Activity Instruction Page
Corn Investigation
- Activity Type: Hands-On Activity
- Theme: Scarecrows & Corn Crows, Season: Fall
- Learning Center: Science & Discovery Center
In this hands-on activity, preschoolers will explore different types of corn using magnifying glasses, tweezers, and safety glasses. They can measure, scoop, and stir the corn while using various utensils and containers. Older children can also write down their findings or draw a picture. This activity promotes sensory exploration, fine motor skills, and scientific inquiry.
Materials & Direction
Materials List:
– Ears of corn
– A large bowl or container for shucking
– Newspaper or tablecloth for easy clean-up
– Magnifying glasses
– Small containers for collecting kernels
– Corn shucks (optional for sensory play)
– Corn cob holders (optional for younger children)
Preschool Learning Objectives:
1. Develop fine motor skills by shucking corn and collecting kernels.
2. Explore the sensory aspects of corn, including its texture and smell.
3. Practice observational skills by using magnifying glasses to examine corn kernels.
4. Learn about where corn comes from and how it grows.
5. Develop an understanding of seasonal produce and harvest.
Teacher Instructions:
1. Begin by introducing the activity and explaining to the children that they will be shucking corn and investigating its parts.
2. Set up a designated area for shucking the corn, making sure to cover the surface with newspaper or a tablecloth for easy clean-up.
3. Show the children how to shuck the corn by pulling back the husks and removing the silk and kernels. Encourage them to take their time and explore the different textures of the corn.
4. Provide magnifying glasses for the children to use to observe the kernels up close. Encourage them to count how many kernels are on each ear of corn.
5. For younger children, you can provide corn cob holders to make it easier for them to hold the corn while shucking.
6. In a separate area, set up a sensory bin with corn shucks for the children to explore. You can also include small containers for them to collect kernels in.
7. As the children are shucking the corn and exploring, engage them in a conversation about where corn comes from and how it grows. You can talk about how corn is a seasonal vegetable that is harvested in the fall.
8. Encourage the children to ask questions and make observations about the corn. Provide additional resources, such as books or videos, to further supplement their learning about corn.
9. After the activity, you can incorporate the corn kernels into a cooking activity or art project to further extend the learning experience.
