This morning, while we were watering the sunflowers in Lily’s labyrinth (maze eventually, after they grow a bit), she decided she wanted to build a boat. She brought to my attention a rock that she had placed in a bowl, and asked for a bin of water. I decided we’d have some fun. 🙂
This experiment opened the door for discussion on the following:
Water surface tension
Even distribution of weight (she positioned the people in the boat without any insight from me)
Laws of physics related to floating, balancing, and motion
Ratio of dimension necessary to accomplish desired result
Gentle movements, patience
Boat Science – Shape, movement, sail, direction, capsizing, and slow leaks
How to float something very heavy like a rock when the weight is distributed over a surface area greater than the object, as opposed to the concept of water folding in upon itself which results in sinking of the object
Working together, creative solutions, shared experience
Tying knots, building a frame, not tearing the aluminum (breaching the surface of the boat – leaks)
We even discussed the viscosity of water, as opposed to oil or other liquids (which she couldn’t think of any others)
