Making Science
Less Abstract for Preschoolers
by: Nicole Brekelbaum
A simple experiment that can help
preschoolers discover and enjoy the wonders of science.
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Most childcare businesses supervise
children for more than three hours a day, five days a week. Such long
hours in care can have a serious impact on a child’s growth and
development. Businesses that offer educational curriculums help
children grow academically and help prepare them for school. Science
plays an important role in the learning process and should also be
included as part of the curriculum. Science encourages preschoolers to
ask questions, make predictions, and find answers to some fascinating
questions. Here is an interesting experiment that can help teach
science to preschoolers. We came across ideas for this experiment on
PBS Kids Website (www.pbskids.org). We tried it ourselves, at Young
Achievers Inc., and it was an extreme success.
First, we had circle time with the kids
and recited some classic nursery rhymes. One of the nursery rhymes was
the age-old rhyme, Little Miss Muffet. After singing in our circle we
asked the kids some questions about |
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Little Miss Muffet. We discovered
that they knew what Little Miss Muffet sat on, what she ate, and what
frightened her. We then posed a thought-provoking question to the
preschoolers. “Can the curds be separated from Miss Muffet’s curds and
whey?” The children responded with interesting answers. Their answers
became our scientific hypotheses. We documented all responses in large
text on our chalkboard so that the children can see and value their
predictions. We then headed to the kitchen "laboratory" to see whose
prediction was true.
We had the kids sit at the table and measure
the milk and vinegar portions for the experiment. They counted how many cups
of milk were needed and how many tablespoons of vinegar to add. It was now
time to blast the mixture into the microwave for two minutes. We recommend
that an adult perform this part of the experiment to avoid placing children
in harms way. After two minutes, the mixture was ready to be taken out of
the microwave. We allowed it to cool for several minutes and then the
children compared two samples of the mixture before and after it was placed
in the
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microwave. They
observed that the mixture was lumpier after being heated in the
microwave. The children then strained the mixture by using kitchen
towels. What remained was a white, rubbery substance - the curds. They
were excited. They saw first-hand what Miss Muffet ate. Then they
discovered through experimentation that curds can be separated from
Miss Muffet’s curds and whey.
The children dyed the curds different
colors using food coloring and made their own rubbery type of play
dough. They loved touching the curds and feeling its texture. Some
children even shaped the curds into cool looking dinosaurs and flowers
with our help. At the end of the day the children were enlightened and
had a great appreciation for science. They were all proud to show
their parents what they had done. They were truly young scientists!
If you would like to try this with
children at your childcare business we recommend the experiment for
children ages 3 and up. The following materials are needed:
3 cups of Skim Milk
2 tablespoons of white vinegar
Microwave-safe bowl for mixing and heating
Kitchen towels for straining
About The Author
Nicole Brekelbaum is the
director at Young Achievers Inc. - A home-based learning center
for aspiring youth located in Pflugerville, Texas. She has been
providing childcare in her home since her career switch from
working engineer to childcare director and mom. Visit her
company's website at
http://www.youngachieversinc.com
nicole@youngachieversinc.com
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