Big Discoveries

Hello little scientists!

Did you know that sand, waves, and shells make the perfect science lab for budding scientists? Next time you’re down at Shelly Beach, why don’t you give these sensory STEM challenges a try:

Ready to Learn?

 Sink or Float? Gather some shells, pebbles, and seaweed and let your little one predict which will float or sink in a bucket of seawater! This teaches buoyancy & density in a playful way.

 Sand Science! Feel the difference between dry sand & wet sand - why does wet sand stick together? It’s all about surface tension & absorption!

 Wave Watchers! Have you ever noticed how waves change size & speed? Ask your little scientist why some waves crash gently while others are big & powerful. It’s a great way to introduce tides, wind, and moon cycles!

Ready to Play?

Try This at Home: Ocean-Inspired Slime!

Bring the beach home with Ocean Swirl Slime!

What You’ll Need:

1 cup clear PVA glue

A½ tsp baking soda

1 tbsp contact lens solution (with boric acid)

Blue food coloring & glitter (for a shimmering ocean effect!)

Mix the ingredients, watch the slime form, and talk about how chemical reactions make it stretchy and gooey just like the sticky sand at the beach!

Ready to Explore?

Local STEM Spotlight: Sea Creatures at Bass & Flinders Point!

Have you taken your little ones rock pooling at Bass & Flinders Point? It’s a living STEM lab!

Look out for:

• Tiny crabs scuttling in the sand

• Spiral shells hiding sea snails

• Little fish darting in the shallow pools

Bring a magnifying glass and encourage observation skills - scientists start young!