First Grade Ideas

This fall we dabbled into outer space  in "The Sun, Moon, and Stars". There is much more to the constellations than class time allows - would your child like to learn the stories behind some constellations or how the stars were used to navigate?

Depending on your child's specials' rotation, they may have already made some discoveries about sound (vibrations, etc.) Perhaps they'd like to explore that further?

Plants are ALWAYS awesome for a science fair project! They may want to dig deeper into the world of soil (worm farm or compost bin anyone?) Maybe your child wants to learn more about different kinds of seeds; how long it takes for different seeds to germinate; or things that affect plant growth. In our suburban setting we are so removed from the food chain that the children are amazed to discover we eat plants! (Really. This shocks them.)

For example:

• Do seeds germinate in different temperatures? Is there a "best" temperature? Does it always have to be warm?

• How do people use seeds? (To grow new plants, to eat.)

• Do people eat sprouts? There's a quirky (but informational and delicious) company called Sprout People that has seeds and sprouting supplies.

• Will plants grow with anything other than water? (Orange juice? Milk? Soda?)

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