Celebrating Science at Home

As Science Week kicks off, it’s a wonderful opportunity to bring the magic of scientific discovery into the lives of our youngest learners. At Journey Early Learning, we believe that introducing science to children under five is all about nurturing their natural curiosity and wonder. This special week, celebrated across Australia in August, is designed to engage everyone with the wonders of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). It’s a chance to show our little ones that science isn’t just about facts and figures; it’s a joyful and exciting way to explore the world.

Why Science Week Matters for Young Children

Introducing scientific concepts to young children sets the stage for a lifetime of curiosity and learning. At Journey Early Learning, we know that children are naturally inquisitive, constantly asking questions and exploring their surroundings. By engaging in simple, fun experiments, we help them develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and a love for discovery. Plus, it’s a fantastic way for families to bond and learn together.

Here are five easy, fun-filled experiments 

Perfect for sparking joy and wonder in your little scientists!

1. Magic Milk

Materials Needed:

• • Whole milk
  • Food colouring
  • Dish soap
  • Cotton swabs
  • A shallow dish

Steps:

1. 1. Pour enough milk into the dish to cover the bottom.
   2. Add drops of different food colouring around the milk.
   3. Dip a cotton swab into dish soap, then touch it to the centre of the milk.

Learning Outcome: Watch the colours dance and swirl! This experiment shows how molecules interact, introducing your little scientist to chemical reactions and surface tension in a mesmerising way.

2. Baking Soda and Vinegar Volcano

Materials Needed:

• • Baking soda
  • Vinegar
  • A small container or a plastic bottle
  • Food colouring (optional)
  • A tray to contain the mess

Steps:

1. 1. Place the container on the tray.
   2. Fill the container with baking soda.
   3. Add a few drops of food colouring if desired.
   4. Pour vinegar into the container and watch the “eruption.”

Learning Outcome:

Boom! The classic volcano experiment demonstrates an acid-base reaction. Your little scientist learns about chemical reactions, cause and effect, and have loads of fun predicting the eruption.

3. Rainbow Walking Water

Materials Needed:

• • Clear cups or jars
  • Water
  • Food colouring
  • Paper towels

Steps:

1. 1. Fill three cups with water and add different food colouring to each (e.g., red, yellow, blue).
   2. Place empty cups between each coloured water cup.
   3. Fold paper towels into strips and place one end in a coloured cup and the other end in an empty cup.
   4. Watch as the coloured water travels up the paper towels and mixes to create new colours.

Learning Outcome:

See the colours move! This experiment illustrates capillary action and colour mixing, teaching your little scientist basic principles of colour theory and fluid dynamics in a visually captivating way.

4. Fizzy Lemonade

Materials Needed:

• • Lemon
  • Baking soda
  • Water
  • Sugar
  • A glass

Steps:

1. 1. Squeeze the juice from the lemon into the glass.
   2. Add a teaspoon of baking soda and watch the fizz.
   3. Add a little water and sugar to taste.

Learning Outcome:

Yummy and fizzy! This fun experiment combines chemistry and sensory experience, showing how acids and bases react to create carbon dioxide gas. It’s a tasty way for your little scientist to learn about chemistry.

5. Static Electricity Butterfly

Materials Needed:

• • Tissue paper
  • Scissors
  • A balloon
  • Wool cloth or hair

Steps:

1. 1. Cut a butterfly shape out of the tissue paper.
   2. Inflate the balloon and rub it on the wool cloth or your hair to create static electricity.
   3. Hold the balloon close to the butterfly without touching it and watch the butterfly “fly.”

Learning Outcome:

Fly, butterfly, fly! Your little scientist discovers static electricity and how it makes objects attract or repel each other. It’s a simple, engaging introduction to basic physics concepts.

Encouraging Scientific Exploration

At Journey Early Learning, these experiments are not just about immediate excitement; they’re opportunities to spark meaningful conversations with your children about their observations and discoveries. By encouraging scientific exploration, we help children develop a questioning mindset and a joy for discovery that can last a lifetime. During Science Week, dive into these fun and educational activities with your little ones and inspire the next generation of scientists. Let’s make learning a joyful journey together!

Excited to explore? Discover our centres and join the fun today!