Preschool & Kinder Animal STEAM (FLEX)

This class is an exciting and hands-on way to learn about the features that makes animals unique!  Each class will start with a discussion of the animal of the week (see schedule below).  Then, we will transition into our experiment or activity.  We will follow the format below:

   1. Discussion of animal and it's unique characteristics
   2. Video, pictures, or live-stream view of the animal
   3. Hands-on S.T.E.A.M activity
   4. Closure and animal requests

A video discussing the animal and any videos or pictures will be posted on Monday morning (9am EST) each week.  Supplemental activities and links to great resources for a deeper dive will be shared throughout the week. Weekly hands-on activities will utilize some common household and craft supplies.  See the supply list for suggestions.  There will be a weekly classroom post detailing materials needed for the following week.

Students will get the chance to interact and ask questions throughout class in the classroom. At the beginning of each week, students will share with the class through either video or classroom post any experience they have with the animal of the week. Is it a pet? Have they seen it in a zoo or out in the wild?  Do they have a stuffed animal or related toy they'd like to share?  Students can comment and encourage each other in the classroom.

Schedule:
   Week 1: Octopus "squeeze"
(How does a large octopus escape a small area?)
   Week 2: Owl eyes
(How binocular vision works)
   Week 3: Antelope tracks
(Create salt dough tracks)
   Week 4: Giraffe skin salt painting
(Create a unique pattern for your giraffe!)
   Week 5: Whales and blubber
(How blubber insulates in cold water)
   Week 6: Birds & nest building
(Build a nest from found objects in nature)