Launchpad - Introducing the topic (10–20 mins)
Step 1Begin by discussing with the child where water can be found on Earth and why it is important for all living things. Explain that water exists in various forms such as oceans, lakes, rivers, and even in the air as clouds. Water is continually moving through a process called the water cycle.
Step 2Explain to the child that they will be creating water vapour and condensation within a jar. These two forms of water are important parts of the water cycle.
Discover - Exploring the topic (20–30 mins)
Step 1Fill a clear glass jar with warm water about halfway. Add a few ice cubes to the water, then quickly seal the jar with the lid.
Step 2Observe the jar closely and discuss with the child what they see happening inside. Encourage the child to touch the outside of the jar to feel the condensation. Ask the child if they have ever noticed condensation in everyday life, such as dew forming on grass in the morning.
Step 3After observing the formation of clouds, discuss with the child what they observed. Ask questions like, ‘What did you see happening inside the jar when we added ice?’. Explain that the warm water evaporates, creating vapour (a gas). As the vapour cools, it turns back into liquid water droplets on the inside of the jar, forming clouds.
Explain that condensation happens when water vapour changes into liquid water as the air cools down. This process creates the clouds we saw. Help the child understand that both the warm water evaporating inside the jar and the condensation forming on the outside are important parts of the water cycle.
Showcase
Make
Record a video documenting the activity, including interviews with those involved 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
Encourage the child to recreate the experiment as a show-and-tell to present to the rest of the family. Support the child to explain the experiment’s significance and how it relates to the water cycle. You might like to remind the child to point out the condensation or ask them questions to prompt their thinking.
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.
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.