I have decided to spend much of our elementary Science years igniting an interest in Science through nature study and gaining knowledge of the Scientific Method.
One of the homework assignments I gave from our Family Science co-op was to observe and record the growth of crystals using Toysmith’s Mystical Tree. Each student was given a tree kit to take home along with their lab notebook pages.
(Two Hours later)
The purpose was to develop their observation skills and gain practice recording their observations. At our home we discussed their observations, what they thought would happen next and why.
(5 hours later)
I think they did a great job. I only wish I had done a better job photographing the whole project. Sometimes it is hard to be teacher, mother, blogger and photographer!
(15 hours later)
Resources:
Download printable Crystal Observation Pages
They are brilliant. I have never seen crystal trees before. Hope they are available in Australia 🙂
What a fun project. It is great that they could observe the changes so quickly, the bright colors must have been huge motivation to keep watching the scientific process unfold right before their eyes.
What a wonderful, authentic way to experience science–and beautiful! I have never seen crystal trees before. Can you share where you found them?
This is so cool! I'm so glad I found your blog! you have great ideas. I will def be doing this next year!
http://littlebittyspicecakes.blogspot.com/
Those are amazing! I don't know if you have visited the site Qwizzy's World before, but it is a neat way to reinforce the steps of the scientific method, and you can tailor the assessments to your teaching style and curriculum. However, I bet they won't have any trouble at all remembering this unique lesson!