Magnify It!

Integrate math (measuring) and science (light/optics) by experimenting with a magnifying glass from Science Buddies! First, kids create a ruler out of masking tape. They use the tape ruler to measure their magnified object (see image above). Kids hold the magnifying glass or prop it at different heights from the table using a standard ruler. They write down the height of their hand / the magnifying glass. For example, the magnifying glass was held 10 inches from the table. They place an object near their masking tape ruler and put the magnifying glass over it. Make sure you hold the magnifying glass at the height you recorded. Kids use their tape ruler to measure the object. Then, they write down the measurement of the object next to the height measurement. How does an object's size (appear to) change at different optical distances in comparison to its actual size?! Check out the full activity here!

Thaumatropes

Integrate art, math, science, as well as history by constructing a thaumatrope! Kids use their measuring skills and imagination to create a paper animation! "Thaumatropes are optical illusions that operate by switching between two images so rapidly that the images appear as one." - Molecular Expressions. Video by EllieBTECMedia

How to incorporate in your classroom:

Geometry - Have kids figure out the area of their circle or rectangle, as well as circumference and perimeter. You could also have them try making different shapes for their thaumatrope besides the basic circle, rectangle, or square.

Science - Create thaumatropes that go along with your unit (ex: weather: lightning and dark skies on one side and clear skies with puffy white clouds on the other). Also, states of matter: ice cube melting. They could also do a volcano erupting or a butterfly emerging from a chrysalis. Kids can get super creative with the project!

History - Check it out here!

Four different ways to construct a thaumatrope! All you need is cardstock, a hole puncher, glue/tape and one of the materials below. You can draw, use photos, or write messages to create your optical illusion!

Rubber Band (you need 2)

Wooden Skewer

Straw

String

Fraction Color Spinner

Integrate math, art, and science by creating a colorful spinning toy! Kids trace a circle (at least 6 inch diameter) on poster board (or cardstock) and divide it into six equal parts. Then, they color it in, using any colors they'd like! Once it's colored, an adult punches two holes in the center of the circle. Kids measure out a 3 foot piece of string or yarn and lace it through their circle. Move the circle towards the center of the yarn (keep the one side of the string in a loop - don't pull the string all the way through). Next, tie a knot on the other side so it has a loop. Then, twist the string up by flipping the circle round and round. Pull the string outward and let it unravel. Watch it spin and the colors mix!

Spelling in Braille

Practice your spelling words in braille from the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry! You will need dried beans (or round cereal), glue, construction paper, and a braille chart (for each student). Write the spelling words on pieces of scrap paper and toss them into a paper lunch bag. Have each child choose one word from the bag. Tell them to keep their word a secret! Students write their word in beans, using a braille chart, by pasting them onto a piece of construction paper. Then, they trade their bean braille with a friend and try to figure out their friend's word. Remind them to keep their eyes closed and try to figure out each letter, rather than the whole word at once. They use their braille chart to help them.

Mr. Potato Head Math

Students roll 2 dice and practice addition with 2 one-digit addends. They refer to the sheet below to see what part of Mr. Potato Head to add next. The sum of the dice determines what part to insert.

The Sticky Note Experiment

Turn sticky notes into a slinky with Eepy Bird! Two fun experiments: make a rolling pinwheel and a cascading waterfall!



For how to instructions and more experiments for "curious minds," including how to make your own 3D glasses, visit Eepy Bird's site!

How to incorporate in your lesson plan: 
Measuring - Have kids work in teams, make a pinwheel, and measure the distance it rolls. Experiment, try adding more or taking away the recommended number of sticky notes. What happened? Did it roll as far?
Geometry - Talk about symmetry and transformations.

Periscope

Periscope - (def.) "tubular optical instrument that contains reflecting elements, such as mirrors and prisms, to permit observation from a position displaced from a direct line of sight." 

1. Create a periscope out of PVC Pipe! Dive under water and check out what's happening above the water line using your viewer. You can also hide behind the couch in your living room and investigate!

2. Construct a simple periscope out of a milk carton for detective work.

3. Check out Make It Awesome's cardboard periscope tutorial here for super spy vision!

Ruler Reaction

Who has the quickest reaction? Test out your reflex skills with this fun measuring experiment! Have a friend hold a ruler by their index, middle finger, and thumb. Tell them to hold it out, extended away from their body (at their head level). Now, you be prepared to catch it with your fingers! Hold your hand out underneath the ruler. Your friend will drop it unexpectedly, try to grasp it! Write down the measurement of where you caught the ruler. Now, try your other hand. Which hand had the quickest reaction? Try the experiment out on all of your friends. Who has the quickest reflexes?!


Compare your results with the rest of your classmates. Does gender or age play a factor in reaction?

Aqua Scope

I saw this awesome activity on the Magic School Bus! Make your very own aqua scope to check out what lies beneath a pond, lake, river, or ocean! All you need is a plastic container (yogurt or cottage cheese container, milk jug / carton - anything will do). I used a bead container. All you do is cut a large hole in the bottom of your scope. Then, cover the bottom with saran wrap, rubber band, and head to your nearest aquatic ecosystem. Submerge the viewer into the water (don't dunk it all the way under!), leaving the opening just above the water. You'll be amazed at how your viewer suddenly gives you aqua vision power! Check out all the plants and organisms that all live together in one ecosystem. Talk about biotic (living) and abiotic (nonliving) components within an ecosystem.

Moveable Pirate Spy Glass - Telescope!

Make a moveable telescope for pirate play! Visit Busy Bee Kid Crafts for the full tutorial!

Cotton Ball Rocks?!

They start out soft and fluffy and end up hard like a rock! Count, sort, stack them; kids will have a blast with cotton ball rocks! They can create a rocky dinosaur land with them. Also, they can have super heroes throw them with their super strength and power! Visit Delight in the Days for the baked cotton ball recipe!

via delight in the days