Research shows that private kindergarten children who continue to be engaged in thought-provoking activities during the summer months have better retention of concepts they learned through the school year. To this end, these simple science experiments are carefully concealed in activities that will amaze and engage children over and over again during their summer break.
Simple Science Summer Activities
The activities presented here employ the laws of science in several ways, ranging from gravity and particle tension to wind direction and force. As each Montessori private kindergarten activity progresses, talk about the science that allows it to work, and then have the children explain it back to you after the activity is over.
- “Hourglass” Jars
This interesting Montessori-inspired activity is not a true hourglass but works in a similar fashion. Fill a plastic jar most of the way to the top with clean sand. Remove the top and fill with water again to remove the open space created by sand packing together. Replace the top and turn the jar upside down. The sand will “magically” trickle downward. For best results, tap the side of the jar several times before turning it upside down. To get a more colorful effect, add food coloring to the water.
- Rainy Day Basket Bounce
This exciting activity is almost as simple as it gets. You will need an inflated balloon (bring spares!), a smooth floor surface, and a basket or large pot or bowl. Children attempt to bounce the balloon off the floor and into the basket. This activity does not have to wait for a rainy day, but it will not work as well outdoors due to wind and the likelihood of popping the balloon. Each time a child successfully makes the basket, have them take one step away from the basket before trying again.
- Go Fly a Kite
Whether your children make the kite themselves or you choose to begin with a store-bought version, every kid loves to fly one. This activity works best with moderate wind and someone to “spot” the kite at takeoff, but just allowing your child to run willy-nilly through the area with the kite flying behind them involves important gross motor skills and entertains children as well or better than simply watching one in flight.
From physical development through activity to learning basic science concepts and developing more effective critical thinking skills, keeping your child active throughout the year is going to benefit them a great deal. These simple science activities can be created by the children themselves, adding practical experience to the list of beneficial qualities.