NewsPre-K to 8
Superstars study the world
Feb 12, 2002 8:00 AM
By Stefan Eady - Faculty
From around the globe and into politics, Patricia Ayer’s kindergarten Superstars delved into many interesting projects and studies this year. In honor of President's Day, the Superstars have set up their own oval office. Each student becomes President for a day. Among their duties are protecting the flag and seeing that order is maintained in their domain. Privileges include presidential stationery, a patriotic pencil, and use of the red phone -- just in case war needs to be declared or Mom needs to bring lunch. The students have also used computer and writing skills to describe “If I Were President...."
The Superstars have been busy in other discoveries too. They journeyed to Antarctica and learned that Antarctica is the coldest place on Earth. Very few people live in Antarctica, just some scientists. Antarctica is home to some fascinating animal species, like penguins, whales, and seals that make their homes among the icebergs. Students performed an experiment to find out how those animals can live in those freezing conditions. First they made a Blubber Glove from two plastic bags, tape, and Crisco. Next they filled a pail with ice and water. Students placed one hand in the glove and left the other bare, then put both hands into the water. “The Blubber Glove worked,” said Ayer. “The fat insulted one hand while the other became really cold. It was amazing!”
Watching and learning about the weather has also been on the Superstars’ agenda. Students completed a booklet about weather, and made Snowman Pinwheels, torn paper snowmen, rainy day art, and various other projects. Each day a new weatherperson prepares the forecast and announces the weather to the class. Their weather segment is taped and will be presented to their parents at the end of the year.
The Superstars have been busy in other discoveries too. They journeyed to Antarctica and learned that Antarctica is the coldest place on Earth. Very few people live in Antarctica, just some scientists. Antarctica is home to some fascinating animal species, like penguins, whales, and seals that make their homes among the icebergs. Students performed an experiment to find out how those animals can live in those freezing conditions. First they made a Blubber Glove from two plastic bags, tape, and Crisco. Next they filled a pail with ice and water. Students placed one hand in the glove and left the other bare, then put both hands into the water. “The Blubber Glove worked,” said Ayer. “The fat insulted one hand while the other became really cold. It was amazing!”
Watching and learning about the weather has also been on the Superstars’ agenda. Students completed a booklet about weather, and made Snowman Pinwheels, torn paper snowmen, rainy day art, and various other projects. Each day a new weatherperson prepares the forecast and announces the weather to the class. Their weather segment is taped and will be presented to their parents at the end of the year.
