Hands-on Science: Exploring Chemical Reactions in Prep B

Last week, our Prep learners became young scientists during an exciting hands-on science session focused on chemical mixtures and reactions. This hands-on inquiry experience allowed students to explore the effects of combining different substances and to discover how some mixtures can change in colour, temperature, or texture. They also learned that not all mixtures stay combined and that many can be separated again. The key focus of the day was to build curiosity and scientific thinking in a fun and safe environment—with a strong emphasis on chemical safety.

As part of the inquiry cycle, students practised the steps of scientific investigation: predict, observe, and explain. They worked collaboratively, shared ideas, and expressed wonder at the surprising results of their experiments.

Activity 1: Instant Snow!

In this experiment, students added a spoonful of sodium polyacrylate into a small container and placed it inside a larger container. Then, they added four cups of water and observed the dramatic reaction as the mixture transformed into a fluffy snow-like substance.

Student reflections:

• Jayatri: “Wow, the water has gone!”
• Owen: “This is like magic.”

• Vedang: “It looks like real snow.”

   

Activity 2: Colour Change with Cabbage Water

Using red cabbage water as a pH indicator, students added vinegar, water, and baking soda to observe the chemical reactions and resulting colour changes.

Student observations:

• Vedang: “I can see it turns red.”
• Dev: “I predict nothing will happen to the water because it’s just water.”
• Mulan: “If you add vinegar, I saw it turns red.”
• Reyanshi: “It changed colour!”

Activity 3: Kinetic and Cotton Sensory Sand

Students explored the properties of kinetic and cotton sand through touch, squeezing, and shaping.

Student comments:

• Marley: “It’s so stretchy and soft.”
• Arha: “It’s different from playdough.”

Throughout the session, students were highly engaged and eager to share their observations. The experience sparked wonder, encouraged scientific inquiry, and gave our learners a chance to explore real-world science in an interactive and joyful way.

It was a fantastic day of hands-on learning—and most importantly, the students had so much fun!