This month, we hold a series of activities about the theme “science”. Science worksheets were given to my kids. They wrote a description of an animal that lives in cold or hot environments, explained how this animal survives in that particular environment, and what its adaptations are. Also they needed to do a research related to Space and look up the name of our home galaxy and the name of the Chinese Space station.

Besides science worksheets, the students were involved in a papier-mache planet project. Students chose one of the planets and made it out of papier-mache batter, balloons and paint. To make papier-mache batter we simply mixed all purpose flour with a small amount of water. Students cut the newspaper into strips. Once the balloon and strips of newspaper were ready, each student or a group of students received a bowl of the paper-mache glue. Students dipped each strip into the paper-mache, covering both sides, and then stuck it to their balloon. Students did two layers at once and then let it dry for a day. Then, the students painted planets the next day. 

After the planets were made, we popped all balloons, removed and discarded the rubber material. Even though there isn’t a balloon inside the planet it still holds its shape. This is because the water evaporates and leaves the network of cross-linked gluten holding everything together.

The project gave the students a chance to learn more about space, how to work in a team and how to manage time better. An important part in this work was to teach the kids to recycle, to make new things out of old and used items.