Materials
one set of eight colored water-based markers with lids
two white sheets of poster board approximately 16" x 20"
CD or cassette of upbeat music
Instructions
1. Display the fruits and vegetables in the science center along with a balance
scale and tub full of water.
2. Help the children identify each fruit or vegetable and its color.
3. Invite the children to explore the fruits and other materials, weighing the items
on the balance scale and testing whether a fruit or vegetable sinks or floats.
4. Suggest that the children compare sizes and textures of the various foods.
5. Afterwards invite the children to taste several of the food items as they talk
about the color and the taste.
Assessment
To assess the children's learning, consider the following:
l Set one piece of fruit on a table. Ask one child to name the fruit and identify
its color. Repeat with the remaining fruit and vegetables.
l Invite the children to sort the fruits and vegetables into groups according to
color, size, or taste. Encourage the children to talk about their observations.
l Have the children sit in a single-file line, facing a tub of water. Pass one piece
of fruit down the line. Ask the children to identify the fruits color and say its
name. Once the fruit reaches the end of the line, have the last person set the
fruit in a tub of water to find out if it sinks or floats. Repeat with different fruits
or vegetables.
