Puddle Ducks

Physical Science

The area of physical science includes magnets, mass, motion, light and dark as well as much more. Students explore physics and construction by building their own houses from different building materials to test which house would be the most sturdy. Measurement is taught with standard and non-standard units of measure. In our Principles of Matter Unit, children are taught why objects sink and float in water and how to compare the weights of objects using a balance scale.

Life Science

Our Life Science units are some of the most creative and interactive! Students love exploring their senses by experiencing what makes us taste, smell, see, feel and hear. They are fascinated by our Dinosaurs Unit where they create actual fossils and become paleontologists in our sand box! They learn about dinosaur eggs and nests using paper mache. Additionally, we study which animals live in different parts of our Earth based on their needs through music, dance, and interactive games. During our Plants Unit, children see the types of chlorophyll extruded from a leaf. They are amazed when they plant and witness the growth of flowers and plants in our community garden.

Earth Science

During our Earth Science Units, students explore rocks and minerals, the changing Earth, and our Solar System. We make our own crystals and classify different rocks and minerals based on size, color, texture and other characteristics. We study the topography of the Earth and in the process make a volcano erupt! Weather and how it changes during different times of the year and in different parts of the Earth are also presented. Students learn about the rainforest and experience it’s humidity inside a humidified tent. They also create a rain cloud in a jar where they can watch the rain come down!!

Puddle Ducks

Welcome to Puddle Ducks, the science class at Little Zion Preschool. Our students are immersed in the scientific method from the moment they enter into Puddle Ducks. They learn how to make predictions, carry out an experiment, record information, and review their findings. With every concept studied, new vocabulary words are learned and added to our Puddle Ducks Word Wall. Motion and Forces for example, has been introduced by testing the “magnetism” of different objects and the strength of known magnets. We expand upon the basic principles of STEAM by allowing the children to embrace their creativity to paint with magnets.

Life Cycles are taught by an eye witness account of the metamorphosis of a caterpillar. Students are fascinated by the Human Body. Our unit visually represents what occurs inside our bodies in a series of experiments and activities. For instance, students witness a cracker being broken down by soda in a plastic bag to represent food being digested in our stomach. Our heartbeats are actually seen using a marshmallow and a toothpick. Of course all concepts are reinforced with the use of literature and crafts, music and games.

In our Earth Unit, students learn about the Earth as our home and how to take care of it through recycling and conservation. We take a tour of the school and students are able to “spy” jobs they can do to help keep our Earth clean and useful. Of course, we study the Solar System through literature, experiments, song, and movement. Students create asteroid paintings using macaroni bags and paint!!

In all areas, children are given the opportunity to experience science with all of their senses. We conduct experiments in small groups as to ensure that each child receives hands on delivery of the concept. Literature is always coupled with each topic and art projects used as extensions to bridge science concepts across the curriculum. Recipes, experiment instructions, songs, and videos are often sent home to allow families a chance to reinforce concepts and join in the fun!

Class Schedule

If your child attends our school in the morning you are welcome to add Puddle Duck classes. You can do this one a weekly bases as long as space permits or you can sign up for the class for the school year. See our Director for tuition expenses.

Threes' Program Every Thursday

Fours' Program Every Friday

*If your child attends the longer day program, they are automatically enrolled in this fun interactive Science program.

Next Step...

Contact us a today to visit our school. You can come in on a Puddle Duck day to see this program in action, meet the teachers and we would be happy to answer any questions you have!