Taste Testing Our Sprouts

Just under two weeks ago we started an experiment which involved planting alfalfa sprouts (this was a follow on from our broad beans experiment). 

Tamariki cared for our sprouts by using their gentle hands when investigating, telling their teachers if they thought the sprouts were being mistreated, and watering them daily. As our sprouts grew bigger, so did the curiosities of our tamariki e.g. "Why are they like worms?"

"How come they're white here and green there?" etc. Many funny theories were shared during these moments.

Time to 'harvest' our 'crop' with our senses...

We looked, touched, picked, rubbed, smelt, washed and tasted our sprouts...

Responses included...

"Smells like broccoli"

"Feels like grass"

"Looks like worms"

"Tastes like hot"

"Yuck!"

"Yum"...

So much exciting learning and sharing has happened through these scientific experiences! I can't wait to see what happens next!

Life Cycles-Part 2

Throughout the last few weeks, tamariki have been able to observe the changes and growth of their broad beans. 

To extend on this experience, we've been on a few nature walks to our local reserve to collect some dried leaves and twigs. This has enabled tamariki to develop the knowledge that during a trees life cycle, trees shed their leaves to allow for regrow of new ones.

'The Hungry Caterpillar' book has been providing tamariki with insight into the life cycle of a butterfly, and Papa Apii's passion for fishing has encouraged him to share his knowledge about the life cycle of a fish.

Exciting stuff! Stay tuned to see where we go to from here...

Life Cycles-Being Responsible

It all began when one tamariki stood on a snail which a small group had been watching throughout the day.

Discussions that followed encouraged tamariki to think about, and express their thoughts on life and survival.

To provide an understanding for tamariki of how a life cycle begins, we used print outs from the internet which demonstrated life cycles of a human, a butterfly, a frog, a snail, and a plant.

The next day we started a scientific experiment using cotton balls, water, broad bean seeds, and snaplock bags.  Tamariki used these materials to start the life cycle of a plant. 

Over the week, we have been able to watch our beans grow, and groups have been encouraged to talk about how to look after our beans in order for them to survive. 

We will continue to watch our beans, and discuss the importance of respecting and taking responsibility for caring for our living environment.