Menu
Contact
Join STEMeez
login
Main Menu

  • Launchpad - Introducing the topic (10–20 mins)

    Step 1

    Bring a collection of balls with different surfaces (smooth, furry, and hard) to the playground. Invite the child to feel and describe each ball’s surface. Ask questions like, ‘Is it furry, smooth, or hard?’

    Step 2

    Briefly explain that they will explore how these balls roll and bounce. You can say, ‘We’re going to see how these different balls move. Some might roll fast, and some might bounce high. Let’s find out why!’

  • Discover - Exploring the topic (20–30 mins)

    Step 1

    Find a flat surface like a wooden bench. Roll one ball and observe how it moves. Discuss whether the ball moves quickly or slowly.

    Step 2

    Select another ball and ask the child to predict if it will roll faster or slower than the first. Roll the ball and discuss the outcome. Use a simple example to explain the role of friction, such as: ‘This furry ball rolls slower because it has more friction, like how our feet slow down when we walk on carpet instead of a smooth floor.’

    Step 3

    Compare the rolling speeds of the balls and the reasons they may differ.  Explain how engineers design balls based on the materials suitable for specific games and surfaces. For example, they choose smooth surfaces for bowling balls so they roll quickly along polished wooden lanes.

    Step 4

    Bounce Investigation

    Explain that now it’s time to test how well the balls bounce. Find a clear space with a suitable surface for bouncing, then ask the child which ball they think will bounce best and why.

    Step 5

    One at a time, bounce the balls on the surface and observe. Ensure the child bounces the ball the same way each time for consistency. Estimate the height and use terms like high, medium, or low. You can say, ‘Let’s see how high this ball bounces. Wow, that was high!’

    Step 6

    Explain the science involved in how a ball bounces: ‘When we hold the ball up high, it has stored energy. When we drop it, that energy makes the ball bounce back up.’ Show this by holding and dropping the ball.

    Step 7

    Observe and compare the bounce heights of different balls. Discuss why certain balls bounce higher. For example, ‘This rubber ball bounces higher because it’s more flexible, like a trampoline that pushes us back up.’

Showcase

– Sharing the outcomes (15+ mins)
Select any option from the table or try our recommendation.

  • Make

    Record a video documenting the activity, including interviews with those involving sharing their insights and reflections.

    Compile photos, drawings, and notes from the activity into a scrapbook, highlighting what was learned and enjoyed.

    Use materials from the activity to build a model or prototype of something related to the topic, fostering hands-on learning and creativity.

    Create a game related to the activity, such as a trivia game or charades, to reinforce learning in a fun way.

  • Discuss

    Choose an object or aspect of the activity to present to the rest of the family, explaining its significance and what they learned.

    Choose a thought-provoking question or topic related to the activity and hold a family debate or discussion to explore different perspectives.

    Sit down together to discuss the activity, allowing each family member to share their thoughts, discoveries and questions.

    Help the child create a simple chart to record the rolling speed and bounce height of each ball. They can use stickers or drawings to represent high, medium and low bounces.

  • Write

    If the activity involved a visit to a museum or community centre, write thank-you notes to any instructors or organisers, reflecting on what has been learned.

    Collaborate on writing a fictional story or play inspired by the themes or concepts explored during the activity.

    Reflect on what has been learned during the activity and write letters to be opened at a later date, sharing thoughts, goals and aspirations.

    If the activity involved outdoor exploration, begin a nature journal to document future outdoor adventures and observations.

  • Plan

    Brainstorm some basic recipes that involve the use of cutting tools e.g. cookies, pastries or pizza. Decide on a suitable recipe you can make with the help of the child and discuss which cutting tools you will need to help you make it.

    Take time to reflect on how the activity could inspire new goals, discussing ways to incorporate similar experiences into your routine in the future.

    If the activity involved a specific topic or field of study, reach out to experts or professionals for interviews or Q&A sessions to deepen understanding.

    If you enjoyed the activity, why not share it with other families within your community? Plan a workshop or invite a friend over to re-create the experience and share your new knowledge.

Scroll to Top