Scientific Exploration in Preschool

Each week, scientific thinking, questioning, and exploration is woven into the children’s learning experiences. The Mariposa children have enjoyed science experiments relating to capillary action and chemical reactions. When it rained last week, we did a rainbow rain experiment with shaving cream, liquid water color, and water. We talked about the layers of the atmosphere and how rain happens when clouds become saturated with moisture. Watching the water colors slowly fall into the jar of water was mesmerizing. The children got to repeat it on their own as a work on the shelf. We also did a dancing beans experiment using water, vinegar, baking soda, and beans.

In our exploration of capillary action, the children were able to learn on their own with an art project. They used cardboard, glue, salt, and liquid water colors. First they poured glue on the cardboard. Then, salted the glue generously. Finally, they got to drop colors and watch them travel through the glue lines as the salt absorbed the water. My goal with these science/art projects is to instill a sense of wonder in the children and build a love of curiosity.

Life Cycles

We have joyously adopted four caterpillars from our playground and are keeping them safe while they transform into chrysalises. There are puzzles, manipulatives, and art invitations to internalize the life cycle of a monarch butterfly. The children named our caterpillars Luna, Plop, Donut, and Dot. They are all different ages and are being tracked once they form a chrysalis to see how long it takes to emerge. The leader of the day gets to fill in a square on our chrysalis countdown each morning. It is a very important task to start off our day!

Outer Space

We have kicked off our first emergent unit of the year which is learning about outer space! To ignite curiosity and questioning, there are several books about space in our library, space puzzles, a galaxy sensory bin, planet matching cards, and a space station dramatic play area.

We will be learning specific things about the sun, moon, constellations, and planets while making them to hang up in the classroom. We started with a paper mache sun! Art projects and science experiments will be blended in as we learn new things. For example, when we learn about rocket ships we will make popsicle stick catapults and read about NASA’s work on a catapult that will shoot supplies into space for astronauts. Never a dull moment when learning about outer space!