We learned lots of neat facts about Utah this week in honor of Take A Hike Day which was November 17. We found out that every county contains at least a part of a national forest, why it is called the Beehive state, and what their official state food is. The book also contains some pictures that a retired staff member, Jeannie, graciously let us use from her trips to Utah. Take a look and learn about this amazing state!
Here is a link to the book: Let’s Learn About Utah
Utah has 5 National Parks so we thought it would be a great place to learn about for National Take a Hike Day which was on November 17. The sensory group boxes highlighted facts about Utah. The fine motor groups made art projects related to symbols of the state and the language group made a tasty treat featuring the Utah state fruit!
SENSORY GROUP
We used plastic pine branches as the base for this box which contained objects and symbols related to Utah. There was a plush elk (state animal), allosaurus (state dinosaur), and honey bees (state insect). There was a black ball representing coal mining.
We also included a little wooly hat, scarf, and snowflakes—-Utah is famous for its snow!
Science access point: recognize a model of a real object.
Gold and silver are mined in Utah.
Our gold and silver beads may not be the real thing, but they were certainly eye catching and a hit with the students.
Science access point: match objects by one observable property, such as color.
Arches National Park is famous for its rock features. We put some laminated photos of arches and a letter U cookie cutter into this box of moon sand.
There was also a dinosaur mold so the students could make their own fossils.
Science access point: recognize that pushing and pulling an object makes it move.
There were more letter U’s to find in yellow and black “honey bee” rice.
A picture of one on the national parks could be found at the bottom of the box.
Science access point: recognize objects as the same.
Utah may have the “greatest snow on earth” but Insta Snow is pretty great stuff too!
The students had a blast!
We stored it in the refrigerator which kept it even colder!
Science access point: apply a push to move an object.
Jello is the official state snack of Utah so we sprinkled some on top of our shaving cream this week!
The Jello gave the shaving cream a fabulous texture that was so COOL!!! Everyone was fascinated!
Science access point: track the movement of objects that are pushed or pulled.
Despite it’s salinity, the Great Salt Lake does contain some fish, so we put one in our mini version.
We also included sifter scoops and measuring cups.
Science access point: recognize different containers that hold liquids.
Cherries are the official state fruit of Utah!
The students liked the fresh fruity scent of Bath and Body Works cherry scented lotion and bath gel.
Science access point: recognize one or more external body parts.
FINE MOTOR GROUP
On Tuesday the students decorated a map of Utah.
First, they identified the color green.
Science access point: identify objects by one observable property, such as color.
Then, they stamped 6 trees (representing the National Forests found in Utah) on their maps. We hot glued a thread spool to a foam stamp to make it easier to hold. The students had to stamp UP and DOWN to make the trees.
Math access point: recognize a movement that reflects a spatial relationship, such as up and down.
The maps were glued to a background.
Math access point: recognize when an object is added to a situation.
TA DA!!!
Let’s visit Utah!
On Wednesday we added snow the letter U!
First, we identified the color of the cotton balls.
Science access point: identify objects by one observable property, such as color.
Then, the students squeezed out some glue.
Science access point: apply a push to move an object.
They added cotton snowballs to their U.
Math access point: solve problems involving small quantities of objects or actions using language, such as enough, too much, or more.
TA DA!!!!!
We love Utah!
Let’s hit the slopes 🙂
LANGUAGE GROUP
We made a treat using the state fruit of Utah: cherries! Here is the recipe that we used: Let’s Make Mini-Cherry Cheesecakes
We started by measuring out 2 cups of milk. We used milk cartons, so whoever said they WANTED to HELP was given an unopened milk carton. If they were unable to open it, they had to request HELP.
Once we measured out 2 cups, we PUT the milk in a BOWL.
Next, we added some instant cheesecake pudding mix. Again, a student was given the unopened box of pudding mix and had to request HELP if they couldn’t open it.
We started to mix it up using a mixer and a wireless switch. After a couple of students HELPED TURN it on, we observed how it looked. Since it still looked like we could DRINK it, we PUT the mixer on AGAIN until it was firm.
We counted out plates for each student. Then they had to request a mini graham cracker pie crust by saying they WANTED one.
Each student got a small amount of pudding at first. If they wanted MORE, they had to request it.
Finally, each student had to request cherries. They were only given one at first, so again they had to request MORE if they wanted more.
Time to eat!
Happy Thanksgiving! Join us again in a couple of weeks for more fun and learning —–Group by Group!
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