A simple experiment that can help preschoolers discover
and enjoy the wonders of science.
Most childcare businesses supervise children for
more than three hours a day, five days a week. Such long hours in care can
have a serious impact on a child’s growth and development. Businesses that
offer educational curriculums help children grow academically and help
prepare them for school. Science plays an important role in the learning
process and should also be included as part of the curriculum. Science
encourages preschoolers to ask questions, make predictions, and find answers
to some fascinating questions. Here is an interesting experiment that can
help teach science to preschoolers. We came across ideas for this experiment
on PBS Kids Website (www.pbskids.org).
We tried it ourselves, at Young Achievers Inc., and it was an extreme
success.
First, we had circle time with the kids and recited
some classic nursery rhymes. One of the nursery rhymes was the age-old
rhyme, Little Miss Muffet. After singing in our circle we asked the kids
some questions about Little Miss Muffet. We discovered that they knew what
Little Miss Muffet sat on, what she ate, and what frightened her. We then
posed a thought-provoking question to the preschoolers. “Can the curds be
separated from Miss Muffet’s curds and whey?” The children responded with
interesting answers. Their answers became our scientific hypotheses. We
documented all responses in large text on our chalkboard so that the
children can see and value their predictions. We then headed to the kitchen
"laboratory" to see whose prediction was true.
We had the kids sit at the table and measure the
milk and vinegar portions for the experiment. They counted how many cups of
milk were needed and how many tablespoons of vinegar to add. It was now time
to blast the mixture into the microwave for two minutes. We recommend that
an adult perform this part of the experiment to avoid placing children in
harms way. After two minutes, the mixture was ready to be taken out of the
microwave. We allowed it to cool for several minutes and then the children
compared two samples of the mixture before and after it was placed in the
microwave. They observed that the mixture was lumpier after being heated in
the microwave. The children then strained the mixture by using kitchen
towels. What remained was a white, rubbery substance - the curds. They were
excited. They saw first-hand what Miss Muffet ate. Then they discovered
through experimentation that curds can be separated from Miss Muffet’s curds
and whey.
The children dyed the curds different colors using
food coloring and made their own rubbery type of play dough. They loved
touching the curds and feeling its texture. Some children even shaped the
curds into cool looking dinosaurs and flowers with our help. At the end of
the day the children were enlightened and had a great appreciation for
science. They were all proud to show their parents what they had done. They
were truly young scientists!
If you would like to try this with children at your
childcare business we recommend the experiment for children ages 3 and up.
The following materials are needed:
3 cups of Skim Milk
2 tablespoons of white vinegar
Microwave-safe bowl for mixing and heating
Kitchen towels for straining
About the Author: Nicole Brekelbaum is the director
at Young Achievers Inc. - A home-based learning center for aspiring youth
located in Pflugerville, Texas. She has been providing childcare in her home
since her career switch from working engineer to childcare director and mom.
Visit her company’s website at
