What do you get when you introduce a new unit linked to science in P2?
A bunch of inquisitive minds, rolling up their lab coat sleeves to question, investigate and most importantly – EXPERIMENT!
The week was brimming with science-based learning engagements to inquire further into ‘How the World Works’. P2 investigated the fundamentals of a controlled experiment by observing the germination of seedlings in jars filled with cotton and soil, made scientific guesses (hypotheses) about their comparative growth, and tracked the growth in both jars to verify their predictions and draw conclusions. This activity ensured that the learners developed a scientific approach in order to organize their thinking process, and paved way for the learning engagements that followed!
P2 explored the properties of different materials by working with sensory perception and sorting them according to characteristics such as transparency, brittleness, absorbency and toughness. This sorting activity enabled learners to comprehend the utility of wood, glass, plastic, metal, etc., and compare them further.
The young scientists of P2 explored other properties of matter and materials through different learning stations where they worked in groups, collaborating and building on their understanding of the unit. To explore solubility, sand and salt were dissolved in separate beakers of water. Sinking and floating of solids in a tub of water was a fun-filled activity where P2 learners dropped different objects into the water and noted their observations. Density of liquids was tested by pouring oil, water and dishwashing liquid into see-through beakers and stirring them, only to observe each level settling distinctly in the beaker.
Exploring the properties of gases was made possible with a quick experiment using baking soda and vinegar in order to create carbon dioxide. Learners summarized their observations, enjoying the froth and frizz as vinegar was poured on to the baking soda, a DIY volcano of sorts.
Last but not least, for exploring the change of states of matter, the orange juice experiment came to our rescue! Learners relished orange juice frozen overnight, but not before making quick predictions and observations about the orange juice and its new avatar as a popsicle!
All these experiments enabled our young scientists to carefully observe and analyze scientific phenomenon, preparing them to delve deeper into the unit, with the hope to reach their very own Eureka moment soon!
