Wet and Dry

Wet and Dry

Kindergarten-water-sand-art-Physical Science-Earth and Space Science-dry-absorb-evaporate-solution-texture-pressure

Introduction

In this unit designed for Kindergarten teachers, children will participate in activities and learn about wet and dry materials. These experiments explore evaporation, textures, and different solutions. Some of the experiences will be done through centres.

These activities are part of Science World's Big Science For Little Hands program. They were developed and tested with preschool and Kindergarten educators.

Objectives

  • Describe wet and dry objects and materials by colour, texture, and weight
  • Identify objects and materials that do and do not absorb water (get wet)
  • Use the properties of wet and dry materials to make artwork

WetDry_BSLH

Background

Here is how these activities could become a week-long unit of study in a Kindergarten classroom:

  • Day 1: 
    • Whole Group Activity: Wet & Dry Bags
    • Centres: sandcastles, magic sand, celery, waxed paper
  • Day 2: 
    • Opening Circle: Water-related story
    • Whole Group Activity: Soaking Sponges
    • Centres: sandcastles, magic sand, celery, waxed paper
  • Day 3: 
    • Opening Circle: Literature: I Get Wet by Vicki Cobb
    • Whole Group Activity: Sample experiments from the book I Get Wet
    • Make & Take: Blow Painting
  • Day 4: 
    • Opening Circle: Complete I Get Wet by Vicki Cobb
    • Whole Group Activity: Conduct the last of the experiments from the book
    • Make & Take: Wax Resist
  • Day 5: 
    •  Whole Group Activity: Boot Hop
    • Additional Centres Choices: escaping water, water and chalk art, string painting
    • Assessment conducted by the teacher

Entire Lesson

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References

Websites
Science World Resources | Wonderful Water
NeoK12 | Water Cycle | Where does water go when it rains, photos of rain and water clinging to things
Kongregate | Water Dash | Online game of catching water drops
Peep and the Big Wide World | Explorer's Guide | Explore Water  
Peep and the Big Wide World | Water Games
PBS Kids | Science Games | Water We Doing 
Preschool Education | Wet and Wild | Ideas for exploring water
Early Childhood News | Water Play | Why water play is important, plus activity ideas
Homeschooling-ideas | 31 Water Experiments for Kids
Sesame Street | games | Sink or Float with Cookie Monster
Sesame Street | videos | Bathtub Water Comes From Rain

Literature
Sandcastle, Robert Munsch
Frederick and the Sandcastle, Mark Johnson
Sisters are For Making Sandcastles, Harriet McKown
Murmel, Murmel, Murmel, Robert Munsch
Wet Pet, Your Pet, Dr. Seuss
Wet Feet, Roderick Hunt
Better Not Get Wet Jesse Bear, Marc Brown
Wet/Dry, Kate Spohn
I Get Wet, Vicki Cobb
Wet, Wet,Wet, Jamie Rix
DW All Wet, Marc Brown

Other Resources

Science World | Big Science For Little Hands