Name of Activity: Exploding or Sink
Originating Idea: Experimenting / Predicting
Curriculum Area: Science and Technology
Materials:
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Baked Soda
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Vinegar
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Glass Jar
Appropriate Age group:
3-6 Years Old
Beginning of Activity
Start this experiment off with a bang. Something that grabs the children's attention. Talk to them about volcano's and how when they get to hot, they bubble over. Maybe a video or book could be shown here.
Middle of Activity
Early:
Ask these children what they think is going to happen?
Middle:
Ask these children what they think is going to happen?
Will the baking soda added to the mixture make it explode? Bubble over?
Later:
Ask these children what they think is going to happen?
Will the baking soda added to the mixture make it explode, bubble over, or will it sink and do nothing? Have these children tell you what they believe is going to happen. After it is tested, ask who was right.
End of Activity
After the experiment concludes, ask the children if their predictions were right? Did it bubble over like you predicted it would?
Follow-up Ideas:
Add science materials to your dramatic play area: goggles aprons, etc
Relate this with your children on how they made predictions.
Reflection:
We did this lesson at our holiday/Halloween party! The children were able to take apart a pumpkin, get into the guts and seeds, and watch the pumpkin bubble over. This activity went exactly as planned. The children really enjoyed the pumpkin bubbling over, it had been something different then just the sand and water table play.
The children also really enjoyed playing in the guts. It was a great sensory activity for them and we all smelled like the inside of a pumpkin after words.