During the last half term, the children at Leahurst Road Pre-School have been having lots of fun doing simple science experiments, to coincide with their weather theme.
Intrigued to see what would happen when food colouring, bicarbonate of soda and vinegar were mixed together, they watched in amazement as the fluid fizzed up to look like lava from a rainbow volcano!
Everyone also had a go at making rainbow sugar. Whilst taking it in turns to measure out the ingredients, conversation was sparked about mixing colours together, and what colour it would make. The mixture was carefully poured onto foil covered plates. After being put in a warm place for a few days, the children’s patience was rewarded with thrilling results. The coloured fluid had evaporated to form the rainbow sugar which the children described to look like “Diamonds” and “Sparkly like gems!”.
The air and wind activities began with the ‘Rocket Balloon’ experiment. This involved inflating a large balloon with lots of air, before letting it go. As the air rushed out, the children observed how this made the balloon launch forward. Woosh! They also loved helping to blow up a large ball using a hair dryer, before pushing and throwing it around the room to each other. To see what the air felt like when it was released from the ball, they put their hands underneath the hole. “It tickles” they said. The paper races simply involved flapping a piece of cardboard to move a piece of paper along the floor. Some children even resorted to blowing the paper with their mouths, just so that they could be first past the post!
Light was the next focus, where the children had the opportunity to explore reflection and shadows using torches. Through shining their torches upon a selection of different surfaces, they discovered how the light would reflect from the smooth shiny surfaces, but not from the matt and dark ones. Using different objects, some transparent and some opaque, they learned how light would only shine through something that was transparent. A spectroscope was also made to create rainbows, and a peep box to explore how light goes through transparent materials. The children gazed through it and were excited to spot the secret bears hiding inside!
Most captivating proved to be the sheep and duck shadow experiments. As they held their duck and sheep cut outs in a position to block the light from casting on the wall, the children were fascinated by the concept and began to explore further by moving their little animals around to change the size of the shadow.
With weather themed stories, songs and signing to accompany the activities, the children enjoyed a scientific half term which was packed with exploration, discovery and most importantly fun!
For further information about the Preschool and to view a virtual tour visit http://www.leahurstrdpreschool.org.uk/
If you would like to book a place call: 07748 923455