Activity Introduction

bbrw-sunset-photoframe-newQuick summary: This activity is designed to encourage children to observe clouds – their shapes, colours and textures. Children will conduct experiments to create their own clouds on the back of a spoon and in a jar and will be encouraged to think about how this has occurred. Older children will also be introduced to a simple three-part structure for scientific inquiry: making predictions, observing results and thinking of possible explanations.

This activity is designed to help connect children to the wonders of the natural world through sensory and play-based learning.

EYLF Learning Outcome

Elaborations

Outcome 1: Children have a strong sense of identity

2. Children develop their emerging autonomy, interdependence, resilience and sense of agency

Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world

3. Children become socially responsible and show respect for the environment

Outcome 4: Children are involved and confident learners

1. Children develop dispositions for learning such as curiosity, cooperation, confidence, creativity, commitment, enthusiasm, persistence, imagination and reflexivity

2. Children develop a range of skills and processes such as problem solving, enquiry, experimentation, hypothesising, researching and investigating

3. Children resource their own learning through connecting with people, place, technologies, and natural and processed materials

Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators

1. Children interact verbally and non verbally with others for a range of purposes

3. Children express ideas and make meaning using a range of media

5. Children use information and communication technologies to access information, investigate ideas and represent their thinking

 

Resources required: 

  • Metal teaspoons or small mirrors (one for each child or pair of children)
  • Glass jars with lids
  • Boiled water
  • Aerosol can (e.g.hairspray)  
  • Ice

Supporting resources:

 

The team at Cool Australia continually reviews and refines our Early Learning resources in line with expert advice and current educational practices.

Worksheets

Teacher Worksheet

Background information:

Learning goals: Observing clouds and the shapes they make is a great way to foster the imagination of children - it is an incredible source of inspiration and story-telling.

Children will conduct experiments to create their own clouds on the back of spoons and in a jar.

Older children will learn about the basic structure of scientific inquiry: making predictions, observing results and thinking of possible explanations.

VIDEO: What are clouds made of? (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQ-5rNgaqYs)

Scientific Thinking:

This activity is designed to engage children in scientific thinking, wonder and exploration. Science is a way of thinking and understanding the world, interpreting experiences and collecting data. This will help children to form an appreciation and understanding of the world around them.

Children are naturally curious, and are intrinsically motivated to want to know and learn more. During the Early Years, it is critical that science is see

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