Menu
Contact
Join STEMeez
login
Main Menu

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

    Step 1

    Select some small toys to take to the playground.

    Step 2

    Once you arrive at the playground, ask the child to identify smooth and bumpy surfaces on the play equipment. Explain that these surfaces will impact how fast or slow objects move down or along them.

    Step 3

    Ask the child to make predictions about which surface will make the toys go faster and slower. Encourage them to explain their thinking.

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

    Step 1

    Conduct tests using different pieces of play equipment not being used by other children. For example, encourage your child to try pushing toys:

    • Down a plastic or metal slide
    • Down a wooden ramp
    • Along a bumpy metal surface
    • Along a smooth metal surface
    Step 2

    Ask the child to verbalise their observations of how toys move on different surfaces. Introduce them to the concept of friction by explaining that friction is created when two objects rub together, and that friction determines how much an object will slow down. For example, rough surfaces create more friction than smooth ones, so toys will move slower or even become stuck.

    Step 3

    Explain how force can be applied to speed up the movement of an object. Encourage the child to see what happens when they simply let go of a toy compared to drawing their arm right back and giving it a forceful push.

    Step 4 (optional)

    If you have a digital device handy, you might like to try timing how long it takes for each toy to go down or along a surface. Or you could take a video of the child conducting the experiments so they can watch it back and comment on the amount of effort they needed to put in to get the toys to move.

Showcase

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

  • Make

    Encourage the child to share their investigations and findings with others. Take photos or videos of the activity to show family or friends. Whilst showing the videos/photos, prompt them to explain the results of the experiment using the language they have learned (friction, force, fast, slow, smooth, bumpy).

    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

    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 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.

Scroll to Top