Sunday, June 14, 2015
Bug Camp Day 4 - A Visit from a Beekeeper!
As you might have guessed, today we learned all about bees! We were lucky enough to have a local beekeeper, Amron Frazier, come and talk to us. He taught the kids all about beehives and how the bees make honey. The kids even had a chance to look at a colony of bees through a glass window. They were able to spot the queen bee! At the end, everyone tasted a spoonful of delicious honey!
Bug Camp Day 3 - Metamorphosis
Each day we focused on a different bug. Today's bug was the butterfly. The kids enjoyed making tissue paper butterflies at art center and coloring a butterfly grid for the math center. They also worked on bug cartoon storyboards at the writing center and continued making up puppet shows.
Our story time and snack today was also all about butterflies.
Today we learned that the word metamorphosis means to change into something new. Insects go through a process of metamorphosis. We learned about the four stages an insect goes through...egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The kids had fun putting different insect life cycle sets in the correct order.
Our story time and snack today was also all about butterflies.
Today we learned that the word metamorphosis means to change into something new. Insects go through a process of metamorphosis. We learned about the four stages an insect goes through...egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The kids had fun putting different insect life cycle sets in the correct order.
At the end of our day, we did an experiment. We whipped up a batch of "bug bait"--2 mashed up brown bananas, 1 cup of apple juice, and 1/4 cup of sugar. We "painted" it on a small section of my fence. The kids made predictions in their journals about which bugs would come and find the bug bait.
Friday, June 12, 2015
Bug Camp Day 2 - A Visit from BYU's Bean Museum!
The highlight of our second day at Bug Camp was a visit from Keith Condie, a member of BYU's Bean Life Science Museum. His presentation was about classification.
The children sorted pictures of animals into different groups based on their characteristics. He then taught them about vertebrates (animals with backbones) and invertebrates (animals without backbones). Bugs are invertebrates.
It was a fabulous presentation. The kids really enjoyed it. Thank you Keith!
The children sorted pictures of animals into different groups based on their characteristics. He then taught them about vertebrates (animals with backbones) and invertebrates (animals without backbones). Bugs are invertebrates.
Part of his presentation included live animals. The kids got to see 2 vertebrates--a snake and a turtle. He also brought an invertebrate--a Chilean Rose-Haired Tarantula named Gwen.
Since this is a Bug Camp, Keith was also kind enough to bring his personal insect collection for the kids to see.
It was a fabulous presentation. The kids really enjoyed it. Thank you Keith!
Bug Camp Day 1 - What is an Insect?
Our first day of bug camp was awesome! The kids enjoyed exploring centers for the first time. Each day we have a library center, a research center, a math center, a drama center, a writing center, and an art center.
For our project work time today, we learned that a true insect has 3 body parts-the head, thorax, and abdomen-and 6 legs. Most insects have two antennae and wings. Insects have an exoskeleton on the outside of their bodies. Each child received their own bug catcher and they went on a bug hunt around the yard. They found plastic bugs and real bugs. We categorized their findings into insects and not insects.
For our project work time today, we learned that a true insect has 3 body parts-the head, thorax, and abdomen-and 6 legs. Most insects have two antennae and wings. Insects have an exoskeleton on the outside of their bodies. Each child received their own bug catcher and they went on a bug hunt around the yard. They found plastic bugs and real bugs. We categorized their findings into insects and not insects.
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
My Purpose
As a college student at Brigham Young University, I had the awesome opportunity to learn all about the "ideals" of an early childhood classroom. I was taught that a young child's learning should be hands-on, engaging, and concrete. Curriculum in the early childhood classroom should seek to integrate all the subjects into a meaningful learning experience. Children should learn to ask questions and find answers--in short, they should grow to love the learning process!
When I started student teaching and substitute teaching in the "real world", I discovered that many of the ideals I learned about in college were not happening in the public schools. I do believe that most teachers and administrators are doing the very best they can, but because of limited resources, government regulation, and so many students, it is difficult to create that ideal learning environment.
