Science and Imagination

TODAY'S ACTIVITY
Today we introduced the term CHEMISTRY. While we use it weekly in mixing and cooking, we only used the term today. Our little chemists examined the effect of baking soda and vinegar when mixed together in a small cup.

The Experiment: Balloon Blow-Up.

1. We began by describing properties of each. Terms such as "liquid", "smelly" and "looks like water" described the vinegar. The baking soda was described as "white", "like sugar, but doesn't taste good", and "powdery."
2. We poured 2 cups of vinegar into our bottle.
3. Recognizing that the chemical reaction is immediate, we needed a way to put the balloon on before adding the baking soda. The solution? Use a funnel to put it into the balloon before fastening it to the bottle opening.
4. Once secure, tip the balloon upward, shaking the baking soda into the bottle - and Viola! The balloon inflates.

Before repeating the experiment, as we did numerous times, rinse the bottle and fill to the top to dispel the carbon dioxide. When you pour the water out the vacuum refills the bottle with fresh, oxygen-rich air.

Tomorrow: The Launcher.

TODAY'S STORIES:
Today, we read two stories that involve imagination. One is a literal depiction of the value of imaginary play. The other is imagining both a dramatic story and a better, more tolerant world. First the latter:

Amazing Grace, by Mary Hoffman and Caroline Binch. Grace is a very creative girl with a vivid imagination. More than anything else, she loves to act out her favorite stories. She signs up for the lead in the school production of Peter Pan. Her classmates are skeptical, at first, because of her race and gender. With a her audition, those misconceptions are quickly put to rest as her classmates vote unanimously to cast her in the lead role.



Not A Box, by Antionette Portis. This is probably one of the best realized books in concept (and content) I've ever come across. Though very simple in appearance, its implications for imagination and creativity are delightful, heralding my favorite toy ever for children - a box.
The illustrations are simple and direct for the youngest. The literary pattern is repetitive and predictable for emerging readers, old enough to discern the real and imaginary elements.

The pattern goes like this:
"Why are you sitting in a box?"
"It's not a box." (shows imaginary race car in red overlay)
"Why are you standing on a box?"
I said, it's not a box (shows imaginary mountain top in red overlay)

...and so it goes. Best of all, it triggers the their imaginations and discussion about what it might be for them. It doesn't get better than age four for this. Enjoy!