More Mudpies to Magnets

More Mudpies to Magnets is filled with easy-to-use, hands-on, science experiments and activities. The instructions are clear and the results will hold the attention and excite the imagination of young children.

The science skills developed by the activities in this book include:

• Classification—Skills in grouping, patterning, and ordering. Children naturally enjoy grouping things by similarities.
• Measuring—What is bigger? Longer? Wider? Children are fascinated by this basic step in the scientific method. Develop simple tools to measure everyday things.
• Using Space and Time Relationships—As children grow, one can watch their sense of space and time expand. How do things change over time? How long does it take for a seed to sprout? For children to grow taller?
• Communication—Very young scientists love to tell about their discoveries. The thrill of sharing and comparing scientific discoveries develops their language and pre-reading skills.
• Predicting and Inferring—For most adults, this is the practical side of scientific discovery. One guesses and then knows that certain things are likely to happen in certain ways. How tall will the plant be next week? You can make a prediction, and then check to see if it was correct.
• Numbers—The use of numbers is central to beginning science discoveries. In experiments that are fun to do, children are learning mathematical concepts that provide a base for future learning.

Sample Activities:

• "Blast Off: Paper Rockets"
• "Blow Wind Blow"
• "Cool Hat for a Hot Day"
• "Crystal Pops"
• "Dance Around the Water"
• "Digging in the Dirt"
• "Don't Be Rough, Be Smooth: Make Sandpaper"
• "Fill'er Up"
• "Good Vibrations"
• "Hot and Cold: Let's Get Precise"

Table of Contents:

Foreword
Science Is...
Science Content, Science Process
Resources for Teachrs
Start Early With Girls Too
Developmentally Appropriate Practice
How To Use This Book
1. Colors, Crystals, and Creations: Chemistry Beginnings
2. How Things Work: First Physics
3. Digging in the Dirt: Earth Explorations
4. How Hot, How Cold, How Windy, How Wet: Weather Watchers
5. Aerial Acrobatics: Flight and Space
6. Roots and Shoots: All About Plants
7. House for Snugs (short for snails and slugs), Hideouts for Hamsters: Animal Adventures
8. How Much, How Far, How Many: Mathworks
9. Hodge Podge