Simple Machines

One of my favorite topics to teach is "Simple Machines."  I always start the unit by having one of the smaller children try to lift a chair above his or her head.  It is quite difficult and many cannot do it.  Then I tie to the chair to a rope and insert the rope into a pulley that I have securely installed on one of the ceiling beams.  I allow each child to take a turn pulling the chair to the ceiling. Notice in the photos that I do not allow anyone to stand under the chair.  I have them all sit safely at the tables while doing this lesson. They love it.  They even talk about when they are older.  One student mentioned the activity in her high school graduation speech.  She remembered doing it when she was six years old.

This activity introduces the concept: Machines make work easier.  Each subsequent lesson on simple machines reinforces this major concept.

At this time, I introduce the six types of simple machines:  pulley, wheel and axle, lever, inclined plane, wedge and screw.  We have a great set of simple machine models such as the gear train pictured below.  I put an emphasis on providing many materials featuring the six simple machines for the children to explore.  Two are pictured below.

These students are exploring inclined planes by building a marble run.

These students are exploring inclined planes.

Snowmen Bottle Lights

Snowmen Bottle Lights

We did this nice little project in January 2012.  I enjoy working with the children on projects.  I think it helps them see that you can use multiple steps to an end. This is true in many areas of the curriculum from writing, to science, to art as well as many more. It is a great life lesson.

We made snowmen by reusing plastic bottles.  I cut a hole in the bottom of each bottle.  The children used a mixture of glue and water to cover their bottle with torn strips of white tissue paper. On the lid, they glued black tissue paper for a hat.  After drying, they attached a ribbon for a scarf, an orange felt nose, and black tissue paper eyes and buttons. Next, they glued on white and blue snowflakes for a little "bling."  Each child inserted a flameless tea light in the bottom.  They enjoyed this project and learned to do things in steps.  I found this project on Pinterest on several sites including:  http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/the-a-bottle-able-snowmen-1030092/.  The parents helped by bringing in bottles.  Many of the children enjoyed using a pomegranate juice bottle while others were attracted to various types of bottles.  They were so pleased with the outcome of their little project.

Planets in Our Solar System

A group who decided to work together to produce spheres of various sizes.

Learning about the planets in our solar system is a fascinating topic to 5-7 year olds.  However, it is not that is particularly "hands-on."  We cannot bring a planet into the classroom or visit a planet on a field trip.  Well, unless you are a teacher like Ms. Frizzle of the famed "Magic School Bus" series.    However, there are several concepts that help us to understand our solar system that can be "hands-on." One is learning that the planets are spherical shapes.  We participated in two activities to explore this concept.  First, we made a variety of spheres with playdough.  It was interesting to see how the children approached this activity.  Some made individual planets, one at a time.  Others made the entire solar system together.  Some of the children created a series of spheres while exploring the various sizes.  Several choose to work together.  Their work reminded me of their work with many of the Montessori materials they have explored in the past.  Many of these materials were graduated in size, weight, etc.

An interpretation of Saturn with its rings.

 

One complete solars system in progress - one more planet to go!

    

Exploring seriation.

Montessori Cylinder Blocks

Montessori Knobless Cylinders

Montessori Geometric Solids

Our second activity involving spheres was to paint with marbles.  We put marbles in various colors of paint and rolled them across paper placed inside a tray.

Lanternfest

It's time to enjoy the beauty of a Fall night and realize that night can be fun and not scary, especially when shared with your friends and family.  We celebrated night through our second annual "Lanternfest."  This is a traditional German holiday, usually celebrated as "St. Martin's Day."  We constructed lanterns with each child and sang the songs taught to us by our German teacher.  It was a great night for all as we strolled around historic Capitol Park lighting the way with our lanterns.  For more information, please visit Hannah Box's blog:  http://hillboxcluster.blogspot.com/

Election Day - Mock Election

Our Middle and High School students researched the campaign platform of each of the presidential candidates, chose a candidate, and prepared Powerpoint Presentations as a project for a class with Dr. Monica Rodgers, our English and History/Civics teacher.  Dr. Rodgers then had the students simplify these presentations for our younger students.  The older students then formed groups to present their candidate to the younger students using their Powerpoint presentations and posters.  After presenting each candidate, they helped the younger students vote in a Mock Election.  I have a feeling that the students in our class, the 5-7 year olds, generally voted for the candidate their parents voted for.  Barack Obama was our winner.

Human Body Replicas

The students created these great human body replicas during our study of The Human Body.  We learned about the various organs and their function including the heart, the lungs, the liver, the stomach, the small intestine, and the large intestine.  As we studied each organ, we colored and cut out the organ.  I traced around each student using butcher paper.  They glued each organ into place.  I liked how this related to our study of maps.  We made a map of the organs.  Next each child colored their replica.  I made sure we had plenty of multicultural markers to match the skin and hair color of the children.  We worked on learning to spell various body parts.  We added three labels to our bodies:  leg, arm, and hand.  The children were very excited about this project.  I enjoy seeing them learn to develop a piece of work over time, rather than in a single sitting.

Outdoor Checkers

Our students love the outdoor checker board Dr. Rountree had set up in the park.  They use it every day.  Sometimes they enjoying playing one-on-one and sometimes teams play each other.  Coach Moody and Coach Collins introduced the game and set the procedures.

Checkers are a great way to learn to problem solve and use strategies.  You have to learn to think ahead.  It is a fantastic visual-spatial activity.