Mudspark Life Learning

To introduce your kids to the instruments of the orchestra, here's a simple, multimedia lesson plan that could be used at home or in the classroom. We read Meet the Orchestra by Ann Hayes, Illustrated by Karmen Thompson, aloud, and at each section I played the following links. Play at the beginning: Orchestra tuning up: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfSH1ezevjM As you read each section (strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, play each) play families: http://www.classicsforkids.com/music/orchestra.asp  Leave this window open. As you read each page, play sound clips of each instrument (also leave this window open): http://www.beginband.com/sndclips.shtml The following are not in the above link, so play these as you come to each instrument.                 Piccolo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzKKg9zv9k4                 Oboe: http://youtu.be/CTo7eU-vSN8?t=9s                 Bassoon: http://youtu.be/s-5FdjENwVg?t=9s                 Bass clari

One thing I love about living in Colorado is that while "real" spring is far from here, we can go play outside on the scattered nice, warm days in February and March. On a whim the kids and I went to Bluff Lake Nature Center. I planned to collect some water if there was any in the wetland, and to start a project of taking a picture in one spot over time to see the changes. Here are some photos from our trip. Our chosen spot to document over the seasons Take a picture of me! We found a tuft of bunny fur and an owl pellet (at least I *think* that's what it is!) We collected a vial of water to look at under the microscope. Tons of raccoon prints down by the water! We watched a DVD yesterday about water ecosystems, so some microscope viewing of our local winter water is in order.