Potion Explosion
Date - 26/04/22
When was it done - Small Group (Science Day)
Materials required
Paper Cups
Powder Paints
Vinegar
Baking Soda
Bottles ( to squeeze vinegar out of )
Trays
Double-sided tape
Activity Prep
First, paper cups were attached to the tray with the help of double-sided tape.
Then, some baking soda and powder paints were poured into cups and kept aside.
Squeezy bottles were filled with vinegar for the children to pour out of.
Invitation Set Up
The invite for this activity was set up on tables. The facilitator placed the trays on it and asked children to observe what was in the paper cups. Children were also encouraged to feel the texture, by touching the mixture of powder paints and baking soda.
Process
The facilitator, post setting up invites, handed out vinegar filled bottles to the children. The children were then guided to open the lid of the bottle to squeeze out the liquid. While demonstrating the activity, the facilitator was also telling the children how to open the lids, squeeze the vinegar out, etc. As the vinegar was poured into the cups with baking soda and powder paints, there was a reaction of chemicals that led to the bubbling up of the mixture of vinegar and powder. The cup overflowed with the coloured liquid to create a lava-like effect.
Children’s Response
The potion explosion activity was quick to grab children’s attention. First, the paper cups filled with powder paints and baking soda were explored by the children. Viaan put his finger inside the cup to understand the texture of the material. Children also recognised the colours of the powder paints with the facilitator. When vinegar was squeezed into the paper cups, the colourful lava intrigued the children a lot and they also wanted to put their hands in and feel the liquid bubbling up. The activity was repeated over and over again as the children expressed their enjoyment.
Precautions
Being careful that children do not try to consume any of the materials - powder paints, baking soda and vinegar.
Keeping the tray from flipping over and liquid from spilling
Taking care that no child touches their eyes or nose with vinegar/baking soda on their hands.
Skills/ Concepts
Fine Motors Skills - The activity included opening the lid of the bottle and then squeezing the vinegar out in its process. Such tasks lead to the enhancement of fine motor muscles in our hands.
Cognitive Skills - Colour recognition through this activity leads to the development of cognitive skills.
Language Development - Learning names of new materials, like, vinegar and baking soda, or just receiving language to communicate actions helps in language development in young children.
Sensory Experience - Understanding the dry texture of the powder mixtures or the wet mix of the powder with vinegar provides a tactile experience for children. The colours of the experiment also enhance their visual senses.
Hand-eye coordination - Pouring with aim requires proper hand-eye coordination. Therefore, this activity helps in developing the same.
Attention, focus and concentration - To complete the tasks of the activity, one would require accurate levels of attention, listening to instructions, focus, to execute the tasks effectively and concentration to complete the task.