Saturday

Summer Science Week

     SMART START students were introduced to various branches of science during our summer enrichment program. Our hands-on, interactive, play based approach to STEM education enables young learners to discover and enhance knowledge through exciting and engaging activities. 

Learn more about our Summer Science Week below!

🧲FUN WITH FORCES🧲 
(PHYSICS)
Magnets are an excellent tool to teach about the concept of invisible forces and energy. Friends were fascinated as their magnetic materials magically pulled together. Others were puzzled when their magnets resisted attachment. We discussed how each magnet has electric charges that either attract or repel when placed close. Afterwards, all investigated what other classroom items were magnetic.
 

🧪EXPERIMENT EXPLORATION🧪 
(CHEMISTRY)
Classmates put on their white coats, safety goggles and convened in their “lab” to concoct and create. Each chemist was given a container filled with a powdery substance and instruments such as test tubes, beakers and eye droppers. All were amazed as the state of their mixture was altered as they added in new materials. Color, texture, smell and temperature were among the changes observed. At the end of the experiment, everyone had a unique matter to use for sensory enjoyment. 


🧠ALL ABOUT THE HUMAN BODY🧠
(ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY) 
SMART START scientists were eager to learn all that is happening inside them. Stickers were used to label posters representing organs and their functions. In addition, a storytime and other related items were incorporated to promote comprehension. All were most intrigued by the appearance and role of the brain, heart and lungs and accurately used terminology in conversations, “I’m going to remember with my brain”, “No running, my lungs are tired”, “My heart beats fast” etc. 


🦖DINOSAUR DAY🦖 
(PALEONTOLOGY)
Preschool paleontologists put on their pith helmets and aprons for the highly anticipated dinosaur dig. Peers were provided with an egg, picks, chisels and brushes to unearth their own prehistoric figurine. Species discovered were pterodactyl, ankylosaurus, apatosaurus, tyrannosaurus, triceratops and more! After a themed storytime, the outdoor classroom was searched for dinosaur eggs (water balloons!). 


🔬RESEARCH & RECORD🔬
(MICROSCOPY)
Throughout the week, the class collected small objects to observe under a microscope. The properties of leaves, crumbs, string, feathers and more were placed on slides, inspected and documented. It was surprising how many tiny insects were only made visible with the use of technology. This study encouraged pupils to question and examine the world around them and to make informed conclusions. 


🪐SPACE STUDIES🪐
(ASTRONOMY)
Aspiring astronauts arrived in another galaxy for an outer space inspired day. Activities included pin the spaceship on a planet, astro alphabet, star stories and moon memory match. However, the highlight of then event was the solar splash. All received an inflated planet to hold and circled around a sprinkler. This enactment of how planets orbit the sun was both fun, educational and refreshing. It was mentioned multiple times that all are grateful to the sun for these hot, summer days!


🎲GAMES GALORE🎲 
(LEARNING THROUGH PLAY)
Each unit was accompanied with a collaborative game component. Learning through play is essential for children to express their thoughts and understanding on subject matter while also challenging cognitive abilities, fine motor skills, cooperation and more. Dinosaur EscapeOperation and Melissa & Doug Human Body Magnets are class favorites (products linked above). 

We hope you enjoyed reading about SMART START’S Summer Science Week!


🔍SMARSTART🔎


Tuesday

All About Birds

    Learning in and about nature is an essential component of SMART START's core curriculum. Our young learners thoroughly embrace experiencing their education outside and exploring the world around them. The school recently engaged in a unit all about birds. These animals surround our outdoor classroom and capture the interest of our students each day.

Follow Along Below!

    To introduce this topic, the class gathered at their picnic tables to learn about the various types of birds. All were provided a poster visual and participated in a guided, interactive lesson. Cardinals, blue jays, woodpeckers and black capped chickadees were among the species discussed. 


