As a company that produces outdoor classroom and play equipment for early education, we understand the importance of hands-on learning experiences. In science, one essential concept is learning what dissolves in water. Let’s talk about how to explore this concept in the outdoor classroom.
What Dissolves in Water?
Dissolving is when a substance breaks down into tiny particles and disperses evenly in water. To determine what dissolves in water, we must first understand that all substances are either soluble or insoluble. A soluble substance is one that dissolves in water, while an insoluble substance does not.
Exploring Water in the Outdoor Classroom
The outdoor environment offers a wealth of resources to help young children explore what dissolves in water. Here are some activities you can do with early education students to teach them about dissolving:
- Collect natural materials: Encourage children to collect natural materials such as leaves, flowers, and rocks, and divide them into piles of soluble and insoluble materials. Then, have them place each pile in separate containers of water and observe what happens.
- Make a science experiment table: Set up a science experiment table in the outdoor classroom with different materials such as sugar, salt, and sand. Have children predict which materials will dissolve in water and which ones will not. Then, have them conduct experiments to test their predictions.
- Create a dissolving art project: Mix up some water-soluble paint or food coloring in cups of water. Then, have children create art by dipping paper or other materials into the cups of water. Observe which materials dissolve and which ones do not.
- Create a “sink or float” experiment: Give children a variety of objects such as plastic toys, pebbles, and leaves, and have them predict which objects will sink or float in water. Then, have them place each object in a container of water and observe what happens.
Incorporating Water into Playground Equipment
We recognize the importance of engaging students with hands-on learning experiences. That’s why we offer playground equipment with water features, such as water tables and fountains. These features provide an interactive way to explore the topic of what dissolves in water while also promoting gross motor skills and social interaction.
In conclusion, learning about water is an essential concept in science that can be explored through a variety of activities. By using hands-on experiences, children can gain a deeper understanding of the properties of different substances and how they interact with water. The Adventurous Child offers outdoor equipment that encourages interactive learning, making the outdoor classroom an ideal environment for exploring these concepts.
