Simple Machines

One of our kindergarten science units is about force and motion--learning about pushes, pulls, and how things move. I have found the best way for students to keep track of their learning on this topic is through mini-science journal. I like mini-science journals because students can take them home at the end of the unit and have the chance to explain to their parents the things they have learned.

This Science Journal goes slowly through the aspects of simple machines. We do many hands on activities and take about 2 weeks to complete the whole journal. Here's a picture of my favorite page--the students use a magnet and move if around under the table to try to move a paperclip that is located on TOP of the table. Then they place the paperclip on top of a book and try the same thing.

 I hope you find this freebie useful (click image below for the book)!

Thanks for reading,

Gingerbread Stories

Since "Christmas" isn't a universally celebrated holiday with my kindergartners, I like to spend December talking about the many varieties of Gingerbread stories. It is a fun topic that students never tire of and it is an easy way to fit in many learning objectives! Here is one of my favorites.

After reading many Gingerbread Stories, students survey their peers to find out each child's favorite story. Then we ANALYZE our data. Click the image below to download a copy for yourself.

Thanks for reading, more coming soon!