Science Discovery at Home

Science within a Montessori education offers children the opportunity to explore advanced topics at an early age. Now more than ever, it’s important for children to not only pursue their scientific curiosity in the classroom, but also continue their learning at home when possible. At-home science discovery can help children better understand that science is a part of our everyday lives.

From astronomy, biology, and botany to chemistry, ecology, physics, and more, science activities ultimately allow students to experiment and learn about the world around us. Sugar Mill Montessori is here to explore some fun at-home projects to keep your child engaged in scientific discovery and nurture their curiosity for the world we share.

Building a Moveable Pulley

Creating a DIY pulley system can teach your child the science behind machinery, as well as the building and construction of structures and vehicles.

Materials needed:

  • Small plastic container (cup, condiment container, etc.)
  • Scissors
  • String
  • Small magnet(s)
  • Paper clips

Step 1: Cut holes in the container. Thread string through the holes and tie to create a handle. Stick the magnet(s) at the bottom of the container.

Step 2: Cut a yard long piece of string, tie it to a door handle, and thread the handle of the container onto the string.

Step 3: Slide the container along the string to pick up paperclips with the magnet(s).

Topics for discussion:

  • How is the pulley impacted by the weight/shape of the load?
  • How would the pulley change with a different type of string, container, or magnet?

Flower Power

This flower craft project can help your child learn about the different parts of plants and how they grow.

Materials needed:

  • Large construction paper
  • Paint
  • Glue
  • Scissors

Step 1: Draw and cut out the parts of a flower. For older children, you can outline the parts and have them cut them out.

Step 2: Write the names of the different parts (roots, stem, leaf, etc.) on scrap pieces of paper. Older children can write and label their own.

Step 3: Let your child glue on the different parts of the flower. Try starting with the roots and making your way up.

Step 4: Have your child paint the flower and then glue on the labels.

Topics for discussion:

  • Follow and discuss the growing process while gluing the flower together.
  • Ask your child to describe what differentiates flowers from one another (color, size, shape, etc.).

Mixing Baking Soda & Vinegar

This fun experiment offers easy hands-on learning about the chemical reaction of mixing baking soda and vinegar together.

Materials needed:

  • Balloons
  • Baking soda
  • White vinegar
  • Plastic bottle
  • Funnel

Step 1: Place a balloon around the opening of the funnel and pour one cup of baking soda into the funnel, filling the balloon about halfway.

Step 2: Use the funnel to fill the plastic bottle with one cup of white vinegar.

Step 3: Place the balloon opening around the mouth of the bottle. Hold the balloon up so that the baking soda falls into the bottle.

Step 4: Observe and grab some paper towels for clean-up.

Topics for discussion:

  • What happens when you switch up the ratios of baking soda and white vinegar?
  • How does adding dish soap or food coloring affect the resulting explosion?

Exploring Surface Tension

This activity allows your child to discover how dish soap can affect the surface of water.

Materials needed:

  • Shallow bowl or pie tin
  • Water
  • Pepper
  • Liquid dish soap

Step 1: Fill the bowl or pie tin with about an inch of water.

Step 2: Sprinkle pepper across the surface of the water.

Step 3: Place a finger into the water and observe any changes.

Step 4: Squeeze a small amount of liquid dish soap onto a clean surface and dip a finger into it.

Step 5: Dip the soapy finger into the water and observe any changes.

Topics for discussion:

  • Why does the pepper move when soap touches the water?
  • What effects do different substances (e.g. olive oil, hairspray, etc.) have on the water and pepper mixture?

The Bending Pencil

This quick and easy experiment can teach your child about light energy and the speed of light.

Materials needed:

  • A clear glass
  • Water
  • Pencil

Step 1: Fill the glass with water.

Step 2: Place the pencil in the water.

Step 3: Look at the pencil from the top.

Step 4: Look at the pencil from the side and discuss your observations.

Topics for discussion:

  • Does the pencil look bent or straight?
  • What happens when you pull the pencil out of the water?

Fun Learning at Home

At Sugar Mill Montessori, we believe in experiential learning and are dedicated to your child’s education at every stage. We’re happy to provide these and many other at-home activities to help your child continue exploring science and other subjects outside the classroom.

For more ideas and information regarding your child’s learning experience, be sure to check our blog or contact us for the latest news and tips.

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