Volcano Science for Kids - Teaching 2 and 3 Year Olds

Volcano Science for Kids
Volcano science for kids is a simple but always fun
experiment. You only need two ingredients, and it’s super easy
to set up. I couldn’t wait to observe the pre-kindergarten
class try this, and I just happened to have my camera around
to record their observations.
Disclosure: I was given a copy of The Curious Kid’s Science
Book to review. My review is honest and my own. This post also
contains affiliate links for your convenience.
I love to pass on a wonderful resource when I find it! When
Asia Citro asked if I’d review her latest book The Curious
Kid’s Science Book: 100+ Creative Hands-On Activities for Ages
4-8, I jumped at the chance. You might recall when we made
gingerbread ornaments using a simple recipe from Asia’s
earlier book, 150+ Screen Free Activities for Kids. When I got
my hands on her new science book, I showed it to the prekindergarten teachers in my preschool and they asked if they
could try some with their science curriculum.
The Curious Kid’s Science Book:
100+ Creative Hands-on Activities
for Ages 4-8
Asia Citro has an M. Ed in Science Education and was a
classroom science teacher. She currently shares amazing ideas
at her Fun at Home with Kids blog. In fact, that is where I
first met Asia, as I was searching for creative activities to
share on my Facebook page.
The first thing I noticed when I received The Curious Kid’s
Science Book was how nicely organized it is, complete with
colorful photos. While the book is geared for children older
than the ages I teach, many of them can be easily adapted for
younger children. However, I’ve barely seen the book since I
shared it with the pre-kindergarten teachers in my preschool.
When I finally asked if I could have the book back, they asked
me to please not remove all the torn pieces of paper that were
serving as bookmarks, as they intend to use Asia’s book often
for their class science activities. Now that is pure love for
a book!
The very first activity of Asia’s that they chose was the
baking soda to vinegar experiment on page 170.
Do you think adding baking soda to vinegar or adding vinegar
to baking soda will make a bigger reaction?
Only two ingredients are needed for this activity! The
teachers set them up on the table. (Note all the torn paper
bookmarks. These teachers might not ever give The Curious
Kid’s Science Book back to me!)
Before starting the experiment, the teachers asked the
children what they predicted would explode more. They wrote
each child’s name under their prediction.
Because their theme that week was apples, they chose to hollow
out a red and a yellow apple to use as containers for the
volcanoes. After making their predictions and writing them on
the white board, the children gathered around the science
table.
In one apple, the baking soda was placed first, then the
vinegar was poured on top. In another apple, the vinegar was
poured inside, and then the baking soda was added.
Eyes grew wide as the volcanoes erupted.
We won’t spoil the fun and give you the answer, but most of
the children’s predictions were correct!
Fun, right? You can see how simple yet educational these types
of science activities are. Our pre-kindergarten teachers do,
too, and that is why they have bookmarked many more ideas,
such as:
How deep should you plant a seed to get the best growth?
How can you make ice melt faster?
How many drops of water can fit on a penny?
How can you design an egg drop container?
Where you can buy The Curious Kid’s
Science Book
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Book Depository (free shipping worldwide)
Who would enjoy this book
Teachers, parents, caregivers, grandparents … anyone with
young children in their lives!
More fun ideas for young children:
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