In order to support teachers in their effort to take students outdoors, see if there is time this summer to prepare at least some of the bins described below with the necessary resources for the Science learning activities you will find on the blog starting next week. Then they will be readily available on an ongoing basis next school year. Plastic totes are a good option. See if you can also find a wagon in which to transport any bin easily around the schoolyard.
An alternative to bins is backpacks. For example, each grade has one backpack for each science unit. Of course, not every item below fits into backpacks.
Each bin is used by various grades.
The Life Systems Bin will have in it: magnifying glasses, tweezers, measuring tapes, butterfly nets, baby food jars with lids, laminated plant/animal ID cards, plant and animal field guides (look for them at thrift stores), laminated rabbit cut outs (K), picture of grasshopper (K), felt rabbit/squirrel/cat cut outs (K), metal garden trowels (gr. 4), spool of hemp string for square meter study (gr. 4), small snow shovels (gr. 5), silicone grease (tiny amount), permanent marker, [Calberla’s staining solution (5 ml glycerol, 10 ml 95% ethanol, 15 ml distilled water, 2 drops saturated, aqueous solution of basic fuchsin) (gr. 8 -these should be in a locked box)]
The Structures and Mechanisms Bin and Bucket will contain: bamboo poles, PVC poles, connectors, bed sheets, clothes pins and short lengths of rope to use with poles, pole connectors, play parachute, 25 clothes line pulleys, measuring tapes, nails, hammers, levels, saws, and other building materials as needed (wood boards, bricks, 4x4's, fabric sheets), logs and planks, gallon jugs
The Matter and Energy Bin will contain: a clear container with lid, jars, and a thermometer, A rock and a metal post and 7 different objects (gr. 4), water distillation set-up: bigger tray, smaller tray, clear dome (gr. 5), latex balloons (check for allergies), medium size candle, matches, thermometer, different liquids-syrup, pop (gr. 7), dish washing pans , water, feathers, tufts of fur, cooking oil, travailing soap dishes, balance, detergent (gr. 8)
The Earth and Space Systems Bin will have in it: stakes (pointed sticks), water guttering, watering cans and buckets, hooks to attach guttering to the fence, pliers, scrapers, brushes, magnifying glasses, small motor (gr. 7)
The Whatever-the-Weather Bin (for any class or lesson) will contain: 25 rain ponchos for different sizes, waterproof boot covers, safety gloves and/or work gloves, hand sanitizers, 25 clipboards, 25 pencils
The Recess Bin and Bucket will have in it: jump ropes, old paint brushes, chalk, fabric tarps like bed sheets or table cloths, bamboo or PVC poles, clothes pins or clips, etc.
These are the supplies for the science field trips at school here on Wonder.