. Hang a thread above the solution, without letting it touch the bottom of the jar. Observe crystals each day with a magnifying glass as they grow. Gently explore the texture of the growing crystals.

Car Ramps

Make several ramps of different heights for your children to drive toy cars down (blocks and boards work well). Ask them which one makes the cars go faster. See if they can tell you why. If not tell them why.

Car Parts Magnified

Provide car parts & magnifying glasses for the children to explore.

Exploring Seashells

Place several shells and sand along with a magnifying glass in an area of your classroom. Your children will love getting to see the patterns and makeup of these items.

Emotional Expressions

Place pictures of children showing different expressions (laughing, surprised, mad, crying, smiling, etc.) Put a mirror next to the pictures and let them try copying the expressions. Encourage them to talk about how they are feeling when they are making expressions.

Emergency Identification Card

Put out items to help children prepare an identification card. Have them include on their card: their height, weight, color of hair and eyes, fingerprint and signature. Explain that this is important information that they shouldn't share with strangers, but they should keep it safe in case of an emergency.