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Light Table Nature Exploration

STEM Lesson Plans

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Lesson plan developed by Aurora Tollestrup, BS Ed

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Activity:  

Light Table Nature Exploration

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Age Group:

• ​​Toddler

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Light Table Nature Exploration

Objectives:  

Children will:

• use the materials to explore common elements of nature in a new way.

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CDA Competency Standard:

II.5.1a

• Activities encourage curiosity, exploration and discovery

a) Activities involve developmentally appropriate, hands-on experiences

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Materials: 

• laminated leaves, flowers, and other flat natural materials
• twigs
• pinecones
• sand
• light table

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Procedure: 

To prepare materials:

• Laminate flat natural materials such as flowers, petals, grass, leaves and more.

For the activity:

• Invite children to explore the natural materials on top of the light table.
  
• Encourage stacking different materials to see how colors and shapes change.

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Assessment: 

• Observe and record children’s experience with the materials.​

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Click photos to enlarge

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Sensory Lesson Plans

Toddler Lesson Plans

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Washington STARS Training Online

Click on the course icon for enrollment information.

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Online CEU Courses

Click on the course icon for enrollment information.

CDA Training * 120 Hours of Training Toward the National CDA Credential $399.00

Children's Temperament $10.50

Use of Puppetry and Plays $31.50

Teaching Science to Young Children $10.50

Infant and Toddler: Health and Safety $21.00

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What does STEM look like for infants and toddlers?

Science ​
​Observing, describing, communicating, exploring, asking questions

Example:  Exploring a sensory bin

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Technology 
​Using tools, creating tools or solving problems through a process

​Example:  Using a measuring cup to scoop and drink water instead of a sippy cup

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Engineering 
​Building or creating things to meet a need or requirement
Example:  Moving a box near a countertop to use as a step stool​

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​Math 
​Counting, sorting, shapes, spatial relationships, patterns

Example:  Understanding that a toy is just behind an adult’s back and not gone forever