Core Skills Analysis
Science
- Hardy learned that milk undergoes changes when exposed to certain conditions such as being left on a surface.
- He explored the concept of milk spoilage and the causes behind the bad smell that develops over time.
- This activity introduced Hardy to the idea of bacterial growth and chemical changes in everyday materials like milk.
- He likely engaged in observational skills by noticing changes in the milk’s smell and potentially its appearance.
Sensory Development
- Hardy enhanced his sense of smell by identifying and describing the change in the milk’s odor.
- He learned to use sensory information as a tool for understanding scientific phenomena.
- This activity helped Hardy practice careful observation and attention to detail in a real-world context.
Tips
To deepen Hardy's understanding of milk spoilage and related concepts, consider setting up simple experiments that compare the smell, texture, and appearance of milk left out at room temperature versus milk kept in the refrigerator. You can expand the lesson by discussing good food hygiene practices and why we refrigerate perishables. Another fun extension is exploring how other foods change when left out, using sensory observations and recording findings in a journal. These activities encourage curiosity and critical thinking about everyday science in a safe and engaging way.
Book Recommendations
- Why Do Milk and Other Foods Go Bad? by Laura O. Schaefer: This book explains in child-friendly language how and why foods, including milk, spoil and how we can keep them fresh.
- Science Experiments You Can Eat by Vicki Cobb: A fun collection of hands-on food experiments to introduce young learners to basic science concepts using everyday kitchen items.
- The Story of Milk: From Cow to Carton by Catherine Barr: A beautifully illustrated book that takes children through the journey of milk from the farm to their fridge, helping them appreciate where their food comes from.
Learning Standards
- Science KS1: Working scientifically - making observations and identifying changes (Year 1 & 2)
- Science KS1: Everyday materials and their properties (Year 1)
- Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE): Understanding food hygiene and safety
Try This Next
- Draw a milk timeline chart showing how the smell and appearance change over several hours or days.
- Write a short story imagining what happens to milk when it's left out, using sensory words to describe the smell and look.