early learning center journal: Have an Ice Day!

Have an Ice Day!

We integrated the study of Geography, Biology, Weather, Climate, Art and Literature this week as we studied ice and animals that thrive in the polar regions of the earth. We began by looking at our big rug map, identifying the Arctic and Antarctic and the geographical/climate characteristics of the regions. As we did our research using library books and computer technology, we noted that there was ice, ice and more ice at both poles. What could live there? How? Looking into this topic with great interest, we read and found that many species have adapted to live in the fierce cold of the polar regions. A "landscape" that we at first thought looked barren and bleak, supports an abundance of biological life. But why are many of the animals white? We spent several long discussions puzzling through our ideas... Most of us were convinced that all these animals must roll in the snow to turn white. Or maybe the snow just falls on them and clings? And then, how do ice and snow form anyway? We decided to begin with ice. It sounds so basic, almost too simple... However no child in our class recalled simply making ice by themselves, then having the opportunity to study and observe the changes to one piece of ice as it froze and thawed and froze again.

Experiments were in order... We learned so much!

On Friday, we celebrated our explorations by having an "Ice Day."

We set up learning centers for review, and took turns moving through them.

Once we knew how to make ice, we started all over again. Being good scientists, we added variables, while keeping watch over our original "control cup" of plain frozen water . One of our experiments involved adding lots of food colorings to warm water, mixing well and freezing it. Let's see... what we can DO with this colored ice? WOW... we can PAINT with it! This was dramatic and absolutely thrilling for our children.

(Our newest class member, who will begin on Feb. 1, is on the right.)

Intense experience can lead to intense focus!

Deepened concentration builds brain connections...

At a reading and math station, we read mini-books describing how many polar animals adapt by having fur or feathers that change color with the seasons. We each got to take our book home to keep and read again with our family!

Using colored pencils, we also practiced counting and sequencing, decoding and writing by helping two friends leap across the paper on numbered ice floes, 1-15.

We each picked out a penguin key chain that we put on our coat zippers.
A penguin will always make it easier to keep zipping along!

We transformed the water table into a polar habitat and "biological research station" with icebergs and frozen floes. Whales, arctic wolves, foxes, hares, polar bears and even Antarctic penguins had lively adventures in our gloved hands.

The pleasure of creating and eating food is one of the greatest joys for our Bear Cubs. With a very special ice grinder, every child loaded in his/her ice cubes, watched as they were transformed into shaved ice, scooped it out, then flavored it with fruit juice concentrate. Thanks to the parents who helped make this frozen delight possible!