Storytelling

Experiments on water for primary school

Experimental set for 6 groups Vinus explores the world - Topic Water

This is a typical excerpt from one of the stories about the little extra-terrestrial creature Vinus, whose space capsule makes a rough landing on Earth. Things on the Earth are perfectly normal for the children Ben and Lili and their dog Jojo, but that doesn’t mean they can really explain everything correctly. So they set off together to investigate certain phenomena.

The use of storytelling as a methodology captivates the pupils right from the start. Through stories about Vinus and his friends, topics are transposed from the instruction syllabus to the real world of the children. This gives open questions personal meaning for the children. As a result, they are excited to find the solution to the question for themselves and retain a solid understanding of the responses and interrelationships.

 

Vinus explores the world is an innovative series based on the storytelling method that combines stories with experimentation.

 

Age 7-9

Equipment for 6 groups (12 – 18 children)

The picture shows several transparent storage boxes filled with various materials on the topic of "water". There is also a red case that also contains experimental materials to help students understand the topic in a clear way.
The picture shows several transparent storage boxes filled with various materials on the topic of "water". There is also a red case that also contains experimental materials to help students understand the topic in a clear way.
The picture shows a stack of transparent plastic containers that are clearly labelled and contain colourful materials. These boxes are designed for experimenting with water and are part of the educational offer for schools.
The picture shows experiment kits from the supplier Cornelsen, which contain various materials for experimenting with water. One set is labeled "Virus explores the world - Water" and is designed for educational purposes.
The picture shows an educational experiment kit containing materials for exploring the topic of water. It includes numerous colorful boxes, worksheets and various utensils for hands-on experiments and learning activities.
The picture shows a child working concentratedly at a table and drawing on a white surface with various pens. Next to the child, there is a glass with flowers and other craft supplies on the table, indicating a creative activity.
The picture shows two information sheets entitled "VINUS explores the world," which deal with the topic of water. The sheets feature child-friendly illustrations of three people and an imaginative water creature.
The picture shows a blue silicone mold with different shapes and two containers: one for sugar and one with red food coloring (E 129). These materials are part of an experiment set for the educational sector from Cornelsen.
The picture shows a child looking fascinated at a sleight of hand experiment in which a finger is dipped into a glass of water. In the background, other children can be seen watching with interest.
The picture shows a transparent storage box with various experimental materials, including wooden spoons, colorful plates and sample containers. On the top of the box there is a lid with pictures of the materials contained for orientation.
The picture shows materials from an online shop for educational experiment supplies, including a handout for teachers on the topic of "water" and various didactic approaches. Illustrations and descriptions encourage learning through stories and experiments.
The picture shows a page from a textbook on the subject of water, designed for experiments in education. The illustration shows two children working with an experimental device while methodical instructions are given on how to carry out water experiments.
The picture shows two children working intently on an experimental device, while another boy is involved in a different activity in the background. On the table is a container of water in which various objects are being examined.
The image shows a page from an experiment booklet for students dealing with a scientific question. It contains an illustration in which a student asks whether water can press, as well as space for their own reflections and findings.
The picture shows various experimental materials, including two wooden shapes, a wooden spoon and a colorful, striped tube. In the background, other craft and experimental materials are visible in transparent boxes.
The picture shows a collection of different materials that can be used for experiments. These include pieces of fabric, wood, a marble, a balloon, and other objects in different colors and shapes that serve educational purposes.
The picture shows two girls experimenting with colorful craft materials. One child proudly holds a homemade work of art above her head, while the other curiously looks at her own project.
The image shows a child proudly performing an experimental task by holding an object hanging from a string. In the background, a variety of colorful drawings and a piece of furniture with drawers can be seen, indicating a creative learning environment.
The picture shows two children working together in an experiment room. They examine a container of red liquid and a jar of soil and plants while interacting with excitement and curiosity.

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And here’s how it works:

- For each topic, such as ‘Air’, there are separate stories – for the extra-terrestrial creature, they are episodes. The key points arising from an episode always lead to a concrete topic of instruction, e. g. “Air has a weight”.

- The episode incites the children to develop their own questions and conjectures. The concept story helps them do so.

- This enables each child to reach the intended conclusions individually at their own pace and in their own way. There is no right or wrong here, detours are permitted.

- The materials are precisely matched to the content of the episode, thereby maintaining motivation through­out the duration of the experiment.

- This is investigative discovery learning, which furthermore demands social skills because problems are solved together.

- The observations and findings can be recorded in the logbook individually according to the abilities of the child.

 

Episodes

Children learn about water and its properties

Episode 1: Off we go on a water adventure

Swimming, sinking and diving

Episode 2: Of Frogs and Flumes

Water in motion / water resistance

Episode 3: Waves, Whirlpools and Pirates

Water solubility / plant growth

Episode 4: I drink, you drink – who else ?

Physical states of water / weather

Episode 5: Rain, snow – oh no, oh no !

The first experiences with optical illusions in the transition from air to water are made. The "bend in the drinking straw" as well as the reversal of direction at "Jojo" behind the pipe fascinate the children.

Water and Optical Illusions (Episode 1)

The students investigate the surface tension of water as a "water mountain" on a coin or in a small, already overfilled cup. To do this, they practice fine motor skills with a pipette or drinking straw.

