Exploring Science Through Fun Activities and Picture Books
By Elizabeth Hurtado Springdale Public Library
Springtime in Northwest Arkansas is a wonderful growth , discovery and science season . The world outside is changing – flowers bloom , birds fly back home and warmer weather provides endless opportunities to explore and learn about the natural world . Let ’ s go on a spring scavenger hunt with fun activities and books !
A Rainy Day with Hedgehog and Rabbit by Pablo Albo
Hedgehog and Rabbit enjoy a beautiful day in the garden until they feel a drop of water falling , and the sky turns gray . From there , they joyfully explore the wonders of rain , discovering its beauty , fun and surprises along the way .
To have fun observing the days , you can make a weather journal . Look outside every day and draw what the sky looks like . Is it sunny , cloudy or rainy ? This can help you to track all the weather changes during springtime .
The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle
Follow the journey of a small but determined seed as it travels through the seasons . Facing challenges like scorching sun , strong winds and hungry birds , the tiny seed perseveres while others do not survive . Eventually , it lands in fertile soil , grows into a towering flower and produces new seeds , continuing the life cycle .
To explore how plants grow , you can plant one in a cup ! First , take a clear container and put some cotton balls inside , covering the bottom . Then , place some bean seeds and spread water . Place the cup close to a window , where it can receive sunlight , and watch it sprout ! Keep track of how much it grows every week . ( See more about growing from seeds on page 22 .)
How the Crayons Saved the Rainbow by Monica Sweeney
A colorful story about teamwork and creativity . When the Sun and the Clouds stop talking , the world loses all its colors , and it ’ s up to a box of brave crayons to bring the rainbow back . With determination and imagination , the crayons show that even the most miniature friends can make a
big difference !
After reading this book , you can try to make a rainbow in a jar . Use honey , dish soap and colored water to create layers . It ’ s like magic ! Start with the heaviest liquid , honey , in the bottom of the jar . This will be your first layer . Slowly pour dish soap on top of the honey ; it will sit on top because it ’ s lighter . Later , mix colored water layers in separate cups with food coloring ( green , blue and purple ).
Carefully pour each colored water layer over the back of a spoon so it lands gently on top of the previous layer without mixing . Pour in order from heaviest ( green ) to lightest ( purple ). Watch the magic ! The different liquids will stack up , creating a beautiful rainbow effect .
Over and Under the Pond by Kate Messner
A child and their mother paddle across a quiet pond , discovering the hidden world
of wildlife above and below the water . As they glide along , they spot birds soaring overhead , turtles basking in the sun and fish darting beneath the surface .
How about having a scavenger hunt around a pond ? You can find new flowers , buzzing bees , green leaves and animals relaxing . Make a list and check them off !
Spring is full of surprises , and you can be a scientist by exploring outside . Happy spring adventures !
www . OfficialKidsMag . com • March 2025 • 3