science
The Role of Physics and Practical Experiments in Preschool
Did you know that even our youngest learners at Excelled Montessori are becoming mini-scientists? Every week, they dive into the exciting world of physics through super fun experiments that make learning a blast!
What is Physics?
Physics is like magic! It helps us understand how things around us work. It tells us why balls bounce and why we fall down instead of floating up. Every time we play with our toys or watch water pour out of a cup, we’re learning physics. It’s all about asking, ‘What will happen if I do this?’ and then watching to see what happens. It’s really fun to discover all these things by playing! It’s a fun part of STEM, which includes science, technology, engineering, and math.
Why We Love Starting STEM Early:
Smart Starts Here: When kids play with physics, they’re not just having fun—they’re getting smarter! Tackling cool science stuff early on boosts their brains and sets them up for big wins in school later on.
Future Ready: By exploring science now, our kids are gearing up to rock the tech-savvy world they’ll grow up in. They’re learning to think like future engineers and inventors before they even hit grade school!
Physics Fun at Our School:
What’s This Week’s Big Idea? Each week, our awesome science teachers introduce a new, fun physics theme. From the get-go, kids get hands-on with activities about gravity, how things move, and what makes lights bright.
Experiment Time! Think making parachutes to learn about air or building mini-cars to zoom down ramps. Our little ones learn by doing, and they love every minute of it.
Montessori Meets Physics:
Special Tools for Tiny Hands: We use cool Montessori tools that help kids discover physics without even realizing they’re learning. They get to see how scales balance and feel how ramps work.
Ask Away: Curiosity is king in our classrooms. Kids ask big questions and experiment with their ideas in a safe and welcoming space.
Benefits of Introducing Physics and STEM to Preschoolers
Introducing physics and STEM to preschoolers isn’t just fun—it’s a smart move too! Here’s why it’s super cool to get the little ones started on STEM early, with a dash of research to back it up:
Brain Boosting Fun:
Starting STEM early, especially physics, gives kids’ brains a mega boost! It’s like brain training with building blocks and science experiments. Research shows that fun STEM activities can help little brains development faster, making it easier for kids to learn more as they grow.
Future Einsteins in the Making:
Kids who play with science and math from a young age tend to do better in school later. A study in “Early Childhood Research Quarterly” found that early math skills are a big predictor of later academic success. Imagine physics adding even more power to that!
Never Give Up Attitude:
Ever watch a kid try to figure out why their toy car won’t roll? They try and try, and that’s what STEM teaches them—perseverance. Playing with physics problems teaches them it’s okay to make mistakes and keep trying. This kind of grit is what researchers in a “Journal of Research in Science Teaching” study say can come from early STEM experiences.
STEM Is Cool!:
When preschoolers get to do cool experiments, they think science is awesome, which means they’re more likely to love it as they grow up. This can be especially important for encouraging girls in science, a point highlighted by studies like those in “Child Development” which emphasize early engagement as a key to breaking gender stereotypes in STEM.
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work:
Little scientists don’t work alone! Projects with friends teach them about teamwork. This isn’t just fun; it’s a skill they’ll use forever. Plus, research from “Science Education” shows that collaborative learning in early years can lead to better communication and social skills.
Exploring Physics with Buckets and Pulleys
Age Group: Preschool (ages 4-5)
Duration: 30-40 minutes
Objective:
Understand basic principles of pulleys.
Develop fine motor skills and problem-solving abilities.
Learn about the concepts of weight and lifting.
Materials Needed:
A simple pulley system (can be set up with a wheel, rope, and hook)
Small buckets or containers
Various items to use as weights (e.g., sand, small stones, toys)
A sturdy beam or a frame to hang the pulley (e.g., a playground structure or a strong tree branch)
Safety gloves for handling the rope
Introduction (5-10 minutes):
Begin with a story or a simple explanation of how people in various professions use pulleys to make lifting things easier.
Show pictures of pulleys used in real life (e.g., construction sites, wells).
Activity (20 minutes):
Setup: Hang the pulley securely at a height that is easily reachable by the children. Attach the bucket to one end of the rope.
Exploration: Let each child try filling the bucket with different items (stones, sand, toys) and use the pulley to lift the bucket.
Guided Questions:
What happens when you add more items to the bucket?
Is it easier to pull the rope when the bucket is empty or full?
