Boats, Letter U, Data Analysis

Today is a perfect example of why I blog my lesson plans. I taught this exact same topic two years ago, and expected to just hop online and find what I did. Apparently it was during the time I didn't have a computer last . . .yarg! I only have my memory to steal from now . . . but this is looking like fun!

Gathering: Pirate ship, aircraft carrier, and bathtub boats dramatic play

Song: (Tune of Ring around the Rosie, make a circle)
We are in a canoe
we are wearing no shoes
Upstream
Downstream
We all splish SPLASH

Story: LMNO Peas, What Will I Ride to School Today (Had to go alphabet and transportation in general since I have no boat books - next time!)
                   
Literacy:
Letter U
Day 1 - Up, Up, and Away (From SEEL)
Kids take U words, attach them to paper airplanes, and send them up, up and away. Kids can launch a plane each time they identify a word with the short u sound, and we all emphasize the /u/ each time we say it.
Day 2 - Under the Umbrella Bridge (from SEEL, modified)
Hold an umbrella (tape a Uu on it for good measure), and have kids make a line and take turns walking under it while we all sing (to the tune of In and Out the Window)
Go under the umbrella
go under the umbrella
go under the umbrella
now say a short u sound
The person under the umbrella has to think of a short u word, or they are trapped! We can all help them think of one, and then they get a turn holding the umbrella.

Math:
Data analysis -
Start by reading "Down By the Station" if time.
Give each child a unifix cube. Ask, "Which do you like more, boats or airplanes?" Each child will take turns putting their cube in front of the thing they like more. We will then count up and compare the results. We can then ask the same question, using different forms of transportation. We will then talk about which one is the class favorite overall.
The kids loved this, but on day one, we only got through one graph. We'll do a few more on day 2!

Snack/break: Utz brand something, bend licorice into U shapes, turn them upside-down; day 2 pineapple upside down cake

Transition: Stick to the Glue
Science:
Day 1:
What will sink, what will float? Start out with various objects, predict what will happen, experiment. Talk about results, write results on whiteboard. Use a ball of modeling clay (not playdough, too sticky!) and a sheet of foil. They will sink. Give each child some modeling clay. or foil, and have them make it into a shape that will float. See if their new boat will hold other objects. Note:  Foil, in a ball, will float. However, flat foil will take on water and sink. You have to make a design that will keep the water from sinking it.

After the kids figure out how to make their ship not take on water, test their design with small rocks or pennies, etc. See how many will fit on before it sinks. Try to re-design and take on more passengers.

Day 2: Provide various materials, have kids engineer their own boat. Styrofoam plates, cups, scissors, tape, craft sticks, etc. Test design with passengers, wind (blowing), waves, etc.

Choosing Time:
1. Experiment with sink/float making playdough and foil boats. Encourage recording results for class. Day 2 continue to engineer and experiment with own boats
2. Art - Use sponges and blue paint to paint water. Glue construction paper shapes to make boats. Emphasize you can create any type you want!
3. Literacy - Write in salt on light table.
4. Dramatic play - Pirate ship and aircraft carrier.