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

    Step 1

    Start by discussing the importance of clean air. Explain that air is all around us and essential for living things. Introduce the concept of pollution briefly, mentioning that just as water can become dirty, air can too.

    Step 2

    Ask the child whether they can think of a time they have seen black or grey smoke in the air. If they can’t identify an example, explain how smoke in the air can be caused by fires in nature (e.g. bushfires) or can come out of a car’s exhaust (emissions) or a factory’s chimney (burning fossil fuels).

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

    Step 1

    Explain to the child that they will be conducting an experiment with your help to see how smoke affects the air inside a glass jar. Invite the child to fill the jar with water until it’s about a third full.

    Step 2

    Light a match and hold it inside the jar for a few seconds, then quickly cover the opening of the jar with the aluminium foil.

    Step 3

    Wait for a moment, then place a few ice cubes on top of the foil on the jar. Encourage the child to observe what happens inside the jar. As condensation forms inside, explain to the child that this simulates air pollution caused by fires, cars and factories.

    Step 4

    Discuss with your child what they see – the formation of ‘smog’ or condensation. Explain that this represents how pollutants in the air can collect and affect our environment. Discuss why clean air is important for plants, animals and people.

    Step 5

    After completing the experiment, engage in a discussion with the child. Ask questions like:

    • What did you observe inside the jar? What does this teach you about air pollution?
    • Why is it important to have clean air?
    • How does air pollution impact the environment?
    • How can we help reduce air pollution in our environment?

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.

    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.

    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

    Extend the learning by going on a walk to observe sources of pollution in your community. Discuss ways to reduce pollution such as walking or biking instead of driving.

    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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