My Best course - Experimental learning

What do you get if you put a packet of Mentos into a bowl of Coke? A volcano, apparently. Training company Experiential Play's We Are Scientists course, which aims to support the development of scientific thinking and skills in children, teaches practitioners this and other imagination-firing ways with household items.

According to course attendee Nicola Fraser, childcare practitioner at Abbey Mill Childcare, Paisley, near Glasgow, it boosted her confidence by reminding her how 'science' often features in everyday play - in activities such as making playdough, gloop, or experimenting with shaving foam.

Ms Fraser says she went on the course because she doesn't have 'much background knowledge in science.' She says, 'It was an area I would avoid, which sounds terrible, but I felt I didn't know enough exciting things to do. Now we have a cupboard full of everyday things like vinegar and food colouring that the kids have a lot of fun with. I always thought for science you had to go and buy lots of big expensive equipment, but the kids have a lot more fun with these materials.'

The one-day course involved group discussions on existing science-based practices at settings and understanding and an afternoon activity-based session to provide ideas about how to use everyday items to encourage children to create and explore. It also covered health and safety.

The course provides an A3 journal with some science theory, and photos to look through with the children and add to. Written instructions are also provided for the different activities covered.

The setting is now being more experimental. Ms Fraser says, 'When I made playdough I used to put out the exact ingredients for it. Now I am asking the children: "What do you want to see today?" I might put out conditioner because that makes it go soft and gives it a nice smell. Or for gloop you can add lemonade or icing sugar. It's also teaching them that not everything works; it's a life lesson.'

- www.experientialplay.com.