A Simple Science Experiment for Exploring our 5 Senses.

One of the highlights of our year in kindergarten has always been exploring our five senses through a series of hands-on experiments. Among all the activities, our apple exploration was a standout favorite!

We kicked off the experiment by giving each student an apple. "What can you see with your eyes?" I asked, prompting the kids to examine their apples closely. They excitedly pointed out colors, spots, lines, and shapes, noticing every little detail.

Next, we moved on to touch. "What can you feel with your fingers?" The students used words like smooth, bumpy, and pointed to describe their apples. One student was delighted to discover that the apple stem wiggled, while another found the bottom of their apple tickly, much to their amusement.

Then came the sense of smell. We first sniffed the apple's skin, then took a tiny bite to smell the inside. The students came up with all sorts of imaginative descriptions, unanimously agreeing that the inside had a much more interesting aroma.

When I told the kids we would be listening to the apple, they burst into laughter, thinking I was joking. However, after some playful experimentation, someone realized that biting into the apple produced a sound. It was a magical moment of discovery!

Finally, we explored taste. The students first licked the skin and then took a bite, chewing it 20 times before swallowing. Words like juicy, sweet, sour, and plain filled the room. Even my little guy who was convinced he hated apples couldn't resist joining in on the fun.

After our sensory adventure, the students documented their experiences in their Thinking Books, drawing and describing what they saw, heard, felt, tasted, and smelled. It was a simple experiment, but it enriched their vocabulary and sparked delightful conversations filled with curiosity and excitement.

So, what did I learn at school today? Sometimes, the simplest experiences can be the most impactful. The discussions my students had about the apple were rich and full of wonder. They were genuinely excited to discover their senses in this way. What about you? Do you have a favorite activity to explore the five senses? Share your thoughts in the comments below!