Making Science fun!

I had science as a subject in high school, I can still remember studying for my final exam - I even had some formulas and important facts on a piece of paper in a plastic sheet in the shower!  I enjoyed science, but it didn't come naturally to me at all.  Chemistry was fine, that was something you could study, but Physics was an entirely different matter.  I believe that we as parents can introduce certain science facts and principles now at an early age to our children, this will not necessarily make them science geniuses, but if it can help them to pass that dreaded Physics then it is a win win situation!  I also believe that we can make certain things fun for them now, thus, when they are older and sitting in school they will still have that wonderful fun feeling around a subject.  Making learning fun is what it is all about!

 Here are some fun ideas and activities to introduce your child to science:

photo credit

Floating Egg experiment:
 Normally an egg will not float in water (except if it is a very old egg!), but adding some salt to the water will make your egg float! For tiny tots - just show them that the egg will sink to the bottom of the container, add some salt and then show them that the egg will float.  For older children explain that the salt makes the water denser, therefor the egg cannot sink to the bottom.  Note:  you need to add loads of salt - at least 6 - 7 tablespoons in a normal drinking glass of water.

photo credit

Oil and water experiment:

Does oil and water mix?  The two liquids have different densities and therefore the oil will always float on top of the water.  This is a fun experiment for little ones, you need a container with a lid (see through container), oil and water.  Pour some water in the container and then gently pour some oil on top.  Close the lid and ask your child to shake the pot, now watch what happens - the oil and water will separate.  They will love this! For some added fun you can add some food colouring to the water.  For older children you can even take the experiment a bit further - add some dishwashing liquid to the mix!  Explain that the soap forms an emulsion between the water and oil, the same principle enables mommy to wash the dishes.

photo credit

Making sugar crystals:

This will for sure be a huge hit!  It does take a bit of time though - at least 4 weeks to get a good size crystal, but it is worth the wait!

You need:
1 cup water
3 cups sugar
Clear glass jar
Food colouring of your choice
Skewer
Clothes pin

Clip the clothes pin around the top of the skewer, place the skewer in the jar, not touching the sides or bottom of the jar (keep it about 3cm from the bottom). Balance the skewer by placing the clothes pin on top of the jar (lying flat on the jar top).
Boil the water and add the sugar slowly until all the sugar is melted (Please this mixture is super hot!  Only mommy and daddy may handle this, please be careful at all times and don't let your little one handle the sugar water mixture.)  Let it cool for about 8 - 10 min.  Add the food colour of your choice, a little goes a long way!  Don't overdo the colouring otherwise you won't be able to see the crystals form.  Now slowly pour this mixture into your prepared clear glass jar.  The crystals should start to form in 3 - 4 days time.  Science behind this:  hot water can hold more sugar molecules than cool water.  As the saturated water cools and evaporates the excess sugar molecules clings to the skewer, forming the sugar crystals.

Hope you enjoy these fun experiments with your little one!

Trudie xx