{Source of Image: Wiki Commons}
This past week we did a few very simple “experiments” and “observations” to introduce and demonstrate the concept of air. My son is 3.5 years old and teaching him that the earth is made of land, water and air as a starting point is key. Explaining that air exists is almost an abstract idea since we can’t actually see air. We know that it exists and takes up space. So how do we show that to preschoolers.
First I did this Introduction to the Earth Lesson (again) using our Cross-Section Earth Model
Here are simple ways to show that air exists and needs space even though we can’t see it:
- Blow Bubbles with a Straw or your Mouth
- Watch the Clouds Move through the Sky
- Blow Up a Balloon
- Wave your Arm to Feel the Air
- Leave a Glass of Water Out and See What Happens Over Time as the Air Escapes (bubbles in the water and on the glass)
- Stuff a Paper Towel in a Glass so that it won’t fall out when you turn it upside down. Your child will have fun scrunching and stuffing the paper towel. Fill a bowl with water using a small pitcher to get your child more involved (plus pouring is a great fine motor activity). We dropped some liquid water color into the water to make it clear to the eye when the air escape and the water entered the cup. Turn the glass upside down, put it in the water. Air takes up space so the water does not come into the glass. Tip the glass a bit and water enters the glass and absorbs into the paper towel.
Here are other Preschool Geography related posts in which you might be interested in reading. Enjoy! Please leave a comment! I love hearing from you.
Thank you for visiting today!
Marnie
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Marnie Craycroft
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I love how you introduce principles of physics to preschoolers! Perfect introduction and sets them up for success when they do Science of Weather in 5th grade which is a very challenging and complicated unit!
http://www.pragmaticmom.com/2011/11/weather-atmospheric-pressure-complicated-relationship/
Thanks so much!
As you know developing brains are capable of taking in complex ideas…preparing them for later concepts!
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I think I belong back in the classroom because I can’t figure out whether or not you put cling-film over the glass before placing it upside down in the water with the paper in it. Am I losing my mind? I’m sure I should know the answer to this!!!
Haha! You and me both!
No, there is not cling wrap over the glass. That is the really cool part…It’ll get your kids every time! ~ Marnie
Marnie recently posted…Preschool Geography {Clouds}
I love all your great activities to introduce air, Marnie! Thanks for linking up with Montessori Monday. I featured your post at the Living Montessori Now Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/LivingMontessoriNow
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Thanks, Deb. As you can tell I am a bit obsessed with Geography!
~ Marnie
Marnie recently posted…Preschool Geography {Clouds}
What a great way to present an abstract concept!
I will have to give this one a try.
I just adore the way how those little ones learn about these abstract things in this age. I love it. Thank you for this post. I am looking forward to do this with my son.
Thanks so much for this, air is not an easy thing to introduce but I will give it a go now, it looks great and I’m sure my son will be fascinated!!
Natali, how old is your son?
My awesome kiddo is 3 years old
Perfect! So glad to connect with you.
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Great ideas for introducing air! I can’t wait to start on this.
Some more great ideas!
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