[annie ann]

Hi all! In science my first graders are learning about apples and fall trees. Does anyone know of any sites or have any great activities to do with my kiddos. I alreaday have a whole bunch of stuff in a file folder, but I am looking to try some new things.

[bookworm86]

Hi! My class just finished a unit on apples and we had so much fun with it! I have a thematic map on my hard drive, but I'd have to e-mail it to you because I haven't been on PT long enough to attach files. Some of the more "Science" like activities we did were:

- compare and contrast apple types using a Venn Diagram
- bring in apples and sort according to various characteristics...then graph the apples we brought in
- talk about our five senses and use them to explore and write about apples
- make predications about the inside of an apple, then cut it up, explore and draw conclusions
- sequence events related to making homemade applesauce and an apple going from a bud to an apple on the tree

We also did a "Seasons of the Apple Tree" book where we read about apple trees, then made a picture of an apple tree during each season. The kids loved it and it led to a wonderful discussion about seasons and why the tree continues to change.

One GREAT website for all things apple related is: http://www.thevirtualvine.com/apples.html

Hope this helps! Have fun!

[MalibuBarbie]

For a great cooking experience which goes beyond just making applesauce try this:

Have each kid bring in a sliced and cored apple. Dump all together in an electric frying pan or crock pot. Simmer a few hours or until soft. No need to add anything unless maybe some water if it gets dry--probably won't!

(I usually bring in a few apples myself to add to the mix. The mixture of all different types of apples is great for a good apple-y taste!)

In the bottom of a styrofoam cup (and without the kids seeing!) put about 6 mini marshmallows and 3 or 4 cinnamon red hots.

Spoon hot applesauce over the marshies and hotties. Let them sit for a bit to "work their magic" and to cool off.

Hand out the cups--no spoons yet! Ask kids to tap the cup lightly on the table a few times and see what happens.

(Here's what happens! The marshmallow melts and so do the red hots. As you tap the cup, the white and the red work their way up to the top of the cup as the applesauce is working it's way down with each tap. You'll see white with splotches of red! Roses in the snow!)

Hand out the spoons and let them eat. The marshies add the sweet and the red hots add the spice! Perfect-o!

It's very fun--fun to do in the winter time too after a romp in the snow during recess. You could extend your observations about apples...they are picked in the fall and last all winter! You can't always get watermelon and berries and peaches in the winter but you can get apples!

[teamc]

I love the roses in the snow idea. I am going to try that this year with my kiddos. thanks.

[heddyb65]

You can check out AND participate in a really fun project to see the seasonal changes in trees all around the world. Check out this site: http://lakelandschools.org/EDTECH/Seasons/home.htm My class participated in this last year and it was awesome!

[relax]

for apples and - if you just go to the kinderkorner site - just about everything else.

http://www.kinderkorner.com/apple.html

[annie ann]

Thanks for all the great ideas!