As I started my job search, I was lucky enough to be hired by a family who wanted to start a small private school for their children. They wanted the best education for their children, so we set out to create the "perfect" school together. Well, of course, our school wasn't perfect, but it was an incredible experience for all of us. Because we didn't have to worry about report cards or standardized testing, the children were free to learn at their own pace. Our class size was small, and I was able to individualize each of their instruction and often planned our learning experiences around subjects the children found interesting. All of them loved coming to school because they were engaged in real learning.
My daughter is starting Kindergarten this fall. It dawned on me one day that even though she will likely be educated through the public school system, I could at least create this type of learning experience for her in the summers. So I've set out to start Summer Science Camps again! And I'm hoping that at least a few other kids in the community will benefit from these camps too. :)
My purpose is to teach children to love the learning process. I hope they will ask questions and learn how to find answers. I want them to feel like they are "little scientists" exploring the world the around them. I plan to keep class sizes small (12-14 kids) to help create an ideal learning environment. I will also plan curriculum that integrates all the subjects (reading, math, writing, art, science, music, etc.) into activities that are hands-on and engaging. And of course, we will have a lot of FUN too!
*Scroll down to the next blog post for information about the specific camps this summer!...
When I started student teaching and substitute teaching in the "real world", I discovered that many of the ideals I learned about in college were not happening in the public schools. I do believe that most teachers and administrators are doing the very best they can, but because of limited resources, government regulation, and so many students, it is difficult to create that ideal learning environment.
As I started my job search, I was lucky enough to be hired by a family who wanted to start a small private school for their children. They wanted the best education for their children, so we set out to create the "perfect" school together. Well, of course, our school wasn't perfect, but it was an incredible experience for all of us. Because we didn't have to worry about report cards or standardized testing, the children were free to learn at their own pace. Our class size was small, and I was able to individualize each of their instruction and often planned our learning experiences around subjects the children found interesting. All of them loved coming to school because they were engaged in real learning.
My daughter is starting Kindergarten this fall. It dawned on me one day that even though she will likely be educated through the public school system, I could at least create this type of learning experience for her in the summers. So I've set out to start Summer Science Camps again! And I'm hoping that at least a few other kids in the community will benefit from these camps too. :)
My purpose is to teach children to love the learning process. I hope they will ask questions and learn how to find answers. I want them to feel like they are "little scientists" exploring the world the around them. I plan to keep class sizes small (12-14 kids) to help create an ideal learning environment. I will also plan curriculum that integrates all the subjects (reading, math, writing, art, science, music, etc.) into activities that are hands-on and engaging. And of course, we will have a lot of FUN too!
*Scroll down to the next blog post for information about the specific camps this summer!...
Sunday, March 8, 2015
The Camp Dates are Set!
I have chosen the themes and dates for the 2015 summer camps!
BUG CAMP will be June 8-12.
9:30-11:30, M-F
Students will learn what it is like to be an entomologist. They will learn the characteristics of a true insect, how to classify different types of bugs, what the word metamorphosis means, as well as many other facts and figures about our planet's largest animal population. We will have guest speakers from BYU's Bean Museum and a visit from a local bee keeper.
ROCK & GEM CAMP will be June 22-26.
9:30-11:30, M-F
Students will learn how to categorize rocks into igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary. We will learn about the rock cycle, different types of minerals, and go on a "treasure hunt" to find precious stones. We will have guest speakers from the non-profit organization Rockhounders Outreach for Community Knowledge. Each student will get a starter rock collection to take home.
SPACE IS LIMITED! I am aiming for class sizes of 12-14 students, but may have a couple more or a couple less depending on ages.
The cost is $35 per week, per student, plus a $10 registration fee. I am also offering a sibling discount this year. If you have more than one child attending the camp, the cost is $30 per child, plus a $10 registration fee.
