Andrea Knight

Teacher · Learner · Author

Halloween Science Experiments for Kids

These Halloween science experiments are something I look forward to every year! The kids do too, especially if I've already taught their older siblings. "Aren't you the teacher who makes the pumpkins sick? That's what my sister told me." Over the years, I've simplified the investigations so they're more manageable for me and more engaging for the children. I've also found some coordinating … [Read more...]

Children’s Books about Famous Inventions

My collection of children's books about famous inventions has become one of my favorites. Not to be outdone by my love for everything Mo Willems, this collection is a close second for sure. The funny thing is, I wasn't even looking for it. Frankly, I never even thought about it. Instead, it found me. It started when I was writing lessons for National Bubble Gum Day. (Yes, that's a thing.) For … [Read more...]

Famous Inventors: Biographies for Kids

In my last post, I wrote that we'd take a look at some amazing children's books about inventions, but then I decided to go with famous inventors first. To me, it makes more sense to talk about the identity we create when we live a curious life before we talk about the outcome of such a life. People who are curious observe the world. They ask a lot of questions and tend to notice problems. Often, … [Read more...]

Something from Nothing

👉 Being able to make something from nothing can be a valuable life skill. Making mountains out of molehills is the dramatic exception, of course. In my last post, I wrote about letting kids linger for a little bit after they announce "I'm bored." It's ok to be bored. Being bored allows time for creativity to develop. Boredom also motivates a search for novelty and can lead to new goals. If we … [Read more...]

Easter Activities for Kids

A quick search online, and you can find tons of Easter activities for kids. Many of them are craft projects and kid-friendly recipes, but my teacher-heart is always on the lookout for science experiments. I created this Easter science unit years ago, but over time, I found ways to cut the costs and simplify the planning. For example, I used to lug my heavy Crockpot to school to slowly melt a … [Read more...]