10 Fun Web Activities for Little Scientists

10 Fun Web Activities for Little Scientists

1. Brain Pop

This website ranges from learning about energy sources to learning about all different types of weather!

http://www.brainpop.com/science/

2. Zoom Dinosaurs

Zoom Dinosaurs has a variety of activities, games and other learning experiences for children to gain a further understanding of dinosaurs.

3. Exploring Nature

This site includes links and other activities that teach children about weather concepts, animals and plant life, and the solar system.

http://www.exploringnature.org/db/detail.php?dbID=27&detID=1190

4. National Geographic Kids

Of course, National Geographics, one of the most popular sources for children to learn about any topic and research any of their interests.

http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids/

5. Kids Biology

KidsBiology.com provides information about the human body, animal, and plant make up. It is an interesting and engaging site for children.

http://kidsbiology.com/

6. Kids Do Ecology

This site provides resources, research and information about ecology. It also has fun project ideas and games.

http://kids.nceas.ucsb.edu

7. Learners.org

This site is about rocks and minerals. It is an interactive game that children can work through to learn different rock types.

http://www.learner.org/interactives/rockcycle/swfs/rockCycle.swf

8. Best 1000 Games

There are a variety of games on this site. Each provide a different kind of virtual experience for children that allow them to explore different science topics.

http://www.best1000games.com/cat/education/virtual-games/

9. Turtle Diary

                                                                

Similar to Best 1000 Games, Turtle Diary is a combinations of different subject areas. All the games offer valuable information about each topic.

http://www.turtlediary.com/science-games.html

10. Reeko's Mad Science Lab

Reeko's Mad Science Lab is filled with different science project ideas. It gives directions and explanations to each science concept.

http://reekoscience.com/category/science-experiments/

Gardening Investigation Box

Gardening! Investigation Box

In classrooms, we can use investigation boxes to create a more hands on learning experience for certain topics. These boxes can be used in anyway to further a child's understanding of a concept. Gardening is just one concept that could be introduced to a group of students by using an investigation box.

The objects included in the box would include; shovel, popsicle sticks, gloves, seeds, bulbs, pots, soil, and a water can. All these objects are things students may see at home or even on television, around the school or other places they may visit. But as teachers we need to provide deeper learning expereiences for our students. 

Activity:

Children will be responsible for growing a plant. During this process children will discuss and observe different stages of the plant's life. On a recording sheet, students will provide documentation of the amount of sunlight plant received, how much it was watered and the height of their plant. They will identify they different parts of the plants such as the stem, leaves and peddles. Through this activity students will gain a better understanding of the plant life cycle while also learning new vocabulary terms.
Allow children to reference charts below to help them identify different parts of their plants growth and parts of their plants.

2-LS2-1.	Plan and conduct an investigation to determine if plants need sunlight and water to grow.

What other ways could we explore using our investigation box:

How seeds and bulbs differ,

Different seasons that you would plant seeds,

The amount of water and sunlight needed for those seeds to grow and be healthy.

Why we wear gloves,

What plants may be harmful to us,

What animals or insects may linger in our gardens.

10 Good Reads for Little Scientists

Here is a list of 10 books that I believe will help enhance children's understanding of all the different sciences they will learn! (These are only 10 of the many out there)

1.  Basher Science: Physics: Why Matter Matters! by Simon Basher

This book is a great way to introduce physics to young children. It ranges from the understanding of gravity to the theory of relativity. By using crazy looking characters, the pages engage children and help explain each concept. 

                2. The Magic School Bus Lost in the Solar System, by Joanna Cole

As a class goes on a trip that is out of this world, they discover stars, planets and learn about the atmosphere. This book is great for children to understand space and the atmosphere make up. This book is an exciting for children. 

3. Sea Turtles (National Geographic Readers Series) by Laura Marsh

Sea Turtles, is a great book to involve in an ocean or reptile lesson. This book uses beautiful photographs and illustrations to explain this mysterious creature. It talks about their swimming, laying their eggs and their daily life habits.

