Cotton ball science in preschool

Yesterday, I shared with you how we began our exploration of cotton balls by turning cotton balls into a snowball blizzard. While some of our students were having fun in our cotton ball blizzard in a box, others were over at the table exploring cotton ball science…

Cotton Ball Science by Teach Preschool

This process was a wonderful discovery of absorption, color, weight, floating, sinking, as well as intriguing sensory play for my students.  However, an important part of this process is how we began our class exploration of cotton ball science…

Cotton ball science by Teach Preschool

One of my students was washing his hands and then he decided to wash all the paint brushes.  After a few more minutes of finding other things to wash, I stopped by and mentioned that leaving the water on for so long actually tends to waste water but if he would like to play in some water, I could see what we could do. “Yes” he said – so I scrounged up a deep pan and we filled it up with a little water and set it on the open table…

“Now what am I supposed to do with it?” he asked.

“Well, what would you like to do with it?”

“Can I put some paint in the water?”

“Sure, what color would you like?

“Red and Yellow.”

After paint had been added I set out a few droppers for him to play.

“Can I add something else?” he said.

“Sure, we have lots of cotton balls over there in the box. How about cotton balls?’

And with that our cotton ball science began…

Cotton ball science by Teach Preschool

It didn’t take long before others chose to join in and so we added a second pan of water to accommodate the group…

Cotton ball science by Teach Preschool

The children used the droppers to add color to the cotton balls then decided they would like to drop the cotton balls into the pan. As the children played, I watched and asked a few questions along the way such as, “What is happening to the water?”  and “What is happening to the cotton ball?” and “What happened to our color?”…

Cotton ball science by Teach Preschool

The children continued to explore their cotton ball science for most of the morning. Along the way, the water was dumped out so the children could begin again and more paint and more cotton balls were requested and added…

Cotton ball science by Teach Preschool

Throughout the morning, our cotton ball science led to a lengthy discussion on absorption and we compared our cotton balls to clouds and the rain…

Cotton ball science by Teach Preschool

As our morning came to a close, I asked the children to wring all the water out of the cotton balls and as the children wrung out the water, a new discussion on color and size and absorption was started.  “Look how much water your cotton ball has absorbed” and “What does absorption mean?” 

Cotton ball science by Teach Preschool

I hope you have enjoyed our cotton ball science as much as we did and I hope you were able to see how this process began by following a child’s interest…

Cotton ball science by Teach Preschool

I am still practicing the teaching skill of tuning in and following a child’s interest but I have to say, the results of following a child’s interest can lead to a fascinating process with deep and meaningful conversations…

cotton ball snowballs 200

Available on Amazon

Deborah J Stewart

Deborah J Stewart

Every time I think I know everything I need to know about teaching young children, God says, "Hold on a minute!" and gives me a new challenge.

Let me tell ya...

With each new challenge that you overcome, you will find yourself better equipped and more passionate about teaching young children.

God didn't call wimps to lead, teach, or care for His children. Nope, he has high expectations, so get ready. You will have to give your very best but after teaching for over 30 years, I can tell you that it is a wonderful and rewarding journey.

Whenever your calling feels hard, just remember, 'He who began a good work in you (and in the children you serve) will be faithful to complete it.'

Pressed flower art in pre-k

Bring flowers into art experiences in your classroom to create beautiful displays that ignite the senses! Our Pre-K class spent the week exploring, creating, and

Read More »

Subscribe to My Newsletter

Latest Blog Posts

P is for Pizza!

While learning about the letter “P” we decided to explore with pizza! Pizza is an all-time favorite food for many preschoolers, and activities involving pizza

Read More »