What do you think makes it easier to lift the bucket when using the pulley?
Hands-On Manipulation:
Encourage children to experiment by lifting the bucket themselves and then with the help of the pulley. Discuss the difference in effort.
Conclusion (5-10 minutes):
Recap the day’s activities and discuss how pulleys help people lift heavy things with less effort.
Show a video clip or animations if available, illustrating the use of pulleys in everyday life to reinforce the lesson.
Safety Tips:
Always supervise the children closely during the activity.
Ensure that the setup is secure and the materials used are safe and appropriate for preschoolers.
Extension Ideas:
Introduce simple experiments to compare different types of pulleys.
Connect the activity to other simple machines and explore how they make work easier.
This lesson plan engages preschoolers in physical activity and experiential learning, which is crucial at this developmental stage, allowing them to grasp basic physical concepts through play and inquiry.
Driving Water Lift from Well!
🔍🧪 Dive into the World of STEM with Our Preschoolers! 🚀🔧 🌊 Using simple tools - a plate and cups - our budding engineers artfully replicated a method to lift water from a model well. It's a fusion of history, science, and hands-on fun!
Ocean Water vs. Regular Water!
🌊🥚 An Egg-citing Experiment: Ocean Water vs. Regular Water! 🌊🥚 Hey, friends! 🌟 I just conducted a super interesting experiment that I couldn't wait to share with you all! 🤩🔬 Today, I decided to test what happens when you drop an egg into ocean water versus regular water. 🌊🥚 So, here's what went down: I carefully prepared two bowls, one filled with ocean water and the other with regular water. With great anticipation, I gently placed an egg into each bowl and observed the results. 🤔🔍 🌊 Ocean Water Bowl: As soon as the egg touched the ocean water, something fascinating happened! The egg started to float, which was a bit unexpected. It turns out that the salt content in the ocean water increases its density, making objects float more easily than in regular water. How cool is that? 🤯🔍 💦 Regular Water Bowl: In contrast, when the egg entered the regular water, it sank to the bottom just like we would normally expect. Since regular water doesn't have the same level of salt content as the ocean, it has a lower density, causing the egg to sink. It's like a little science magic happening right before our eyes! 🧪✨ This experiment got me thinking about the unique properties of ocean water and how it differs from regular water. The salt content not only affects its density but also influences various aspects of marine life and the overall ecosystem. Nature truly is incredible! 🌊🌍 Have you ever wondered about the differences between ocean water and regular water? Share your thoughts and let's dive into a conversation about it! 🐠💬 #ScienceExperiment #OceanVsRegularWater #EggDrop #FASCINATINGDISCOVERIES #STEM #handsonlearning #excelledmontessori #montessori #reggioemilia #SaltwaterScience #DensityDifferences #MarineLifeWonders #WaterProperties #ScienceMagic #CuriousMinds #EggFloating #WaterDensity #NatureIsIncredible #EcosystemExploration
Magic Spinning Water
🌞🌊 Summer Science Fun with ExcellED Montessori! 🧪🔬
Parents and little scientists, are you ready for a splash of science that's absolutely bucket-loads of fun?
Join us in an exciting summer experiment that combines the warmth of the season and the joy of learning! With just a sturdy bucket and some water, we'll uncover the "magic" of physics - right in our backyard.🌳🪣💦
🎯 Objective: We're going to spin a bucket of water over our heads, and guess what? The water won't spill! Sounds unbelievable? That's the magic of science!
📝 Here's how we do it:
1️⃣ Fill a bucket halfway with water. 2️⃣ Make a prediction - what do you think will happen if we spin the bucket in a circle over our heads? 3️⃣ Now for the fun part - carefully spin the bucket over your head (make sure you're outdoors and have enough space)! 4️⃣ Did the water spill? We bet it didn't! 🎉
💡 Why this happens: This is all thanks to a principle called "centrifugal force." When we spin the bucket, the water wants to move in a straight line. But the bottom of the bucket forces the water to move in a circle. When the bucket is upside down at the top of the circle, the centrifugal force is greater than gravity, so the water stays put!
Always remember, safety first! 🦺 This experiment should be done under adult supervision. Ensure the area is clear and safe for this fun activity.
