Molecules

We finished up our week learning about chemistry with Mother Goose Time by focusing on molecules.  

During circle time the girls worked on counting the number of atoms on the molecule cards.

Molecules move faster in warm water.  This concept was reinforced by having the girls put food coloring in a cup of cold water and a cup of hot water and observing which one spread faster.  

I read the excerpt on Alfred Nobel from the book of the month.  The girls talked about ways they thought they could make the world a better place:  giving hugs, giving out flowers, and surprising people.  Afterward they each received a Nobel prize sticker. 

They used pipe-cleaners and beads to make their own atom patterns.  Afterward they turned them into necklaces to keep.

Their favorite activity of the day was attaching cornstarch noodles together to create different colored molecules.  They absolutely loved using these noodles. 

Reactions

Day 4 with Mother Goose Time had us learning about reactions.

During circle time we sang the chemist, to the tune of The Wheels on the Bus.

The girls compared a cup of water and a cup of vinegar.  Even though they look the same, they are very different.  The girls noted that they smelled different.  They put water on baking soda and watched for a reaction;  in the words of Elli "it turned to goop."  Next they put vinegar on the baking soda and watched the reaction that took place. They loved watching it "explode."

The girls used lemon juice to write messages on paper.  They used a blow dryer to heat the paper and reveal the messages.  We couldn't get this to work really well, the message only appeared very faintly.  I'm not sure if they needed to use more lemon juice or maybe heat it for longer.  Either way they thought using "invisible ink" was pretty cool.

Every monthly box comes with a book of the month and a story telling set.  The girls used this to retell the story of Alfred Nobel.  They also watched a Bill Nye episode on chemical reactions, that included a segment on Nobel.

The girls drew fireworks with glue, which they sprinkled with salt.  They used water colors to drip onto the salt, and watched how the colors spread.

The girls cut triangles and glued them into their my little journals.  They turned them into volcanoes that were erupting.  Tomorrow we learn about molecules.

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.

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