We had a great field trip with our Pre-Kindergarten group to the Chandler Fire Station! The kids LOVED getting to explore the firetruck, and Max even got to turn on the lights and the sirens!!
Thanks, Vicky, for organizing this!
Showing posts with label K-Prep. Show all posts
Showing posts with label K-Prep. Show all posts
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Chandler Fire Station #9
We had a great field trip with our Pre-Kindergarten group to the Chandler Fire Station! The kids LOVED getting to explore the firetruck, and Max even got to turn on the lights and the sirens!!
Thanks, Vicky, for organizing this!
Friday, March 7, 2008
Simple Machines give you Power!
As I looked at what I was scheduled to teach our co-op preschool this week, I think I started to hyperventilate: Simple Machines. I knew our group of kids would really enjoy it, but I couldn't help thinking back to Junior High and the class where I received the lowest grade I've ever received. I'm too ashamed to tell you what that grade was, but, it's the same letter that starts the word I thought to myself after I saw it. Anyway, the class was Woodworking, and it involved understanding not only simple machines, but hydraulics and other such complexities. It wasn't happening for me, and I haven't recovered in the physics area since.
But, simple machines must be taught.
Well, I might not be good at physics, but I am good at delegating to talented people, so I got the job done through my much-more physics-minded husband! Adam was on the job, and took the kids through levers, wedges, screws, pulleys, wheels and axles, and gears. They were completely entranced. We used the Super-Hero capes to teach that "machines give you Power that makes work easier" and we had them try to lift the bucket of bricks by themselves, and then put the cape on and try again with a simple machine such as a pulley or a lever. They loved it, and I think they understood the concept! Maybe this will prevent them from having the same experience I had in 7th grade!
At the end, I gave them all a quiz by printing a page of these pictures, and they had to label what simple machine was shown. See how you do on our quiz! :)
But, simple machines must be taught.
Well, I might not be good at physics, but I am good at delegating to talented people, so I got the job done through my much-more physics-minded husband! Adam was on the job, and took the kids through levers, wedges, screws, pulleys, wheels and axles, and gears. They were completely entranced. We used the Super-Hero capes to teach that "machines give you Power that makes work easier" and we had them try to lift the bucket of bricks by themselves, and then put the cape on and try again with a simple machine such as a pulley or a lever. They loved it, and I think they understood the concept! Maybe this will prevent them from having the same experience I had in 7th grade!
At the end, I gave them all a quiz by printing a page of these pictures, and they had to label what simple machine was shown. See how you do on our quiz! :)
Friday, November 9, 2007
Kindergarten-Prep
We rebuilt the Mayflower! Well, sorta. At our Kindergarten-Prep class yesterday, we learned about the first Thanksgiving. Then, we decided to try our hand at ship-building. Everyone received the same materials, and they each made their own boat. We tested them in water to see if they would float - and every single one of them did! I love seeing how each child comes up with a completely unique idea even though they all start out with the same stuff. Such creativity!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
