SciencePreschoolers13 Comments
DAY 22 CHALLENGE:
INVESTIGATE
Spend (at least) 15 minutes investigating something of interest to your child. Whether its how something works, why we use certain materials or tools for things, or a simple science investigation.
Take a minutes to research it yourself, then find a why to explore it further with your child.
(Remember to keep it uninterrupted time: being present with the child. No technology, phones, television, computer, etc. No errands, chores, making dinner, etc.)
Henry and I have been reading a snow plow book that talks about how they use salt and sand to spread on the roads. Henry thought they had both sand and salt in the dump truck to spread on the road at the same time. I took a moment to explain to him when they use salt and when they use salt.
I decided to make a science experiment to investigate this further.
I froze some water on a sheet pan. I provided a bowl of both salt and sand. Equipped with many machines and we started testing. Without either the sand or salt, driving on the ice was slippery and the trucks were spinning out of control. We then spread some salt and sand on half of the pan each. They both helped with traction.We added the heat of a hair dryer to act as the sun to see which one made the ice melt faster. The salt clearly helped.
What will you investigate?
Comment here as well as see what others did on The Play Network.
This ‘Challenge’ is meant to get you started, to spark your creativity with your kids (and their creativity!). Your child may not be interested in this specific challenge, and that’s okay! Have another go at a previous challenge, or don’t be afraid to just sit and play with them and see where they lead you.
The Imagination Tree
will have tomorrow’s challenge for Day 23!
Its not too late to get started!
See what this challenge is all about and how you can join in:
30 Days to Hands on Play Challenge.
Jump in at any time, or go back and start from the beginning!
CacheyMama says
Congratulations! You've been awarded the Kreativ Blogger Award by Cachey Mama's Classroom! Click here to see the post about it: http://preschoolteacher81.blogspot.com/2011/11/kreativ-blogger-award.html
Joyce says
I love this challenge and absolutely adore your particular activity. I love how it still incorporated his passion! This is a perfect experiment for winter. Thanks for sharing!
Charlotte says
I really thought I would struggle with this challenge, but it has been the best one for me so far!
Michelle says
And if you have a neighbor like Jerry, he has sand AND salt mixed up together to spread on ice.
OneMommy says
I totally love this idea! My son is so into trucks now a days; we are going to have to give this experiment a try when we get some snow and he gets to see the snow plow go by.
We experimented with sound last night using pots,pans, and different things to bang with – noisy and fun!
Jill @ A Mom With A Lesson Plan says
Brilliant!!!
Emma @ sciencesparks says
Wow, I LOVE this idea! Amazing! My 3 will love it.
Susan Case says
Wonderful idea! Children love science. And I love it when a mom says, "I've been reading…." Yea! Moms are the Play Network are amazing. So happy to see children learning while have a great time.
Mardi says
We're learning about water this month, so a few easy "investigations"
Freezing water (chuck some toys in Watsr in a tuppaware & freeze) & then how it melts. Talking about temperatures
Evaporation (2 cups with water, one cling filmed on top, watch & measure for a week)
Spraying water on hot footpath/fence & watching it disappear
Water/sponge play
Anna @ The Imagination Tree says
Very cool! Love the salt and sand investigation. We are going out to the park and will have a look for inspiration when we are there!
Kimira Curic says
hmmm… Nice challenge, makes us think too
Niki says
This will be tricky with two year olds. Hmm… Glad I saw it early so I can put my thinking cap on!