Oobleck

Supplies:
Cornstarch
Water
Bowls

Directions:

1. Show children a rock and a glass of water
o How are these two different?

2. Explain that the water is a liquid and a rock is a solid.

3. Read: Bartholomew and the Oobleck by Dr. Seuss and have the children predict from the cover of the book what oobleck could be.

4. Write predictions on a chart.

5. Tell children we are going to experiment to see who is right.

6. Allow children to mix cornstarch and water together ( 2 parts cornstarch to 1 part water)

7. Let children play with the Oobleck to get a good sense of what it may be.

o Is oobleck a liquid or a solid?
o What makes you think so?

Felt Toy Monster

Supplies:

Felt
Needle and embroidery thread
Toy stuffing
Fabric glue
Wiggle eyes/gems/sequins/scraps of felt/fabric paint – whatever you can find to decorate your monster

Instructions:

Cut two monster shapes from felt. Sew them together around the edge using running stitch. Leave a small gap to stuff the toy.

When the toy is full, sew up the gap.
Glue on buttons and ribbons and anything else you have in your craft box to make your monster look really scary.

Plant Pals

Supplies:

• One 9- or 12-ounce plastic cup
• 1 to 1 1/4 cups of potting soil
1 1 tablespoon of grass seeds (we bought rye grass at a garden center)
2 Decorations, such as office dot stickers, markers, and ribbon (for safety, it should measure less than 6 inches long)


Directions:

1. Fill the cup halfway with soil. Divide the remaining soil in two, then have your child measure the seeds and stir them into one of these halves. Tip: To speed germination, you can first soak the seeds in water overnight.

2. Spoon the seed-filled soil into the cup, then top it with the remaining soil (this final layer should be about 1/8 to 1/4 inch deep). Water the soil well.

3. Let your child decorate the cup with stickers and markers. Finally, leave the plant in a warm, sunny spot to sprout. Water as necessary to keep the soil about as wet as a damp sponge.

A Trail Tote

Supplies:
• Egg carton
• Magnifying glass
• Magnets
• Water-filled spray bottle
• Homemade soil slides

Directions:

1. Egg carton: Paint the bottom of each compartment a different color, then challenge kids to find natural souvenirs in a matching hue.

2. Magnifying glass: Encourage your family to take a closer look at things and discover treasures hidden in plain view, such as the silvery veins on a leaf or tiny mites on a decaying log.

3. Magnets: Run a strong magnet across the soil to see if iron bits are lurking about (they'll stick to the magnet). For an even greater wow factor, bring a paper plate, top it with soil, then run a magnet underneath it to make the iron bits dance.

4. Water-filled spray bottle: See how a gentle spritz can change the look of things, such as spiderwebs and color-shifting rocks.

5. Homemade soil slides: Cut a 1/2-inch square in a notecard and cover the hole with a piece of clear tape. Press the sticky side against soil, then use a magnifying glass to discover its individual components.

Week 39: Get Crafty!

*Suggested Reading*
(Fun reading list)
Bartholomew and the Oobleck by Dr. Seuss
I Know a Rhino By Charles Fuge
Baby Beluga By Raffi, illustrated by Ashley Wolff
A Pocket for Corduroy By Don Freeman
Where the Wild Things Are By Maurice Sendak


Items needed this week:
Cornstarch
Water
Bowls
Felt
Needle and embroidery thread
Toy stuffing
Fabric glue
Wiggle eyes/gems/sequins/scraps of felt/fabric paint – whatever you can find to decorate your monster
One 9- or 12-ounce plastic cup
One to 1 1/4 cups of potting soil
One tablespoon of grass seeds (we bought rye grass at a garden center)
Decorations, such as office dot stickers, markers, and ribbon (for safety, it should measure less than 6 inches long)
Egg carton
Magnifying glass
Magnets
Water-filled spray bottle
Homemade soil slides