Today we are looking at filtering. Instead of using a standard sieve or colander and sieving foodstuffs I thought we’d use toys to make a fun filtering experiment.
How to make your own filter
We found some old cardboard boxes and cut different sized holes in each one. Then I asked the children to find me lots of different sized toys. We talked about what we thought would happen and which toys would fit through the different boxes.
Then we filtered the toys, starting with the box with the largest holes.
The toys separated into three piles. The middle two piles looked very similar in size. We discussed why this might be, and decided the shape of the toy and the angle it was at when being filtered would affect whether it passed through the hole.
The Science Bit
Todays investigation was very simple, but the concept of size and separating by size is quite important for young children to grasp.
You could try getting children to line up objects in order of size and shape before filtering and ask them to predict what will happen.
Other filtering Experiments
sunnymama
February 9, 2012 at 5:24 amThis is a great idea and it looks fun too! 🙂
ScienceSparks
February 11, 2012 at 9:30 amThank you. It was lots of fun. x
Multiple Mummy
February 9, 2012 at 10:29 amGenius Idea! I am so impressed!
ScienceSparks
February 11, 2012 at 9:30 amAwww, thanks lovely. xx
Rebecca
February 9, 2012 at 11:10 amGreat idea. What a fun way to introduce this concept. Makes it more relevant.
ScienceSparks
February 11, 2012 at 9:30 amThanks Rebecca.
sherri
February 10, 2012 at 11:47 pmGreat idea!
I love it!
ScienceSparks
February 11, 2012 at 9:30 amThank you, so glad you like it.
Multiple Mummy
February 12, 2012 at 11:01 amGenius! Pinning it!
Thanks for linking to Family Frolics.
MM
xx
🙂
Mary
February 12, 2012 at 5:02 pmGreat idea!
Kim
February 13, 2012 at 1:07 amLove this! It would be a good exercise for semi-permeable membranes as well.
Carrie
February 13, 2012 at 3:39 amWhat a great lesson! Thank you for sharing it at Sharing Saturday!!
maggy,red ted art
February 16, 2012 at 6:51 pmLooks like a great fun idea! Simple and effective!
Thank you for sharing on Kids Get Crafty!
Maggy
ScienceSparks
February 17, 2012 at 9:10 amThanks Maggy. They just thought their caterpillars were new toys and were so pleased with them. x
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amore
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