Investigate with Jam Blog

Jam investigates a leaf

7/24/2015

There are many ways to describe a leaf. The most common ways are to describe the type, arrangement, shape, margin, and venation. There are two types of leaves; simple and compound. Compound leafs are divided into leaflets and a simple leaf has a single blade. Leaf arrangements describe how the leaf is positioned on its stem. The leaf shape defines the overall shape (surprised?). The leaf margin is the shape of the leaf edges, and the leaf venation describes the pattern of the veins.

Jam went on a nature walk through his neighborhood. He tried to describe some of the leaves on the trees he passed. He described colors and sizes, but his favorite was the “star shape leaf”.

Activity

Go on a leaf scavenger hunt in your neighborhood.

Case study #4: Download the leaf scavenger hunt and have fun investigating.

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Jam investigates landmarks

7/17/2015

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Landmarks are objects in our environment that stand out or objects that are quickly recognized. They are used as a way to distinguish a location, and help navigate through our cities.
Jam explored the landmarks that are in route to his day care center.

We started the conversation after we dropped off my youngest son. While driving, I asked Jam how he knew we were driving the right way. He responded by pointing out the cake bakery on the side of the road (it’s so hard to miss). He said we pass it every time.

As we continued, I asked him what stood out the most. He mentioned the construction site and the horse signs from the race track. I was surprised he saw those signs.

I asked him to tell me when we should turn and which way to turn. When he told me correctly I asked how he knew that was the right way. He said he knew by the seeing the restaurant sign at the corner.

This continued until we reached his daycare. It was interesting to see what stood out to him in the landscape, what didn’t, and what he could see from his seat. I think this was the most fun he has ever had on a morning commute. It defiantly woke him up.

activity

Talk to your child about what they see while in route to a place they go often. Start by asking these questions.

Which way should we turn? How do you know that is the correct way?
What is the funniest thing you see?
What is the largest thing you see?
What is something you see every time we go to _____?
What stands out the most in your memory?

Case #3: Investigate your path to school. Fill in the map by drawing the landmarks you see.

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Jam investigates fishing

7/10/2015

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Jam went fishing at Lake Mackintosh Park in Burlington North Carolina. His intent was to have fun by catching and releasing as many fish as possible. First he needed to get his bait. Luckily he had his dad to help.

Next he had to learn how to cast his rod.
He picked that up pretty fast.

The next and most important thing about fishing to learn is the patience for the fish. Some people enjoy sitting around resting at the water’s edge, but not Jam. After about 30 minutes he was found on the playground.

The day was not lost. Guess who caught a fish. Here are 5 facts I thought were pretty interesting about fish.

1. Fish can drown in water if the oxygen level is too low.
2. There was a fish that lived to be 65 years old.
3. Most lipsticks are made with fish scales. Thanks Cover Girl.
4. The first public aquarium was built in London in 1853.
5. The GloFish® gets its “glow” by injecting the fish egg with fluorescent proteins.

activity

Go fishing. You might need a fishing license depending on your age and location.

Case #2: Download the fish crossword puzzle. Visit your local pet or fish store and try to solve the riddles. If you are not close to a store that sells fish go fishing for the answers online.

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Jam investigates a labyrinth

7/3/2015

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A labyrinth is a path, typically designed in a circular form, which leads to the center of the forms design. Labyrinths are incorporated into a variety of cultures, ideals, and philosophies, and are popular to the secular world for their beautiful patterns. The most common use for a labyrinth is meditation and focus.

Jam visited a stone labyrinth in Baltimore, MD.

I explained Philippians 4:8 and then asked him what good thing he wanted to meditate on before he started the path. His response: “When I grow up I want to be on a construction site. So I want to think about being a construction worker” (we had just come from a construction site on Morgan State University’s campus).

His journey along the path started as a reflective walk then slowly transitioned into a brisk walk of excitement as his meditation shifted from construction to the fun twists and turns of the path. By the time he reached the end it was clear the path became a game of exploration. I asked him how he felt at the end of the path. He responded, “I’m happy”, taking in deep breaths, dancing as if he completed another journey with Dora the Explorer.

What are some other ways to meditate outdoors?

activity

Visit a labyrinth near you http://labyrinthlocator.com/
If there isn’t one close, you can walk the lines on the basketball court, walk the perimeter of your yard or playground.

Case #1: Download the labyrinth activity sheet and "walk" with your finger or a crayon. Ask your child what good thing they would like to meditate on, and then ask them how they feel once they reach the end. I would love to know their response. Feel free to share below.

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