Things We Have Been Up To

An experiment with oil, water, and feathers.

Shaking oil and water together in a jar as we learned how oil and water don't mix.

Observing the oil and water separating.

Planting seeds.

Homemade sidewalk chalk paint. I used equal parts corn starch and baking soda and enough water to make a paint-like consistency and some food coloring. 

After the paint dried the girls got a spray bottle of vinegar and when they sprayed  their paintings they fizzed!

At our little beach.

We learned a lot about ducks last week, and to help the girls understand how duck feathers are waterproof we did an experiment. First they got a feather and tried dipping it in water. The feather got wet and soggy. Then they got a new feather and coated it in oil, then sprinkled water on their feathers and watched as the water beaded and ran off, just like their raincoats work to keep them dry. They also rubbed oil into a paper bag and saw how it became waterproof too. Then they shook up some oil and water in a jar and watched as it immediately separated.

We planted some seeds, the peas are already coming up, we are still waiting on the beans, peppers, and tomatoes. The girls check them every morning and shrieks of delight at the sight of peas pushing through the dirt are heard.

We had a blast with fizzing sidewalk chalk paint. That kept the girls happily occupied for a very long time.

We went for a very windy walk to our little beach. Penelope was such a good big sister cleaning the sand off Violet's feet before going in the house. She has been a very attentive big sister lately, wanting to help Violet with everything and take care of her. It is very sweet.