The "Water Mountain" (Episode 1)

The phenomenon of buoyancy is explored and rules can be found for when materials and bodies float or sink. The properties of everyday materials provide clues that can be used to explain buoyancy and displacement.

Swimming and Sinking (Episode 2)

Students apply creative solutions to make non-buoyant materials float using buoyant materials.


The controlled descent and ascent in water is explored by the students. The functioning of the swim bladder in fish or the descent of submarines can be easily understood.

Vinus as a Diver (Episode 2)

Children explore the principles of the shape and material composition of boats and develop their own buoyant constructions.

Building Boats (Episode 2)

Using a variety of techniques and materials, the children imaginatively try to move the boat and surfboard in the tub. The creation of waves and the observation of this spread of movement of the water are studied with fascination.

Setting Water in Motion (Episode 3)

Students explore the phenomenon of whirlpool formation as water spills out. With the help of the cooking spoon and vigorous stirring movements, funnel-shaped vortices ("water trunks") can be created.

Creating a Whirlpool / Water Tornado (Episode 3)

Children learn in a unique way how webbed feet work in nature and can experience the principles on themselves with the help of the webbed feet in complete fascination.

How do webbed feet work? (Episode 3)

Students* learn how plants drink and also that water can be moved against gravity (using the capillary suction effect). In the context of paper chromatography, the spread of color carried by water is shown.

How Plants Drink (Paper Chromatography) (Episode 4)

Almost enchanted, the children experience the independent "blooming" of the folded water lily flower on the water.

Magical Water Lily (Episode 4)

The students learn that substances do not simply disappear, but that sugar and salt, for example, can dissolve (in water). An extension of the experiment can be the separation of the substances that were initially combined.

Water Solubility (Episode 4)

Students experience the process of "drinking" in plants very vividly by leaving white flowering plants or vegetables such as celery in colored water for some time and observing the effects.

Dyeing Plants (Episode 4)

First experimental experiences with the different states of water are made. The children learn how the transitions of the states of matter solid to liquid (melting ice) and gaseous to liquid (condensation) can occur. Liquid to gaseous is examined in the homework area.

States of Aggregate of Water (Episode 5)

The prepared ice (diamond and fish shapes) is examined by the children in terms of its properties: how do I get ice to melt? What happens to ice in water? What effects result (temperature differences, etc.)?

Examining Ice (Episode 5)

The phenomenon of density anomaly of water, which is essential for survival in nature, is sufficiently explored by the children.

Density Anomaly of Water (Episode 5)

Children explore the properties of water using their senses. The aim is to feel water, to examine the taste and the color of water. The conditions for a reflective surface can be experienced. Sounds in and under water, of and with water are explored.

Sensual acquaintance with water (Episode 1)

Students explore how water drops can be transported in different ways. The functionality of the pipette is tested. The children learn that water in a cylindrical cup as well as a spherical drop has a magnifying effect.

Water (drops) as a magnifying glass (Episode 1)

The physical characteristics of water (adhesive force, adhesion and cohesion) are explored with the help of the size-adjustable Vinus hands or paint paddles that stick together. Various small parts and everyday objects can be examined and compared with one another in terms of their properties with regard to adhesion to the Vinus hands.

Water has a "sticky power" (Episode 1)

Through an enlarged support, the children get to know the principles of displacement and buoyancy of water.


Not only the existing watercraft (palm leaf boat and surfboard), but also self-constructed boats made of plasticine are carefully explored by the children in terms of their buoyancy.

Buoyancy of Boats (Episode 3)

The phenomenon of water resistance is studied and the relationship between area and resistance can be experienced and deduced.

Water Resistance (Episode 3)

The lotus effect is studied in detail by the children. The experiment materials are used as well as the nasturtium that they have grown themselves, which exhibits this effect wonderfully on its leaves. The leaves in the immediate vicinity can also be investigated and analyzed in a planned manner.

The Lotus Effect (Episode 4)

The phenomena of germination and growth in plants are explored here. The children experience these processes and, in addition to the scientific laws, also learn about responsibility for nature and the handling and care of plant life.

Plant Growth (Episode 4)

Students explore the changes in water when it freezes. For this purpose, self-collected natural objects are frozen in water and thawed again. In addition, a different salt content of the solution can become a research assignment.

Changes in Freezing (Episode 5)

The children investigate the question of why salt is spread on the roads in winter. With the help of a skill-building variant, they learn how ice can be melted by salt and even how small chunks can be fished with a string.

Fishing for Ice Cubes (Episode 5)

First experiences with weather phenomena and their systematic investigation are undertaken. Rain can be collected and evaporation can be studied in the classroom or at different temperatures and solar radiation (respectively near the heater in winter).

Weather Observations (Episode 5)

  • 1 × Baking powder (5 pack.)
  • 1 × °Glass with common salt (sodium chloride)
  • 1 × °Glass with sugar
  • 1 × Plastic box R4 320x245x50 mm
  • 1 × Colouring agent, red for lab use only
  • 1 × Adhesive bonding compound(Blu-Tack)
  • 1 × Sewing thread, 100 m
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