4. What Do You Do With a Tail Like This? By Steve Jenkins

I love this book! It is such a great book to use when learning about animals, reptiles and fish. It is a fun way to involve children in text. It is a guessing book and has beautiful illustrates that engage children and keep their attention.

5. Your Fantastic, Elastic Brain:Stretch It, Shape It! by JoAnn Deak

What a fun way to begin a study of the human body. And what better way than to start with the brain! This book takes children through understanding the anatomy and the different functions of the human brain. This book also explains to children that making mistakes is so important to learning!

6. Volcanoes!: Mountains of Fire by Eric Arnold

Volcanoes!: Mountains of Fire, can be used in so many ways. Not only does it explain the sciences and what causes the eruption of a volcanoes, but this book also explains famous eruptions throughout history. It shows Mount St. Helens eruptions in Washington State. 

7. The Big Dipper by Franklyn M. Branley

The Big Dipper can be used to teach children the basics of astronomy. This book has illustrations of constellations. It explains to children in a fun way, which stars make up the Big Dipper. It has illustrations that are very easy to connect to the text which makes it very good book for comprehension. 

8. What Is The World Made Of? by Kathleen Weidner

Kathleen Weidner's What Is The World Made Of?, explains to children all about that interesting topic...solids, liquids and gases. She shows the differences between all three and explains them in a kid friendly text. Using illustrations to allow children to make a better connection.

9. What is Science? by Rebecca Kai Dotlich

What is Science explains different aspects of science. It ranges from stars and soil and hurricanes. There are many great uses for this book. Perhaps, by introducing a section of this book at a time to children, while bringing in new lessons is a ideal. It highlights many of the basics for each area of study and will encourage children to ask questions. 

10.  It's Fall! by Linda Glaser

I really enjoy this book. Linda Glaser shows so many great examples of different changes we see around us as the seasons change. Many of the pages show animals, plants, and even humans changing according to the season. What a great book to use throughout the entire year!

10 Activities for Little Scientists

1. Sound Waves

                                      

This experiment is great to teach kids how to create noises using different materials.

www.kidsactivitiesblog.com

2. Liquid Density Rainbow

                                   

Use water, sugar and food coloring. Talk about density.

www.sugarsnips.com

3. Happy Hair Growing Grass Seeds

Have children use their own picture or draw a self portrait of themselves and place them on a cup. Then students can plant grass seeds in their cup and watch their hair grow!
http://rainbowswithinreach.blogspot.com/2013/04/springtime-science-with-seeds.html?_szp=447639


4. Food Chain Cups!

Give children several cups and have them place certain animals on the cups so they can understand the food chain!
http://eisforexplore.blogspot.com/2012/10/food-chain-stacking-cups.html


5. What Fingerprint are You?

Have children identify what type of fingerprint they are using a pencil, piece of paper and scotch tape.
http://leladavidson.hubpages.com/hub/Fingerprint_Science_Project_for_Kids


6. Celery Coloring

Take four glasses and fill them with water, each with different food coloring. Place celery sticks in glasses and watch over a few days as they change colors.
http://www.teaching-tiny-tots.com/toddler-math-colored-pasta.html#.U12CL17_YZY


7. Exploding Milk!

Get a container, milk, food coloring and dish soap and vinegar. Pour into container and stir to see what happens.
http://www.messforless.net/2013/05/exploding-milk-experiment.html

8. Crystal Experiment

You need water, a jar, borax, baking soda and salt. Place in a jar and learn about solids, liquids and gases!
http://www.thejoysofboys.com/2012/09/12/simple-science-growing-crystals/

9. Crystal Geodes

Let children make their own crystal geodes to take home. You need alum powder, egg shells and glue.
http://www.buzzfeed.com/peggy/kids-science-experiments-that-adults-can-enjoy-too


10. Make Your Own Lava Lamp

Have children make their own lava lamp! You can talk about Carbon Dioxide, oil and of course lava!
http://jollyjansen.blogspot.com/2011/10/fizzy-fun-preschool-science-activity_18.html

1K+