Pumpkin volcanos, pumpkin potions, pumpkin magic - whatever you choose to call them for your little, this is a fun and memorable science activity we enjoy incorporating into the month of October each year. It is one of our toddler’s absolute favorites!
Supplies Needed:
• Mini containers: Last year we used mini jack-o-lantern buckets and mini witch cauldrons we got from the Dollar Store. This year we decided to use the mini pumpkins we grew ourselves. Mini pumpkins are fun for littles being so small and easy to carry. Our little loves to get a few from the pumpkin patch each year.
• Baking Soda: You can also get some from Dollar Store
• White Vinegar: Available at Dollar Store. I either pick up a large jug from Target or get 3-4 smaller bottles from Dollar Store.
• Food coloring: This is optional but we always like to use it because it makes the eruption a fun colorful surprise! Since we used three mini pumpkins, we picked purple, green and orange.
• An eye dropper or pipette. I’ve seen pipettes sold at the Dollar Store craft section. You can also buy them at your local craft store. Here are some Amazon options:
Special Note: The tops of droppers and turkey basters can come off.
What you do:
• Set up your mini choice containers within a containing tray. The tin one we use often is from the Target Bullseye Dollar section. Usually found during the summers. Target has a great selection of containers to use for sensory play available during the summers. You can also use baking foil trays from Dollar Store.
• Add a tablespoon of baking soda into each mini container.
• Add a few drops (3-4) of food coloring onto the baking soda. One color per mini container.
• Add a half cup of white vinegar to a bowl or cup. Whichever you feel will be easy for your little one to use that will not tip over and spill as they repeatedly place their dropper into it for a refill.
• Place the tray on a table or on the ground outside where your little can comfortably and safely play. Place the cup of white vinegar next to the tray with the dropper standing inside it.
• Show your little how to use the dropper by placing it into the white vinegar and squeezing it over a container. Watch their reaction as it begins to fizz and spill over the container! Adorable!
• Let them have at it!
Special Note: All activities with littles should be done under supervision. Littles like to wipe their faces with their hands and we wouldn’t want them to get either ingredient in their eyes because it will sting. We have not had that happen but it is important to be aware of it.
Also, littles hand muscles are evolving every day. Don’t worry if your little one is struggling with using a dropper. It comes with practice through playing with it for them to understand how it works. They love just using a dropper and playing with them and that’s great too! They are learning so much anyway and having fun with you! They will certainly get it in time as their hand muscles grow stronger.
As they do, you’ll notice your little one will stop fisting crayons and begin being able to hold a pencil grip position with their fingers. Droppers can also be used in supervised play with a bucket of water outside. Turkey basters work too when starting out but it would be better to use them outside since they hold much more fluid. They may ask you to do it for them. It is still building a love for science and/or creating memorable moments with you.
What littles learn from this activity: • Refining fine motor skills/building hand strength • Pre-science skills: Cause and effect, developing skills in the act and experience of observation • An early love for science • Cognitive development • Enjoying science activities with family
Most importantly freely learning through fun and play!
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