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

    Step 1

    Once you arrive at the playground, encourage the child to observe how a seesaw works. Prompt them to pay attention to:

    • Seats for two riders at opposite ends
    • How the riders can make the seesaw go up and down
    • How the seesaw is attached at the centre
    • The role of springs (if any) – to create bounce.
    Step 2

    Sit on the seesaw and invite the child to sit at the other end. Observe what happens when you both get on. Ask, ‘What makes my side go down?’ Explain how the seesaw is affected by the weight of the riders and how this is due to gravity.

    Next, use your legs to make the seesaw go up and down. Explain how pushing against the ground helps the seesaw move against gravity. This is because the support at the centre of the seesaw enables the transfer of force from one side to the other, creating the up-and-down motion. Additionally, if the seesaw has springs, they help the seesaw bounce back by using the rider’s weight.

    Step 3

    As you dismount the seesaw, ask the child the following questions:

    • Who is heavier? How do you know?
    • How could a seesaw be used to find out the weight of things other than people?
    • How could we make our own seesaw to test small objects?

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

    Step 1

    Gather natural objects from around the playground to create a seesaw. Ensure one piece is long and sturdy enough to be the plank and that there is a heavy rock (approx. 8 cm tall) for the centre. Collect small items that could be weighed e.g. gumnuts and small rocks.

    Step 2

    Bring the collected items to a table or flat surface. Invite the child to build a seesaw from the items, verbalising the process as they go. If they are finding it difficult, suggest they start with the central point (the rock). Help to check that there is a space between the balance and the ground so the seesaw has enough space to move up and down.

    Step 3

    Conduct a series of tests by adding different items to the nature balance. For example:

    • Start by adding one item and balancing it with a second item.
    • Try different combinations of natural objects.
    • Place the items in different locations along the balance.
    Step 4

    Ask the child to talk about what they are seeing as they use the seesaw to balance the loose parts. Introduce them to the concepts of an object’s weight and balance. Explain that all objects have a weight and the seesaw acts as a balance. Things of equal weight will balance on the seesaw.

Showcase

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

  • 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.

    Draw a picture of the natural balance and identify the items used (bark, leaves, stones, twigs, sticks). Add labels to explain how the seesaw works and use arrows to show how the balance moves and how gravity affects the items.

    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.

    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 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.

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