Volcanoes and Dinosaurs and Summer, Oh My!! Part 1

Each year our school district offers extended year programs at a variety of sites. This was my 5th year teaching with them and each summer I choose a focus for our program. This year I decided to focus on dinosaurs, and though we are still going for two more weeks, I can say that we've been having a blast.I wanted to share some of the activities and things we've been learning with you.

Each child made a volcano out of clay.

We erupted a volcano in the sandbox with
dinosaurs looking on...

We erupted a volcano in class and discussed the vinegar
being the acid and the baking soda being the base and
when the two combine you get a reaction. Choruses of,
"Again, again!" were heard.

After the clay was dry each child painted his/her volcano.

We used sponges in dinosaur shapes to do some sponge painting.

Each child added colored vinegar to the backing soda filled
volcano to erupt his/her own volcano and then were able
to take the volcano home with directions of how to
repeat the activity with his/her parents.

After learning about herbivores and carnivores
we played the game "What's for Lunch?" The
kids took a piece of the play food and put it
in the appropriate basket.

Nothing but meat for this guy.

We celebrated our T-Rex day with clothing and toys.

We've completed our first week with our Dinosaur unit and I believe it has definitely earned it's name: "Volcanoes and Dinosaurs and Summer, Oh My!!"