Hello, Campers!
It’s week two of TPT’s extra special summer camp! Miss our first week of activities focused on being a good neighbor? Don’t worry! You can catch up anytime here!
Join us every week this summer, as we watch, play, and explore our neighborhood together with all our favorite PBS KIDS friends! Check back every Monday for a fresh playlist on tpt.org with a very special theme!
Speaking of themes, this week we are going to learn all about water!
Water play has many benefits for kids and is a sensory activity that encourages children to explore their senses. Water play can spark creativity, create a calming effect, and even boost math and science skills!
Below you will find six activities to help you learn more about the importance of water, get creative, and appreciate the wild and wondrous world of water! Splash along as we explore water together!
WATCH
THE MAGIC SCIENCE OF BUBBLES
What do you need to make bubbles? It’s pretty basic! You need soap and one other crucial ingredient- water! Join demonstrator Betsy Stretch, as she shows us the magic of bubbles in a clip from TPT’s Hands-On Science: Magnets, Bubbles and Slime episode, hosted by David Gillette.
MAKE
MAKE BUBBLE SOLUTION AND WANDS
After watching Betsy in the video above, try your hand at making your own bubble solution and wands. Ask your child what shapes they want to make and what shape bubbles they think the wands will make.
Bubble solution
In a medium size bowl pour 2 cups of water
Pour ½ cup liquid dish soap in bowl of water
Pour ¼ cup Vegetable Glycerin (if you don’t have Glycerin, you can also use corn syrup)
Join KaMia as she makes her very own bubble wands!
Wand 1
Use a cookie cutter of your choice (if you don’t have a cookie cutter, you can use the metal rim of a mason jar)
Dip it into your bubble solution and blow!
Wand 2
Take 5 or more straws (but the more straws the more bubbles). You can use any kind of straws you like, plastic, paper or metal.
With rubber bands tie each end together
Now do the same to the other end
Dip it into your bubble solution and blow!
Wand 3
Take an empty plastic water bottle (take the cap off, you won’t need it).
Cut a slit in the water bottle then cut all around.
Take the top half aside and set it aside (recycle the bottom half, you won’t need it).
Take a clean sock and cut it in half.
With the bottom half of the sock pull it over the larger whole of the water bottle.
Take a rubber band and tie it around the mouth opening of the water bottle then roll the extra sock fabric down
Dip it into your bubble solution and blow!
WATCH
THE IMPORTANCE OF WATER
Explore the importance of water to animals with Chelsea Rim from the Memphis Zoo. Understand why animals need water to live, just like humans.
REACT:
Ask your child these follow up questions after watching the video: Think about the animals that you see in your yard or on walks in your neighborhood. What animals do you see? How is water important to them? How is water important to you?
PLAY
MAKE A POND WITH ELINOR
Join Elinor and her friends in this exciting game as they make their own pond, adding creatures that call a pond “home.”
REACT:
Ask your child: Do you have a pond or lake in your neighborhood? What kinds of plants and animals have you seen?
For parents and caregivers: 5 simple ways to encourage curiosity in your child
MAKE
MAKE YOUR OWN ICE SCULPTURE
This week you have thought a lot about water… how it is home to animals, and how it is a key ingredient for bubbles! Now, we challenge you to try an activity that uses frozen water (AKA, ice) to create a beautiful ice sculpture! With a little patience and creativity, you can put your skills to the test and create something special!
You’ll need water, craft supplies like food coloring and glitter, ice cube trays and bowls, a freezer and salt!
ENGAGE & REACT:
During the activity, ask your child: How long do you think it will take for the water to freeze? How long do you think the sculpture will last before melting?
READ ALONG
“HARBOR” READALONG
In Minnesota, many of us live close to the Mississippi River, a working river with many boats transporting goods each day. Did you know that boats have jobs? Read “Harbor” with Carrie Ellman-Larsen from NYC Children’s Theater. This book, by Donald Crews, is about all different kinds of boats. After reading, play a fun activity using our bodies.
REACT:
Ask your child: What if the boats were like characters and had feelings? What of the boats had things to say? Let’s pretend! Pretend you are a boat that you saw in the book. How does that boat feel? What job does it do? Act it out with your body.
FIELD TRIP:
Have time this summer for an adventure? Learn more about water by visiting the Science Museum of Minnesota’s Mississippi River Gallery. While there, you can explore the mighty fascinating history and environment of America’s longest river. (requires museum admission)
Want more?
Watch Let’s Learn weekdays at 11 AM on TPT2. And check back every week for even more fun!
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