Patterns in nature
Elementary school students engage in learning when they participate in hands-on activities that reinforce concepts and provide a sense of usefulness or purpose. Science and math activities are well suited to stimulate students' curiosity and passion for learning. Additionally, science and math activities for elementary students can simulate activities children will encounter outside of the classroom.
Weigh It
Children can learn measure with a scale while reinforcing their counting skills. Divide students into pairs and give each pair a balancing scale. Place a small bin on one end of the scale and a weight on the other to make both sides balance evenly. Then add two grams to the weighted side of the scale. Give students a basket of feathers and a small bin of beads. Have the students count the number of feathers they need to place in the bin to make the scale balance. Then have the students remove the feathers and repeat the process, this time with the beads. The teacher can end the activity by noting the different number of items needed, and explaining that the weight of objects affects how many items it will take to balance the scale.
Mixing and Measuring
A cup or less
Students can practice measuring skills by making their own molding dough and then forming it into three dimensional shapes. Divide students into groups and provide each group with a recipe for homemade clay. Have students measure the flour, water and other ingredients, and discuss how the ingredients change form when they are mixed together. Show the students different three-dimensional shapes and have them practice identifying the shapes. Then have the children create the shapes with the molding clay and identify the shapes they made.
Pattern Play
Discuss the concepts of patterns with the children. Create several patterns using simple shapes. Then discuss how patterns are an integral part of nature. Give children magazines depicting different items in nature. Let them cut out pictures that have identifiable patterns. If it is a nice day, take them on a nature walk to look for patterns. They may see spider webs, leaves, acorns and other items that have patterns. Have children make a list of the items or draw pictures of them.
Related posts
Math activities help students practice and learn math concepts.Learning math can be a challenging activity for some children. Often, learning is best done through practice and repetition. Educatio...
Teach young students how camels have adapted to their environment by building a diorama.By the second grade, students will start to explore the fundamentals of new subjects, such as science. This...
Use scientific experimentation to nurture young children's natural curiosity.Using science experiments with preschoolers is a way to enhance and develop the natural curiosity of young children. De...
Farm animals keep preschoolers' attention.Farm animals fascinate preschoolers. They love to imitate the clucking of chickens and the mooing of cows. Capitalize on children's love for animals by gi...
Help preschoolers learn about baby farm animals through age-appropriate science activities.Implement age-appropriate science activities that allow preschoolers to satisfy their inherent curiosity....
