Infant and Toddler

SCIENCE with Cloud Dough and Vinegar

 

"Science is a way of thinking much more than it is a body of knowledge."

-Carl Sagan
 

Introducing science to children does not have to be complicated. It can be easy, fun, enjoying, and meaningful all at once. Some children will love science related play experiences while others will not be so interested. Some materials you choose may work, some may not. All that we have to keep in mind is that it has to be age appropriate, safe, fun, and that you have an alternate idea so the children would enjoy the play experience you have prepared using their imagination even if it is not the outcome that you are expecting.

On February 22, 2016, I prepared a "Fizzy Cloud Dough Experiment" with the children in the Infant/Toddler Room, to give them a different kind of sensory exploration through science experimentation.

The materials used were: Home-made cloud dough (cornstarch, baking soda, oil, food color & water) and vinegar

Each child was given a bowl with red and blue cloud dough and half a cup of vinegar.

They poured the vinegar into the bowl.

 

  

They watched closely as the cloud dough fizzes and foams up.

 

After the vinegar settled down and the fizzing stopped, the children started touching and feeling the texture of the cloud dough-vinegar mixture. Some of them even tried smelling and tasting it.

 

 

Through this play experience:

• The children were introduced to a simple science experiment.
• They were able to have a different outlook of what sensory activity is.
• They practiced self control and fine motor skills while pouring the cup of vinegar into the bowl.
• They used the five senses of their bodies:
• Hands to feel the texture
• Eyes to see how the mixture fizzes and foams up.
• Ears to hear the fizzing of the mixture.
• Nose to smell the vinegar.
• Tongue to taste the mixture.

-Mrs. Javier