This engaging hands-on programme is designed to prepare children aged 3 to 5 for the Early Stage 1 Science and Technology Syllabus.
This 10 week course has been developed to introduce young children to science using familiar toys and materials. The aim of the course is to develop in children an enthusiasm for further learning in science and encourage active exploration of their world.The 10 week course has been staged so as to prepare children for entering Kindergarten, whereby the following syllabus objectives apply;
Knowledge and Understanding: content strands
Stage 1: Physical Phenomena·
Students will know and understand that
- pushes and pulls can make things move and stop
- living things and machines need energy to do things
Knowledge and Understanding: learning processes
Stage 1: Students will
- give examples of the ways the different senses can be used in observing
- recognize that discoveries can be made through play, exploring and experimenting
Objectives
To encourage cooperation and manipulative play and to demonstrate that;
- chemical reactions involve a change
- mirrors reflect light.
- white light is made of many colours.
- magnets are attracted to themselves and the metal iron.
- vibrations make sound.
- energy is needed to make objects move
Lesson content
Each lesson runs for 30 minutes, using the help of the Preschool carers whenever possible. The intention is that the same lesson be repeated for 2 separate classes per visit.
Lesson 1: Chemical reactions involve change
- bicarbonate soda and vinegar reactions
- the change in a sparkler
- butter making
- lemon juice painting
- slime making
Lesson 2: Chemical reactions involve change
- cabbage juice, vinegar and bicarbonate soda reaction
- the ‘disappearing water trick’
- colour changes using cabbage juice and others
- bicarbonate rockets
- glow sticks
Lesson 3: Sound requires vibrations
- straw flutes
- thunder drum
- boom whackers, marble trees, hand clappers, sound tubes and others
- singing bell
- singing rod
Lesson 4: White light is made of colours (requires a darkened room)
- coloured lights and shadows
- bubbles
- disco balls, mirrors, lenses, colour mixers
- 3D glasses
- newtons wheel
Lesson 5: Movement requires energy
- marble trees, spinning magnet wheels, spring woodpeckers
- spinning tops and gears
- car, rocket and plane models
- mega-hoberman sphere
- stomp rocket
Lesson 6: Movement requires energy
- tornado tubes, water fountains and pin head models
- play dough, ping pong balls and straws
- car, rocket and plane models
- stomp rocket
Lesson7: Magnets stick to each other and iron metal
- magnets of varying shapes and sizes
- magnetic fishing
- magnets and enclosed iron filings
- magnetic gears
- magnets and compasses
- magnetic marble challenge
Lesson 8: Electricity is in your home
- safety talk
- simple circuits using batteries, lights and cables
- skill testers
Lesson 9: Living things and your senses
- face model
- smell detective
- human body torso model and x-rays
- sherbet making
- 3D Glasses
- Hand viewer
Lesson 10: Other living things
- Human body torso model
- X-rays
- Insect and leaf rubbings
- Ball catching and throwing
- Making fossils
- Butterfly lifecycle
Requirements
- Appropriate for children aged 3 to 5 years
- Maximum 2 x 30 students (we recommend a split of ages)
- 10 to 12 tables arranged around the edge of the room
- Chairs are not required
- Duration 2 x 30 minutes per lesson over 10 weeks
- Set up time 30 minutes and pack up time 30 minutes
Cost
$1800 inc. GST for the full 10 weeks of 2 x 30 minute lessons
