Building A Love Of Science With Fort Magic
Posted December 11, 2020 by Fort Magic
As more and more parents have started homeschooling, it’s important to have the right tools and equipment to bring different subjects to life. Studying from a textbook can be beneficial, but doing hands-on experiments can make all of the difference when it comes to learning and retention. Did you know that a Fort Magic building kit may be just the tool you need to help with this? Not only is it fun to build, but it can also help your little ones develop a love and passion for science.
Build a Love for Science with a Lab Fort
The best way to start to develop this love for science is by having your kids build their own science lab with a Fort Magic kit. These kits are great for children both young and old and can create a structure large enough to house several kids, a small table, and plenty of “science supplies.”
To keep things clean during experimenting, always put down an old sheet, towels, or tarp under your “lab” table. Then, simply shake it out or throw it in the wash when your experiments are complete. Next is the fun part. Find what your kids are interested in or simply follow your curriculum and do some digging on what activities best accompany these lessons. Below are just a few ideas to get you started:
1. Volcanos and Slime
Have your kids entered the slime craze? Children all over seem to be going crazy over this stuff that is not only fun to make and play with but can be turned into an easy learning activity. Here is a recipe you can do together, as well as a way to discuss why the ingredients react the way they do when mixed together.
There is also the timeless volcano eruption project that can be made with basic ingredients found at home – baking soda and vinegar. Have your kids construct a volcano in their lab, combine the ingredients, and watch as events unfold. Again, be sure to debrief on the project and help them understand why the reaction took place.
2. Stargazing
Learning about stars and constellations can be a blast, but it is hard to go stargazing when temperatures drop. So, why not have your children bring space indoors? Research pictures to show them the various constellations and take time to read the legends behind them.
Once that is done, spend some time learning about what even makes up a star and why they are actually much bigger than we realize. Lastly, have your kids create the constellations themselves. In their fort, hang sheets or towels to darken the space, then use string lights to form various constellations through the sheet of cardboard. Next, simply turn on the lights for a stargazing experience that mimics the real deal.
3. Building a Spaceship
After learning about the stars, why not do a unit on space in general? This can open the door to talk about what makes up space, as well as milestones in space exploration.
Next, challenge your kids to build their own spaceship with their Fort Magic building kit and spend some time discussing what the first spaceship looked like and how far the design and technology have come. Lastly, spend some time talking about astronauts and the training they must endure to even be considered for space exploration.
4. Animals and Habitats
More fun topics for kids of various ages include animals and their habitats. Challenge your kids to pick an animal to research and learn about. More specifically, have them find where they live, what they eat, when they sleep, and how they survive. Next, let them create their animal’s home or habitat with their fort.
This may take some extra creativity and art supplies, but not only will they be learning, but they will also get the chance to use their imagination. Have them collect items from around the house and allow them to draw or paint designs to make their animal home come to life. Lastly, have them act out or discuss their animal and their home to share what they’ve learned.
It May Not be Perfect
While some of the science activities you plan may not end exactly as you pictured them, just remember that your kids are getting to have fun while learning about the wonderful world around them. Additionally, as they grow and develop a love for science you will get the added benefit of being able to do these activities as a family.
Learning and creating together gives you a chance to get to know your children better. It can highlight areas where they are struggling, as well as those areas where they excel. No matter what, continue to encourage ongoing learning and growth. While you may not be doing anything elaborate, you are sure to make lasting memories. And, who knows, you may even learn a few valuable things as well!
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Photo Credits:
TinkerLab Blog: One of our favorite engineering blogs for children is TinkerLab. Have you ever visited the site? If not, you’ll definitely want to browse sometime soon. You will find loads of fun and inventive ideas for encouraging all things hands-on and engineering for kids. TinkerLab has fantastic Tinker Lab YouTube videos too!
Rave & Review Blog: The fun Rave & Review blog is where you’ll find loads of sharing on your favorite products for parents and grandparents all the way to newborns.
Twodaloo Blog: At the awesome Twodaloo blog you will find activities and information about early childhood development that you can use at home, in the classroom, or in the therapy setting.
