Unfolding Magic at Home via Science experiments

Young children are naturally inquisitive, curious about what is happening in the world around them, and tend to investigate how things work. Therefore, it is critical to promote scientific learning in early childhood as it would help them visualize how these concepts function in the real world and give them a sense that they can use their knowledge beyond just tests and homework assignments. And, the best way to achieve this is through scientific experiments.

From exploring chemical reactions, tracking bugs in the backyard, mixing various ingredients to learning new things, science is becoming a much-loved subject for everyone. The days of science as a challenging subject for children are officially over, as we’ve entered the new age of discovery, fun and curiosity in a ‘real way’.

Now let’s talk about the benefits of science experiments.

1. Power-packed brain food: Science experiments encourages reasoning, critical thinking & analytical abilities in children besides nurturing their curiosity. Through this, the children learn to observe, understand and absorb new concepts in a fun and unique way.
2. Easier to understand concepts: Real-time experiments and field trips have a higher retentive value too, as compared to power-point presentations or theoretical learning as children are able to understand the concepts quickly.
3. Science activities foster a love of learning: Science activities can foster a love for learning among children by encouraging them to experiment and explore. Having this attribute can also enhance their success in school as well as in other spheres of their lives.
4. The art of multi-disciplinary skills: Science is a subject that opens multiple avenues and allows the intersection of different points of view before reaching a conclusion. It not only aids children in acquiring multi-disciplinary skills but also encourages the spirit of learning and extends to other subjects too.
5. Understanding the world: For young learners, science encourages a sense of exploration and provides an understanding of their immediate ecosystem.
6. Teaching other concepts through science: Incorporating science into other areas of learning can enable children to gain a better understanding of the world around them.
7. Science activities are a great way to bond with your children: Engaging in science activities with your child is an excellent way to bond with them and help them learn. Learning together can be a lot of fun as you explore how things work. Furthermore, sharing discoveries with someone is always fun!

Enclosed are some fun and easy-to-do science experiment ideas that would help the child learn some fundamental scientific phenomena. These experiments are DIY ideas that could be done with simple things available at home.

1. Black Pepper Magic
   Fill a bowl with water less than one inch and cover the entire surface in pepper. Then dip your finger in liquid soap and pop it in the bowl of pepper. The pepper separates and washes up to the periphery of the bowl. It’s a perfect example of surface tension.
2. Volcano in a Glass
   Add Eno powder to a glass of warm milk and stir with a spoon. The milk becomes very frothy and bubbles over the glass surface. Eno is made of sodium bicarbonate and citric acid which produces carbon dioxide gas. This causes the milk to froth over and it moves up the glass. You could even add a dash of paint to the milk and have a colourful volcano!
3. Dancing raisins in a glass 
   Add a teaspoon of baking soda to a glass of water. Mix gently with a spoon. Add vinegar till the glass is three-fourths full. Add raisins. They began to move and dance because of the carbon dioxide bubbles formed.

These simple science experiment ideas done at home can be super educational and fun for children of all ages.

Learning is a continuous process and therefore, it is pertinent to find a school that puts emphasis on both traditional as well as practical knowledge. We at Genesis Global School are working towards inculcating the habit of practical learning in students by conducting workshops, a robotics programme and much more which are aimed at enhancing the intellectual ability and critical thinking skills and boosting the confidence of children.