Hot Days, Cool Kids! Lesson Plan

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What We Are Learning
 

Health Focus:

summer safety

 

Theme Vocabulary:

hot, cool, warm, shady, sunscreen, helmet

 

Skills We’re Practicing:

group discussion, critical thinking, vocabulary, opposites/critical thinking

  • Sweet Summer by Jennifer Marino Walters is the perfect story to spark the excitement that comes with the joy of summer. It follows a boy and his dad as they explore ways to enjoy the warm summer months, like riding bikes, visiting the beach, and eating ice pops. After reading the book with students, ask them to share their favorite thing to do during the summer.

Materials: construction paper in vivid or dark colors, objects from the classroom or outdoors, Plexiglas or plastic wrap (optional)

  • Through this activity, children will see the power of the sun and how shade can block the sun’s rays— all while making beautiful art!
  • Have children choose objects for making prints. Solid items with flat bottoms work best.
  • Take children outdoors to a sunny spot and let them arrange their items on the paper. To print lightweight items like leaves, weigh them down so they stay in place. Plexiglas works great, but you can also use plastic wrap stretched over the paper and weighed down at the corners.
  • Wait two hours or more. Then remove the items and see the stunning prints! Explain to students that the objects blocked the sun so the sun’s rays couldn’t damage the paper. Many sunscreens work the same way—by blocking our skin from the sun. Tip: The longer you wait, the more dramatic your prints will be. observing changes

Materials: ice cube trays, ice pop sticks, nonfat Greek yogurt, raspberries, maple syrup, mixing bowl, a fork, a freezer

  • Discover a deliciously healthy way to stay cool on a hot day!
  • Gather a group of students to make a batch of ice pops. This recipe yields 5 ice pops. Repeat as many times as needed so each child gets one.
  • Pour 6 ounces of raspberries into a bowl. Guide students as they use a fork to smash the raspberries into a jam-like consistency.
  • Add 5 ounces of nonfat Greek yogurt to the bowl. Then add 2 tablespoons of maple syrup. Stir until thoroughly combined.
  • Pour the mixture into each section of an ice cube tray. Place an ice pop stick in the middle of each cube. Then put the ice cube tray into the freezer. Wait a minimum of 4 hours, remove the ice pops and enjoy!
  • Recipe note: You can substitute blueberries or other soft fruits for raspberries. You can also use other sweeteners, like honey, and nondairy yogurt for allergy concerns. cooking