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Materials
- water table(s), large tubs, or plastic wading pool, if outside (limit the number of children at a water table or tub to four or five, or use multiple water tables and/or tubs)
- dry sponges (if possible, one per child, or have a pair of children share)
- chart labeled “Our Ideas About Water”
Key Science Concepts
- Some surfaces absorb water; some don’t.
- Objects behave differently in water. Some float; some don’t.
Directions
Tell children they will experiment with water and sponges.
- At the water table or tub(s), pass out a sponge to each child (or pair of children). Ask:
- What are some of the things your family uses sponges for at home?
- What does the sponge feel like when it’s dry? What do you think it will feel like when you put it in the water? Let’s try it!
- Then let children experiment. Ask:,
- What happened to the sponge when you put it in water?
- What are some of the different things you can do with a sponge when it’s wet?
- Introduce the words soak and absorb. Have children demonstrate how a sponge absorbs or soaks up water.
Record any new ideas they have on the “Our Ideas About Water” chart.
