Over the past few weeks, the School Age 2 children have been engaging in a variety of sensory experiences that encouraged curiosity, experimentation, and scientific thinking. Through hands-on exploration with Oobleck and fluffy sensory sand, the children demonstrated their ability to observe, predict, question, and problem-solve while learning through play.
During our Oobleck investigation, the children were fascinated by the unique properties of the mixture. As they squeezed and released the Oobleck in their hands, they noticed that it behaved differently depending on how it was touched. One child excitedly exclaimed, “Wow, it goes from a hard mixture to a slimy liquid! Watch!” Their observation sparked further discussion among peers as they tested the material in different ways and shared their discoveries.
While exploring the fluffy sensory sand, the children focused on texture, consistency, and cause-and-effect relationships. They described their experiences using rich vocabulary and thoughtful observations. One child commented, “It feels so fluffy!” while another wondered, “I wonder what could happen if we add more shaving foam?” This question led the group to experiment with different amounts of materials, encouraging prediction-making and collaborative problem-solving.
Through these sensory experiences, the children developed skills in:
- Scientific inquiry and experimentation
- Observation and critical thinking
- Communication and sharing ideas with peers
- Sensory awareness and descriptive language
- Problem-solving and hypothesis testing
The children’s curiosity demonstrated their growing understanding that materials can change and react in different ways. They learned that asking questions is an important part of discovering how the world works.
