Field trips: The Ocean Institute

We love field trips. There are so many wonderful places where you can learn, and have tons of fun. Here are some of the pictures of our visit to the Ocean Institute in Dana Point. The place is not that big, which is a plus since we did not have that weird, awful  "too little time, too much to see" feeling that sometimes accompanies going anywhere in California.

There were plenty of hands-on activities:

Dissecting and studying a squid

 

Looking at plankton with a microscope

Watching interesting creatures

 

Just outside the Institute we also had a wonderful time searching for crabs, enjoying the view, and searching for treasures at the beach.

Here is the information about the Ocean Institute:

Ocean Institute: Experience is the teacher

Have fun and learn!!

Paper paper paper

Many Montessori materials, at least here in the US, include 3D realistic depictions of objects of interest going from famous buildings and landmarks to means of transport to wildlife. It is a bit challenging (not to mention expensive or prohibitive) to reproduce that at home, but I have found this website has a nice alternative: print your own 3D (scaled!) models and build them at home. All you need is a color printer, some paper and a pair of scissors and glue. OK, and lots of patience, but it is really a great project to "illustrate" any lesson.

Here is the link: 3D paper models

Check out some examples:

 

We are currently working on this one:

Earth Day

What is the best way to celebrate Earth day? Well, building a terrarium, of course!!! :) :)
My children are eager to have a pet, but since it would not work right now, they have happily "adopted" several pill bugs and snails from the garden... They are actually feeding them everyday, and making sure they have enough water, so the little bugs are thriving....

We made our little "home" for the creatures with a clear Dollar store shoe box, some mosquito net, a cutter and the glue gun. It is very sturdy and it can be reused many times...

Enjoy a nice, relaxing nature walk!!