Launchpad - Introducing the topic (10–20 mins)
Step 1Take a small bucket, spade and spray/drink bottle to a playground with a sandpit. Explain to the child that they’ll be using them to build a tall sandcastle.
Step 2Ask the child to pick up a handful of sand and describe what it feels like. Ask, is the sand dry, wet or soaked? Explain that sand feels different depending on how much water or moisture it has in it. Dry sand has very little or no water and ‘falls freely’ through our fingers. Wet sand has much more water so it ‘sticks together,’ when we squeeze it tight (but can crumble a part). Soaked sand sticks together and can be ‘wet and sloppy’.
Discover - Exploring the topic (20–30 mins)
Step 1Demonstrate how a sandcastle is made; using the sand spade, fill the container to the top with sand, press (compact) the sand with a hand, quickly turn it over, then tap the top and lift off the container. Prompt the child to make observations on how it turned out. E.g. Did it hold its shape or fall apart?
Step 2Introduce the concept of ‘water glue’; when the grains of sand are wet, they stick together as if they are held together by glue. Unlike dry sand, which falls apart because it has no water moisture to hold it together.
Step 3Invite the child to make numerous sandcastles using different amounts of water. Investigate what happens when the sand is wet compared to when it’s soaked. Discuss which castle was able to stand the tallest and why.
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.
Create a game related to the activity, such as a trivia game or charades, to reinforce learning in a fun way.
Play
Build sandcastles at the beach or use dirt from the backyard. Observe how the different texture/consistency can change the result. For example, soaked dirt will turn into mud.
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.