In our first lesson of the year, we tried to answer the tricky question of why there are seasons. We started by modeling the solar system using this nifty NASA activity. I showed them the Sun and asked them to guess how big the Earth
Nature Study: Alphabet Scavenger Hunt
The neutrons worked together on a fun Alphabet Scavenger hunt during our nature walk today. It’s always a fun time to see nature through their eyes, from Dogs to Grass to Leaves to Pool noodles to Shadows to Yellow flowers
Nature Study: Pond Journey
Waaay back in January, Kyle had the wonderful idea to spend both morning sessions over at the pond. And today, that’s exactly what we did! I first read Kate Messner’s Over and Under the Pond, while the group folded simple 8-page books (below)
Nature Study: Thesaurus Walk
This may have been my favorite day of the year, word nerd that I am. Today I brought an armful of thesauri for the Neutrons thinking it might be a fun way to guide our walk. I was pleasantly surprised
Nature Study: Seed Comparison
Last week we started by sorting a mix of five different types of seeds. On a blackboard positioned under each plate, we brainstormed words that described each seed type. Then I pulled out the five seed packets, and the group
Nature Study: Seeds vs. Eggs
In the first period of their nest-themed day, the Quarks took a close look at eggs. We started by comparing eggs to seeds: what’s on the outside for protection, what’s inside for food, and what might begin to grow out
Nature Study: Water Cycle Terrariums
The water cycle was our focus during nature study this week. We read a lovely book Water is Water with beautiful illustrations of the water cycle in action throughout the year. Then we started their own water cycle experiment by
Nature Study: Signs of Spring Hike
Last week at co-op the Neutrons took advantage of the beautiful weather to take a spring hike. We walked along the south path toward the river, noting some differences in the path from the last time we walked that way.
Nature Study: Building Shelter
We opened with a brief discussion of shelter: which animals shelter, what do their shelters look like, and why do they take shelter. Then we marched to the edge of the woods to construct our own shelter using a couple
Nature: Winter Bingo
The Nuetrons played a winter bingo game as we took a nature walk today. Some kids played until they achieved 5-in-a-row for Bingo, some of the kids played until their entire card was filled. We walked down the gravel path