Happy experimenting, little ones! Don't forget to share your experiences and photos with us in the comments. #ExcellEDMontessori #SummerScienceFun #LearningThroughPlay #LittleScientists #MontessoriAtHome 🎈🔆🧑🔬👩🔬
The Power of Push
🧑🔬🔍 Physics Fun with Mr. Ty - The Power of Push! 💪🚀 Curious minds and tiny scientists, let's explore the fascinating world of physics - right at our preschool level! Today's topic? Demonstrating how a lighter body can push a heavier one. Sounds challenging? Not with a little help from science! Here's a simple experiment you can do at home. All you need is a toy car and a book. 🚗📚 🔍 Objective: To understand how force works and how a lighter object (like a toy car) can move a heavier object (like a book).
Here's how we do it: 1️⃣ Put a book on a flat surface. 2️⃣ Take a small toy car and push it towards the book. 3️⃣ Observe what happens! The car, even though it's lighter, should be able to move the book. Why this happens: This is all due to a principle in physics called 'force.' When the car hits the book, it applies a force on the book. This force is enough to overcome the book's resistance to movement, causing it to move! Remember, safety first! This experiment should be done under adult supervision. And of course, have fun!
At ExcellED Montessori, we believe in learning through play and exploration. It's never too early to introduce the wonders of science to our children! Happy experimenting, little ones! Share your experiences and photos with us in the comments. #ExcellEDMontessori #PhysicsFun #LearningThroughPlay #LittleScientists #MontessoriAtHome #science #scienceexperiments #sciencekids
Levers
🔧 Learn the Power of Levers: Create and Explore with Your Child! 🔧 Have you ever wondered how a simple tool like a lever can accomplish incredible feats? Get ready to unlock the secrets of levers with your child through a fun DIY project and hands-on exploration! 🌟 Here's a simple guide to create and use a lever with your little one:
1️⃣ Step 1: Gather materials: A sturdy board or plank A fulcrum (a small block or cylindrical object) Objects to use as weights (such as small toys, books, or containers filled with sand or water) Imagination and curiosity!
2️⃣ Step 2: Assemble your lever: Place the fulcrum in the middle of the board or plank. Balance the board on the fulcrum to create your lever.
3️⃣ Step 3: Experiment with different weights: Have your child place objects of varying weights on one end of the lever. Observe how the lever responds and the effects of the weight on different positions along the lever.
4️⃣ Step 4: Explore mechanical advantage: Encourage your child to move the fulcrum closer to or farther from the heavy end of the lever. Observe how this affects the ease or difficulty of lifting the weight. Discuss the concept of mechanical advantage and how leverage can make tasks easier.
5️⃣ Step 5: Extend the learning experience: Encourage your child to come up with their own lever designs using different materials and variations. Explore real-life examples of levers, such as see-saws, wheelbarrows, and scissors. Discuss how levers are used in everyday objects and how they make our lives easier.
🌈 Enjoy the process of creating and using a lever together with your child. Through hands-on exploration, you'll discover the magic of physics and foster their curiosity and problem-solving skills! Share your lever creations and experiences in the comments below. Let's inspire each other with the amazing world of levers! 🚀 ntessoriAtHome #science #scienceexperiments #sciencekids
Self propelling tricycle
🚀 Toddlers Harnessing the Power of Physics! Self-Propelling Tricycles in Action! 🚲
Prepare to be amazed as we share an incredible moment from our preschool program! Our clever toddlers are harnessing the principles of physics, specifically rotation, to self-propel their tricycles. 🌟 💡
How does it work?
By understanding the concept of rotation, our little explorers have learned how to generate forward motion by using their leg muscles and coordinating them with the pedals. They've discovered that applying force in a circular motion propels the tricycle forward, allowing them to navigate their way around with enthusiasm and joy! 🌈 Why is this important? Introducing physics concepts at an early age sets the foundation for a lifelong love of science and a strong STEM foundation.
Our toddlers are not only having fun, but they're also developing critical thinking, coordination, and problem-solving skills as they explore and master this self-propelling technique. 🚀
The joy and pride on their faces as they independently navigate their tricycles is truly priceless. It's a testament to their incredible abilities and the power of hands-on learning.
At Excelled Montessori, we strive to create an environment that sparks curiosity and empowers children to become confident, capable, and curious learners. We celebrate their achievements, big and small, and provide opportunities for them to explore the wonders of the world around them.
🌟 Join us in applauding these incredible young physicists as they pedal their way towards a future filled with discovery and adventure!