Science Activity One: Fiber and Fabric Science Activity

Objectives: The Fiber and Fabric science activity is designed to teach children about something very visible in their everyday lives—their clothes.  The learning objectives of this activity are threefold and by the end of the session students should be able to (i) identify what clothes are made of, (ii) demonstrate how this material is made and (iii) talk about the difference between natural and synthetic fibers. 

Explanation: For this activity session, students had the chance to make their own fabric from natural fibers.  Students were first asked to obtain thread from the cotton provided to them.  Next, using mount boards, needles and woolen threads, they were able to weave their own band of fabric.  During this session, differences between and advantages of artificial and natural fibers were also highlighted.  

Observation July 2009 Sessions: Students had never participated in this kind of activity before and their excitement was evident.  They expressed pride in their craftsmanship and tied their fabric bands to their wrists to pose for photographs.  Many students asked us to come again soon.

Math Activity One: Math Maze

Objectives: The Math Maze game is a game designed to help children practice manipulating integers in a fun and engaging way.  The game uses a board with dice and cards to introduce students to the addition and subtraction of integers.

Explanation: Math Maze is a simple game that can be duplicated in almost any classroom.  The game uses (i) a board with a given number of squares, (ii) two six-sided die (the first with 3 “+” sides and 3 “—“ sides and the second with the numbers 1-6), (iii) a stack of cards and (iv) a playing piece for each child.  Students roll the two die together and move their playing piece the designated number of squares on the board (for example, rolling a “—“ and a “2” would mean moving back two spaces on the board).  The first student to reach the end of the game board wins.  To make the game more interesting, certain spaces can be designated “card” spaces.  If a student lands on a “card” space, he/she must select a card from the deck and follow the instructions on the card (for example: move backward two spaces OR roll again).  Snakes and ladders can also be added to make the game even more interesting.

Observation July 2009 Sessions: Again, this method of participatory learning was unfamiliar to students but they were very excited about it.  The cards were an obstacle for many students who could not understand the English words.  In some cases students played without cards and in others students were grouped so that several children at each game had sufficient English to understand the cards.