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Sand Volcanoes
Our toddlers helped to create a large volcano while engaging their gross and fine motor skills. They were encouraged to dig up the sand with their spades, piling it up until a large sand maunga (mountain) was formed. Our toddlers helped pat the sand down with their hands to keep the sand compact and firm. After this, our Kaiako placed a dish on top of the sand maunga with baking soda. Kaiako poured in red-dyed vinegar to show our toddlers the chemical reaction. Our toddlers were super excited to see lava flowing down the maunga and they were ready to take turns pouring the vinegar onto the baking soda.
During this fun learning experience our toddlers are learning science concepts. They are discovering different ways they can use sand and how it can be used to create landmarks such as a maunga. They are observing the chemical reaction of the dry baking soda and wet vinegar react as they mix them together, creating an exploding foam. Our toddlers were learning rich language by hearing and using words such as exploding, red hot lava, erupting, and chemical reaction.
Sand volcanoes are a wonderful way for our children to engage in scientific thinking and sensory play supporting them to develop their working theories of the world around them. Sand volcanoes capture their curiosity and encourage active exploration.