Summer Scholar Sunday #6

Welcome to our last week with our Summer Scholar Families!

Yeah... I know it's not Sunday.  My family was camping this last weekend, so I'm playing catch up now.

And... if you missed it last week, I'm offering a special on the Sun Scholars Summer Program through Sunday, June 19th.  Find the details HERE.  If you like what you see, and would like to learn more about my Sun Scholar Summer Program, click HERE.

Rubber Egg

Subjects:    Science

Time:         5+ mins (with 1 week observation)

Supplies:       Glass Cup or Jar, White Vinegar, Egg

Here is a scientific magic trick for your child to try with very interesting results!

Directions

·         Place a raw egg into a tall glass cup.  Have your child pour enough white vinegar into the cup to cover the egg.  You will notice soon after that bubbles are forming on the shell of the egg.

·         Set the egg aside.  After 24 hours, carefully drain the vinegar from the cup, and again pour enough vinegar into the cup to cover the egg.

·         This time, set aside where the egg will not be disturbed for 7 days.  Do not touch it, but allow your child observe what is happening to the shell, or what is left of the shell at this point.

·         After a week, carefully rinse the egg.  Let your child hold it but be very gentle.  What does it look like?  How does it feel?  Where did the shell go?

Want Some Answers?

Find the Rubber Egg Science sheet in the Printables section of this kit for the explanation of what is happening in this experiment.

this is from Week 11 - Hocus Pocus, of the Sun Scholar Summer Program

What have the Summer Scholar Families been up to?

Amy

My little ones dropped my camera, so it is in getting repaired, so I'm sorry there are no pictures. I really apologize. We have had such a great time with this program and look forward to the rest of the summer!! Thanks again.

We did the Secret Agent week this week. The kids really enjoyed the math puzzlers. They loved trying them out on their Dad when he got home. They also loved hiding the timer and trying to find it. We played that several times through the week. The I spy books were alot of fun. The secret decoder was also a big hit. We left secret messages all around the house and had fun decoding them. We even did a scavenger hunt with coded messages. The kids all loved earning their secret agent badges. What a fun week!! We have had a great time with this program and LOVE all the activities!!

Heather

The kids and I have been so excited to get back into the Sun Scholars program.

This week our kids had two favorite activities. Our daughter loved making the "Alphabet Beach Book", and our son loves science, so his favorite was the "Salt Water Science Fun". 

 

I am continually amazed at the activities contained in the program. Our kids all like different things, and they are different ages. With this program it doesn't matter, everything works for all of them. 

We are also a testament to how do-able the program is. With a two week old baby, we have still been able to fit the activities in to our lives and make them part of our daily routine, and I am able to help the kids with a baby in my arms. :)

We have also realized how well written the activities are. When I do have my hands full with the new baby, our 9 and 6 year old are able to read the activity cards out loud to me and we can talk about what we need and get things started. They understand the activity descriptions and really enjoy being a part of the planning. 

On top of that, we really haven't left the house since the new baby was born. This program has given us so many things to do with the kids so that they don't get bored or frustrated because we are home bound for a few more weeks. 

Every morning our daughter wakes up and asks, what are we doing with the "Sun" program today!!!

Melissa

This week we decided to follow the unit called "If you Give a Mouse a Cookie".....I used this unit mostly with my preschooler instead of my 1st grader.  We had a blast.

STORY TIME - I had to find the book at the library (we have every other book in the series except this one..lol)...we read the book, laughed a lot and then discussed it.  We really got into the cause and effect part of the book...if you have a cookie, then you will need a drink of milk and so on.  She loved the illustrations!

COOKIE COUNTING - using the great printables in the program, I printed and cut out 12 of the sugar cookies.  I then put numbers on them from 1- 12. I asked Molly to put them in order for me.  She had little trouble with it.  Then I got out mini-M8M's (program suggested chocolate chips, but we love our M&M's)...I asked her to put the same amount of candies on each cookie as the corresponded with he cookie (ie - on the cookie that had the 6 on it, put 6 M&M's)  This took a while as she counted and placed each on carefully on the cookies.  Then we had fun eating them all up!

