This month School-age 1 engaged in meaningful hands-on science investigations that invited children to question, predict, test and observe like scientists. Building on their natural curiosity, we introduced two foundational scientific concepts which are sinking and floating and static electricity. These experiences promoted sensory exploration, critical thinking and problem solving. We began with our sinking and floating exploration. The children gathered around a bin of water with collection of everyday objects. Before placing each object in the water, we made predictions about what might happen. The children began making their thoughtful guesses such as “I think it will sink.” They compared their prediction to their observation and discussed why some objects sink and some float. This activity encouraged early scientific reasoning as they experimented, observed patterns and revised based on the outcomes. Later we explored the powerful force of static electricity. With balloons in hands, we rubbed balloons on our hair and placed it near small pieces of paper. They watched in amazed as the small papers jumped and stuck to the balloons. This led to conversation about static electricity and how rubbing things created a buildup electrical charge. Later while they were playing with balloons the balloons were sticking on their clothes and they were talking about why it is sticking like paper. They were linking their previous learning in real life. Throughout these explorations, the children demonstrated strong scientific habits of asking questions, making predictions, testing ideas, carefully observing and discussing findings with peers. These activities supported early physics concepts in a playful, engaging way while fostering teamwork communication and a deeper understanding of how world around them works.
