Today in Protons Art, we explored the last of our primary colors; Yellow! Thank you Protons for bringing in objects and wearing the primary colors the last few weeks! Jillian brought a book about Yellow Umbrellas that we read while manipulating clay. The protons were introduced to Vincent Van Gogh’s ‘Starry Night’ painting and were read a book about visiting the art museum. We created the letter ‘Y’ puppets out of yellow yarn and pom poms as well as jack o’ lanterns with yellow shapes. We also attempted a collaborative art piece of yellow orbs out of yarn and balloons which resulted in a very messy, yet imaginative work of yellowness. It was a fun sensory experience to dip yarn into glue, as being messy is always a hit.
The Quarks continued their Writer’s Workshop activities using the picture book “Chica Chica Boom Boom.” The kids created a tree and then found the letters in their name to put in the tree. Then they added more letters to fill up their trees, and more, and MORE. Miraculously, the tree did not fall. During Quarks Art, we began our series of discovering lines. The children rubbed leaves and talked about the shape and form of the veins in the leaves. We then waxed the leaves to preserve them and the kids got to take some home to share with their families. The children also glued strips of paper to explore the various ways in which vertical, horizontal, and diagonal lines can intersect to result in some dynamic displays of abstract art. Finally, we discovered curves and angles by drawing zigzags, wavy, looped, and curly lines while discussing the various forms of lines used in some popular works of art.
The Neutrons started Science today by defining chemistry and identifying the three properties of matter: liquid, solid and gas. We then discussed what characteristics solids and liquids have such as assuming the shape of its container and ability to mold into a sphere etc. Next, we did a short experiment with cornstarch and water and tried to determine whether this new chemical compound was a solid or liquid. The children decided it had characteristics of both. Finally, each child made their own colorful bouncy ball to learn how polymers can be used to make toys. The children requested the recipe be posted to the blog.
Here it is, as follows:
1 tablespoon white glue
1/2 teaspoon borax
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons warm water
2 plastic cups
2 wooden craft sticks
food coloring
Directions:
1. Pour the glue into one of the plastic cups. Add a few drops of food coloring to the glue and mix.
2. In the second cup, combine the water and borax together and mix with the second craft glue stick. Stir until dissolved.
3. Add the cornstarch and 1/2 teaspoon of the borax solution to the glue and let stand for 15 seconds.
4. Stir with the craft stick until fully mixed together and the mixture becomes very difficult to stir.
5. Mold the ball into your hands. It will be sticky at first but will become more solid as you roll it in your hands.
6. You now have a bouncy ball. Try bouncing it. How high does it go? Store your ball in a plastic bag so it doesn’t dry out and crumble.
The Electrons looked at the properties of oil and water. We made lava lamps using oil, water and food coloring. Then Alka-seltzer dropped in caused the colored water to bubble up for some truly spectacular chemical reactions.

Pom Poms, Zig Zags & Lava Lamps