Stability & Change

Observing and Documenting Tree and Statue - Summer

Wanda’s class observed and photographed this tree and statue in their neighborhood throughout the seasons.

Comparing the Tree and Statue – Fall

The class noticed some changes in the tree by comparing its appearance in Fall with the photos from the Summer. They were also able to compare the photos of the metal sculpture in front of the tree. No obvious changes to this object.

Comparing and Contrasting the Tree and Statue - Winter

Noticed more changes in the appearance of the tree, but that statue still looks the same as it did in the other seasons. The children then discussed the kinds of things that change over time and the kinds of things that do not.

Full Cycle – Spring

Our eyes tell us that the tree has changed again. Spring is here! A tip for teachers: Take the seasonal photos from the same vantage point each time to help children focus on the important changes in the photos, not superficial ones.

Trees Aren’t the Only Things Changing

Suzane and Rose’s class also took photos of a tree, but they arranged themselves in front of it each time, which allowed them to make observations about their own appearance as it changed over the seasons.

Documenting Observations

This teacher wrote down children’s observations, then created a wall chart. She took the additional – and important – step of asking children not just what they noticed about the tree in each season but how it had changed over time. Tip for teachers: When going on walks, bring a “science bag” with materials such as clipboards, magnifying glasses, camera, SD card, Ziplog bags for collecting treasures, and paper and pens to document children observations.

Losing Leaves and Adding Layers

The tree is getting barer, but we’re adding clothing! By comparing photos, children are able to clearly observe and talk about the differences in the trees and in their own clothing associated with changing seasons and temperatures. Also…what’s that white stuff piled up in the winter photo? That wasn’t there in summer!

Spring Again!

Trees and clothes have changed again. The inclusion of clothing as an object of discussion is a great technology connection – people make clothing that helps them solve problems associated with colder weather and precipitation.

Mailbox

We call this series of experiences 4 Photos because we asked teachers to choose four objects to photograph over the seasons. We asked them to choose two living things that would change seasonally and two non-living things that would not .

Mailbox

While the trees and our clothing change a lot, the mailbox doesn’t change shape or color over time.

Mailbox Plus

Besides the mailbox, this seemingly simple series of photos provides lots of chances to observe and describe other things that change and don’t (grass, snow, fence, sidewalk …).

Deepened and Extended

The topic of seasons is popular, but it’s easy to forget that preschoolers have lived through very few cycles of seasonal change! By taking a carefully chosen series of photos of objects through the year, teachers help make seasonal change tangible and observable for children. By documenting living and non-living items, children deepen their understandings of the kinds of things that are most affected by changing seasons.