An Experiment in Smell

I have to start out this post with a confession – the idea for this experiment came from Sid the Science Kid.  The girls loved the episode that explored smells and have been asking me to do this activity for weeks.  What I loved about this learning experience was that it was a playful way to introduce the girls to the scientific method.

1. Choose four items with distinct smells (we used lemon, garlic, lavender and cinnamon) and put them into separate glasses.
2. Cover the glasses with aluminum foil and secure with rubber bands. Next, poke tiny holes in the top. Label each glass with a number. Prepare a science journal by printing, cutting and stapling this  science experiment sheet.
3. Start by having your child smell the first glass.  After they have smelled it, ask them to make a hypothesis about what they have just smelled.
4. Next, show them the contents of the glass and have them fill in the conclusion based on the evidence in the glass. Repeat steps three and four for each glass.

The girls had a great time, see themselves as “scientists” and continue to make hypotheses about a variety of subjects on a daily basis.

Mariah is a mother of two and an educator. You can find more ideas and resources for family-friendly learning experiences over at her website, Playful Learning.