Objective
By the end of this lesson, your 1-year-old will have fun exploring basic concepts of science through hands-on activities.
Materials and Prep
Materials needed: water, food coloring, clear plastic cups, small toys that can float, magnifying glass, fruits and vegetables, small containers, and a soft cloth.
Prepare the materials in advance and ensure a safe and comfortable learning environment.
Activities
Color Mixing: Fill clear plastic cups with water and add different food coloring. Let your child mix the colors and observe the changes.
Sink or Float: Fill a basin with water and place various small toys. Let your child guess which ones will sink or float.
Nature Exploration: Use a magnifying glass to observe fruits, vegetables, and plants up close. Encourage your child to touch and explore different textures.
Sensory Play: Fill small containers with water and let your child splash and play with their hands. Dry them off with a soft cloth and talk about wet and dry sensations.
Talking Points
"Look at the pretty colors mixing together. What happens when we mix blue and yellow?"
"Will the toy sink or float? Let's find out together!"
"Wow, look at the tiny details on this leaf. Nature is full of amazing things to discover."
"Feel the water on your hands. It's wet! Now let's dry them off with this soft cloth."