On Friday August 15, the children once again predicted what would happen with the cup and water activity provided.
The activity was based on one’s predictions. Over this past month, Mary has offered many activities based on cause and effect. This particular activity was focused more on movement and fine motor skills. Before the activity started, Mary asked each of the children, “what will happen when you spray water in the cup?”
Rose said it will fall out, Sadie said it will get wet, Colin F said it will be cool, and Colin B said I’m not sure maybe it will spill out.”
The object of the game was to use the water provided in a spray bottle, pulling the trigger to force the water into the cup. In return, the force of this water will demonstrate to the children that the cup will move along the gimp line.
Rose and Sadie were the first two up to try, both trying first to get the water out of the bottle.
Rose discovered that it was hard to pull the trigger and said “this is hard.” Sadie said “it is hurting my arm,” and she shook her arm out before going back to squirt.
Antonio too tried after the girls and at first struggled to make the cup move saying “it is not moving.” I explained “it will work just to keep trying.” Eventually, António figured out the trigger on the bottle and started to pull. In doing this, he noticed the cup moving slightly, and here is where he understood the concept of force. Antonio was so excited he yelled out “I’m doing it, I’m doing it!”
Nina and Theo came next for a turn and Nina said “your game does not work,” after a bit as her cup was not moving, and left shortly after trying. Theo also felt the game did not work, but I reminded him it will and to recall what my instructions were. Theo responded with “pull the button fast and keep the water in the cup” Theo did not give up, he was patient and willing to keep trying. Theo eventually got the hang of the trigger and pulled the trigger faster and faster using his two hands and here is when he discovered the cup does move. Theo yelled out “Mary it moves, you are right the water has to be fast and inside the cup.”
Children gathered around and observed Theo as he was very vocal and loud with excitement. The group noticed that the cup was moving on the string quickly. Rose, Fox, Nina, Rowan and Colin F all wanted another turn. Theo passed the bottle off to Rose and shared with her these words, “Rose don’t touch the cup, pull the button so fast and make sure it goes inside the cup.” Rose’s second attempt was more successful and once she discovered that the cup moved slightly, she locked in hard to make that cup reach the other end. The other children cheered each other on waiting for their turns to come.
During this activity the children made predictions before they even started. When they completed this activity, we went through what took place. This is when the children gained the knowledge and understood the concept of force and movement. The harder the children pulled the trigger, the faster and stronger the water came out. The faster and stronger the water hit the back of the cup the more the cup moved down the line.
What would happen if the children blow threw straws? Will they find this to be easier or harder to move the cup down the gimp liStay tuned for the next challenge…..
