Paper Towel Scientists to the Rescue!
This week, our classroom turned into a science lab as the children in 2MD took on a very important mission: finding the most absorbent paper towel!
The investigation began with a real-life problem – water spillage on the kitchen table. Disaster! Which paper towel would save the day before the water soaked into the wood and dripped onto the floor? With so many different brands and bold packaging claims, it was time for our young scientists to step in.
The children explored a variety of paper towels. They then worked together to form hypotheses, such as:
- “More expensive paper towels are more absorbent.”
- “Thicker paper towels soak up more water.”
Next came the planning! The children discussed different ways to test absorbency and chose their own investigation methods, including dangly strips and count the drops. Groups were formed based on the method they selected, and teamwork was key as they set up their experiments.
Before testing, the children carefully examined the materials and made predictions about which would perform best. During the investigations, they measured, observed, drew, photographed, and compared results. Some groups counted drops or watched how quickly water travelled through strips of paper. Accuracy was encouraged, but the focus was on spotting patterns and thinking scientifically.
To finish, each group shared their method and discoveries with the class and reflected on their original hypotheses. Did the results surprise them? Did their thinking change?
We ended the session by reminding the children that this is exactly how real scientists work—asking questions, making predictions, testing ideas, and learning from the results. The final challenge sparked lots of thoughtful discussion:
How would life be different if absorbent materials didn’t exist?
What the children learned:
- To create hypotheses and make predictions
- To investigate absorbency using different methods
- To work collaboratively and communicate their findings
- To think and work like real scientists
A big well done to our brilliant investigators—science is messy, exciting and lots of fun!
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