The wonderful natural world provides children with countless opportunities for discovery, creativity, problem-solving, and STEM education. When curious minds are nourished in nature and how things work, the wonders they uncover can bring about a deep understanding and appreciation for the world around them and their place within it. These studies can not only instill a sense of purpose and responsibility, but bring about lessons in balance and harmony, all while having fun doing it!
This week’s focus is on the natural wonders of the world, such as space and the beautiful outdoors, as well as the world applied through the lens of science, such as through robots, vehicles, and the water cycle. Activities will focus on getting children outside to explore the world around them to help broaden their awareness and expand their observation skills, with an added bonus for them to engage in some arts & crafts, as well as work on their very own simple science project. Each activity is sure to fill them with wonder as they explore the world around them!
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Review the following viewing list and subsequent activity list. Choose 2 or more videos/movies to view and 2 or more activities to perform with your children.
Use the #GJCSummerCamp tag to participate with the summer camp community and also to see what other parents and teachers are sharing! Parents and teachers can post videos or shorts of children working through activities, photos of their completed projects or art, or even share thoughts through articles and posts of children’s experiences as they work through the different activities each week.
Has your child ever wondered where water comes from or why clouds rain? Dive into a fascinating adventure through the water cycle to discover answers to these and so many questions through fun facts and funny illustrations.
Join mega smart space cadets Scrap and Hub for a journey of learning and discovery about robots. Children will find out all about these incredible machines capable of complex actions and behavior in this neuron-blasting documentary.
Turn out the lights and take a tour through space with your children! This documentary takes viewers into a first-hand experience through space and the natural wonders of the world. Explore mountains, deep forests, vast oceans and arctic ice fields through a mesmerizing educational journey.
Activity List
1. Explore Nature and Draw its Scenery Pull out the markers, the crayons, or your child’s favorite paint set and head outside to nature to draw its scenery! Whether a blooming bush, a tall tree, or a landing cicada on a tree branch, the world is full of so much beauty. Explore the beautiful outdoors with your child and watch them become inspired by nature.
Kick off by listening to the Exploring Song. It is sure to excite them and set the stage for their wonderful journey outside. What will they create?
2. The Water Cycle Science Experiment Although we can witness different parts of the water cycle in nature, not all steps are always visible. This easy project allows children to experience every step of the water cycle in succession, bringing a tangible experience that makes learning hands-on and fun! Set aside 20-30 mins for this activity and watch your child be amazed.
Supplies:
Large Glass Bowl
Small Glass Bowl or Cup (the bowl or cup should fit inside the large bowl without protruding)
Hot Water (1-2 cups)
Salt (optional)
Cling Wrap
Ice cubes
Directions:
1. Add 2 tsp of salt into a large glass bowl. This optional step allows children to witness the natural filtering process in the water cycle later where saltwater turns into freshwater!
2. Pour steaming hot water into the large glass bowl and mix until all of the salt has dissolved. Take a small spoonful, blow to cool down, and allow children to taste the water at this step. They will notice it tastes very salty. At the end, they will again taste the water. Let children know that the water represents the ocean.
3. Place the small bowl upright in the center of the large bowl. Ensure that it does not float and is higher than the water level, but shorter than the edges of the large bowl. Let children know that the small bowl represents land.
4. Securely cover the large bowl with cling wrap, ensuring there are no gaps. Let children know that the wrap represents the clouds.
5. Place a handful of ice cubes to rest on top of the cling wrap in the center. Let children know that the ice represents the cool atmosphere above the clouds.
6. Allow the natural process of the water cycle begin! After about 10 mins we will begin experiencing the condensation. Watch as small drops of water evaporate and condensate on the inside of the large bowl, eventually filling the small bowl with (now fresh) water. Let children know that this process represents the stage of precipitation.
7. Have children taste the water inside the small bowl and be amazed!
3. Create a Map of Your Town Have children take a paper and pencil and walk through their neighborhood, making their own map. Children can even perform this activity by memory and envision their surroundings. The goal is not to be precise but to have children think about their surroundings and what all makes up their town. Encourage children to think about their neighbors, local parks and schools. This simple but fun activity is sure to broaden their perspective and expand their awareness of the world around them.
4. Go Stargazing Download a map of the starry night local to your region and step outside on a clear night. Can your child pick out any of the constellations? Can they point to the North Star or perhaps they can see the Big Dipper in their skies? Observing the celestial body fills children with a sense of wonder and an appreciation of the large expanse of the universe.
5. Scavenger Hunt Hold a neighborhood or backyard scavenger hunt. Beforehand, walk around your neighborhood or backyard and make a list of things that children are sure to be able to spot (stop sign, red house, weepy willow tree, etc.) Then, give your children the list and see what they can find! This activity will help build children’s observational skills and also encourage collaboration with others.
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