Scientists in the School

We are grateful for the parent volunteers who were able to spend some time with our budding scientists, a while back. With Scientist Cindy at the helm, our "Scientists in the School" day was a whirlwind of activity, learning and fun. A special thank you to our Parent Council and the Kindergarten levy, which made this event possible.

Initially, the children thought they were camping at the "astronomy" centre. Little astronomers learned about constellations. When the flaps were closed on the tent, the dome turned into a mini planetarium.

The "chemistry" centre saw the children dress up as chemists, with lab coats and protective eyewear. They practiced fine motor skills with pipettes, and experimented with mixing colours. Another discovery component had the children experiment to see which substances dissolve in water. 

Experimenting at the water centre, the scientists explored the similarities and differences between various materials, as these materials demonstrated different behaviours, or characteristics in water. Some materials floated, while others sank. They came to the conclusion that heavier objects tended to sink in the water, though it was determined that weight was not the only factor. Principals of buoyancy were explored as volume was displaced with various items.

"Paleontologists" tried their hand at using various tools to uncover fossils. They also got to try create one of their own! Once they dried, the children were thrilled to bring these treasures home.

With Scientist Cindy, the children explored tools used by "meteorologists" and they created their own thermometre. They discovered what happens when the temperature rises! With spray bottles and sponges, the children loved the opportunity to revisit the water cycle!

I have had the pleasure of working with Cindy Ross for many years, and when she was putting away the centres that day, she mentioned that she had written a children's book. We made plans for her to come in again and read with the children. 

The class was thrilled to have a celebrity reader in their midst, and interacted with Scientist Cindy, as she shared her beautifully illustrated book. 

The book presents itself in poems and riddles, and captures the readers' imagination to explore local animals that hibernate, migrate and adapt. Truly, the children were SO engaged! It is no surprise that this book is nominated for awards!

Cindy signed the book for the children, "Stay curious!"  A big shout out and THANK YOU to our friend, author and scientist : Cindy Missen Ross!  Our class library was gifted this beautiful book!

Thank you once again for your support for Scientists in the School. You too, can add Scientist Cindy's book to your own personal library through the contacts above. It is a treasure that will be reread time and time again. There are a few riddles that might even stump some adults!

Thank you once again, for visiting our atelier!