Water Wonders #4: Summative Project - Diorama

For our summative activity (an activity to assess the children's connection to the central idea), the water group children created a diorama with a landscape next to a waterway. Their dioramas show how animals, plants, and people use water. As they worked, the following questions were asked:

1) What do you know about water?

2) Why is water important to people? (what do they use it for)

3) Why is water important to animals?

4) Why is water important to plants?

5) What would happen if there was no water?

6) How can we make sure this never happens; how can we save water?

Water Wonders #3: Water Works Model

                                            

The children were so proud of themselves when they pieced together their water works model. As it was displayed in the sand area, the water group children noticed other children did not know what it was! The problem was solved when Sophie suggested to put signs up so people can read it. 

Water Wonders #2: Where Does Dirty Water Go?

Where is the pipe?

"I like to take baths!" said Theo

Where does the drain take the water?

"I wash my dolly at the sink," said Olympia.
"I wash my feet in the shower," said Lucas.
"You need to wash you hands in the sink after you go to the bathroom," Charlie added.
The children eagerly shared ways they use water at home. They know that fresh water comes out from their taps but what where does waste water go?

Sophie replied, "It goes into the lake!"
Sasha answered, "Dirty water goes down the drain."

We explored how Vancouver's water and sewer system work. We learned that it involves many large pipes that go into the ground and they remove excess water and sewage for treatment. Since there is only 2-3% of fresh water on earth, people found ways to turn dirty water into clean, fresh water. When wastewater is treated and cleaned, it can be put back into the environment without harming anything.

The children imagined what it is like to clean the dirty water at a treatment plant. We added dirt and "trash" to the water table and the children tried to scoop it all out.

Water Wonders #1: Where Does Water Go in the End?

We began our Water Wonders with Lucas' question: "Where does water go in the end?"

To help the children understand where water comes from and where it ends up, we looked at the water cycle. They learned that our earth has a limited amount of water and it keeps going around and around through the process of evaporation, condensation and precipitation. The children created a collage illustrating the water cycle. To show where water ends up, they made sure oceans lakes, ponds, rivers and snow were included in the collage. However I told the children there is one secret place that water travels to. We watched the following video about it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wao-8zcRiTA

After watching the video, we added underground water to the collage.

Generosity Abounds #6: "Lollicakes" for the Potlatch

The children worked exceptionally well together as we baked the "lollicakes" for the potlatch tomorrow. Everyone waited patiently to put in the ingredients. The children showed care and thoughtfulness by making sure everyone had a turn. Sophie suggested that we administer taste tests before the lollicakes were served to ensure they were served with our approval! And yes, the cakes passed the taste test!

Mixing the batter

Adding ingredients

The taste test!

Generosity Abounds #5 - Preparation for the Potlatch

Making paper mache masks

Choosing designs

Popping the balloon in the mask

Last week all the groups have been busy preparing for our potlatch taking place this Wednesday. A potlatch is a gift-giving feast practiced by indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast of Canada and the United States. The Water group children are making masks, race cars, and happy cards to give away at the party. For food, the group wants to make lollipops and cakes so I suggested cake pops and of course everyone agreed!

Priming the mask and race car

Painting the mask

Generosity Abounds #4: Surprise Party

      

Walking to IGA

Shopping at IGA

SURPRISE!  

Giving gifts

Making toy helicopters

Making toy bears

There have been so many parties and treats given by the other groups that the Water Group felt that they should thank them for their generosity. "Why not throw a party for everyone," Olympia suggested. "A surprise party," Jayla added. We came up with a to-do list then the children took a walk to IGA to buy the things for the party. Theo wanted to give out gifts at the party so we made toy bears, toy helicopters and toy spiders.

Passing out the treats

Gift giving

The surprise party took place after rest time one day. Oh my, was it hard for the Water group children to hold in their excitement!  Right after rest time, all the water group children got up from their mats and yelled "SURPRISE!"