Welcome to another dynamic week at TCIS Summer Camp where we dove back into the deep end of our “Water” curriculum with more experiments, art, and sensory play!
In our science explorations, we focused on concepts such as density, capillary action, and surface tension. Through engaging experiments that combine art with science, the students observed how oil and water do not mix and discovered how water can defy gravity by climbing up paper towels and napkins. In addition, by adding dish soap to droplets of food coloring sitting on top of milk, students noticed how the originally distinct pockets of food coloring quickly dispersed to form mesmerizing swirls of colors. The soap lowered the surface tension between the milk and the dye and allowed them to more easily mix to create a vivid, moving pattern.
Trying our hand at engineering and design, we built a watermill using materials found in our classroom and tested its effectiveness by pouring water on top to make it turn.
Additionally, we “fished” using popsicle sticks, counted droplets of paint to fill circles, and continued practicing transferring water using pipettes, cups, pitchers, and our hands. Activities such as these not only strengthen our fine motor skills but also foster an understanding of volume and measurement.
For this week’s cooking activity, we made fresh fruit salad. We practiced cutting the various fruits into small pieces and combined them together with yogurt to make a refreshing treat.
Come back next week to check out the start of our next chapter on “Artistic Expression!”
Students observed water moving against gravity as it climbed up through the paper towel to create a rainbow “bridge.”
Students dripped colored water droplets into a cup of oil and observed that oil does not mix with water. Rather, the droplets slowly sink to the bottom of the cup, creating a “raining” effect.
Older students designed a watermill using classroom materials and poured water to make the structure turn.
Students first drew out a firework design using glue. Next, they poured salt on top and shook off the excess. Then, they gently dabbed watercolors onto the salt to create a colorful work of art.
Students added droplets of food coloring to milk and dabbed cotton swabs dipped in dish detergent to create swirls of color.
Students placed templates of snowflakes onto a canvas and sprayed watercolor to create a reverse print.
The younger students “fished” using popsicle sticks and showed off their fresh catch of the day!
Students used squeeze bottles to test how many drops of paint it takes to completely fill the circles.
Mixing fresh fruits like strawberries, bananas, cantaloupes, and kiwis with yogurt, students assembled a fruit salad that they took home to enjoy.
Beyond the classroom, students ran and played with balls, “drove” with their rings, and joined Coach John for interactive group games.
