Science Fair Fun

In my class we've been studying weather.  Last week, we made water cycle bracelets.  My kiddos said I was the best teacher ever!  {They're so easy!}

Water Cycle Bracelet Materials {per child}:
1 white pipe cleaner
1 yellow bead
1 clear bead
1 white bead
1 blue bead
1 green bead

On my Smart Board I displayed an image of the water cycle with each step labeled.  I used the Whimsical Weather unit from A Cupcake for the Teacher.  As we discussed each process of the water cycle we added the appropriate bead to our pipe cleaner.  To finish, I rushed around and twisted the ends of the pipe cleaner to make a bracelet.  It's a good hands-on visual for the little ones.

This week we watched the water cycle video on Brain Pop Jr. and checked out all of the information on our science fair display.  {Again, I used elements from the Whimsical Weather unit.}  We also completed our rain in a cup experiment.

Rain in a Cup Materials {per group}:
1 clear plastic cup
water
Barbasol shaving cream
food coloring
straw
*In my test experiment at home I first used a Dollar Tree brand shaving cream... let's just say it didn't work so well.  The Barbasol brand worked much better.

Directions:  Add water to each cup {about 3/4 full}.  Next, add shaving cream to the top.  {To help move the process along, use a straw to make a thin spot in the shaving cream.}  Last, add food coloring to the shaving cream.  Within a few minutes, the food coloring will break through from the shaving cream and fall into the water.  {Like when clouds get so heavy they have to release the weight as rain.}

Our weather study experiment will be on display at our school's science night.  Along with all of the displays from other classes, there will be hands-on science activities for the students to do with their families.  It should be a fun night!

Next up, plants!  Here is my latest little kindergarten unit available in my TPT store.

Tomorrow I get to attend a professional development with Dr. Jean!  So excited!  :)