Hey there! Guess what? It’s finally spring where we live, and I love it because it’s warm enough to go outside and enjoy nature. My friend Squeaks loves spring too because he can play soccer again. One of the best things about spring is the return of songbirds. Do you hear them singing?
Squeaks and I were bird watching, and we noticed many different kinds of birds. Some, like the northern cardinal, sing beautiful songs. These birds are called songbirds, and they sing for various reasons. In spring, cardinals sing more because they are getting ready to raise their babies. Male cardinals sing loudly to attract a female mate and show they can be good dads. Female cardinals also sing, and scientists are still learning what their songs mean. Isn’t it amazing how birds communicate?
Have you ever wondered where water comes from? It’s all thanks to the water cycle! This cycle is a set of steps that repeat over and over. Water falls as rain, flows into rivers and oceans, turns into vapor, and forms clouds. Then it falls as rain again. So, the water you drink might have been part of a cloud or even the ocean once. Cool, right?
Spring is also a great time for planting. Did you know that seeds like popcorn kernels, beans, and even rice can grow into plants? Seeds have three parts: a seed coat, an embryo (baby plant), and endosperm (plant food). When seeds get water, the right temperature, and light, they start to grow. The seed coat lets water in, and the embryo uses the endosperm for energy. The root grows down into the soil, and a shoot grows up toward the sunlight. With enough water and sunlight, the plant grows bigger and can produce seeds of its own.
Spring brings out all kinds of bugs like bees, spiders, and worms. Squeaks and I went on a bug safari in our backyard. We found lots of insects under rocks because it’s dark, damp, and full of food there. We saw insects like crickets and beetles, and even some spiderlings. If you want to explore, look under rocks in a quiet place, but be careful and don’t touch the bugs.
Before we head out to play, Squeaks and I have some spring cleaning to do. Our fort is a mess, but we’ll clean it up quickly so we can enjoy the playground. What are your favorite things about spring? We’d love to hear from you!
Thanks for joining us on this spring adventure. Let’s enjoy the season and all the wonders it brings!
Bird Song Detective: Go outside with a grown-up and listen for bird songs. Try to identify how many different bird songs you can hear. Can you spot the birds that are singing? Draw a picture of your favorite bird and try to mimic its song. Discuss with your grown-up why you think the birds are singing. Are they looking for a friend or maybe protecting their home?
Mini Water Cycle Experiment: Create your own mini water cycle! You will need a clear plastic cup, a small amount of water, and some plastic wrap. Pour a little water into the cup, cover it with plastic wrap, and place it in a sunny spot. Check it after a few hours. What do you see? Talk about how the water cycle works and how the water in your cup is like the rain and clouds outside.
Seed Planting Adventure: Plant a seed like a bean or popcorn kernel in a small pot with soil. Water it and place it in a sunny spot. Keep a journal and draw what you see each day as the seed grows. Discuss what the seed needs to grow and how it changes over time. Can you predict what the plant will look like in a week?
