Ecosystems!!!

We introduced ecosystems by having the kids create collages of food webs with cut outs from National Geographic magazines. They really had to think about what eats what, and where the plants and animals get their energy from.

Then we went outside to find the parts of the ecosystem in our backyard!

One of our peacock friends from next door came to visit us!

Once we really started understanding ecosystems then they expressed their ecological perception artistically!!

"When my dad took me camping we were part of an ecosystem!"

The children then created different types of ecosystems with found nature objects from the backyard.

Our ecosystem in a bottle experiment tested to see if the plants really need sunlight to grow. 
The ecosystem that thrives will have its lid closed. The growing plants in the sealed ecosystem made oxygen for the insects and the insects made carbon dioxide for the plants!! 
Add soil and compost to each container. One container is transparent, the other is opaque.

Add 4 black eyed pea seeds to each container and sprinkle compost on top of them.

Add water to each container.

The transparent container THRIVED, and became art inspirations!
The entire water cycle is occurring in the sealed bottle.

The seeds that did not receive sun did not thrive.
PLANTS REALLY DO GET THEIR ENERGY FROM THE SUN!!

GARDEN TIME!!
Since it is so hot it is time to plant magic green bean seeds.
Otherwise known as black eyed peas. They can germinate when it is 110 degrees and thrive. The are a great edible cover crop that builds up the soil with carbon, shades the soil and converts atmospheric nitrogen to mineral soil nitrogen. THEY ARE MAGIC!!! 

Basil can handle the heat! Lets plant some to make pesto pasta!

Don't forget to water!

Our new Waldorf block system has been inspiring new architects!!
The blocks are hand made with such precision and care that kids creations seem to defy gravity!

"Save the people with the slide!"

To celebrate the summer solstice we made yummy banana muffins for the potluck!!
Add 2 very ripe bananas to a mixing bowl.

Add 4 eggs.

Add one half teaspoon of baking soda.

Add one half cup almond flour.

Add one half cup coconut oil

Add one quarter teaspoon of salt

Add one third cup honey.
Mix
Put in muffin tin.
​Bake at 350 degrees for 15 mins or until firm.

Sandbox Volcano!!! run for it!!
The kids added vinegar and baking soda to the volcanic crater to produce a cooling chemical reaction. I asked the kids if real volcanoes get cool when they erupt. Then one girl explained: "Eruptions come from heated up magma below the earth's crust....not baking soda and vinegar!!"

Free play time!!
What is the most effective way to fully engage a child's mind and develop neural pathways?

Creative Free Play with Friends!!!
Children know what they need to do to grow. We just need to give them a healthy environment, love and creative resources. 
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We got fresh haybales for our ever changing play-scape!

See you next time:)!!