This Summer, Let’s Make Science Fun at Home!
This summer, we’re excited to share something hands-on and fun for our curious young scientists! Why? Because learning science isn’t just about reading textbooks, it’s about exploring, creating, and discovering how things work in the real world. That’s why our Primary Science Department has put together some simple, practical experiments and model designs you can try at home using everyday materials.
These activities are aligned with the Cambridge Primary Science Curriculum (0097) and are designed to spark curiosity while reinforcing key scientific concepts. So, grab a few household items and get ready to turn your living room into a mini science lab!
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Human Lung Model – How Do We Breathe?
Strand: Biology – Living things and their environments
Objective: Describe the structure and function of the human breathing system.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 plastic bottle (cut in half)
- 2 balloons
- 2 straws
- Rubber sheet or balloon
- Tape or modelling clay
How to Do It:
- Attach the balloons to the ends of two straws.
- Insert the straws into the bottle neck and seal them tightly with clay.
- Cover the open bottom of the bottle with the rubber sheet and secure it in place.
Now, pull the rubber sheet down and push it back up. Watch as the balloons inflate and deflate, just like real lungs when the diaphragm moves!
What You’ll Learn: Our lungs expand and contract with the movement of the diaphragm, allowing us to breathe.
2. DIY Periscope – See Around Corners!
Strand: Physics – Light
Objective: Understand how light reflects.
What You’ll Need:
- A small cardboard box
- 2 mirrors
- Tape and scissors
How to Do It:
- Cut two holes on opposite ends of the box.
- Place the mirrors inside at 45-degree angles.
- Seal the box and decorate it.
Now peek through one hole, and you can see what’s happening in the other direction!
What You’ll Learn: Light reflects at equal angles when it hits a surface, which is why periscopes work.
3. Seed Germination in a Bag – Watch Plants Come to Life
Strand: Biology – Plants
Objective: Observe how seeds grow into mature plants.
What You’ll Need:
- A ziplock bag
- Tissue paper or cotton wool
- Bean seeds
- Water
- Tape
How to Do It:
- Moisten the tissue and place it inside the bag.
- Add seeds on the clear side so you can watch them.
- Seal the bag and tape it to a sunny window.
Check back every day and see the magic happen!
What You’ll Learn: Seeds need water, air, and warmth to grow.
These activities are simple, engaging, and a wonderful way to make science come alive at home. They also provide great opportunities for family bonding while reinforcing classroom learning.
About the Author
Mr. Vincent Aboagye is a passionate science educator and researcher with a background in Human Physiology. He loves exploring how children’s brains work during learning and is dedicated to making science both engaging and accessible. A 2019 AHAIC Scholar, Vincent currently leads the Primary Science Department at International Community School (ICS) Accra.
