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I have been watching the weather for sunny days in order to introduce the

concept of Solar energy to the children as part of our curriculum theme


Space for this term. Today was partially cloudy and lends itself to a
great experiment on the practical use of solar energy that can widen the
children knowledge on science and technology and provoke their
curiosity. I brought a helicopter toy that works on solar energy so I can
introduce the concept of producing clean energy from different sources. I put it together with
Aedel who arrives the earliest and entertained a great discussion around the concept and got
to trial its functioning successfully. Shortly after, I recorded the experience in a learning story
for Aedel allowing him to choose his photos. I showed the
story to Aedel and the children who were very inquisitive and
Aedel started explaining what we did in the morning. They
became very curious and wanted to see how the helicopter
works. I promised them we will do that shortly then I took
their openion about where should I display the story. Aedel,
Fawwaz and Sibgha suggested putting it near the space theme
display as it has the sun and is about Solar energy. I was
impressed with their logical thinking. I brought all my
resources for the session (The solar helicopter, a solar torch, a
battery run small froth beater & my laptop). Before I would
say anything I was showered with the children curios
questions & observations especially Amina, Maryam,
Fawwaz, Sibgha, Ebado & Zaina. What is that T. Maysoon?
Why the helicopter is not moving? The light is changing
colours. Is it hot? Can I touch it? Is that your lap top teacher???
Who created the sun, I sked the kids? They all answered confidently Allah. We talked
about Allahs creations & bounties. The sun light shines on earth and gives lots of energy
that humans need to do lots of work, I explained. I introduced to the children the terms Solar
& Energy. Solar being the Latin word for sun and it is a powerful source of energy (heat and
electricity). Energy is ability to do work and comes from many
sources (electricity, gas, charcoal, sun, food etc.). Maryam said yes
we do B.B.Q chicken at home and use charcoal
and spray! Zaina said the fire is hot, it cooks the
chicken. We cooked the soup on the stove
Fawwaz answered when I asked how did you
cook the soup today with teacher Huda. Electric
stove Sibgha answered, when I asked if it was a gas or electric
stove. I asked Fawwaz and Aedel to run and explained about food
energy allowing muscles movement. We then explored the froth

beater which vibrated when we turned the switch and I showed them the batteries inside that
was the source of energy. Can I touch it, Ebado asked? She had a good look about the device
with a focus on the switch turning it on and off. Then we explored the helicopter and talked
about the solar panel & that it is designed to collect the sun ray and converted to electricity
which goes into the wires which will them cause the propeller to move. I asked what do they
think will happen if we turn the switch on? Musa who was really keen to see some action said
the helicopter will fly. Awesome analysis Musa, linking turning the switch on to action
outcome. Aedel said, based on his morning experience, no it needs solar energy. Well done
Aedel for recalling the right knowledge when revisiting the experience. So I asked what shall
we do then? Put it in the sun Aedel answered confidently. I asked what about this solar light?
Lujain said I take it. Great thinking Lujain. Although Rahma and Amro were quiet but they
were very attentive and involved. Habiba also became attracted and joined the group. So we
all went outside with lots of excitement and watched the propeller move after few minutes in
the sun. Musa jumped in joy and playfulness, its cool! Amro was so excited and started
touching the propeller saying nice. After a short while I suggested that we go inside again and
all of them objected. I asked why? They all said it will stop moving. We want to see it move
and move and move Amina said. Ebado said the solar energy is hot as we started feeling
warmer sitting in the sun. Rahma showed me her cap with a green Perspex shade pointing on
the sun rays as if she is connecting between the helicopter solar panel reflecting the light and
her transparent cap. Eventually we went inside to watch some videos about solar energy.
Few more children joined us (Khalid , Bara & Rayan) and One video caught the children
attention and was about making a solar oven from a Pizza box and they wanted to make one
so this will be our scaffolding follow up project in sha Allah.
Parents started coming and the children could not hide their excitement and started sharing
their unique experience with them and those who moved to the undertow room at the end of
the day shared their experience with teacher Lynda. Fawwaz shared with his parents his
experience and suggested that they buy a Pizza, eat it all then bring the empty box to school
so we can build a solar oven.
It is heart-warming to see all of our children so curious, inquisitive, confident and courageous
in giving their opinions. They thrive on exploration opportunities and testing scientific
theories. Their communication skills are advanced and we need to offer them more of such
special challenging experiences which empower them to learn and grow and encourage their
exploration and responsive relationships as well as enrich their vocabulary.

Teacher Maysoon
November 2015

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