Today's NAP Outing

Another incredible day outdoors!  Blue skies, comfy temperatures, Chickadees singing, and the light!


Today we ventured out as scientists, with thermometers in hand, ready to measure temperatures.  We measured the North Branch (34 degrees F), deep snow (22 degrees F), inside our jackets (66 degrees F), air (on the way up, 36  --  on the way down, 40).

We also talked about, explored, and tested the many types of materials, surfaces, and textures, we could use to make sleds.  The children created the most wondrous sliding structures using all manner of recyclable products and duct tape.  The concept and learning behind all of this is Newtonian (motion).  We're starting out small, but it didn't take them too long to realize that there is a connection between weight and distance; after many trips down the hill on our bottoms, "Mrs. F went the fastest!"


I can't say enough about these outdoor classrooms.  The children are in charge of their own learning!  There is little class management, and left on their own to explore, I've found that they're in charge of their own learning, both academically and socially.  Not to mention all of the benefits of being outdoors, schlepping our belongings up hill, eating together, and the space... I can't say enough about the space!  Lastly, outside in the open, there is no need for differentiation.  Mother Nature does that on her own...

Enjoy the pictures~

Amy drops a thermometer into the North Branch

At 9:20 am, it measured 34 degrees Fahrenheit.  

We had some visitors.  Idalee counted 10 males and 10 females.

Here we are using our thermometers in/on the rocks and ice on Hubbard Park Drive.

Ethan and Sophie go spelunking!

Sofa Lofa and I on our way back down Hubbard Park Drive.  I'm the lumpier one.

Amy gathers all of us to talk about and observe the materials we're going to use to make sleds.

We shared a group snack of local cheese, bread, and apples.

After sliding down the shelter hill, like penguins (except not on our tummies), we showed off our creations.