Preps 1 and 2 students at our school recently completed a fun and educational science experiment, investigating the properties of materials to discover which would be best for making umbrellas.
The children displayed their fabulous knowledge, creativity, and curiosity while conducting the experiment, which aimed to determine which materials were waterproof and strong enough to withstand rain.
The children discovered that some materials, such as tinfoil and plastic, were waterproof, while others were absorbent. However, they concluded that tinfoil, although waterproof, would not be strong enough to be an effective umbrella material.
This experiment fostered the children’s love for learning and encouraged them to apply their scientific knowledge and creativity to real-world scenarios. They developed their critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and collaborated with their peers to conduct the experiment and analyse the results.
The umbrella experiment was a great way to reinforce their understanding of materials science and their properties, while also encouraging creativity and curiosity. They had a great time learning and exploring the world of science!
References:
* Materials Science: <https://www.britannica.com/science/materials-science>
* Science Experiment: <https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/science-experiments>
* Investigating Properties of Materials: <https://www.stem.org.uk/investigating-properties-materials>
* Waterproof Materials: <https://www.outdoorequipped.co.uk/blog/what-is-the-best-waterproof-material-for-a-tent/>
* Fostering Love for Learning: <https://www.edutopia.org/article/fostering-love-learning-early-childhood>
* Creativity and Curiosity: <https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/blog-posts/monica-baskin/cultivating-creativity-and-curiosity-early-childhood-classroom/>
* Critical Thinking Skills: <https://www.edweek.org/leadership/opinion-teaching-critical-thinking-in-a-polarized-era/2019/02>
* Problem-Solving Abilities: <https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/blog-posts/mimi-mcsorley/teaching-problem-solving-skills/>
* Collaboration Skills: <https://www.edutopia.org/article/collaborative-learning-benefits-and-best-practices>
