We all love butterflies! Did you know that these beautiful creatures start life as something different? As they grow, they undergo an amazing transformation, a process called “metamorphosis.” Children will have fun learning about the life cycle of a butterfly and metamorphosis, and they will also get to directly observe and touch materials that represent each stage of the butterfly cycle. They will develop language skills by learning the terms for each stage in the life cycle: egg, larva, pupa, and adult butterfly. Raising live caterpillars in the classroom will allow the children to grow in their observation skills and see the wonderful changes happening right before their very eyes! Caring for these beautiful creatures and setting them free when they transform into butterflies will help children develop love and respect for nature and the environment.

Touch. Feel. Explore. Join us for some sandy, slimy, and sensory hands-on Science experiments! It will be a fun week filled with amazing summer STEM activities focused on the beach and ocean. Explore the engineering behind creating a sand volcano and see the chemical reactions of baking soda (base) and vinegar (acid) turn into a cool eruption! Children will enjoy making under the sea ocean slime while having a fun aquatic adventure with their imagination. These sensory activities are engaging ways to foster creativity and scientific exploration. Beyond the fun, children will learn about ocean conservation and the importance of taking care of our beautiful ocean. Oceans play a big role in the Earth’s ecology and so many things can hurt our oceans such as pollution, overfishing and climate change. Caring for our ocean and being good stewards will help make our world a better and safer place.

The purpose of simple machine projects is to introduce children to basic mechanical concepts and give them the confidence to experiment with basic machines. It’s fascinating for children to understand and explore how things work. What are levers, ramps, and pulleys? Why do machines need force to complete projects with greater efficiency and success? We will have so much fun with practical hands-on learning activities. If we give children the opportunity to build something that they can relate to, they begin to understand some basic engineering principles. When children build a simple machine, they will learn about how things balance on a lever, or how to make a rocket car through innovative project ideas. In the process, they also problem solve and build critical thinking skills. So let’s start tinkering!

There are so many simple culinary activities and child-friendly recipes children can do independently and confidently! Some age-appropriate activities that children can do include making lemonade, pouring water from a small pitcher, slicing fruits and vegetables, spreading butter on a cracker, and preparing a healthy snack. They will learn how to clean a table with a small hand broom and wipe a spill with a squirt of water and small cloth. Through role-playing, children will create a positive meal-time environment. They will learn good table manners and proper etiquette when sharing a meal with family, friends, or while dining out. Where do we place the napkin when we sit at the table? How do we request for more water when we are thirsty? Hands-on activities will include lessons on the food groups and sorting food pictures in different food groups. Children will understand the importance of eating nutritious foods and how to prepare healthy snacks to fuel our growing bodies and active minds.

Children love farms and farm animals! There is so much children can learn from celebrating life on a farm. Children will be introduced to some common farm animals such as cows, pigs, chickens, horses, and sheep. Children will understand biology concepts and build their language skills as they label the names of farm animals. Studying farm animals will help children understand the importance of taking care of nature, feeding farm animals, helping crops grow, respecting the environment, and protecting the surrounding ecosystem. They will discover fascinating facts about food sources and nutrition, the role of habitats of different farm animals, and that it takes hard work and a community of people to manage a farm. Beyond the scientific knowledge gained, children will learn about responsibility and empathy when caring for all creatures, great and small. Through engaging and educational stories about farms and farm animals, children will also realize that patience and perseverance are essential virtues that a farmer must possess to achieve a successful harvest.