Corvallis School district 509J

Central
I
nstructional
Media

Center

Hands on Science:
Science Kit Descriptions ~ Kindergarten

>  Animals 2 x 2:  Introduces a selection of organisms for comparison.  In each activity students observe and describe the structures and behavior of an organism and then compare the organism to a similar one.  Guppies and goldfish, land snails and water snails, earthworms and night crawlers, and pill bugs and sow bugs are maintained in the classroom over time and investigated. Includes a Book Kit with a selection of books to supplement the hands on lessons.

>  Chemistry Beginnings:  Investigate properties of flour, salt, sand, and soil.  Explore Oobleck and GAK.  Mix colors with different media (food coloring, crayons, cellophane, play dough, tempera paint, watercolors, and oil pastels).  Observe rotting food.  Make peanut butter and homemade GAK.  Try to separate some mixtures.

>  Fabric:  Explores properties of ten different types of fabrics.  Stain fabrics and try to clean them, observe how certain fabrics repel or absorb water, and dye cloth to change its color.  Make fabric by weaving and sew pieces of fabric together. Includes a Book Kit with a selection of books to supplement the hands on lessons.

>  From Seed to Plant:  During the study of this unit, the students will classify seeds by properties, plant seeds, care for plants, observe and record plant growth, and participate in classroom projects.  The basic plant parts (root, stem, and leaf) and the functions of each are introduced.  At the end of this teaching unit is a copy master for a Growing Award to be given to students who take proper care of plants.

>  Paper:  Take a close look at ten different types of paper.  Focus on the properties of paper:  ease of cutting, appropriateness for writing, and ease of folding.  Experiment with paper and water interactions.  Make paper from pulp, make papier-mâché bowls, and construct boxes, envelopes, airplanes, and woven mats. Includes a Book Kit with a selection of books to supplement the hands on lessons.

>  Wood:  Explore properties of six different types of wood (pine, redwood, plywood, particleboard, Douglas fir, and red alder).  Make particleboard from sawdust and plywood from veneer sheets.  Sink and Float wood samples.  Sand, nail, stain, and glue wood to create a wood sculpture. Includes a Book Kit with a selection of books to supplement the hands on lessons.