Science Senses

The first week's topic is science senses, which means using your 5 senses to make observations. Throughout the year I want to be able to ask the kids, "What do scientists do?" and they will know (with prompting) about how scientists are curious, ask questions, and observe things around them. Of course that is something we'll work on all year (or for years), but this is the intro. It would be good to talk about the 5 senses/do activities that teach the 5 senses, and have the kids practice exploring. You can show them that scientists use tools, such as magnifying glasses, to help them. I like this clip from Sid the Science Kid that introduces magnifying glasses to kids:

http://www.pbs.org/teachers/connect/resources/6512/preview/

You can also teach them, if you have time, that scientists record what they see, using the clipboards and pencils. Of course they won't do a good job with this, but sometimes it's good to just throw things out there so they can know the materials are available, and be introduced to their use. You modeling recording your observations sometimes helps (and other times they just want to copy you. :) )

Here are a lot of great ideas about teaching the 5 senses. Disclaimer: You will not be able to fit a lot in! These are just ideas, this is just an intro. Pick one or two things you like, keep it simple, don't stress yourself out, and have fun! If you want to do more activities than just science time, remember you can put out simple things to observe during gathering time, and some more open-ended activities during centers (choosing) time. Also, if moms have bored kids in the afternoon/non-preschool days, these are great fun . . .

Some great lesson plans for all 5 senses:
http://www.preschoolrainbow.org/5senses.htm

I thought this was cute, and maybe more doable in the time frame:
http://www.kenbakerbooks.com/lessonplansenses.htm

Mr. Potato Head is perfect for 5 senses . . .these are some places where people tell how they used him.
http://www.valdosta.edu/~dlethridge/ebooklesson.html
http://www.proteacher.net/discussions/showthread.php?t=113612