    Afterwards, peers partnered together to investigate related materials such as a crow footprint, bird skull, nest, x-rays, models and more. In addition, the cooperative board game, "Hoot Owl Hoot" was utilized to teach about owls and the concept of nocturnal animals. Click here to purchase "Hoot Owl Hoot".


    A color by number worksheet was completed to reinforce bird identification. This activity also promoted fine motor skills, number & color recognition, cognitive abilities etc. 


    Future ornithologists were eager to use their newly acquired skills to go bird watching. Pupils put on binoculars and ventured outdoors. This natural endeavor was exciting and successful! The group overserved numerous types of birds by following their calls. Birds were located on trees, grass, fences and a few even flew right over the play structures. All concluded that sparrows were the most common creature that visits our nature classroom. Click here to purchase kids binoculars


We hope you enjoyed reading all about birds!

                        🐦S
MARSTART🐦

2022 Science fair

    SMART START Scientists explored the various branches of science at our annual Science Fair. Each student brought in an item that represented science to present to the class. Geology, Paleontology, Chemistry and Astronomy were among the subjects exhibited at the fair. 

View Below!

 🔍SMARSTART🔎

Happy Father's Day


                                     💙SMARSTART💙

2022 Talent Show

    SMART START students showcased their unique, creative abilities at our annual talent show. This activity promoted self-confidence and high self-esteem in the performers while also encouraging supportive behaviors in audience members. All received a trophy in recognition of their efforts at this special event. 

Click this link to view


Enjoy the show!

🌟SMARSTART🌟

Saturday

All About Amphibians

     This spring, SMART START learned all about amphibians. This science unit thoroughly engaged our young learners' natural curiosity and desire to discover. 

Hop along below🐸

     The class was introduced to the concept of an amphibian (an animal that lives on land & in water) and the various species. First up were frogs! Students learned the frog lifecycle during a guided group discussion with visuals. Click this link to view

      A cut and paste worksheet was incorporated to practice identifying each stage: eggs, tadpole, tadpole without gills, tadpole with legs, froglet and adult frog. 


      Outdoor storytime consisted of a related book to reinforce knowledge on pond life. 


     SMART START Chefs gathered in their kitchen to create an amphibian's habitat in the form of a fun snack, "Frogs, Worms, Mud & Dirt." This take on the classic, "Worms & Dirt" was concocted using chocolate pudding, gummy frogs, gummy worms and brownie pieces. While enjoying their finished product, peers pretended their treats were live amphibians in their habitats. Educational and delicious!


     Salamanders were the second species studied. The group listened intently to a story and acquired some information. Here are a few facts we learned:

  • Just like frogs, salamanders lay their eggs in water
  • They have colorful spots or stripes and four legs
  • A slimy film covers their skin for protection
  • Salamanders are the second largest species of amphibians 

     Pupils circled in their outdoor classroom to learn a key difference between frogs and toads (frogs like to hop and toads prefer to crawl) through a rendition of "Duck, Duck, Goose" called "Frog, Frog, Toad." One child acted as frog by tapping on their friends' heads saying "frog" then eventually selecting someone as "toad." Frog then hopped to a spot in the circle while toad crawled to tag them. Afterwards, classmates continued recreating this game with amphibian inspired names such as "ribbit, ribbit, frog." 


     SMART START Scientists pondered over themed materials at an indoor display. Books, figurines, flashcards, learning wheels and posters were utilized. This lesson allowed for insightful questions and answers to promote curriculum comprehension. 


     To conclude this unit, MA Audubon Ipswich River Sanctuary visited our school for a hands-on amphibian program. Miss Maura, the Audubon representative provided a thorough presentation, lead interactive activities and shared her vast expertise. Live salamander eggs, larva and an adult were viewed. Each child had the opportunity to hold the adult salamander! Experiencing subject matter first-hand encourages genuine learning to take place. In addition, Experiential learning ignites a child's innate desire to explore the world around them. 

Click Below to View!


We hope you enjoyed reading all about amphibians!


🐸SMARSTART🐸

Happy Mother's Day


🌷SMARSTART🌷