Please send me an e-mail at sciencecamps@gmail.com if you are interested in either of these camps. If you want your child to attend both camps, please let me know which camp would be your number 1 preference. I want to accommodate as many students as possible and may have to limit registration to one camp. The registration form will be e-mailed. To secure your spot, you will need to turn in the registration form and registration fee no later than April 30th.
Both camps will be held in Lehi, Utah. The address will be on the registration forms.
BUG CAMP will be June 8-12.
9:30-11:30, M-F
Students will learn what it is like to be an entomologist. They will learn the characteristics of a true insect, how to classify different types of bugs, what the word metamorphosis means, as well as many other facts and figures about our planet's largest animal population. We will have guest speakers from BYU's Bean Museum and a visit from a local bee keeper.
ROCK & GEM CAMP will be June 22-26.
9:30-11:30, M-F
Students will learn how to categorize rocks into igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary. We will learn about the rock cycle, different types of minerals, and go on a "treasure hunt" to find precious stones. We will have guest speakers from the non-profit organization Rockhounders Outreach for Community Knowledge. Each student will get a starter rock collection to take home.
SPACE IS LIMITED! I am aiming for class sizes of 12-14 students, but may have a couple more or a couple less depending on ages.
The cost is $35 per week, per student, plus a $10 registration fee. I am also offering a sibling discount this year. If you have more than one child attending the camp, the cost is $30 per child, plus a $10 registration fee.
Please send me an e-mail at sciencecamps@gmail.com if you are interested in either of these camps. If you want your child to attend both camps, please let me know which camp would be your number 1 preference. I want to accommodate as many students as possible and may have to limit registration to one camp. The registration form will be e-mailed. To secure your spot, you will need to turn in the registration form and registration fee no later than April 30th.
Both camps will be held in Lehi, Utah. The address will be on the registration forms.
Sunday, March 1, 2015
Summer Science Camps are Back!
I am excited to announce that I will be teaching science camps again this summer! I am in the beginning stages of putting together the dates and curriculum. I will post more information as it becomes available.
We do have a new location for the camps this year. The camps will be run out of my backyard in Lehi, Utah. I am actually very excited about the possibilities of an outdoor classroom. What better way to learn about nature than by being outside?! I will post pictures of our "outdoor classroom" soon.
If you are new to summer science camps, feel free to look through our blog archive of past camps. You are also welcome to e-mail me with any questions.
I'm looking forward to another exciting summer of science!
-Cristina
We do have a new location for the camps this year. The camps will be run out of my backyard in Lehi, Utah. I am actually very excited about the possibilities of an outdoor classroom. What better way to learn about nature than by being outside?! I will post pictures of our "outdoor classroom" soon.
If you are new to summer science camps, feel free to look through our blog archive of past camps. You are also welcome to e-mail me with any questions.
I'm looking forward to another exciting summer of science!
-Cristina
Friday, June 26, 2009
Field Trip to BYU
On Thursday, we went on a field trip to BYU. Justin Bagley, a BYU graduate student in Ecology, showed us the fish tanks in the basement of the Widtsoe Building. He showed us fish from all over the world including live-bearing fish (fish that don't lay eggs) and a fruit-eating piranha! He even let the afternoon class help him feed his pet gar fish. Thank you, Justin, for taking time out of your busy day to help us learn! 
Fish Camp - Week 2
During week 2 of Fish Camp we enjoyed many center and project work activities. We learned more about ocean fish this week and created a card game about them called "Shark Attack." They also drew life-size fish and labeled them. We did a fun science experiment where we learned about acids and bases and how to test PH levels in the fish tank. We did all sorts of art centers. We made fish bowls out of wax paper, made saltwater paintings, baked cookies and built clay sculptures to paint. They enjoyed looking at things in the microscope at the observation center and they especially loved playing with worms at the sensory table.
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