Science games and activities are great if you want to introduce a child to a complex topic. Here are a few games and activities that will introduce 5 year olds to aerodynamics, static electricity, and chemical reactions.
Image source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/sharynmorrow/168628416/
Static electricity
We often experience static electricity around us, but find it difficult to explain to kids. Introduce your 5-year-old to the concept of static electricity with this great activity.
You will need:
- Tissue paper
- Plastic ruler
- Scissors
- A carpet
- Snake template
- A tin lid
Directions:
- Print out a snake template and cut out the snake from it.
- Now, trace the snake on tissue paper. Cut out a snake from the tissue paper next.
- Draw a face on the snake and stick wiggly eyes.
- Rub the plastic ruler vigorously against a carpet. Keep the tissue snake handy.
- Soon after rubbing the ruler against the carpet, hold it over the snake’s head.
- Doesn’t the snake rise off the table? How does it feel to have made almost lifelike snake from paper?
Paper airplane
Here’s a cool way to make a paper plane and introduce a 5 year old to the science of aerodynamics with a simple approach.
You will need:
- White paper
Directions:
- Fold the paper half, lengthwise. Then unfold so that the center line is prominent.
- Fold the top corners in to the center.
- Then fold the angled edges into the center. Make sure the folds meet at the center line that you created in step 1.
- Now fold along the center line so that all the other folds inside are hidden.
- Fold down the two top flaps to make the wings. Use your nails to press down the folds.
- Your paper airplane is ready to take off!
Homemade bouncy balls
How about making bouncing balls with non-toxic ingredients at home and have fun with them on a lazy Sunday morning?
You will need:
- 2 tablespoons warm water
- 1/2 teaspoon borax
- 1 tablespoon glue
- 1 tablespoon corn starch
Directions:
- Pour water and borax in a cup and mix.
- Pour glue, corn starch, and food coloring into another cup. Add half a teaspoon of the mix in the first cup. Leave the ingredients in the cup for some time.
- Stir well with a spoon.
- Once the mixture becomes difficult to stir, transfer it onto your hands and roll into a ball.
- Voila! You got a homemade ball right here with you!
With such young kids, you don’t really need to explain the concepts in detail to them. Try these activities and you may spark off some interesting conversations!
Author Bio:
Corinne Jacob is a wannabe writer who is convinced that kids learn best when they’re having fun. She is constantly on the lookout for new and exciting ways to make learning an enjoyable experience. Corinne loves all things that scream out un-schooling, alternative education and holistic learning.