MICE TEACHINGS - We read short scholastic mini-book that had to do with mice counting (up to 10) and talking about it. She counted each mouse on each page (it had a cat in it as well, so you know this did not end well for the mice..lol).   We also discussed and looked back at the pictures of the mice skeletons we found in our wall last month! (found a hole behind some molding and inside were two mice skeletons...SO COOL)

MILK MAGIC - on the more exciting experiments we have done in a while!  The Sun Scholar Program provides some great hands on fun learning!  This experiment was NO exception!  Simple and fun for all the ages (2 - 5) of my children.  If you take a plate (plastic or glass, no paper) and pour milk to cover the bottom of it.  Then take 4 diff. color food colorings and place a dot of each close together in the center of the plate. Then take a cotton swab and place an end of that in the center of the plate (so that the food coloring dots surround it but don't touch it) and watch what happens!  Then you take that cotton swap out and place a different one in the middle of the plate but this time have some dish soap in on the swab.  Watch what happens this time....fireworks!  Kids loved this and even had to do it for Daddy when he got home!  

Great unit!  Lots of fun and so many more things we will be trying with this unit!   

Emily

Thanks again for letting me take part in the Summer program.  It was really fun, and we're going to keep going on the program.  Here's our last week for you:  This week we did the Beach Party unit.

Go Fish 10: Math -  I enjoyed helping the kids add up the math.  For my older daughter I had her use the cards to add up to twenty.  For my youngest one I had him add to ten, but mostly just put the numbers in the right order.

Ocean Waves – We made this early in the week, and it was a hit with my kids.  I would find them constantly playing with it through the week.

Salt Water Science Fun –   The kids had fun mixing the salt solution for the floating egg and seeing how much salt it took for the egg to float.  We then used the salt water to freeze along with another cup of regular water.

  

Message in a Bottle – My kids loved this idea. They wrote to their cousins and were excited to put it into the bottle.    We didn't mail it, but were able to get it delivered.

Jell-O Ocean Cups: Life Skills & Math – I love this idea, but we didn't have blue jell-o.  So we made it with pudding and fish crackers.  The kids LOVED to eat this, I enjoyed it too.

Fill the Bucket: Health – We made this a family party, but after filling the buckets we decided to wash the car since we were already wet.  The kids loved this and I'm glad that we got out as washed our car when it was warm enough.

Thanks to the Summer Scholar Families for sharing with us this last month!

You are awesome!

Lemonade Stand Learning

It is a hot, summer day, and your children ask if they can set up a lemonade stand in front of the house.

You say "Sure!" thinking it may keep them busy outside while you get some things done around the house.

But...

Did you ever stop to think of what an AMAZING learning opportunity this is for your children?

No?

Don't feel bad.  I'm sure most people haven't.

Therefor, let me share some of the many ways your children can learn through this fun, summer activity.
I've brainstormed a list of ways you can make your child's lemonade stand more than just "something to do" on a hot, sunny day!  If you have any other ideas to add, please share them!!

Check out the amazing lemonade stand my husband and father-in-law built for my kiddos!

They built it.  I painted it.  The kids create signs depending on what they are selling that day.

They even have a great counter space and storage for coolers below to keep their juice out of the heat.

How Lemonade Stands Can Promote Learning

Language
- Children can practice reading and writing skills by creating their own signs and posters.
- Your child can practice reading and writing by creating a shopping list of the items they will need.
- Children can read labels and follow the directions when making lemonade and other items they might sell at their stand.
- Encourage your child to write down ideas for items they could sell or the supplies they will need to gather.
- Have your child create a plan for their business.
- Critique at the end of the day:  What went well?  What did not?  What would they do differently next time?  Would they do it again?  Did they make a profit?  Was it fun?

Mathematics
- Help your child determine prices, and what the costs for each item is.  What is their profit at their chosen price?
- Calculating sale totals and counting money at the end of the day.
- Your child will need to know their coins, their value, how to count money, total a sale, and how to make change.
- Have your child keep track of their time, their sales, inventory, and customers each day.
- Children use math when following recipes!  How many cups of sugar, lemon juice, or water to make a pitcher of lemonade?
- Can your child calculate how many cups of lemonade they must sell to earn a profit for that day?
- How many cups of lemonade will your child be able to sell from each pitcher of lemonade?
- Let your child find ways of decreasing their costs.  What package of cups is the most cost-effective decision?
- Is it less expensive to make lemonade from scratch, to buy pre-made, or concentrate?  What are the price differences?

Social/Life Skills
- Shopping!  Let your child play an active part in making the purchase decisions.
- Interacting with customers is a great way for your child to practice their social skills.
- Preparing Orders/Drinks - following directions!
- Using manners and learning how to provide friendly, quality service.
- Counting Money
- Encourages Teamwork (if working with other children)

Art & Creativity
- Do you have a name?  Have your child come up with a catchy name for their lemonade stand.
- Creating signage.  Let your child create special artwork or posters to promote their stand.
- What makes your lemonade stand different?  What can your child do to make sure their stand is noticed?
- Ask your child what might attract people to their stand?  Do they sell something unique and interesting?
- Perhaps your child has designed or created their own stand, or played a part in doing so.

