Preschool Science Experiment at Bright Horizons

Summary

In this interactive science activity, children explore the fun of mixing water and cornstarch to create a slimy, oobleck-like substance. The teacher encourages hands-on learning by involving the children in activities like using eye droppers to transfer liquids, and predicting color changes when blue and yellow are mixed to create green. The lesson ties into both science and math curricula, focusing on scientific observation, prediction, and conclusions, as well as fine motor skills development. By squeezing eye droppers and transferring liquids, children practice coordination while learning about volume, weight, and cause-and-effect relationships.

Takeaways

• 😀 The activity involves mixing water and cornstarch to create a fun science experiment.
• 😀 The children are encouraged to use their imagination and make predictions about what will happen during the experiment.
• 😀 Fine motor skills are developed as children use eye droppers to transfer liquids and practice squeezing and releasing.
• 😀 The activity is hands-on and interactive, encouraging active participation and engagement from the children.
• 😀 The experiment is playful and allows for sensory exploration, with a focus on messy fun.
• 😀 The children observe color mixing, as blue and yellow create green when combined.
• 😀 The activity ties into science concepts, such as prediction, observation, and experimentation.
• 😀 The experiment also links to math skills, especially in relation to measuring, transferring liquid, and understanding volumes.
• 😀 The script highlights the importance of children learning best through play and active involvement in activities.
• 😀 The activity supports the development of both cognitive and physical skills, such as fine motor coordination and critical thinking.
• 😀 The experiment is tied to the broader science curriculum, emphasizing both science and math learning through practical experience.

Q & A

What is the main activity described in the script?

The main activity described in the script involves mixing water with cornstarch to create a slimy, oobleck-like substance, allowing children to explore science concepts through play.

What role does play have in children's learning according to the script?

According to the script, play is an essential part of children's learning, as it helps them learn best through hands-on, interactive experiences.

How does the activity support the children's fine motor skills?

The activity supports fine motor skills by involving children in tasks like squeezing eye droppers, transferring water between containers, and manipulating the cornstarch and water mixture.

What scientific concept is being explored during the activity?

The scientific concept explored is how mixing water with cornstarch creates a non-Newtonian fluid, which behaves differently than typical liquids, like becoming solid when pressure is applied.

What math concepts are incorporated into the activity?

Math concepts incorporated include volume and weight, as the children observe how water is transferred and experiment with different amounts during the activity.

What colors do the children mix together, and what do they create?

The children mix blue and yellow, which results in the creation of green, integrating color theory into the activity.

What is the purpose of the children using eye droppers?

The purpose of using eye droppers is to help children practice their fine motor skills by squeezing and releasing the liquid, which also ties into the theme of 'S' for science.

How does the activity tie into the curriculum?

The activity ties into both the science and math curricula by allowing children to predict, experiment, and observe scientific reactions, as well as practice math concepts related to volume and weight.

What is the desired outcome of mixing water and cornstarch in the script?

The desired outcome is to observe the creation of a slimy, oobleck-like substance and to explore the physical properties of the mixture, engaging the children's curiosity and hands-on learning.

How does the script emphasize the importance of predicting and observing outcomes?

The script emphasizes prediction and observation by encouraging children to guess what will happen when the water and cornstarch are mixed and then comparing their predictions with the actual outcome.