Foster your child’s curiosity with this simple at-home experiment
The world around us is surrounded by the thrilling wonders of science.
Growing up, be it we are swinging on a monkey bar, mixing colours for an art
project, or even talking to our best friends using paper cup phones attached to
a string, it is science that explains how these ‘magical’ moments are
possible.
Since children do not know what they don’t know, it is up to us parents,
guardians, and educators, to intentionally explain the science behind each of
these little joys and fill their minds with knowledge. This also helps to
preserve their sense of wonder as they pursue big questions about the world,
even if they are stuck at home due to the pandemic.
Today, we are seeing more young people value science and STEM subjects. Findings from this year’s 3M State of Science Index (SOSI), an annual, third-party
study commissioned by global science company 3M, echoed this sentiment. In the
Asia Pacific region, 73% agree that young people are more engaged in science
and science-related issues than ever before (vs. 69% globally). Amongst those who believe corporations should
be involved in supporting STEM education, the top action they wanted corporates
to prioritize include creating resources for kids to get involved in science at
an early age (46% vs. 44% globally).
To ensure that the appreciation of science remains high, we need to
continue fostering curiosity and encouraging our young ones to unleash their
inner scientists. Through this easy
and engaging at-home experiment, you can help contribute to the growth of STEM
by stimulating your child’s mind and having fun in the process.
Be
sure to test out the experiment yourselves before trying it with your little
scientists as the activity listed below would require parental supervision.
Blast off with a paper
rocket
Preparing our children for
different stages of life may seem like rocket science but let’s take a step
back and enjoy the time we have together with some paper rocket science.
Materials needed: 2 pieces
of paper, scissors, drinking straw and tape
In science, we learn that
variables may affect the outcome of an experiment. Let’s explore how different
designs can change the way your rocket propels:
1. Fold a piece of paper into
four and cut them into smaller rectangles.
2. Take one of the small
rectangles and roll it around the straw to make a tube (not too tight). Tape
the tube you have made so it stays rolled up.
3. Next, pinch and tape one
end of the tube to make the nose of the rocket.
4. With a different piece of
small rectangle paper, cut some right-angled triangles to make fins before
taping them onto the tube.
5. Repeat steps to make a few
rockets with different tube lengths and/or different numbers of fins.
Place the rocket on the
straw and blow for blast off. When you are experimenting, you may realize that
some changes make a bigger difference than others. Once you have an idea of
what changes are the most important, try designing a rocket that can go the
farthest, or fly the most accurately.
Find out what other
experiments 3M scientists are sharing by watching the videos at the Science at Home webpage. Hopefully, these
experiments can help inspire your child and ignite their passion for science
and learning.
