Ever since bringing home a sheet from school on the upcoming science fair, Jack has been anxious to do some experimenting of his own. He talks about "science fair projects" like they're akin to amusement parks. Jack was eager to find the "science experiment section" at the library this morning, where he scored quite the supply of books, from which I had to sort out and pick a select few. We also returned home with selections about the rainforest, the planets, math, the Chinese New Year (one of Abigail's choices), dinosaurs (a weekly requirement), and some board books, all chosen by the kids. I was happy to go over our usual limit of ten books a week because there were none of the usual Disney and cartoon characters that seem to inevitably end up in our bag.
Jack and I experimented with baking soda, red cabbage powder and some citric acid (from a basic science kit that came with some some instructions for simple project) this morning while Gail was in school and again during the girls' naps.
The first experiment was color-changing liquids, in which he enjoyed pouring the different liquid compositions back and forth to see the changes.
A good scientist always documents his findings.
The second experiment was this volcano, which erupted with color-changing lava.
The child could have sat and poured the citric acid solution (citric acid and water) on the miniature baking soda (+ flour, water and red cabbage powder) volcano ALL afternoon, I suppose. I had to make another, larger volcano once he'd decimated the first with citric acid.
Let me say, it is inspiring for me to see how thirsty for knowledge these kids are. I think it's inherent in most kids... I'm just glad to be witnessing it first hand... seeing their own interests emerging, and with such eagerness on their parts. They ask so many questions throughout their days, and we just need to be willing to look for the answer or provide a means for them to discover on their own. I'm thoroughly enjoying this being a mom and a teacher. What a blessing.
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