Fantastic Kindergarten Science Experiment with Pumpkin

Ocean habitat lesson that your children will love

The other day the Pony Artist found a box of shells I had been saving.  She spent most of an hour just looking, then announced that she had thought of a great activity to share with you! The result was an amazing sensory play set. Here's how you can set up this lesson for your kids as well.

(This post does not include affiliate links as originally written, but I may add them in the future.)

Why Do Boats Float? PLUS, Ten Easy Ways to Make Toy Boats

Boats are fascinating.  There is something surreal about leaving the land behind and traveling across the water.  It is intriguing that all that weight, which would otherwise sink to the bottom of the ocean, floating because of the boat.  I have ten ways for you to make your own boat from pantry items, but first, Could you explain to your preschooler, Why do boats float?

Do It Yourselves Pretend Pony Barn

Each month we enjoy participating in the Recycle!Create! challenge.  I have found this project to be a perfect opportunity to encourage my children to build their engineering skills.

When I asked the Pony Artist what she wanted to make from food containers, her response was immediate:  "A barn for my ponies!"

First, she chose her materials from the recycling bin.

Next, she removed the top, and one end of each box.  Notice the scissor practice.

The Pony Artist says the barn looks better this way, and I would say removing the top makes play easier.  

I helped her paint.  She chose bright colors for the walls, dark back walls, and straw like floors.

A few days later, after the paint was dry, we added pine straw to make the ponies comfortable.  But, "Not too much, because it makes the baby uncomfortable."

It was a great chance to discuss what kind of environments are best for horses. Understanding the needs of living organisms is perfect preschool level habitat study.

Each pony has its own job in the pony family, and I was treated to a long short story.  The daddy fights for the whole family.  The big sister only fights for the baby.

Do you have an idea for using food containers to do a project with or for your children?Share in the comments, or link it up!

An InLinkz Link-up

Five Simple Science Projects Using Plastic Bags

This month at Project Recycle! Create!  we have been working with plastic bags. We made a Windsock, and four other bloggers did science related projects too.  These are super simple.  Most of us have plenty of plastic bags on hand.  Why not try one of these fun projects with your kids? (Click on the titles to go the tutorials.)

Plastic Bag Kites

This should be something every child does before age ten.  It is a great way to experience density, drag, and air properties.

Comet

Outer space is a popular topic at our house.  I love that this is also a toy, which reinforces what a comet is.

Parachute

This project is a great way to learn drag and weight.  These look easy to make and would be lots of fun to watch on a breezy day, or floating from the top of the stairs.

Jelly Fish

We enjoy making giant murals of different ecosystems.  This craft is perfect for the ocean.  You will want to check out the whole preschool unit Nadia put together.


Windsock

We had alot of fun putting together this windsock, and it was a great way to watch the wind's direction and strength.



Check out our science for kids page for a comprehensive list of great science projects. 

  Get more information on Project Recycle!Create!

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Water bottle guns

Once again, my husband invented a brilliant toy that entertained the children for the entire evening.