The primary reason for a science-based early childhood curriculum is that children love it. Disruptive behavior diminishes as children become engaged in explorations. Conversation and cooperation increase as children talk with one another about their predictions, observations, and questions.

Open-ended science activities involve children at a wide range of developmental levels. For example, when using water-droppers to mix colored water, one child may spend 20 minutes practicing the small-motor skills for operating a water-dropper while another child spends an equal amount of time exploring how to use proportions to create different shades of orange. Because children can find their own level within an activity, they are challenged without becoming frustrated or bored.

Hands-on science activities will allow you to observe and respond to your child's individual strengths and needs. You can become more aware of what the child knows and what she may need some assistance with. For example, the child who practiced small motor skills with a water dropper may enjoy more tasks to strengthen that skill or may be ready to repeat the activity at a higher conceptual level (that is, focusing on creating colors).

The scientific approach of “trial and error” welcomes error—interprets it as valuable information, not as failure. Achievement increases when children are free to focus on learning rather than on avoiding mistakes.

This simple, easy and fun activity will encourage your child to experiment and explore and pique his interest in STEM!

Steps:

1. Set up a glass. Have your child add a spoonful of baking soda

2. Assist him or her with pouring vinegar into the glass. What happens?

3. Talk about volcanos & what causes them to erupt