Acknowledgements - gapitc

Foundations for science
Activities and Strategies
for Development
A Wonder-full World
Here are ways for your child to use her senses to explore the natural world
around her:
• While outdoors, collect natural things your child finds interesting (and that
are safe!) such as pine cones, bird feathers, leaves, and flowers. Let her look
at, touch, and smell them as you talk about each one. Always supervise this
activity. See “Sticky Leaves” below for a follow-up activity.
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•
As your child watches, put some grass, dirt, and a few leaves in a clear, plastic
container. Lay it on its side and leave it outside overnight. Check the next
morning to see if any “bugs” have crawled inside. Put a piece of cloth across
the top with a strong rubber band to hold it tightly in place. Punch a few
small holes for air. Bring the “bug farm” inside or leave it out on a porch so
your child can watch the insects. Put it where he can see it, but cannot pick it
up without your supervision.
Blow bubbles by dipping a fly swatter into a pan of bubbles. Watch your
child chase and try to catch the tiny bubbles as they float up and down in
the breeze. Use words like “wind,” “floating,” “high,” and “low” when you talk
about this fun experience. Let your child try to shake the fly swatter to make
more bubbles!
Talk to your child as you explore these activities together. Encourage her to
name all that she sees, touches, hears, and smells.
Sticky Leaves
On a fall day, carry a basket outside and collect leaves with your child.
Once inside, tape a large piece of clear contact paper, sticky side up, onto a table
or high chair tray. Let your child stick the leaves onto the contact paper. Cover
with another piece of clear contact paper.
Cut the leaf collection in half. Put one sheet where your child can touch it.
Hang the other in front of a window for the sun to shine through.
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