"Scientist" Themed Classroom

Check out my latest item...

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Scientist-Themed-Classroom-Set

This set includes so much! From table numbers (2 different styles), to letters/numbers for word wall, labels, classroom jobs, passes, awards, journal labels, subject signs, and so much more!

Must Have Picture Books {Linky}

I love books! I couldn't resist posting my favorites! The Teacher Wife put together this great linky. All you do is post about your top 5 Must-Have-Picture-Books with a link to purchase them.

1. Drumroll please... "Epossumondas Saves the Day!" by Coleen Salley (my favorite of all time!)

It’s Epossumondas's birthday, so Mama's whipping up his favorite biscuits. But she's plumb out of sody sallyraytus (baking soda)! Everybody knows you can’t make big, fluffy biscuits without sody. One by one, Baby Gator, Auntie, and Mama scoot to the store to fetch some. But when no one comes back, it’s up to Epossumondas to run out and see what’s what--until he runs smack into a great, huge, ugly Louisiana snapping turtle! I won't give away the ending...but I tie it into my states of matter unit. Baking Soda + acid (we use vinegar) = BOOM! Don't forget to use your cajun accent when reading!

2.  "Three Billygoats Gruff and Mean Calypso Joe" by Cathrene Vale Youngquist
I used this in my kindergarten class. Every year, we would do several versions of this story, but our favorite was always this one because of the caribbean dialect. I had a bridge we put up in my room and we would act it out for weeks! This is a GREAT read aloud!

The three Billygoats Gruff find themselves wanting treats on the other side of their island. However, to get there, they first must cross a bridge...a bridge guarded by Calypso Joe, the self-proclaimed "meanest troll dis part of de island." Joe demands a toll from the goats, warning of a "big problem" if it isn't paid. But Joe soon learns that he is the one with the "big problem!"

3. "Iggy Peck, Architect" by Andrea Beaty and David Roberts

This is a great book if you are doing any engineering! Iggy has one passion: building. His parents are proud of his fabulous creations, though they’re sometimes surprised by his materials—who could forget the tower he built of dirty diapers? When his second-grade teacher declares her dislike of architecture, Iggy faces a challenge. He loves building too much to give it up!

4. "Newton and Me" by Lynne Mayer 

I love to use this book when teaching physics to the younger ones! It is a rhyming book about a boy and his dog, Newton, discovering the laws of motion. Very cute!

5. "The Lonely Doll" by Dare Wright. I used this book in kinderarten. It was one of our librarian's favortie books and she introduced me to it. There is also a great biography about the author for a good adult read. :) Amazon summary:

"Once there was a little doll. Her name was Edith. She lived in a nice house and had everything she needed except someone to play with. She was lonely! Then one morning Edith looked into the garden and there stood two bears! Since it was first published in 1957, The Lonely Doll has established itself as a unique children's classic. Through innovative photography Dare Wright brings the world of dolls to life and entertains us with much more than just a story. Edith, the star of the show, is a doll from Wright's childhood, and Wright selected the bear family with the help of her brother. With simple poses and wonderful expressions, the cast of characters is vividly brought to life to tell a story of friendship."

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Creative Chemistry and more...

Wow...I feel like I have spent all weekend on the computer. And not blog stalking...actually working!

I have just added "Creative Chemistry" to my TPT store. Check it out: http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Creative-Chemistry-Chemistry-and-States-of-Matter-fun-for-primary-grades

While I was putting this together, I thought of several things that every classroom should have in their science center. Maybe you could add these to your wishlist. :) First, everyone should have at least one set of eyeloupes (only 3.99 at harbor freight). http://www.harborfreight.com/5-piece-loupe-set-98722.html
They are so much better than the little magnifying glasses that come in most science kits. Each one has a different magnification.   

Next, are digital scales. Also at Harbor Freight: http://www.harborfreight.com/1000-gram-digital-scale-97920.html. These are a little more ($11.99), but you will use them! We measure grow creatures, mealworms, other insects, and more.

Finally, microscopes. These are a little more costly, but so worth it!



 Have a great week!

Bubble Fun!

I wonder...if I add food coloring to my bubble solution, will the bubbles be that color?

Can I make bubbles in different shapes? (The paper plate works a lot better than the wire!)

If I concentrate hard enough, will the bubble come out? Lol. My husband volunteers most Tuesdays during the school year. He not only helps me, but does a lot of landscaping and handyman work at our school! I have a wondeful husband. :) He even takes a vacation the week before we go back to school to help me get the lab set up.

Periodic Table

     On each of my six lab tables, I have a periodic table (glued on the table color's construction paper and laminated) that the students may use for reference. I start with my kinders, so that at least it is familiar and continue to teach more about it every year, so that by the time they leave me, they have a good understanding of the periodic table. I print them from the site below. You can also order the pictorial periodic table in poster size. This would be a great addition to your science center!



http://elements.wlonk.com/



Lava in a cup...

     This is a great investigation or experiment for making predictions, states of matter, and so much more! For a investigation, follow the instructions below. For an experiment add a question: Does the type of food oil matter (try vegetable, olive, canola, etc.)? Would sugar or sand produce the same effect as salt? 

Procedure: Fill a clear plastic cup about 2/3 full of water, add 6-8 drops of red food coloring, slowly pour the oil into the cup (at this point, the oil will separate and float on top), sprinkle salt on top of the oil, and watch blobs of lava move up and down in your cup! Your own lava lamp! :)  

"My Science Tools"

     I start out with my kinders learning how to use "their science tools" (their senses) to make observations, predictions, inferences, conclusions, and more. We work on mastering these skills before I bring out our lab tools: eye loupes, microscopes, stereoscopes, etc. I just added a packet of some activities we do in my TPT store.  Check it out... :)