Young students can begin integrating science and math skills by observing the weather each day and creating a graph to record the month's weather. Begin with a discussion of weather and the different types of weather that can be observed. For a month, ask students to observe the weather each day and record a symbol for each type of weather on a large bar graph. Invite students to predict the weather for the next day, based on their observations. Compare which type of weather was most common during the month. Repeat the activity during a different season and contrast the graph that is created with the original one. Students will be learning about how weather changes as well as improving their graphing skills.
Elementary students can work together to learn about the planets while using logical reasoning skills. Show students a picture of each planet and discuss its characteristics. Tell students you will give them clues to help them figure out how the planets are arranged in space. Read statements such as "Neptune is the farthest planet from the sun," or "Mars is next to Jupiter," or "The two largest planets are next to each other." Students will use each clue to help them rearrange the pictures of the planets until they have determined the order of all eight planets.
Students can learn about different types of rocks while practicing measuring skills. Provide groups of students with a variety of rocks, including some lava rocks or pumice, and name each type. Ask them to observe the rocks and discuss the differences they see. Invite them to make a prediction about which rocks are the heaviest, and ask what tools can be used to measure this. Supply the groups with balance scales, and ask the students to choose two rocks to compare. Using the balance scale, they will determine which rock is heavier and record it on a data table. Have students continue weighing rocks until they have compared all of the rocks supplied.
Students can work in small groups to make ice cream, learning about phase changes, measurement and fractions. Have students measure and mix the following ingredients: 2 cups milk, 2 cups whipping cream, 1 tsp. vanilla and 3/4 cup sugar. Divide the mixture in half, and pour each half into a quart-size plastic bag. Place the quart-size bag inside a gallon-size plastic bag filled with ice and seal both bags. Shake the bags for about 10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes ice cream. Invite the students to divide the ice cream evenly between each member of their group and determine what fraction their portion represents. For example, if there are four people in the group, each member gets one-fourth of the ice cream. While the students eat their ice cream, discuss how when two substances with different temperatures come into contact, the substance with the lower temperature absorbs heat from the other until they have the same temperature, and this represents a physical change.