Kinder News

Science Week Experiments

Dancing Corn

For Science Week, we explored the Dancing Corn experiment. We mixed water, bi-carb soda, and vinegar, then added corn kernels. We waited a few minutes to see if they would "dance."

When the corn didn’t move as expected, we began to wonder why.I asked, “Gabriele, why is it not exploding?” He quickly answered his own question: “Because it needs more bi-carb.”Jude suggested, “Just use vinegar.”Another child added, “A little bit more water.”

Through discussion and trial-and-error, we learned that when bi-carb soda and vinegar are combined, they react to produce carbon dioxide gas in the water. The gas forms bubbles that attach to the corn kernels, lifting them to the surface. As the bubbles pop, the corn sinks again, creating the “dancing” effect.

The Germ Experiment

For Science Week, we also explored how soap helps to protect us from germs.

Each child placed their finger into a bowl of dishwashing liquid. They then gently touched the surface of a bowl of water sprinkled with ground pepper (representing germs).

We observed that when the soapy finger touched the water, the “germs” quickly moved away.

We learned that soap breaks down the surface tension of the water and helps to remove germs by making it harder for them to stick to our skin. This showed the children how important it is to use soap when washing our hands to keep healthy and stop the spread of germs.

Making Salt crystal rocks

Making salt crystal rocks with Himalayan salt, PVA glue, food colouring, and glitter to learn about science. First, salt is mixed into warm water until no more can dissolve. This is called a saturated solution. When the water slowly dries up, the salt comes out and forms crystals. If you paint glue on a rock or other object and add glitter or food colouring, the crystals will grow on it and look colourful and shiny. This activity teaches how crystals form through a process called evaporation and shows how art and science can work together.

The children loved making the salt crystal rocks! They were excited to mix the colours, sprinkle glitter, and watch the crystals grow each day. Seeing the sparkly crystals form on their decorated rocks felt like magic to them. They enjoyed choosing their own colours and designs, and it was a great mix of creativity and science. Many of them proudly showed off their crystal creations and were amazed at how something so simple could turn into something so beautiful. It was a fun, hands-on activity that kept them engaged and curious.