-

E is for Explore!

---

• Virtual Field Trip
• 3D Collage: Measuring
• Fishing for Angles
• Octopus Math

Virtual Field Trip Posted: 29 Nov 2015 01:35 PM PST This friday (December 4) is the live and free virtual field trip to China's Great Forests from Nature Works on youtube! The event is at 12pm eastern. If your class can't attend, you can still signup and watch the video at a later time on youtube. You can signup here to take your class to China! Click here for more information about how to tie this trip into your curriculum.

3D Collage: Measuring Posted: 29 Nov 2015 12:40 PM PST Give kids different colors of construction paper. They cut 1 inch (width) strips. Then, they use a ruler and cut their strips different lengths (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 inches) and manipulate them into different designs, creating a 3D collage. Have kids write their measurements next to each paper strip.

Fishing for Angles Posted: 29 Nov 2015 12:39 PM PST This math station game is inspired by Art in Education's Angle Fish drawings. Kids construct a fish out of a circle, using a protractor to create its mouth (make sure each kid creates a different angle). They cut out the angle and the chunk of paper becomes the caudal fin (or tail fin). Game: All of the fish get magnets put on them. For a fishing pole, use a stick with yarn and a magnet attached to the end. Kids go fishing for angles! When they catch a fish, they use a protractor and figure out the angle of its mouth. They write down the type of fish they caught (ex: 30 degree angle). They keep their fish. If they can't figure out the angle, they throw their fish back! Whoever has the most fish wins!

Octopus Math Posted: 29 Nov 2015 12:37 PM PST Integrate math, art and science all in one craft! Kids create an octopus, while exploring division, fractions, and multiplication! First, they divide a piece of construction paper in half. Next, they use a ruler and draw lines (on half the sheet) to create eight rectangles for the arms (see image). They cut along the lines they drew, stopping at the halfway mark. Then, they curve the paper and staple. Once stapled, they bend the arms, so the octopus can sit up.  After they created their octopus shape, they flip it over. They stick round reinforcement labels (white circle stickers with a hole in the center) on the back of its arms and create suction cup arrays! (see image) Then, they figure out the multiplication equation for their octopus. Science - This craft can be used for an animal adaptation unit. Kids learn that octopi have arms (not legs). The suction cups on their arms help them grasp their prey, move along rocks, and taste things! Also, their stomach is on top of their head! Their mouth is a hard beak (don't let children draw a happy face on their octopus - the beak is underneath!)