Business Sense
- Children can determine how to market their stand or their products.
- Determining the best prices and products to sell.   Do you just sell lemonade?  What is "your strategy"?
- What times are the best to sell?  Where is the best location?
- What will people want to buy?
- Have your child consider, "Why would people want to buy my __________?"
- Have your child critique their business when all is said and done.  (refer back to language)

Social Studies
- When would people be most likely to buy your products?  Are there times of the day or days of the week where you are likely to get more patrons?
- What kinds of things would people be most interested in buying where you live?  Are there lots of kids, or more adults?  Do people prefer sweeter drinks, or would cold water be more popular?
- Is your home a place where you would get enough traffic to make it worth while?  If not, is there another place you might be more successful?  Would a mobile stand be possible?

Science
- How hot is it outside?  What will you need to keep your products cool for your customers?
- Does the temperature outside effect your business?  Are there more or less people out in the heat?  Do your sales increase with the temperature?

Health
- What do you need to do to keep your stand a healthy environment?  Do you use gloves? Wash hands? etc.
- Do you have food items that will be unsafe to eat if they are not kept cold? or not cooked well enough?
- What about your child's health?  Do they have something to provide shade on a hot, sunny day?  Are they covered with sunscreen and adequately hydrated if they are out selling on a hot day?
- Do you want to offer healthy food and drink options at your stand?  What might those items be?  What makes them healthy choices?

Here's to Summer Fun and Learning!!

Super Bouncy Balls

 The kids had a "ball" making these today!

Super Bouncy Balls!

Even better, I had all of the supplies on hand.

The kids were giggling the entire time.. ha ha.

We found the simple instructions here...

at Making Memories

We used Erin's suggestion to store the balls in Easter eggs.

Thanks for a fun and easy project Erin!  It was a hit at our house.

Summer Scholar Sunday #3

Each week, I will feature an activity found in the Sun Scholars Summer Program and share some highlights from our Summer Scholar Families.  We'd love to have you follow along.  If you like what you see, and would like to learn more about my Sun Scholar Summer Program, click HERE.

Miniature Terrarium

Subjects:    Science

Time:         10+ mins

Supplies:       Small Jar, a variety of natural items, such as moss, pine cones, tree bark, seed pods, etc.

this is from Week 5 - The Great Outdoors of the Sun Scholar Summer Program

Have your child create their own miniature terrarium with items they collect on a nature hike.  Take some time to explore the outdoors for items they can include in this project.

  

Creating a Miniature Terrarium

·         Clean and dry your jar and lid.

·         Spread out your collected items on the table in front of you.

·         Place the moss in the lid.

·         Have your child select other collected items and arrange them on top of the moss.  You can “burry” the roots of small plants and flowers in the moss to encourage them to grow.

·         Dampen the arrangement by sprinkling or spraying with water.

·         Gently place the jar over top of the arrangement and screw into place.

·         Find a safe place to keep your terrarium for all to enjoy.

  

Note:  I found these great little jars (in the photos) at Michael's for $1 a piece.  I thought they added some nice character, but you could just as easily grab something from your recycling bucket.

    

We didn't find any brightly colored berries to throw in this time, but the kids really enjoyed this project.  From our picnic, nature hunt at the park, to the building of their terrariums.  A great project for the kids!

What have the Summer Scholar Families been up to?

Amy

This week our family chose Week 3 - Animal Fun. The activities we did were:

Story Time

Learning About Animals

Newspaper Math

Movie Party Planning

Movie Invitations

Movie Snacks

Movie Review

Lost Pet Poster

Learning About More Animals

Birdwatching

 

For Story Time, the kids chose books about wolves and mammals. We also got a bird watching book to identify the birds in our backyard. The kids enjoyed learning new facts about their favorite animals and creating their animal fact sheets afterward. We had a very stormy, rainy week, so we didn't see many birds. We'll continue this next week with nicer weather.

We had a great time with the newspaper math. It was fun to see what kind of menus my kids would put together. It was also good for my older kids to see how much a meal can cost. The younger boys enjoyed trying to find the numbers in the paper.

Our family LOVES movie parties, so we had a great time planning our animal themed one. We decided to watch Bolt. We did animal themed

snacks: Puppy Chow, Gummy Bears, Swedish Fish, Pigeon Feed (popcorn), etc. They made puppy beds on the floor and convinced me to serve their drinks in bowls so they could lick it up like puppies.

