Libraries are more than books. Some kids need a little direction to get the creative juices flowing. I gleaned the following from PUBYAC contributors. If you're a member check out the archives for 8-19-2011, and 10-25-2011, Fancy Nancy Science Party Compilation. Please add YOUR comments. Your colleagues would appreciate hearing what works, and what didn't!
Break the group into two areas: science crafts and science games.
Teen volunteers can run the craft area while you run the game area & switch the kids half way through the party.
In the craft area, the kids made windsocks and decorated science journals.
- WINDSOCKS—Made of crepe paper streamers (the kind used to decorate for parties) left over from other crafts. The kids paste pieces of streamer along the edge of a large sheet of construction paper and then paste the construction paper to form a tube with the streamers hanging down. A pipe cleaner is bent into a handle and scotch taped to the windsock.
- SCIENCE JOURNALS--Before the party staple together the following inside a large piece of folded construction paper: a list of resources (science themed Fancy Nancy books, other books of science activities available in the collection, non-commercial websites), two "sparkly" science experiments involving crystals, and some lined paper for recording scientific notes. The kids then decorate the covers with crayons and whatever stickers and sparkles I could find in the storage closet.
- FOSSIL RUBBINGS--using plastic plates with fossil designs), sorted buttons, and play with tinker toys and kaleidoscopes.
- STAR CONSTELLATIONS--The kids use star stickers and black construction paper to create star charts or their own constellations.
- SPARKLE DOUGH--
- Squeeze bottle
- Tempera Paint
- Flour
- Salt
- Water
- 1. Mix equal parts flour, salt, and water in a bowl.
- 2. Stir in some tempera paint.
- 3. Place sparkle dough into a squeeze botle and squeeze the sparkly dough onto a piece of paper.
- 4. Once the dough dries completely, you will see the sparkles. Sparkle dough pictures need to dry at least overnight.
- CRYSTAL NEEDLES
- Black paper
- Large jar lid
- 1 cup water
- 4 Tablespoons Epsom salts
- 1. Cut a piece of black paper to fit into the jar lid. Place the paper inside of the jar lid.
- 2. Sir the Epsom salts into the water.
- 3. Pour the salt\water solution into the lid. Let stand for 24 hours.
- 4. The next day, enjoy observing the crystal patterns on the black paper.
Here's the list of resources:
- Fancy Nancy Books with Science Themes:
- Fancy Nancy: Explorer Extraordinaire
- Fancy Nancy: Stellar Stargazer
- Fancy Nancy Sees Stars
- Fancy Nancy: Every Day is Earth Day
- Fancy Nancy Poison Ivy Expert
- Fancy Nancy and the Posh Puppy
Science Activity Books to Enjoy with an Adult:
- Beachcombing by Jim Arnosky
- Field Trips by Jim Arnosky
- The Brook Book by Jim Arnosky
- Rainy Day Magic by Joey Green
- Science Play! by Jill Hauser
- Science Arts: Discovering Science through Art Experiences by MaryAnn Kohl
- Zoom: Nature
- The Five Minute Parent by Deborah Shelton: Chapter 3: "Weird & Wacky Science Experiments"
- Janice VanCleave's Big Book of Play and Find Out Science Projects by Janice VanCleave
Websites (Always explore the internet under the supervision of a trusted adult):
Zoom Science:
An Official NASA Website for Grades K-4:
Coloring pages, activities, and information on wild flowers from the US Forest Service:
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