I hear my daughter’s feet shuffling around the kitchen as smells of cocoa and cinnamon waft through the air. Glass clinks, cabinet doors gently bang, silverware reflects light.
Is a rich and decadent dessert being created? A gourmet meal? Nope, a science experiment is in action.
In fact, she tells me in no uncertain words, “I’m doing an experiment”.
This means that I am not allowed to freak out when I see a lump of cocoa being mixed in water with cinnamon. This means that I smile while dish soap is added to the mixture. This means that I don’t cringe while cookie sprinkles are stirred into the chaos.
Her eyes implore me as if to say “I have to see if everything will dissolve, right?” I reply by stirring the concoction a little harder.
We have mixed things up lately in our homeschool day by allowing science experiments to start our academic routine. It doesn’t always revolve around mixing random substances in a glass, we are a little more focused-at times.
Currently we are investigating the states of matter. Ok, I’ll be honest-I get up in the morning, look around the kitchen and ponder what I can explode, melt or fizzle. It’s the simplest things that are the most fun.
We have melted ice cubes, played with a non-Newtonian fluid, expanded marshmallows and Ivory soap in the microwave (even vacuum-sealed it), dissolved gummy bears in water, popped popcorn and watched the bubbling in a baking soda/vinegar mixture.
No fancy worksheets or directions, we are simply doing science. And talking. Ok, I confess, I love hearing her say “non-Newtonian fluid”, it’s just so cute!! She also has a amazing states of matter dance.
Science doesn’t have to be overly expensive for a second grader, nor should it be reduced to a cookbook approach. I know there are some awesome science curricula available, but for now we are taking it day by day knowing the best experiments start with a sweet voice saying, “I wonder what would happen if…”
Do you have a favorite science experiment? Favorite science topic? If so, please share. I’d love to hear from you!