Core Skills Analysis
Mathematics
- Beauen counted the number of glitter pieces he added, practicing one‑to‑one correspondence.
- He compared quantities of liquid and glitter, using terms like more, less, and the same.
- Using the funnel, Beauen observed the concept of volume by watching how much liquid fit through the opening.
- He sorted glitter by color and size, reinforcing early classification and patterning skills.
Science
- Beauen mixed two different states of matter (liquid base and solid glitter), exploring how substances combine.
- He observed how the glitter settled or stayed suspended, introducing basic ideas of density and solubility.
- By following the steps to make lip gloss, he practiced the scientific process: ask, plan, do, and observe results.
- He learned about safety and proper tool use (funnel) when handling small objects and liquids.
Language Arts
- Beauen used sequencing words (first, next, finally) while describing the steps of making the gloss.
- He expanded vocabulary with words like "funnel," "glitter," "blend," and "shimmer."
- He practiced listening to adult instructions and then retelling the process in his own words.
- He labeled the finished product, practicing emergent writing skills and print awareness.
Fine Arts / Creative Design
- Beauen chose glitter colors, exercising aesthetic decision‑making and personal expression.
- He experimented with the amount of glitter to achieve different visual effects, learning about texture and visual balance.
- The activity encouraged fine motor control as he poured, tapped, and mixed small components.
- He imagined a brand name and design for his lip gloss, integrating early graphic design concepts.
Tips
To deepen Beauen's learning, set up a mini "lab" where he can predict how much glitter will fit into different sized containers before mixing. Introduce a simple measurement activity by using teaspoons or small cups to measure the liquid base, then record the amounts on a chart. Encourage him to write or dictate a short recipe card for his lip gloss, adding illustrations of each step. Finally, turn the finished product into a role‑play shop where he can practice counting money, giving change, and describing the product to a 'customer,' reinforcing math, language, and social skills all at once.
Book Recommendations
- Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty: Ada’s curiosity leads her to experiment and solve problems, perfect for inspiring a young scientist like Beauen.
- The Magic School Bus: In the Lab by Judy Sierra & Eric Wood: A fun, hands‑on exploration of mixing, measuring, and observing changes—mirroring Beauen’s lip gloss experiment.
- Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History by Vanessa Brantley-Newton: While not about glitter, this book celebrates creativity and perseverance, encouraging Beauen to see himself as a maker.
Learning Standards
- CCSS.Math.K.MD.1 – Describe measurable attributes of objects, such as length or weight (Beauen compared amounts of glitter and liquid).
- CCSS.Math.K.MD.3 – Classify objects into given categories; count the numbers of objects in each category (sorting glitter by color/size).
- NGSS.K-2-ETS1-1 – Ask questions, define problems, and brainstorm possible solutions (planning the lip‑gloss recipe).
- NGSS.K-PS1-1 – Use observations to describe properties of objects (noticing glitter settling).
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.K.1 – Participate in collaborative conversations about a topic (discussing steps with an adult).
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.K.1 – Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English (using sequencing words).
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.K.2 – Write simple sentences about a topic (labeling the product).
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RF.K.2 – Recognize and name all upper‑case and lower‑case letters (reading ingredient labels).
Try This Next
- Worksheet: "Measure & Mix" – circles for measuring spoons, space to draw the amount of liquid and glitter used.
- Sequencing cards: Cut out pictures of each step (pour, add glitter, stir, label) for Beauen to arrange in order.
- Design prompt: Draw a label for the lip gloss, including a product name, ingredients list, and a glittery illustration.
- Mini‑quiz: Simple true/false questions about what happens when you add more glitter versus more liquid.