Kid Sensory Science: Play Based Learning How to Garden with Kids with Egg Cartons: Investigating_Detective_Hands-On Messy Play

Investigating Detectives: Kid Sensory Science and Gardening with Egg Cartons

Sensory Play is a big buzz word. Back in the day, all my play time was sensory play. I'd run around outside, get filthy making mud pies and sand ice cream, dash through the sprinkler, plop in the bath, (where I swirled Dad's shaving cream into Mom's shampoo painting Picasso's all around the tub) and head to bed one truly happy camper. Make a sensory science egg carton garden with your kids!

Gardening: The original Sensory Play Based Learning.

Today, lots of people don't like to let their kids get messy or to be seen in dirty clothes, the horror!

Start your seeds in egg cartons in doors in early spring.

I sweep the kitchen and bathroom floor several times a week, but you'd never know it. Anytime you stop by for a visit you'll find dried mud, bits of dandelions, grains of sand, tiny twigs, and a few dead bugs. And, at least two kids in dirty clothes. I often joke, I'm no Martha Stewart, but I'm no June Cleaver either. Ahem... If I had to pick a t.v. personality's home to compare ours too... I fear we resemble Roseanne the most, just not so crass.

Everyday is Sensory Play day! Last week, Jake was covered in mud he found in a hole in the backyard. I plan to make some mud paint for my next sensory post.

Amanda loves to investigate with her magnifying glass, ziploc baggies, and spoons from the kitchen drawer.

When our seedlings come up, we'll plant them in this little garden box we built together last year. We have healthy strawberry plants already!

Keep bunnies out of your garden with raised garden boxes.

Science projects cover the front porch, 'Please watch your step.' Our favorite toys are anything we can find growing in the yard.  

Bonus = lots of free toys!

A Whole lot of fun with the Tickle Me plant. 

By far, the best seed to plant with your kiddos!

If you want to follow our messy life, hop over to Kids Creative Chaos on Facebook and join the fun.

Recommended Reading:

Roots, Shoots, Buckets and Boots: Gardening Together with Children

Planting a Rainbow

Earth's Water Supply Lesson Plans for Elementary

Elementary Lesson Plan on Earth's Water Supply for World Water Day

Where do we get water? How does it get to our faucet or in our water bottles? This lesson and curriculum on the water supply and water cycle will answer these questions. Scroll down for quizzes, science experiments, companion art projects, and more Earth's Water Supply Lesson Plans for Elementary students. When is World Water Day? When is Earth Day? Keep reading!

This post contains Amazon affiliate links, if you click and make a purchase, I get a small commission. Thanks so much for helping us keep the lights on!

Where do you get your water?

World Water Day is March 22. Earth Day is April 22. 

Arbor Day is often also April 22 or the last Friday in April, depending on the state. 

First things first,  watch this short video on clean water. We recommend "Flow" and "Tapped." Here is a very good, free excerpt from Tapped. "The Story of Bottled Water" is also good and free to watch. Netflix has a similar film about the Nestle Corporation Water. 

The Story of Bottled Water.

Now, watch this video on how water is cleaned and used via the sewage treatment plant. This excerpt from, "Big River" teaches how water is filtered for nitrates. 

Water Treatment Interactive from the EPA.

The Nitrogen Cycle from PBS is an interactive learning chart. Also, print and read this downloadable Nitrogen Cycle brochure from Stem Sims. It has quizzes and articles to help you learn more indepth about the cycle of Nitrogen!

If you want to learn more about big business watch GMO vs. NON-GMO. This is a full length documentary.

We have a Brainpop subscription, if you go in as an individual you can pay monthly, but you have to commit to a full year. You can also get a Brainpop Jr. subscription for children in K-3. No affiliate here, we just love Brainpop.

There are free lesson plans and activities on Brainpop.

If you subscribe to Brainpop, you can watch a video on the Water Cycle and this video on Water Supply. Brainpop has a daily free video, so click over either way and learn something new. While you are there, read the info about the Water Cycle in the left sidebar. For younger kids (K-3), watch this version of the water cycle.

Lesson Plans for Earth's Water Supply

Read these Facts about Water Pollution.

The Water Cycle infographic.