We had a great time with animal week! There were so many activities in this week that we weren't able to squeeze in, so we will have another animal themed week soon.

Many friends and family have asked how the Sun Scholar program has been going. So far, we all love it. My kids are still in school right now, but as soon as I pick them up, they ask what Sun Scholar activities they get to do today. In fact, it has been hard to get them to do their regular homework first. We have all loved the activities so far and can't wait to enjoy the rest of the them. 

Melissa

Mailmania was our topic this week:

Address book:  The first assignment the kids completed was adding another "person" to their address book.  Zachary added his "Bubby", aka grandma.  One thing that surprised me was that he never knew her "real name"....lol...we then added a picture to it and put it into his address book!  We talked how important it was to have all the correct spelling and zip codes on the address so that the mail would get to her.

Mail Sorting: on Monday, we received quite a lot of mail from all around the US, which worked out great for our 1st assignment this week!  1 First I laid all the mail out on the table and read to them the states they came from (Printed out the map of the US that is provided with the program). Then the children found that state and marked it with an X.  After going through all the mail I asked a few questions:  What piece of mail came the furthest?  Closest?  Any of the mail come from states that border us?  We had 1 piece from CA and several others from out in the west (we are east coast).   

   

Graphing our mail - I printed out the graphing sheet provided and the kids graphed the TYPE of mail that was received.  Magazines, junk mail, bills, notes & cards etc.  This was fun for them to see how much JUNK we get...lol...

BONUS IDEA: I had for my preschooler was to take the envelopes (we had all sizes) and put them into order according to their size.  She had fun with this one!

  

- after a quick lesson on what stamps are, what they mean and how they are used, the children made their own stamps. (We did not use the printable sheet provided as I was out of ink that day in the printer so we made our own).  Molly made a flower and put $ 10 as the postage!  Zachary made a Lego Man (of course) and put $ .20 on his...lol....they were very proud of them!

They loved this unit and I can see spending another week on it for sure!

Heather

The kids favorite activity this week was the ABC Scavenger Hunt

Our daughter loved finding all the letters of the alphabet on the back of cereal boxes. When she was done, she had moved on to cracker boxes. When I poured the cereal this morning, she asked if she could try finding the letters on the milk carton. 

  

Just as we had sat down to work on this activity, a neighborhood friend knocked on the door to see if our son could play. Instead of canceling the activity, I sent our son and his friend on the scavenger hunt around our block, to find objects, signs and words starting with each letter of the alphabet. They not only played together, but learned together, and had a great time creatively finding ways to fill in Q and Z.

I am continually amazed at the versatility of this program. The age of the child does not matter. The activities have been so well chosen and thought out, that they can (with little stress and effort on my part) be adapted to children of all ages.

The activity this week also reemphasized to our children that learning is everywhere, in everything. And that learning is fun. 

Emily

This has been a crazy week and I'm so thankful for the Sun Scholar Summer Program.  I had sick kids this week, it was so nice to pull out an activity for the kids and have it be worth the extra effort.  Our activities were from week 3, Animal Fun.

Learning about Animals.  I'm glad that I had reserved a bunch of books about animals last week.  We sick littles, they loved cuddling on the couch reading about different animals.  I was amazed all the different books our library had on animals, books I've never really borrowed before.

  

Newspaper Math.  This was a huge hit.  We did this twice.  The first time I had the kids cut out what they wanted and the price. Giving us a chance to talk about value.  I also used this opportunity to make a shopping list for what I wanted at the store.  When I did go shopping, the kids were excited to hold my "list" and help me find what I needed.  The second time we looked for numbers and it was fun to have the kids help each other.  If one couldn't find an 8, another would give him one from his page.

Squishy bag Fun.  I was more excited about this then the kids, but it turned out fun.  We put in different colors allowing the kids to mix the colors and knowing whose bag belonged to which kid.  I didn't use duct tape, and my son squished his out of the bag. :(  Live and learn.

Bird Feeders/Bird Watching.  My kids loved, LOVED this.  I didn't have birdseed so instead used cheerios.  My birds (kids) loved eating the treats as we prepared the bird feeders.  We hung them on a tree outside our front window and every time one kid pass the window he/she had to look out for birds.  If one kid looked out the window for birds, they all had to come running.  It was soo exciting when the birds did come and eat our trees.  There was cheers all over the house. :)

Things to know about me.  I really enjoyed sitting down with each child and talking to them all about themselves.  It was funny to hear what they thought my name was, to see the world in the kids eyes.

Thanks to the Summer Scholar Families for sharing with us.

We'll see you back next Sunday for more Summer Scholar fun!