Theme

Science – Understating Everyday Science

Goal of the Session

The goal of this session is to help children understand that many fascinating things in the world such as airplanes flying, ships floating, and bridges standing in the middle of the sea are not magic, but the result of science. The session aims to spark curiosity, build basic scientific thinking, and encourage children to observe and question the world around them.

Content Overview

This session introduces children to three everyday “modern marvels” and explains the basic science behind them in a simple and engaging manner:

1. How do airplanes fly?
   Children are introduced to concepts like gravity, shape, and engine power to understand how such heavy machines can stay in the air.
2. Why do big ships float on water?
   The session explains how shape, material, hollowness, and ballast tanks help ships stay afloat despite their massive size.
3. How are bridges built in the middle of the sea?
   Children learn about underwater foundations and the process of bridge construction in challenging environments.

The session emphasizes that all these phenomena are based on scientific principles and not magic.

Expected Takeaways

By the end of the session, children are expected to:

• Develop curiosity about how things work in the real world
• Understand basic scientific ideas in a simplified manner
• Realize that science is present in everyday life
• Build confidence in asking questions and exploring new concepts
• Begin to differentiate between myths/magic and scientific explanations

Discussion Prompts for Children

• How do you think such a heavy airplane stays in the air?
• Have you ever seen a ship? Why do you think it doesn’t sink?
• What challenges do you think engineers face while building bridges in the sea?
• Can you think of other things around you that seem like magic but are actually science?
• Why is it important to understand how things work?

Suggested Activities

1. Paper Airplane Experiment
   Children can make paper airplanes and observe how shape affects flight.
2. Floating and Sinking Activity
   Using a bucket of water, children can test different objects (plastic, metal, hollow items) to see what floats and sinks.
3. Building a Simple Bridge Model
   Using ice-cream sticks, paper, or cardboard, children can try to build a small bridge and test its strength.
4. Group Discussion / Drawing Activity
   Children can draw any “modern marvel” they like and explain how they think it works.
5. Myth vs Science Game
   Present statements and ask children to identify whether it is “magic” or “science,” followed by explanation.

Closing Note

The session reinforces the idea that “It is not magic, it is science”, encouraging children to view the world with curiosity, logic, and a desire to learn.

Links for reference videos:

1. Aeroplane Kaise Udta Hai? (Hindi)

https://youtu.be/u2CnQBNgHWU?si=YYcVh9gH4f02_PDA

 2. Ship Paani Mein Kyun Nahi Doobta?

https://youtu.be/Qv6Zor_TTB4?si=kSC7FCqidqlPPrjb

 3. Bridge Kaise Banta Hai? (Hindi Explanation)

https://youtu.be/nHZAj4TZ_u4?si=-3hT23eiKbo19Cdo

Credits & Licensing

This presentation was created by Seedling Foundation as part of its initiative at Dongri Observation Home.
It is free to use, adapt, and distribute for non-commercial educational purposes only. Please credit Seedling Foundation wherever it is shared or reused.
For feedback or suggestions, contact: [seedlingfdn@gmail.com]