Learning Through Play at Preschool

Celebrating National Science Week 

*** Questioning *** Hypothesising *** Molecules *** Experiments *** Observing *** Chemical Reaction *** Friction *** Safety *** Eruption *** Static *** Discussing*** Understanding *** Building Vocabulary ***

Our preschool children have discovered the world of science this week with a hands on approach as they celebrated National Science Week. During the week learning experiences included several science experiments for the children to perform, observe, discuss and help to build their understanding of the world. Our Tier 2 word for the week is hypothesize. The preschoolers were encouraged to predict what they thought might happen before each experiment was performed.

Fireworks In A Jar

We filled a clear jar with water. Then we put a small amount of vegetable oil into a bowl. Next, the  children helped to add droplets of food colouring. The mixture was then stirred, breaking the food colouring into smaller droplets which were suspended in the oil. The oil and food colouring mixture was slowly poured into the jar of water. The droplets of food colouring gradually sink through the oil and begin to disperse into the water, just like fireworks. 

A Skittle Rainbow

A line of skittles were placed around the edge of a plate, then water was poured onto the plate. The children watched and observed the reaction as the skittles and water mixed to form a rainbow design.  

Can You Stick Pencils Through A Bag Of Water Without The Water Leaking?

Our preschoolers tested the strategies of estimating, testing, observing, reasoning and discussing. They learned that because a plastic bag is made of a polymer, which is long, flexible chains of molecules, that when pencils are poked through the bag, the molecules spread apart and seal themselves around the pencil. No leaks!

So many concepts to observe, new words to learn, and understandings to grasp. Wehave had a great week of learning as scientists. The week ended with our science incursion presented by Fizzics Education.