Magically Mathematical Lucky Charms!

Patria Lincoln Posted On Mar 12, 2018 | Math

A graph is a visual display of quantitative information. Graphing is used in math, statistics, physics, economics, business, and so on. Even news editors and journalists use graphs illustrate their stories.

Introducing children to graphing early on can lead to a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts as they grow in school. Concepts like organizing, counting, comparing, and analyzing are the bedrock of good math skills.

But, hey, it’s St. Patrick’s Day. Shouldn’t we have some fun?

A bowl of Lucky Charms is bursting with sorting and graphing possibilities for young STEM minds. Let’s find out how.

First, create a quick chart mapping out all the marshmallows in a box. You can easily create your own or download one here. If you are working with little ones who can’t read just yet, include an example marshmallow so they know where the cereal should be placed. Sorting, Graphing, Lucky Charms

Next, scoop out a bowl of Lucky Charms. Have children pick out the marshmallows and sort them into color. (No stealing a taste just yet – this is for science!) Sorting, Graphing, Lucky Charms

Using your worksheet, place the marshmallows in their corresponding columns. It’s remarkable to hear children play out their own “race” between marshmallows out loud: who will be the winner?

Depending on the age of the child, some can eyeball the marshmallows on the plate and tell you which will have the most. Once they get them down in the columns, the graph becomes the teller of truth, delivering undisputable, empirical evidence. The kids think they are just finding the champion of marshmallows! Sorting, Graphing, Lucky Charms

Let’s compare bowls! Discuss your findings with the children. Sorting, Graphing, Lucky Charms

If you’d like, take it one more step by heading over to the computer for data input. Create a pie chart in a Word document. This offers up just another visual representation of the same information.

After all the work, enjoy the sweet reward of marshmallows! Happy graphing and may the luck of the Irish be with you this St. Patrick’s Day!

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DIY Mother's Day Gifts!

Mother’s Day is May 13^th, so you still have plenty of time to create a handmade gift that shows the mother in your life just how much you and your family love her! The DIY art projects below are sure to make meaningful memories that Mom will truly cherish – and they’re fun! So, gather your little ones and get ready to create some truly adorable keepsakes!

Lots of Love Sun Catcher

Mom will go to pieces when she sees this sweet gift!

Materials:

Sheets or squares of colorful tissue paper

Coordinating-colored construction pape

rContact paper

Craft scissors

Hole punch

Ribbon

Cut a heart-shaped frame out of construction paper. Write your kids’ names and the year along the edge and include a Mother’s Day message, if you like.

Unroll your contact paper until you have a sheet twice the size of your heart frame and peel away the backing.

Place the heart frame at the top of the sticky side of the contact paper.

If your child is old enough to use safety scissors, have them cut the tissue paper into small squares. Younger children can tear the tissue into small pieces (and develop fine motor skills at the same time!). Let your kids place the tissue pieces wherever they like, within the heart shape.

Fold the bottom half of the contact paper over the heart, bringing the bottom edge up to the top edge. Press and smooth the contact paper flat and cut it away, about ¼ inch away from the outer edge of the heart frame.

Punch a hole in the top of the frame, string with a ribbon bow, and hang in a window as a sweet Mother’s Day surprise.

Fun with Fingerprints Heart Frame

Leave a permanent print on Mom’s heart with this sweet fingerprint photo frame!

Materials:

Raw wood frame

White, pink, and purple paint

Paintbrush

Permanent marker or Sharpie

Paint the front and sides of your frame white and allow to dry completely.

Pour the pink and purple paints onto a paper plate.

Show your child how to roll their pointer finger into the paint and press twice, overlapping, to form a heart shape on the frame. (You may have to help ????)

Continue until frame is full of heart-shaped fingerprints, leaving a space on the bottom edge for a message in marker, if you like.

Beautiful Palmprint Butterfly

Mom’s heart will soar when she sees this colorful art piece made from her little one’s palmprints!

Materials:

Large white construction paper

Colorful markers

Colorful paints

Plate

Aluminum foil

Paint brush

Use your markers to outline a long oval topped with a circle – these will be your butterfly’s body and head. Your child can color the head and body in with the markers and add antennae.

Cover a plate with aluminum foil and drop various colors of paint, filling the center of the foil-covered plate.

Press your child’s hand flat into the paint, making sure to cover the hand thoroughly. You should hear a squish as you press down. The lift your child’s hand straight out of the paint.

One at a time, press the palm, wrist-side to your butterfly’s body, down on the paper. Use your hand to press the fingers and palm down firmly, then help your child lift their hand straight up and off the paper. Have your child write their name and age and “Happy Mother’s Day” or other sweet message, if they’re able.