Edition 3 - 17 August 2020

Welcome to our latest instalment of the Whitehorse Early Learning and Play series. The announcement of stage 4 restrictions have placed a significant strain and raised concern for all our families. We want you to know that we are thinking of you and hope you and your families stay safe and healthy during this time. Whilst we are under stage 4 lockdown restrictions we want to make sure you have some fun resources and fun information to keep your children's minds and hands busy. 

The theme of this newsletter is Deep Blue: Innovations for the future of our oceans, in conjunction with National Science Week 15th – 23rd August. 

Science Week 2020

This edition's theme is Deep Blue: Innovations for the future of our oceans, and the challenge is for children to design a very special floating hotel. Share your amazing creation by sending it to ecs@whitehorse.vic.gov.au so we can show case your brilliant design in our next newsletter.  It might be photos, a story or a video.

What you will need:

• A piece of paper & coloured markers
• A large tray or bowl filled ½ - ¾ with water.
• Any type of materials that can float (An example: you can try Lego blocks) 

Method:

• Think about what your hotel needs
• Draw a design on paper first
• Then using different materials construct the hotel.
• Test your hotel on the water to see if it floats.
• Take a photo!
• Share your amazing creation by sending it to ecs@whitehorse.vic.gov.au so we can show case your brilliant design in our next newsletter. It might be photos, a story or a video.

Let’s take it to another level!

• Test if the hotel will withstand ocean waves
• Ask your child to predict what they think will happen before they test their design.

To test your design: 

• Start by gently blowing on the water. What happens?
• Then test it by creating bigger waves by using a straw and blowing bubbles in the water and watch the ripple effect. What happens then. Does the hotel stay afloat? 

More Activities

Magic Sand

A recipe for little scientists to make and experiment with Magic Sand. 

You and your child/ren will learn and discover all about the properties of sand. Test out the experiments in this recipe ( PDF 910.79KB) and at the very end you will find a great flyer of information about what sand is, where it is found and the animals that depend on sand for survival.  

Exploring Our Seas

 Take a virtual tour of the Marine Life – Exploring Our Seas exhibition at the Melbourne Museum. What discoveries will you make on your virtual journey under the sea? 

Penguin Keeper

Have you ever wanted to be a Penguin Keeper?

You can pretend from home by becoming a junior Penguin Keeper with Sealife Melbourne.

You will be able to watch live videos and updates from all the professional keepers. Children will learn all about how to take care of these amazing animals, all from the comfort and safety of your home. The month of August has a great calendar of events which will have coinciding work sheets released on corresponding days. 

Hmm… I wonder what a penguin keeper wears? Maybe you can create your own uniform and send us a picture.

Jelly Fish Jump

Stay at home restrictions have placed a significant strain on the health and wellbeing of both adults and children. It’s important to find ways to keep healthy and active. 

The jelly fish jump game helps children keep active but also supports muscle strengthening, balance and coordination, and spatial awareness.

What you need: Hula Hoops or Chalk

Method & Rules:

Set 3-4 Hula-hoops (or draw chalk circles) on the ground. Explain that these aren’t hoops, but jelly fish, and their task is to jump from one jelly fish to the next. Their feet must land inside the hoops (circles), otherwise they’ve been stung. At first, lay the hoops at a short distance from one another. After one round of jelly fish jumping, increase the distance between the hoops and have the children jump again. Continue increasing the distance until the hoops are really far apart. The winner is whoever makes it through the hoops without ever getting stung.

Story Time

‘Clark the Shark’ 

A book written by Bruce Hale, illustrated by Guy Francis.

Take a look at this online story read by celebrity Chris Pine. The story focuses on Clark who is a big shark. He can become over excited and boisterous at school all because he just loves life and is enthusiastic to play with friends.

When his overzealous attitude becomes a little too much for his friends, his teacher helps him figure out a way to manage his emotions and how to control his eagerness. Clark the Shark celebrates boisterous enthusiasm and knowing when it’s time to stay cool. 

Watch the video!