Invitation to Mine Gems

Freezing any type of toys, loose parts, nature, or special ingredients always makes for a great way to explore science. We froze acrylic ice rocks in water & provided an array of tools to invite the children to become miners & gemologists.

In our Cosy Direct White Tuff Tray we placed the mirror insert to provide a more reflective setting. In our Learning Resources beakers we placed pipettes, jumbo droppers, wooden mallets, colorations brushes, magnifying glasses, & water. The children worked together using different techniques with the tools to release the gems from the ice. 

Ice excavation is a hands-on, fun sensory educational activity that not only teaches scientific concepts but also promotes important life skills like patience, problem-solving, and a greater appreciation for the natural world.

This hands-on activity, deeply rooted in experiential learning, supports various areas of growth during a child’s formative years. Through tactile stimulation (cold ice, warm water enhances sense of touch) + the visual engagement (gradual unveiling hidden objects stimulate their senses) all helps their sensory development. Through observing the objects going from a solid to liquid states it helps cause & effect. Deciding between the tools and what techniques (melting, chipping, burshing) challenges their cognitive thinking. Utilizing the tools helps refine their fine motor skills. Witnessing how the water and tools interact introduces basic scientific concepts (temperature + state changes). They expand and build their vocabulary using words like melt, freeze, excavate, gems, mining, etc. Successfully excavating the gems provides a sense of accomplishment and when done in a group setting promotes collaboration which all helps their social emotional development. Through all of this discovery invitations such as this fosters a sense of wonder and creativity through imaginative play.