Here's a great page to learn more about the phases of the moon:
http://moonphases.info/moon_phases.html

We didn't get to see the "Harvest moon" on Sept. 12th (it was too cloudy), but we saw the waning moon tonight, and it was so bright, yellow, & beautiful!  My kiddos sat on the roof to observe it.

See you tomorrow in class!

Week 2: Sun and Moon

This week's nature journal spotlight:

Nature Journal - June Bug drawing by Carter H.

I had so much fun with each of your children this week!  I was amazed at how many different insects we found in our short nature walk!  We caught a praying mantis, a blue metallic beetle (anyone know what kind it is?), bumblebee, hornet, honeybee, ladybugs (ladybird beetles), a big caterpillar, ants, stinkbugs, and others.  Wow!  I loved the simple, sweet drawings that your children did.

Next week, we'll be learning a little bit about the sun & moon. Remember to observe the "harvest moon" on Sep. 12th (see week 1 for more info)

Here's some at home learning ideas:

What a fun activity!  Learn about the moon phases using oreo cookies:
http://www.sciencebob.com/blog/?p=828
(we're planning on using "Newman O's" for healthier ingredients)
We might eat our "moon phase" experiment as a treat while we watch the Harvest moon.

Nature Journal Challenge:
I am planning to draw pictures of the phases of the moon in my nature journal.
I'd love to see your drawings this week!

Learn about how the moon affects the tides:
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/astronomy/moon/Tides.shtml

Here's a free printable book from NASA:  "http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/topnav/materials/listbytype/Our_Very_Own_Star_The_Sun.html"

NASA's kid page about the sun:
http://spaceplace.nasa.gov/external/http://www.nasa.gov/vision/universe/solarsystem/sun_for_kids_main.html