Dave Clark, a 6th grade teacher at Wilbur Middle School, in Wichita, KS encouraged his students to enter the 4^th annual Kids’ Science Challenge. He submitted 116 entries by the January 15th deadline. Making Mr. Clark the winner of the first of 3 gardens for his school. Wilbur Middle School will receive a $3,500 gift certificate to use towards a Naturalyards school garden kit. From planning to planting, Naturalyards will assist the winning schools in building the school gardens of their dreams. One exciting aspect of the Naturalyards gardens is that even younger students can help with the assembly.

Two additional teachers will win a prize from Naturalyards at a later date. So collect your entries and get them in the mail by the February 29, 2012 deadline!!

The Kids’ Science Challenge continues to bring creative thinking to kids nationwide.  Check out these imaginative kids in Virginia Beach, VA.  Their teacher, Pam Northam, modified the Crow Creativity Activity by using materials found in their science lab such as the Erlenmeyer flask instead of a clear tube, and attached candy to a loop of tape instead of a basket (since the neck was too small). Students were given the opportunity to chose everyday objects to use, and no instruction other than to get the candy out without lifting the flask. You can see from the photos what a great time they had with this activity.  They also watched the video clip research with the actual crows, and we did some comparative anatomy with human and bird brains.  What are you doing with your students to learn more about the KSC topics?

Kids' Science Challenge

The new Kids Science Challenge is coming up fast. After the great ideas we got last year, I can’t wait to see what the kids will come up with this year. The competition will open for entries on October 1, and all entries must be received by February 29, 2012. Check back regularly many new videos, lesson plans and hands-on activities coming to the KSC site throughout September.