I KNOW A SCIENTIST

Calling children "authors" when they write and "scientists" when you do experiments is positive self-talk.  It helps them think positively about themselves and nurtures their confidence.  That's why I love this song about a "scientist."

I Know a Scientist
(Tune: “I Had a Little Turtle”)
I know a scientist, (Hold up index finger.)
And you can be one, too! (Point with index finger.)
Here’s the scientific method
So you’ll know what to do.

First you find a question. (Hold up one finger.)
Just take a look around. (Pretend to look around.)
What is it that you want to know?
Now you write it down.

Next you make a guess— (Hold up two fingers.)
It’s called a hypothesis—
About what will happen
When you do your tests.

Now experiment, (Hold up three fingers)
Observe it, write it, too. (Hold up four fingers.)
You’ll need lots of data
To show your guess is true.

Draw your conclusions. (Hold up five fingers.)
Look into any doubts.
Then tell everybody
What you’ve found out! 

https://youtu.be/5Z41GOKUjzI

Science Experiments 

I know it's a challenge to come up with science experiments with your different teaching situations, but here are a few simple ones that should spark children's interest wherever they are.

Note!  These would also be good for the parents to repeat at home.

Dancing Rice 

Materials:  uncooked rice, water, food coloring, baking soda, white vinegar, clear glass

Directions:  Put about 1/4 cup of uncooked rice in a clear glass. Add water. Add a few drops of food coloring and a TB of baking soda. Mix. Add 2 TB white vinegar and watch the dance party!

What happened?  Why?




Shiny Pennies
Materials: old pennies, vinegar, salt, cup and spoon

Directions: Put ½ cup of vinegar in the cup. Add 1 TB salt and mix to dissolve. Drop the pennies in the cup and stir them around while you count to 25. Take the pennies out of the cup and rinse them off in water. Taaa Daaa! What happened to the pennies? What made them shiny?

*Experiment shining pennies with ketchup or lemon juice.


                                          
In the Bag
Materials: zip sandwich bag, sharp pencil

Directions: Fill the sandwich bag with water. Hold the pencil and say, “What do you think will happen if I stab this pencil in the bag?” Take the pencil and quickly insert it through the bag. What happened? Why?

Lab Coat
If you were a kid, wouldn't you like a lab coat like a real scientist?  Well, here's a great project to share with your families.

Materials:  pillowcase, scissors, markers

Directions:  Use the pattern below or come up with your own design to make the pillowcase look like a lab coat. 
*Cut on the dotted lines.
*Let your child decorate with markers.
*Have fun!!!