Week 1 Day 2 Night and Day

After starting with Gratitude Circle, we a couple rounds of “Daytime/ Nighttime” (similar to red light green light but with a strategic twist involving a nocturnal predator (owl) and diurnal squirrels trying to get acorns back to their nests. 

Then we discussed what sunlight is and how it is created through nuclear fusion. To help them grasp the concept we played “Nuclear Fusion Tag” where they had to find and combine Helium cards hidden throughout the field and take them to the Gravity bank in a specific sequence to fuse into Helium which releases photons creating sunlight and getting a point for their team.   Then, while cooling off, we did a local animal sort into nocturnal/ crepuscular/diurnal categories and discussed adaptations each one has acquired to help them survive. Then took a snack break and went to the obstacle course. Next they designed and drew their own fantasy nocturnal animal incorporating some of the adaptations we discussed. Then we explored different ways of tracking time throughout history (such as obelisks, sundials, water clocks, mechanical and quartz clocks as well as modern atomic clocks). And they made their own sundials. Next we hiked to the creek where some explorers played with clay or caught fish and dragonfly nymphs.  Lastly, during dismissal some explorers did 4 square volleyball, croquet or legos during dismissal.