Launchpad - Introducing the topic (10–20 mins)
Step 1Pose the following problem to the child: Imagine you are an engineer and you need to build a road from one town to another, but there is a mountain in the way. What could you do to make sure the road can be built?
Step 2Show pictures or books featuring different types of mountains and tunnels. Ask questions like, ‘Why do you think tunnels are important in mountains?’ and ‘What are the benefits of a tunnel rather than a road over the mountain?’
Parent prompt – Tunnels are a reliable and safe way to get from one side of a mountain to another. Tunnels can also save money by preventing the need for the building of multiple bridges.
Discover - Exploring the topic (20–30 mins)
Step 1Provide the child with building blocks or LEGO bricks and encourage them to construct a mountain shape on a flat surface. Guide them to think about balance as they build the mountain. Balance will ensure the mountain is stable and will not tip over.
Step 2Once the mountain is built, allow the child to remove blocks/bricks from the mountain to create a tunnel.
Step 3Encourage them to experiment with different heights, angles and support structures. A support structure could include things like a piece of cardboard curved to create an arch or a LEGO frame to hold the blocks in place.
Step 4Assist the child to adjust the design and size as needed to make the tunnel functional for various toy vehicles or figurines.
Step 5After completing the tunnel, invite the child to test it by running toy vehicles or figurines through the tunnel.
Step 6Observe how well the tunnel holds up and discuss any modifications that could make it better. Ask questions like, ‘What did you learn about building tunnels through mountains?’ and ‘Why did you choose that design for your tunnel?’
Showcase
Make
Create a game related to the activity, such as a trivia game or charades, to reinforce learning in a fun way.
Record a video documenting the activity, including interviews with those involved sharing their insights and reflections. This may include filming each step of the flower-pressing process or the child explaining the parts of the flower that they have labelled on their flower-press diagram.
Compile photos, drawings and notes from the activity into a scrapbook, highlighting what has been 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.
Discuss
Choose an object or aspect of the activity to present to the rest of the family, explaining its significance and what the child has 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.
Have each family member prepare a short presentation about what they have learned, using visuals like drawings or props to illustrate key points.
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.
Encourage the child to write a short story about the tunnel they made and the people who use it. Alternatively, they could create a diagram of the mountain and tunnel they built, using simple labels to highlight key features. This will allow the child to explain their design choices and what they have learned about the importance of tunnels in
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 ideas for a follow-up activity or experiment inspired by what has been learned during the initial activity.
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.