Sunday, May 8, 2016

Circles, Circles, Circles!

 "Everything turns, rotates, spins, circles, loops, pulsates, resonates, and repeats." --Suzy Kassem

Circles are everywhere!

Use them to compare diameters,

build continent maps,

build circuits,

explore magnetism,

and make pizza.

Look closely!  Find circles in nature--life cycles!

Montessori learned all about the many circles in their lives as they explored life cycles this spring.

Each class observed the Luna Moth cocoon and Painted Lady caterpillars, patiently waiting for "wings."

Egg, larva, pupa, adult--metamorphosis!

                                             Counting down 21 days takes real patience!

                        We watched and waited as the incubators warmed and rotated our eggs.

First there was a crack, then lots of wiggles. Out popped a foot!

Chicks!


Our chicks were soft, but loud! Peep, Peep!


Can you find all the parts of a seed?

Planting zinnias

and watering our sprouts.

Adding marigolds to our playground planter boxes. This fall we will collect their seeds again!

The Lunchers arrived at Locust Grove Nature Center ready to learn more about life cycles.

After reviewing some insect facts

they were off

to sweep the meadow for insects.

Found: one caterpillar

one cricket,

and one lightening bug!

Play "Rock, Scissors, Paper"

to learn about all four stages of metamorphosis.

Stay on the trail!

What insects can be found in the forest?

Can they hide under logs?

Yes! The Lunchers found ants, a beetle, and a centipede.

They also saw termites making holes in the wood.

This rotten wood is decomposing. That's another life cycle!

Before leaving we took some time to check out the pond. There were tiny American Toad tadpoles swimming in the muddy water.

There were bigger Wood Frog tadpoles in another pond. Here's another life cycle--egg, tadpole, frog or toad!

Thanks, Ms. Nora!

Searching for insects and tadpoles at Locust Grove was a circle of fun!

"Our task must be to free ourselves by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature and its beauty."   --Albert Einstein


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