Mixtures

The girls have been having so much fun this month with Mother Goose Time's science lab theme.  Today they learned about mixtures.

The girls took turns mixing water with oil and water with sugar and observing what happened.  We talked about how some substances mix and some separate.

The girls worked together to make Jello.  They watched how the gelatin dissolved in the hot water.  Addie was able to apply what she learned yesterday about molecules to the Jello changing from a liquid to a solid.  I love that the lessons are helping them retain information on complex subjects.

The girls LOVED using this months beaker set with different colored liquids to create new colors.  They had such a good time mixing up new colors;  the beakers had to be refilled quite a few times before they were ready to move on.

They also experimented with looking through blocks with different colored plexiglass.  

We read a few books about mixing colors, including last months story of the month, Mix.  

They finished up the day by painting their own color mixing papers.

States of Matter

All this week with Mother Goose Time we're learning about chemistry.  Today's lesson was about states of matter.  

During circle time we looked at the 3 states of water.  The girls examined ice cubes, a beaker of water, and I also boiled water so they could see the vapor.  This went along great with the song Solid, Liquid, Gas.  

I explained what molecules are and that the closer together they are, the more solid the object.  The girls played a game where they rolled a dice and placed beads on a molecule board.  After they were done they used beads to create the 3 states of matter.

We reread the section on Alfred Nobel from the book of the month that came in yesterday's bag.  The girls built their own tunnel using chairs and blankets.  They pretended to use dynamite to blow up passageways, and had lots of fun playing "underground."  

The girls really enjoyed making their own molecule ornaments.  We left them to dry overnight to make sure the glue hardens all the way.  Addie pointed out that the molecules in the liquid glue are going to get closer together when it turns into a solid.  I love that she was able to apply what she had learned earlier in the day about molecules.

The girls also drew the 3 phases of matter in their science journals.  Addie was very excited to explain what she drew.  

The girls also made some whipped cream.  We talked about how it started as a liquid, but turned more solid the longer it was mixed.  They got to enjoy the whipped cream with some berries as a snack.  Tomorrow we'll be learning all about mixtures.

Properties of Matter

We just started Mother Goose Time's new theme for August, science lab.  Addie, my science minded 7 year old, has been very excited for this months lessons to start.  

We started off circle time by talking about chemists.  We also made play dough, which the girls used to shape numbers.

The first day of every monthly theme starts with new name tags.  Elli traced the outline I wrote of her name.  Addie practiced writing her name in cursive.  Next the girls used a paintbrush to add glue to their names, and then we sprinkled cinnamon on them.  We talked about the sense of smell.

I filled some cups with different substances.  The girls got to smell them and taste them.  They were not a fan of the balsamic vinegar. 

I also put different fruits into bags and the girls used their sense of smell and touch to identify them.  After wards they got to eat them.

We read the included book of the month, which was all about different scientists.  I really liked that this book is set up to use with different ages.  You can read just the bold text for younger kids, or the whole thing for older kids.  This was a great book about using your resources and not giving up, and I'm sure we will be referencing it a lot throughout the month.

One of the manipulatives included in this months box was a set of beakers.  The girls used these to practise measuring water.  Addie tried to guess how many little cups would fit into the big ones, then she checked her guesses.

The girls used the included spinner to play a game of Simon Says.

 They also designed the covers of their science journals, which we will be using all month.

Is Mother Goose Time Worth It?

 If you're looking for a way to entertain and educate your preschooler, than look no further.  Mother Goose Time is a complete preschool curriculum that included everything you need for a month of learning.  The box comes with SO many items that it would take too many photos to show all the awesome materials.  Instead of spending hours searching pinterest to come up with ideas that are both fun and educational, I can just open my teacher guide and go.  All the work has been done for me and the material is all there.  I don't have to run to the store to pick up last minute items because I know everything will be included.  Instead of spending time gathering ideas and items, I now have the time to spend with my girls doing fun activities.  They both love Mother Goose Time, and I love that it makes education fun. My 7 year old asks me to wait until she gets home from school to do the lessons, because she doesn't want to miss anything.

 Every month Mother Goose Time sends us a new box filled with activities, art materials, music, and fun.  My girls love when the yellow school bus box arrives, and it is always ripped open within minutes.  In August the theme will be science lab, which my science loving 7 year old is thrilled about.  Each month focuses on a new theme, and I've found that learning about one main topic all month helps the girls retain the information easier.  They're always eager to see what the new topic of the day will be, and how it will fit into the overall theme.

The teachers guide and planning journal help organize the month.  In August we will be conducting experiments, making crafts, working on letters and numbers, and learning about science.  On the Mother Goose Time website you can  see that "Children learn that science is everywhere as they do hand on experiments and activities every day in their own science labs.This month's study explores great scientists and their discoveries as well as some inventions that have changed lives."

Mother Goose Time makes is so easy to stay organized.  Each daily topic comes with it's own day bag.  You just open the bag and everything you need (except household items like crayons, glue, paint, etc) is included.  Little to no prep work is required.  

A favorite item that comes each month are the manipulatives.  They are slowly taking over our house since we save them all in a bin.  This month included 5 different sized beakers and a set of different shaped nuts and bolts.  We haven't even started August yet, but already these have seen hours of play.

Every month comes with a music new CD, book, I can read story, journal, art materials, the list goes on and on.

In addition to 20 day bags there is also a bonus celebration pack.  Usually these are for a monthly holiday.  For August the focus is family picnic.  There is an entire lesson plan built around this topic.  The celebration packs are almost always my girls favorite day of the month,  There  are always games, crafts, snack ideas and a story.  We go on a picnic every Monday during the summer, so this will be great to incorporate into our regular outing. 

FChildren learn that science is everywhere as they do hands-on experiments and activities every day in their own science labs. This month’s study explores great scientists and their discoveries, as well as some inventions that have changed lives. Discover what happens when you mix to substances, explore the mysteries of sound, light, forces, electricity, magnets and resistance. Go on a journey to explore the world around you and classify items as living or non-living and how they all matter to each other. This hands-on month makes a scientist out of anyone. - See more at: http://www.mothergoosetime.com/monthly-themes/science-lab-august2016/#sthash.jjIbUSRQ.dpuf