Archive for 10. October 2010

Simple Balancing

 

Simple Balancing is an excellent and fun science project.

 

You will need:

 

2 light weight containers that are identical (butter tubs work well)

a hole punch or something that can poke holes in the containers

6 pieces of yarn or string – cut the same length

and a hanger

 

Carefully punch 3 holes equal distance around the rim of each container. Thread the yarn thru each hole and tie in a knot – leaving equal amounts of yarn on each container. Tie and knot the three pieces onto the hanger – do this with both containers – one on each side of the hanger.
This will create a simple balancing scale. Hang the scale from a hook or door knob ( the scale cannot be leaning against anything for more accurate results).

 

Once the scale has been completed – have the students compare objects weight. Which item is heaviest? Lighter? Weighs the same? Also use ‘prediction’ as well. Graphing the results adds another dimension to this fun activity.

Color Blending - Science and Fine Motor

Have fun mixing colors with your students (even the older students enjoy this activity).

 

You will need:

 

½ cup of water

½ cup salt

1 tsp. Oil

food coloring ( red, blue & yellow)

Choose 1 color and mix the above ingredients ( you will need to make this recipe 3 times – one for each primary color)

 

Add - gradually (approximately) 1 ½ cups of flour

and 1 tsp. Cornstarch

 

Knead until the mix forms a ball that is malleable.

 

Once the 3 colors of salt dough have been made – give the student the dough and encourage them to break off pieces of the ‘colors’ and blend to create new colors. Challenge them to see how many colors they can come up with – if you would like to add some additional color options – make a 4th mix with no additional color – to create variations like pink, lt. Blue, peach, etc……

 


This is an excellent science project for your early learners as well as incorporating some great fine motor work into the classroom.

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