garden Archives - JDaniel4s Mom

Garden Themed STEM Challenge Building Cards

May 18, 2023 By Deirdre

It will be fun to select one of these garden themed STEM challenge cards to build. Kids build with LEGO bricks, blocks, or found objects. However, using leaves, small twigs, and pebbles to build garden objects would be really fun. Whatever you decide to make, these will be fun challenges to explore.

The set includes versions of the cards that are B/W and colored. You can decide which set you want to use. The B/W version will be cheaper for you to print. However, the colored set may be more fun to look at.

Garden Themed STEM Challenge Building Cards Ready to Use

Downloading the Cards

First, you will need to download the set.

Garden Themed STEM Challenge Cards Download

Second, if you don’t have Acrobat Reader you will need to download it. The algorithm page is an Acrobat Reader PDF file.

Third, you will need to go to your download file and open the page. You may be asked if you want the file to open right after you download it. You won’t have to hunt for it in your download file if you are.

Laminating the Garden Themed STEM Building Challenge Cards

You can have your children work on the cards uncovered if you like. However, if you laminate the mats you can use them over and over again. Below you will find links for a laminator I recommend. There are also links for laminator pouches and a laminator.

The links below are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. My Amazon Picks

Scotch Brand PRO Thermal Laminator, Never Jam…$55.99~~$128.93~~ (11009)

Scotch Thermal Laminating Pouches, 200- Count-…$27.99~~$42.99~~ (22799)

Exploring the Garden Themed STEM Challenge Building Cards Challenge

The ideas below are just that ideas. You may come up with new and different ways to use them.

Hint:
Before you have your children start exploring the challenge cards, you will want to go over the words on the cards.

Maker’s Space or Building Center

The cards can be placed along with building materials for children to explore. Children can work on building outer space objects at any size or height they want to.

Small Group or Partner Work

It is fun to see how different children complete the same challenge. You can select the material and card you want them to explore. Then you can have them each build what they think the object should look like. While some children may want to make their objects just like the neighbors, others will strike out on their own. It will be fun to have them discuss the object they are building.

Possible Building Materials

Links below are affiliate links.

Twigs
Pebbles
Leaves
LEGO
Buttons
Craft Sticks
Blocks
Unfix Cubes
Magna Tiles

More Challenge Card Activities

Polar Animal Shape Challenge Cards

Snowman Cup Stacking Challenge Cards

Drawing a Flower Based on an Algorithm Page

May 17, 2023 By Deirdre

While the Draw a Flower Based on an Algorithm page displays pictures for each of the steps, children could draw whatever flower they like. Yes, there will be children who want to draw the flower to match the steps. However, there will be some that don’t want their flower parts to look like the algorithm. It will be up to you to decide how rigid or loose you want to be with the drawing.

Getting the Draw a Flower Based on an Algorithm Pages

First, you will need to download the set.

Draw a Flower Based on an Algorithm Pages Download

Second, if you don’t have Acrobat Reader you will need to download it. The algorithm page is an Acrobat Reader PDF file.

Third, you must go to your download file and open the page. You may be asked if you want the file to open right after you download it. You won’t have to hunt for it in your download file if you are.

Building Background

If your children don’t know a lot about gardening, you may want to read a book or do an activity that features them before you start these pages.

The links below are affiliate links.

This fun STEAM building kit invites children to create and build a garden of spring flowers.

Oh, Say Can You Seed?: All About Flowering Plants is a wonderful Cat in the Hat book that teaches children about the parts of plants and how they grow.

What fun it would be to plant a planter and then grow flowers in it!

The Garden Classroom: Hands-On Activities in Math, Science, Literacy, and Art does a wonderful job of tying learning into growing.

Understanding the Directions on the Draw a Flower Based on an Algorithm

If you are having a non-reader work on the pages, you may want to help them highlight the word or picture they need to create for each step.

More Algorithm Code and Color Pages

Apple Life Cycle Mandala

Decorating an Umbrella Based on an Algorithm

One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish Algorithm Page

Rabbit and Carrot Counting Algorithm Boards

May 15, 2023 By Deirdre

Whether your children explore this set of rabbit and carrot counting algorithm boards during gardening week, Easter or any time of year they will have fun sequencing numbers of objects. Children will connect the carrot or groups of carrots in number order. First, they will connect the Start box to the box with one carrot. Then they will continue connecting the carrots in number order. Finally, they will connect the box with ten carrots to the End box.

Sequencing and following steps in order is important. Children learn that directions work and sequences are complete when they are done in order. Creating computer code requires order to. Before using text or coding blocks to create an algorithm, they need to practice sequencing. This set of rabbit and carrot counting boards provides that opportunity.

Getting the Rabbit and Carrot Counting Game Boards Pages

First, you will need to download the set.

Rabbit and Carrot Counting Game Boards Download

Second, if you don’t have Acrobat Reader you will need to download it. The algorithm page is an Acrobat Reader PDF file.

Getting Ready to Use the Rabbit and Carrot Counting Algorithm Game Boards

Making the Game Boards Reusable

If you plan on using the game boards over and over again, you may want to laminate them. Below I have suggested products that you may want to use to cover them.

The links below are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. My Amazon Picks

Scotch Brand PRO Thermal Laminator, Never Jam…$54.68~~$128.93~~ (11154)

Scotch Thermal Laminating Pouches, 100 Count-P…$15.98~~$24.68~~ (63556)

Scotch Thermal Laminating Pouches, 200- Count-…$27.99~~$42.99~~ (23612)

Hammermill Printer Paper, Great White 100% Recy…$17.00 (4917)AllAds by Amazon

Exploring the Rabbit and Carrot Counting Game Boards

You will find that pages can only be completed one way. Once your children start connecting the numbers, they will probably pick up on the number sequence.

Here is how you could introduce your children to the game boards.

First, you can work through a part of a game board with your children. It will help them understand how to place the arrows in the boxes. Remember that the arrows they draw or the printed arrows should point in the direction they will need to go to connect to the next step. They need to begin at the word Start and finish in the box that will lead them to the End box.
Second, children can work with a partner to complete the gameboard. They can take turns placing the arrows in the squares.