Mudpies To Magnets

Description

These are very helpful compendiums of science activities especially conceived for the youngest "scientist." Each has an introduction, materials list, detailed instructions for you (including discussion and conclusion), plus a "Want to do more?" extension activity to use if you want to expand on the activity. The original book is somewhat less useful than the sequel. Although activities are great, the organization makes it a little difficult to find activities to go with a particular study. Basic units of organization include: On Your Own (Science Center Activities), Building with Science (Construction and Measurement), Science for a Crowd, Paints and Prints, Wet and Messy, Science to Grow On (Health and Nutrition), Learning About Nature (Outdoor Science), and Acting Out Science in a Big Way. Use the index to locate activities on particular science topics. The second book has a more useful organization. Basic units include: Colors, Crystals and Creations (Chemistry); How Things Work (Physics); Digging in the Dirt (Geology); How Hot, How Cold, How Windy, How Wet (Weather); Aerial Acrobatics (Flight and Space); Roots and Shoots (Plants); Houses for Slugs, Hideouts for Hamsters (Zoology); and How Much, How Far, How Many (Mathematics). A most welcome feature of both is the inclusion of a suggested minimum age for each activity.

Teaching Method
Traditional
Teacher-centered curriculum commonly used in classrooms that may include a text, teacher manual, tests, etc.
Charlotte Mason
A methodology based on the work of a 19th century educator who maintained that children learn best from literature (Living Books), not textbooks.
Classical
A methodology based on the Latin Trivium (three stages of learning), including the grammar stage (memorization and facts), logic stage (critical thinking), and rhetoric stage (developing/defending ideas).
Unit Study
A thematic or topical approach centered around one topic that integrates multiple subject areas.
Montessori (Discovery)
A methodology based on the work of a 20th century educator that emphasizes student and sensory-driven discovery learning and real-life applications.
Religious Content
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Learning Modality
Auditory
Learns through listening, talking out loud or reading out loud.
Visual
Learns through seeing, prefers written instructions and visual materials.
Kinesthetic/Tactile (Hands-On)
Learns through moving, doing and touching.
Multi-Sensory
Curriculum that employ a variety of activities/components.
Presentation
Sequential
Curriculum progresses through well-defined learning objectives. Emphasizes mastery before moving to the next topic.
Spiral
Topics and concepts are repeated from level to level, adding more depth at each pass and connecting with review.
Conceptual/Topical
Focus is on the “why,” often with a unifying concept as well as specific skills; coverage may be broader.
Teacher Involvement
Low Teacher Involvement
Student-led materials; parent acts as a facilitator.
Medium Teacher Involvement
A mix of teacher-led time and independent student work.
High Teacher Involvement
Teacher-led lessons; may utilize discussions, hands-on activities and working together.
Additional Materials Required
No other materials needed
Everything you need is included.
Other Materials Required
There are additional required resources that are a separate purchase.
Other Materials Optional
There are additional resources mentioned or recommended but are not absolutely necessary.
Consumable
Consumable
Designed to be written in; not reusable.
Non-Consumable
Not designed to be written in; reusable.