We built a helicopter with a twirling rotor, a spinning top, a tottering see-saw, and pirate ship that swung using a pendulum. Once completing the models, the older students helped the younger students, encouraging interaction among the children. The best part - we could keep our creations and take them home!
The K'NEX class motivated us to learn while we observed, investigated and experimented with various structures. K'NEX engaged us in math concepts, scientific phenomena and technology too. And we thought that we were just playing with toys!
This exciting "Everybody Needs a Home" program was like a museum visit—complete with specimens, live animals, and an expert naturalist—right to our classroom. Food, water, shelter, space—all creatures need a habitat that provides these things. We met several animals from different habitats and discovered how these needs were met. We also explored how animals depend upon and relate to one another within a habitat.
Our naturalist brought along a live chinchilla, a rosy-haired tarantula, a red-tailed hawk, and - our favorite! - a coati named Jodi. After the presentation, we had the opportunity to feel different types of animal furs and examine real animal bones, skulls, and a turtle shell. It was a fun and educational day!