The Science of a Pond Skater, Water Cycles, Cumulus Clouds and Water Lap Books

The kiddies filled glasses of water with marbles to get the water to fill right to the top. 

We noticed that the height of the water exceeded the level of the glass by a few millimeters before it dripped down the side. This is called the skin of the water or surface tension. 

Paperclips sink but if they are placed carefully on top of water they will float because they do not break the surface tension.

We discovered that the same principal applies to drawing pins.

This is the science of the pond skater.

We made our own water cycle. Hot water (the sun shining on the sea) in the bottom of the bowl evaporated and condensed on the ice covered cling film (the sky). When the condensation fell it dripped (rained) into the empty cup (the land). Cool!

Illustrating the water cycle.

Water comes in three forms: solid, liquid and gas.

Worksheets for Monkey Girl.

Art - painting a cumulus cloud. 

Water Facts Lap Book, designed by Mummy :)

Jemima Paddleduck and Paddleboats on the Mississippi

We've started a miniature window display on water facts. The Boy drew a river with a meander and an ox-bow lake.

Monkey Girl finished her concertina life cycle book on ducks.

And the Boy finished his on beavers and lodges. Cute!

We watched some interesting videos on The Nile

And we made some paddleboats.

The Boy made Jemima Paddleduck ;)

Pond life cycle play.

Freshwater Animals

We spent a happy morning drawing freshwater animals on stones - sounds simplistic but after we'd drawn all the common ones, the kiddies had to delve into their books for new ideas.

This lovely Boy drew a super manatee.

I have some excellent concertina life cycle books from my childhood. The children made their own of freshwater animals.