Scientific exploration in shipbuilding

Do you remember the pirate adventure that the children in EY3&4 had a while ago? Recently, their pirate career has faced a new challenge! While exploring the Maritime Silk Road, they discovered that goods could be transported and exchanged on ships at sea, but their pirate ship was too small and had no cargo hold. So, the young pirates decided to design a new cargo ship and embark on a new adventure.

We first showed the children a sailboat model to understand their level of understanding of ships through observation and communication. They recognised the sail and noticed that there were ropes connecting it. They were curious about the purpose of the anchor and how the crew boarded the ship. From there, we encouraged the children to draw simple ship designs and choose suitable construction materials based on their preferences. However, there was a restriction for this activity: "Only materials marked on the ship design can be used."

The restriction boosted the children's problem-solving skills!

• Anna and Rachel only chose cellophane for their design, but they immediately realised a problem, saying, "My ship is too soft and cannot hold cargo!". After thinking about it, they decided to layer and fix the cellophane paper, but after the water test, the ship still sank due to softening upon contact with water. However, they did not give up and improved their designs by using hard boards to make the ship's body.

   

• Jennie's design also only used cellophane paper and was constructed in a stack. When she saw that her partner's design didn’t work, she hesitated. She said, "I'll think about it and do it again!".

   

• Iris and Milo's ships encountered a similar problem - balance. They both realised that their ships would tilt, causing water to enter from one side. So, their solution was to wrap it to prevent water from seeping in. Iris chose foam, while Milo chose tin foil.

After testing, the children also discovered further issues with their respective cargo ships. So, we organised a "workshop". In the activity, the children would think about the same problem and then express their opinions. In the discussion process, we discovered some design flaws in their first version that they were unaware of. In interaction, the children's thinking differed from each other. However, in this conversation, some children's thinking gradually became deeper, and some began to develop their ideas.

1.How to carry more cargo?

Iris: I can add a cargo ship behind my ship specifically for storing cargo!

Anna Z: We can change to larger materials, and with more space, we can carry more cargo.

2.How to maintain the balance of the hull?

Milo: Install railings on both sides of the ship, just like that model.

3.How to prevent leaks?

Anna C: We can wrap it in waterproof materials!

Anna Z: Use a hot glue gun to patch up any leaks.

Finally, the second version of the cargo ship successfully completed its trial voyage!

The form of experimental activities makes invisible physical concepts visible and stimulates children's thinking. In various experiments, children use methods such as observation, experimentation, and comparison to discover and solve various problems. In this process, children's abilities in cooperative communication, scientific exploration, and expression representation are fully exercised. Our teachers are good at fully mobilizing the enthusiasm of children to participate in activities, giving them more time and space to explore, discover, understand and grow.

幼儿园开放日 - 感谢日活动

Nursery Open Day - Thanks giving event