Use Play Doh And Modeling Clay For Science
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You either love science or you hate it. The chances of your children loving it really depend on how many hands-on activities they will get to experience. If it’s using a microscope, dissecting a shark, or planting a garden … hands-on activities always seem to bring science to life!
One day I was reading an anatomy book to my son. Word for word for boring word. “We” were learning about the human brain. He was not. He was hardly listening to my lecture. I was overly annoyed he was not paying attention.
With much frustration I threw play doh on the table and instructed the 2nd grader to “make brains!”
I sat in the office waiting for his apology. I never got one. Instead he brought me play doh brains. Every detail perfect with swirls and horrifying spinal cord attached.
He was so impressed with himself. He excitedly pointed out different areas of the brain and described what all the brain does. It was not because he read it for himself – he remembered what he had heard and then made it.
More science lessons included play doh and magically they became fun. Science was no longer weird or gross. It was challenging and interesting. With play doh we would make a frogs tongue and demonstrate how it actually comes out from the back of the throat and hinges at the front. Because I’m not ready for the real thing yet!
My tactile learner loved sculpting animals, bugs, organs, and planets than just listening to me read about them. We would hunt for photos online and then he would get to sculpting. Some days I read to him while he sculpted.
Eventually he outgrew play doh, so I started to incorporate modeling clay. Modeling clay is easier to use and store. {I think it smells much better than play doh too}
Modeling clay was perfect for more in-depth lessons like the inside of a volcano and the heart. Diagrams and projects where colors need to overlap and mix.
Make science fun without blowing up something and get hands-on!
Do you use play doh or modeling clay in your science lessons?
Have you ever studied the actual science of clay?
Do you make models in your science studies?
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