Student Video: Ode To The Washing Machine
Experience this captivating student-created video, inspired by a poetry prompt from celebrated poet Rebecca Kai Dotlich. Student creator Aisha Lavallis offers visuals and narration that are both warm and compelling. “Ode to the Washing Machine” offers a playful and engaging springboard for STEAM conversations with young scientists and engineers in the classroom.
CATEGORY:science | GRADE LEVEL:primary |
DOWNLOADS:
ACTIVITIES:
Laundry Math
Laundry is a great way to sneak in early math skills such as counting, sorting, and measuring. Kids can match socks into pairs, sort clothes by size, color, and owner, and count items as they load the washer. Measuring detergent and softened adds practice with volume. Turning chores into games boosts engagement! http://bit.ly/46wdZ9y
Let’s Compare!
Have students explore 3 different types of laundry detergent: powdered, solid bar soap, and liquid detergent. Discuss the difference between solids and liquids and make guesses as to which kind of soap would make the best bubbles. Use a chart to record bubble height or size. For more fun, add a few drops of food coloring! http://bit.ly/46iD4VJ
Clothesline Science: Ready, Set, Dry!
After washing fabric scraps or doll clothes, kids can hang them up to dry and observe how water gradually disappears. Compare how different drying methods (air drying, dryer) affect the drying time of wet clothes. Investigate factors like sunlight, humidity, and airflow. This simple experiment helps kids apply scientific thinking to everyday life! http://bit.ly/3IfKuif
Soap and Oil Experiment… and More!
Embark on an educational adventure with soap experiments for kids! Students will explore how soap breaks down grease and investigate how soap interacts with oils, demonstrating the power of molecules at work and introducing the concept of emulsification. http://bit.ly/44DZWfM
Laundry Basket Basketball
Turn sorting clothes into a slam dunk! Set up labeled laundry baskets (e.g., whites, colors, towels) and have kids "shoot" dirty laundry into the correct basket. This active game builds hand-eye coordination, reinforces color recognition and categorization skills, and encourages responsibility—all while having fun!
CRAFT:
Doodle Lou's Washing Machine Craft
Who knew laundry could be this fun? Kids create their own mini washing machine using simple materials—add paper clothes cut-outs for fun dramatic play! Click the CRAFT tab to download free instructions.