Review the Water Cycle infographic above. Grab some paper and markers and draw your own version of the Water Cycle. When completed, share it with classmates or family and hang it for display. To show what you have learned, draw a Water Supply infographic without the help of a cheat sheet! :)

After all you've learned, visit this water supply quiz from the EPA or this (Brainpop) quiz on the water supply. If you have a Brainpop subscription, also do the activities and fyi for water supply.

Free Water Cycle Worksheet Printable PDF.

Learn about the Scientific Method (from Brainpop) so you can start an experiment about Science Projects.

Water Science Experiments:

Clean the Water 

Salt Water vs. Fresh Water Egg Experiment (Easy)

Just for Fun:

Need a break from all of this school work? 

Play a free online game about Water or do a Water Word Scramble. 

Related Activity: Free online Game about Fish and free video about Fish.

Arts and Crafts Component:

Make a Water Cycle Bead Bracelet (Preschool, K-6)

Water bottle recycling craft.

Recycle Water Bottles into Art (All ages)

Recommended Reading:

Celery Science Experiment

Bread Science Experiment

The Water Cycle: Evaporation, Condensation & Erosion (Earth's Processes)

The Magic School Bus on the Ocean Floor

The Magic School Bus Wet All Over: A Book About The Water Cycle

24 Best Educational Toys To Gift Your Kids This Year

Gift Guide: 24 Cool Toys for Kids

As a parent, one of the biggest dilemmas for every birthday and holiday season, is what gifts to buy for your kids. Recently, it's become a trend to give kids gadgets, but always giving the gift of technology is proving detrimental for your kids well-being of our future adults. Instead, why not invest in something that's both educational and enjoyable. This way, your children will develop and grow into well balanced adults and still have fun along their childhood journey.

This post contains Amazon affiliate links.

For More Help
Buying presents for infants and toddlers is even more difficult than for older children. Luckily, there are many websites and blogs to guide you with gift ideas and recommendations. Snugbaby is one such helpful blog. From reviews about the best strollers for your young ones to life-saving advice for new struggling parents, Snugbaby.net has it all. So, be sure to check it out for more helpful gift reviews and advice on parenting little ones.

0-1 year olds Educational Toy Gift Ideas

Melissa and Doug Shape-Sorting Set
This classic toy is a popular educational toy for kids and comes in a variety of themes. See the farm sorting set pictured above, It gives a basic introduction to shapes and colors, as well as, problem solving skills and manual dexterity.  Kids have to insert the blocks into the correct shape.

VTech Musical Rhymes Book
This colorful book with baby-friendly pages engages your toddlers with nursery rhymes while providing a fun way to learn the rhymes.


Skoolzy Rainbow Counting Bears with Matching Sorting Cups
Another simple game, it's an excellent way of teaching colors and simple math skills. Here, toddlers learn to put the bear in the matching colored cup. They also have to count the number of bears available to fill each cup, which makes it a helpful lesson in mathematics.

Download our counting math activity printable to use with this game.

VTech Sit to Stand Learning Walker
This popular toy encourages 9-month-olds to walk while engaging them with colorful activities and sound, thus developing their sensory skills and coordination.

1-3 years (Toddlers)

Learning Resources Alphabet Island Game
Using the classic ABC rhyme doesn’t have to be the only way to teach kids the alphabet. Make learning fun for your toddlers while they go treasure hunting for the alphabet.

Sensory Alphabet Activity

Learning Resources Fine Motor Hedgehog
The spikes on the hedgehog are color-coded and easy to grip, making it a great game for kids to play to  enhance motor skills, color coordination, and sorting abilities.

LeapFrog Scribble and Write Tablet
What a great way to introduce letters and numbers before your kids start preschool. Kids trace the letter or number using the tracing tool without the need for writing with crayons or pencils.

The Learning Journey: Match It! Spelling
Visual learning is a great method to teach kids. Linking words with images helps children learn more quickly. Moreover, the puzzle nature of the game also develops kid’s dexterity.

VTech Smart Shots Sports Center
This game is a great way to introduce an active toddler to sports. The Smart Shots Sports Center comes with a net and two balls. It teaches counting by scoring hoops for points and also teaches shapes, songs, and simple words.

ehome Toddler Musical Instrument
People of all age groups enjoy music, kids are no different. This set contains various musical instruments, so parents don't have to worry about which instrument to buy. Encourage your kids to try out playing the different instruments. Who knows, you may have the next Michael Jackson in your house. These also make a great gift for Easter baskets!

