Hellobee

Today I wanted to share with you two easy Montessori activities. Both of these activities explore scientific concepts including buoyancy (floatation) and magnetism.

For these activities we have used only items we have around the house including: pinecones, sponge, feathers, wood piece, button, branch, metal screw, bull clip, small padlock, rock, mini wooden peg, paper clips, shell and a glass gem. I put all of these items into a basket. These activities require adult assistance and supervision (keep an eye on small objects with young children).

The first activity is a Montessori Sink Float Activity. The child puts each item into a small bowl of water and determines if the item sinks or floats. Then they can put the item into the sink or float category. I have printed and laminated a simple piece of paper which allows the child to categorise the items. Keep a small towel nearby for clean up.

For an older child you can first ask them to predict (or hypothesize) if the item will sink or float and then allow them to test it.

As many children love water play, this is often a very popular activity in Montessori classrooms and at home too!

The second activity is a Montessori Magnetic Non-Magnetic Activity. I have used all the same objects as the Sink Float Activity without the bowl of water and with the addition of a large magnet.

The child selects one item at a time from the basket and tests to see if it is magnetic using the large magnet. Again using a printed form the child then puts the item into the Magnetic or Non-Magnetic category. An older child can first hypothesize which category each item will fall into.

Both of these activities are really fun and simple. The child can take their time exploring the materials and learn at the same time.