In this BLOG post I will teach you how to set up this simple and fun STEM activity and the benefits of this kind of play.
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XO Gina
This activity is so simple, but SO impactful!
All you need are two materials: baking soda + white vinegar. If you want to make it even more festive, sprinkle in food coloring + glitter!!! If you have a Dollar Store near you, grab the materials there to keep this cost effective!
STEM or STEAM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math. STEAM activities are fun, engaging, hands-on and allow children (and adults!) an opportunity to think differently. Activities like this allow a child to explore and problem solve and collaborate. It connects them to the world around them, providing unique opportunities for your little innovate Scientists to learn and grow.
This type of exploratory learning goes hand-in-hand with PLAY. Kids can navigate their choices, their materials and lean into their interests.
STEAM activities are also inclusive: there is no WRONG way to PLAY! You are free to interact with and create, freely.
It is active learning. It is open-ended. It is movement and questioning and authentic, meaningful play. I LOVED STEAM days in the classroom. The happy chatter, the excitement and the pride in their work was unmatched!
Activities like this can also be very calming. The sensory benefits of squishing and smooshing the pipette and listening and watching the bubbles can help to regulate big emotions. It also provides a task for them to focus on, which can increase attention and time on task.
STEM activities...
Encourage learning through curiosity and play.
Teach children how to develop critical thinking skills.
Support collaborative learning and teamwork.
Promote problem solving.
Allow children to engage with materials in a hands-on and play-based manner.
Introduce big concepts in a developmentally way.
Reinforce learning as a fun and engaging process.
Help to develop real-world skills and get children ready for future careers.
Are inclusive: there is no wrong way to play.
Try Frozen Fizzy Fun: Check it out HERE!
There are SO many Science concepts that can be taught while exploring this activity, but adding in tools to their play adds an extra layer of fine motor support. As kids squeeze and spray and squirt the vinegar into the baking soda, they are strengthening the tiny muscles in their fingers and hands. Those same muscles are responsible for important skills such as feeding yourself, zippering your coat and writing with a pencil!
The more we can work those muscles in the early years (LONG before they hold a pencil), the smoother the process will be when they are required to write.
Fine Motor Tools:
Tweezers
Tongs
Squirt bottle
Spray bottle
Pipette
Medicine dropper
Materials:
Baking soda
White Vinegar
Food coloring (optional)
Glitter (optional)
Sensory tray or baking dish
Pipette or medicine dropper
Step 1: If you are adding glitter, sprinkle it in the bottom of your sensory tray or bowl.
Step 2: Sprinkle a layer of baking soda on top of the glitter.
Step 3: In your small cups/bowls filled with half white vinegar and half water. This extends the life of your materials!
Step 4: Fill your pipette with the vinegar/water mix & squirt it into the baking soda tray. Watch as it bubbles & fizzes & sparkles!
Step 5: Keep the magic going by adding in more baking soda and/or vinegar!
Clean-Up:
Fizzy Fun is an easy one to clean up and a great way to get your kids involved in the process. Dump the leftover mixture down the sink and give it a quick wipe with soap and water!
If you are using glitter, do not dispose down the drain. Throw mixture away in the trash.
Check out these other FUN + FESTIVE Valentine's Day ideas!
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