3-5 years (Preschool)

Magnetic Drawing Board Mini Travel Doodle
There's nothing wrong or right when it comes to art. This is the basic concept behind this old, yet popular toy. Give your kid free reign over the board and let the pen do the rest. It's fun for trips with family too!

Tips for Family Travel

Learning Resources Pretend and Play Doctor Kit
Playing doctors is still just as popular as ever. The doctor kit is a great gift for aspiring doctors and it's also a great way to teach kids to be kind, helpful, and patient.

ThinkFun Zingo Bingo Board Game
This award-winning game is a fun family activity. Essentially bingo with tiles that have labeled images, it teaches kids word-picture association, and it's also a great way to teach preschoolers new words.

Ideal My First Magic Set
Magic is always fascinating to kids, and what better way to teach your kids confidence, social skills, and self-discipline than using this fun magic game? The 25 tricks in this set, which comes with props, instructions, and online videos, make a great Christmas gift for children.

Back To Nature Outdoor Toy Set
For little explorers, this set includes a flashlight, binoculars, compass, and a magnifying glass. Make the game more fun by making a map and preparing a treasure and set your kids out treasure hunting. Can you imagine a memorable childhood play experience?

5-12 years (Elementary School)

Snap Circuits Jr. SC-100 Exploration Kit
Does your kid love tinkering around with electronics? This is the perfect gift for engineers in the making. The color-coded circuit components come with a guide and after they have mastered the basics, watch your kids build their own circuits!

See our Snap Circuit Activity for Homeschoolers.

Melissa and Doug Fashion Design Activity Kit
Science isn't the only subject of educational toys. Let your child's creative side flourish with this attractive fashion design kit that contains fashion plates, pencils, and crayons.

Scientific Explorer Mind Blowing Science Kit
This kit is equipped with 11 fun activities that will entertain your little ones’ inquisitive minds. Build curiosity for new things and a love of science with this science experiment kit that's easy to clean and will quickly become your kid’s next favorite toy.

Grow ‘n’ Glow Terrarium
A unique toy that even adults have fun playing, is this gardening terrarium game. Kids plant the Chia seeds in the terrarium. The kit also comes with glow in the dark stickers and resin figurines to decorate.

IQ Builder Building Toy Set
This building toy set, featuring various shapes and sizes, challenges your kids to expand their creative boundaries in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Equipped with a storage box, this must-have STEM toy, barely takes any space in your room. 

ThinkFun Gravity Maze Marble Run Logic Game
Develop strategic thinking skills with this innovative game. It uses blocks arranged in different ways to  creatively work around the effect of gravity. The difficulty level increases as the game gets more complex.

Scharkspark Telescope For Kids
This birthday, gift your kids something out of this world. This wonderful telescope helps kids realize the beauty of our vast universe. Introduce your kids to the amazing world of star-gazing and also teach them to take care of their toys with this real working scientific instrument.

National Geographic Break Open Geodes
For the little James Huttons and Florence Bascoms who love scavenging and exploring, this amazing geology set is the perfect gift. Watch your kids squeal in delight when they discover beautiful gems after breaking open the included rocks.

Thames and Kosmos Candy Chemistry Kit
Inspire your kids love of chemistry with this fun game that rewards kids with handmade sweet treats. Sweets and science have truly undeniable chemistry together, a match made in heaven.


Summary
Parents spend a lot of money and time trying to give the best educational toys for kids. From toys to education, parents try not to compromise anything for the sake of their children. However, the best gift that parents can give their children are good values and a strong support system. Always encourage your children to try new things on their own and give their best effort. Eventually, your little one will grow to guide you on the journey of life, instead of the other way around. 

Good luck on your journey of parenthood; you'll need it!



Recommended:

Activity Games you can Play with Things Around the House

Sensory Play Ideas

7 Gifts for Kids that like Legos

Looking for Lego Gift Ideas for Kids?

These 7 Lego items make perfect gifts for kids that like Legos! We're sharing some of our favorite Lego products to help you find the best birthday gift for a child who loves Legos! These ideas are for the hardcore Lego lover, the one who already has everything! Scroll down for some cool lego activities and games too.

This post contains affiliate links.

