Butterfly Conservatory: Seeds in Disguise
February's Home School Day at the Butterfly Conservatory was titled, "Seeds in Disguise".
Once again, Kirsten did an amazing job of leading and facilitating a large group of children who range in age...and their parents (and baby siblings!)
Mobile Display
When we entered the Seed Gallery, several mobile displays were scattered with selections of beans, pods and seeds to explore.
Kirsten began by splitting the children into groups before handing them a menu.
She asked that we look over the menu and choose our favourite food as well as the Daily Special.
When the children took turns announcing their choices, she pointed out that each of the foods selected, started as a seed.
Wax Replica
She then showed us a replica of the Daily Special (which completely reminded me of China...and their restaurant windows! Check out how these wax replica's are made! http://thekidshouldseethis.com/?s=wax+food) We picked apart the items (coffee, chocolate, corn, rice, tomatoes....) and learned how their 'life' began; as a seed (or bean).
Kirsten continued with the group work, by passing out a selection of fake fruits. She hinted that fruit is defined as containing it's seeds on the insides. Once the children had a chance to discuss their fruits and where to find their seeds (grapes, avocado, kiwi etc.) she patiently pieced back together the realistic grape that Baby C almost managed to eat!
We watched a short film on how seeds disperse (here is a similar version from Discovery Channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6loGKPKDqCw and then demonstrated how we can make our own helicopter seeds from paper and a paperclip.
This simple activity got big ratings from the crowd!
Try it yourself http://www.ehow.com/how_5193606_make-paper-helicopter.html
Kirsten always includes a Storytime with some of the best childrens nature books I have yet to hear.
Today was no exception.
A Seed is Sleepy http://www.amazon.ca/Seed-Sleepy-Dianna-Hutts-Aston/dp/0811855201
Red Leaf Yellow Leaf http://www.amazon.com/Red-Leaf-Yellow-Lois-Ehlert/dp/0152661972
Everyone moved into the classroom, for more hands-on activities.
Each child was given a papertowel, clear plastic cup and two pea's, plus a recording chart.
We were instructed to add an inch of water once at home, observe and take notes over the next two weeks.
The remaining portion of the class ended with exploration in the conservatory.
O was the first to find a table filled with fish food and went straight to feeding!
Baby C was the first to pick up any fallen fish food and claim it for her own snack! YUCK!
When Baby C tired of collecting fish pellets, she found a little friend eating seeds under a tree.
She approached her with great care...
..before attempting to hug her...
..and when she started to walk away from said hug...
..Baby C went in after her!
(at this point, I had to put away the camera!)
I think she was just imitating her favourite book, 'Shhh, We have a plan!'
The butterflies themselves are strictly untouchables, but the conservatory clearly has experience with curious children, so they set out the Hands On table with bits and parts from cocoons to deceased butterfly bits.
O also had the opportunity to hold a baby caterpillar (live!), as the conservatory always brings out new insects for children to (gently) hug!
So very well done, every time!