2.5y–4.2y12 minFamily timeChore timeMealtime
Solid or Liquid Snack Lab
Guide you to teach simple science ideas (liquid/solid and change) through a practical, child-friendly kitchen activity where your child observes, predicts, and talks about what happens as things melt or change.
What you'll need
Essentials
- ice cubes
- two bowls or cups
- water
- spoon
- paper towel or cloth for spills
Nice to have
- a small piece of chocolate or butter in a sealed bag/container (adult handled)
- a timer/phone timer (optional)
Movement level: low
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneDescribes object propertiesMind· 2.5y–3y· core· Steps 1, 2, 4
- MilestoneNotices detailed features of objects in their environment.Mind· 22mo–3y· stretch
- MilestoneExplains own knowledge and understanding, and asks appropriate questions of others.Mind· 2.5y–4.2y· core
- MilestoneAnswers simple open questionsMind· 2.3y–3.3y· core· Steps 1, 3, 4
- MilestoneStays focused during activityMind· 2.5y–3y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestonePours or serves food or drink with supervisionBody· 3y–5y· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneTalks About Past and Future EventsMind· 2.5y–3y· core· Step 1
What it practices
- Talks about why things happen and how things work.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Developing an understanding of growth, decay and changes over time.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Comments and asks questions about aspects of their familiar world such as the place where they live or the natural world.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Teach skills and knowledge in the context of practical activities, e.g. learning about the characteristics of liquids and solids by involving children in melting chocolate or cooking eggs.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)