Launchpad - Introducing the topic (10–20 mins)
Step 1Regardless of your child’s age and level of comprehension, it is important to verbalise questions and technical terms so they can hear the language and begin to make connections with STEM concepts over time.
As you approach the swing set at a park, pose the question ‘How does the swing move?’. Whilst it’s empty, give the seat a gentle push and watch it swing back and forth. Demonstrate how you can push the swing forward or pull the seat back to create movement. Introduce the terms ‘push’ and ‘pull’ as you do this.
If the child is a toddler, encourage them to have a go at gently pushing and pulling the seat of the swing. As they push or release the swing, ask them to step away and watch the swing slowly lose momentum. As it slows down, explain how their ‘big’ or ‘little’ push helped to make the swing move.
If the child is a baby, rock them in your arms to create the movements of a swing. As you rock them back and forth, use sounds that a swing or rider might make when experiencing the movement of a swing. E.g. ‘Whoosh!’.
Discover - Exploring the topic (20–30 mins)
Step 1Select an age-appropriate swing for the child to ride and help them get in/on. As you clip them in, describe how the clip works to keep them safe and secure. E.g. Did you need to push or pull the clip to secure it?
If the child is a baby, you will need to adapt and simplify each step. Instead of using a swing, you could use a pram or rocker to explore gentle motions like ‘push’ and ‘pull’.
Step 2In preparation for riding the swing, explain to the child they are going to feel the gentle force of a push forward, followed by a gentle pull back to you.
As they swing, verbalise the forces of movement – going up, up, up, coming down, down, down. Using this language will help the child make connections with the different forces and how it makes their body feel.
If the child is riding a swing for the first time, it’s important to reassure them and explain that you will be there to support them the entire time.
Step 3Once you and the child have spent some time exploring the push and pull motion, introduce the concept of gravity (if 2-3 yrs). Explain how gravity ensures the swing always returns back to the ground rather than up in the sky. To assist with this basic explanation, you could use a rocket as another example; when it gets launched into space it goes up, up, up, but eventually, due to gravity it comes back down.
If the child is showing an interest in the concept of gravity, you may like to add how a feeling of weightlessness can be achieved on a swing. This usually occurs momentarily as the rider reaches the highest point, just before gravity pulls them back down to Earth again.
Step 4After practising the language of push and pull and exploring the force of gravity, explain that the swing will begin to slow as you stop adding force. Once the swing comes to a dead stop, ask the child the following questions:
- How did your body feel when you were being pushed on the swing?
- Did it feel any different when you were coming back down?
- How did the swing stop on its own?
- Can you explain how a swing works?
Showcase
Make
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.
To practise using the terms ‘push’ and ‘pull’, invent a game that involves identifying different objects around the house or community that could be pushed and pulled like a toy that has wheels. If the child is a baby, you and/or older members of the family could identify objects to show them. For older children, these objects could also be categories based on whether gravity plays a role in their movement. E.g. Gravity helps a car boot close.
Play
Set up simple hands-on experiments or demonstrations that promote repeated practice, discussion and ongoing investigation.
Encourage imaginative play using clothes, toys or props related to the concept and let them role-play scenarios that reinforce their understanding.
Create a sensory box filled with materials related to the topic and let them explore, touch, feel and manipulate the items freely.
Sing songs (known or made up) and encourage dancing or movement in ways that explore or mimic the concepts being explored.
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.