Discovery Play Activities with Your Young Child: Walking Rainbow

Discovery Play Activities with Your Young Child: Walking Rainbow

STEM

Science

Levels of Thinking

Resources are categorized by whether they target foundational levels of thinking or levels of thinking that extend past foundational levels (expanding).

Suggested AdaptationS

Check out our guide to adaptations. Adapt for environment, materials, instruction.

General Guide to Adaptations

Description

Help your child recognize that things move at the nano level. Begin with your child picking out 2 or 3 cups, then pouring water into the cups, folding paper towels, and picking 2 or 3 food colors to drip into the cups. Wait and watch as the water ‘walks’ across the paper towel from one cup to the other.

Environment

  • Put materials within reach
  • Ensure the room is well-let so the child can see the color change

Materials

  • Use an anti-slip mat under the cups
  • Use cups with handles for easier gripping
  • Use less water in a measuring cup so that the child can pour it easily

Instruction

  • Model folding one paper towel, pouring water, and/or dripping food coloring into cups
  • Use visual cues to signal next steps

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STEM Ideas/Words

STEMIE Learning Trajectories