Lego Hoodie sweatshirt, look just like Emmet!



Get yours here:  Lego Sweatshirt Hoodies

Make real robots with Lego Mindstorms.

Get yours here: LEGO Robots Mindstorms

This robot is for the tech minded. For kids who are destined to become engineers. Here are some specs:

Control your robot via the infrared sensor system; intuitive software (PC and Mac) with icon-based drag-and-drop programming interface.

Building instructions for 5 robots included; Download bonus building instructions developed by real fans and endorsed by LEGO.

Control and command your robot with enclosed remote control or download the free app for your smart device.

Get yours here: LEGO Creator Power Mech

This 3-in-1 lego action figure is for everyone who loves to create and transform it rebuilds into a fast helicopter or heavy-duty pickup truck.

Lego Minecraft the Nether for ages 10 and up.

Recreate a Minecraft world with Legos!

 Get yours here: LEGO Minecraft The Nether

It seems like you never have enough of the right color to complete the project, ya know. Kids love extra bricks to create their Lego dream projects.

Get yours here: LEGO Bricks and More 10662 Creative Bucket

• Features elements to build zoo, classic house, and farm-themed creations.
• Includes 321 rare bright-blue LEGO elements. 
• Store and tote with the sturdy, reusable LEGO brick storage bucket.

LEGO Education Community Minifigures Set 4598355 (256 Pieces)

Get yours here: LEGO Education Community Minifigures Set

Get yours here: LEGO Wheels Set

The LEGO Education 779387 286-piece wheels set includes a steering wheel and a variety of windscreens, roof tiles, tires, plates, axles, and wheel hubs to build moveable vehicles with standard LEGO bricks. The set components create the roof, wheel assembly, and chassis system for up to 12 different vehicles at the same time. It is suitable for ages four years and older.

Science education products incorporate applied math and science principles into classroom projects. Teachers in pre-K, elementary, and secondary classrooms use science education kits and products alongside science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) curriculum to demonstrate STEM concepts and real-world applications through hands-on activities. 

Lego Activities

We found these cool lego activities from Tip Junkie and Kids Activities Blog.

      Lego Activities are fun, like this Tic Tac Toe Game from Tip Junkie.

                                    

20 Lego Activities and Games.

Recommended Reading:

LEGO: The LEGO Movie: Junior Novel

LEGO Play Book: Ideas to Bring Your Bricks to Life

Our Day Out with Thomas the Tank Engine Lego Style


Gift Ideas for Kids who like Minecraft

Pin it!

Pin it! Scavenger Hunt for Preschool Activities Weatherman's Day

Preschool Weather Ideas from Pinterest

Bet you didn't know there was a National Weatherman's Day (or person to be politically correct). So, when is Weatherman's Day? Tell your preschooler, this U.S. holiday is observed February 5 of each year. It recognizes people in the field of meteorology, weather forecasting, and even storm chasers. Observed for John Jeffries one of the first weather observers of record in the United States. (Wikipedia)

Weather Ideas for Preschool.

For this Pin it! Scavenger Hunt, the winning preschool activities  pin was pinned by Dawn Marelli (you knew it was) in the keyword category WEATHER for National Weatherman's Day. The featured blogger with a cute weather idea for preschool is Queen Vanna at the queen says a little about a lot of things.

Here are 3 fun ideas for Preschool Weather lessons!

Teach Preschool made rain in a jar! What an easy activity for preschoolers to learn about weather science.

Make Rain in a jar from Teach Preschool blog.

Hop over to Fantastic Fun and Learning blog for a roundup of weather science experiments for preschoolers from the Kid Blogger Network.

Fantastic Fun and Learning blog has a round up
of weather science experiments from the KBN.

After all that weather science, your preschoolers will need a weather craft. This rainy day umbrella is the perfect preschool weather craft. You can find it at Brook's Child Care on Tumblr.

Rainy Weather Umbrella Craft from Brook's Child Care on Tumblr.

Looking for more Weather Ideas for Preschoolers? Check back often for more fun posts! For more weekly preschool pinning fun ideas join our board Pin it! Scavenger Hunt.


Recommended Reading:

Oh Say Can You Say What's the Weather Today?

Kids' Weather Book: From Tornadoes to Snowstorms, Puzzles, Games, and Facts That Make Weather for Kids Fun!

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