Popcorn dancing experiment - 12th April 2023
Planned Activity: This morning Sandra (educator) planned to do a 'popcorn dancing' science experiment. Sandra collected the resources for the experiment. She collected two glass bottles, popcorn kernels, baking soda and vinegar. The children saw Sandra and sat around the table. Elya, Hunter, Nathan, Elliot, Estelle, Autumn and Tilly were eager to watch. I helped Shalini and Elisha to watch too. Sandra placed the glass bottles on the table. She poured some water to the bottles. She also placed some baking soda into the bottle. Hunter, Nathan, Elya and Tilly helped to stir inside bottle with the wooden spoon. They stirred till the baking soda dissolves in water. Then Sandra added some popcorn kernels and vinegar to the bottle. The corn kernels moved a bit, but not much. The children and educators said "oh, no". I told Sandra that I wanted to try again. This time I placed a little bit water into the bottle and followed the same procedure again. This time the experiment worked. The 'popcorn kernels moved up and down. It looked like the popcorn kernels were having a party and dancing inside the bottle. the children clapped hands and enjoyed the 'popcorn dancing'.
Link to Pedagogical Documentation
EYLF Outcomes
Outcomes: 4: Children are confident and involved learners Elements: 4.1 Children develop a growth mindset and learning dispositions such as curiosity, cooperation, confidence, creativity, commitment, enthusiasm, persistence, imagination and reflexivity. The children watched the popcorn dance with curiosity, interest and enthusiasm.
Theorists
This learning experience can be linked to Piaget's theories. He believes that children need to be able to see, touch, taste,smell,move and hear the things they are learning about. This is called 'concrete learning'.
Interpretation
Critical Reflection: Educators are trying different science experiemnets based on children's interest. When the educators tried first time it didn't work well. But when they tried second time it worked well. The children sat there for a while watching the pop corn go up and down. They were very excited. Follow Up: More science experiments based on children's interest.
