PARENTS & Teachers
Family playing the Snail Race game on Three Kings day in San José, CA.
Do you remember your own experiences learning mathematics or science? Mateo and Cientina invite you to create positive memories as you explore and learn about mathematics and science together.
Thinking Mathematically
Bring Mateo and Cientina’s keen curiosity about all things mathematical into your home or classroom. Play with, and think about, number patterns and game strategies that employ mathematics, such as probability, spatial skills, and logic. Explore shapes in geometry, or estimate quantities, time, and distances in contexts that appeal to you, your family, or your students.
Investigating Science
Like Mateo and Cientina, all children are quite curious about science. They want to know: why the moon has a dark side and whether or not it is always dark; how ants in colonies decide which ant will do which job; or why some things fizz, pop, or sizzle when they are mixed with different materials. Mateo and Cientina take pride in finding out for themselves by posing questions, trying out stuff, and thinking about how and why these events and reactions happen.
Materials
Mateo and Cientina know that exploring ideas does not have to cost a lot. The materials they use are easily found in the home, like toothpicks, string, baking soda, pencils, paper clips, or buttons. Each of our mathematics or science activities tells you what materials are needed.
Learning Together
Whether you do these activities with one child or with a group, you'll find the activities to be fun and engaging. What's most important is that you talk about ideas, possibilities, and strategies, thinking aloud as you try the activities. Mateo and Cientina always talk to each other and ponder aloud as they explore ideas.
Parents and teachers, you don’t have to know the answers ahead of time; you just have to be willing to explore and learn with your children. Mateo y Cientina cartoons and activities will help create a fun environment for exploring mathematics and science.
As you continue to work with the children on mathematics and science, please visit our resource page for additional ideas.
