Little Pine · 3–6 years

Can we see air?

Can we see air? What happens when we trap it, blow it or use it to move something? In Air Detectives, children become little scientists as they explore something that is all around us but cannot be seen: air! Through playful, hands-on experiments, children will discover that even though air is invisible, we can observe what it does. They will experiment with an upside-down cup in water, create bubbles, blow and move different objects, and take on a fun Wind Challenge where they have to figure out how to make an object move using only air. Children are encouraged to predict what might happen, test their ideas and discover the answers through experimentation. A playful introduction to STEM that turns an everyday concept into an exciting scientific discovery.

What will children do?

Can we see air? What happens when we trap it, blow it or use it to move something? In Air Detectives, children become little scientists as they explore something that is all around us but cannot be seen: air! Through playful, hands-on experiments, children will discover that even though air is invisible, we can observe what it does. They will experiment with an upside-down cup in water, create bubbles, blow and move different objects, and take on a fun Wind Challenge where they have to figure out how to make an object move using only air. Children are encouraged to predict what might happen, test their ideas and discover the answers through experimentation. A playful introduction to STEM that turns an everyday concept into an exciting scientific discovery.

What will children learn?

• 🌬️ Discover that air takes up space, even though we cannot see it.
• 🫧 Observe how trapped air can create bubbles in water.
• 👀 Practice observation and prediction by thinking about what will happen before each experiment.
• 💨 Explore cause and effect by using air to move different objects.
• 🧠 Develop early problem-solving and engineering skills during the Wind Challenge.
• 🗣️ Build vocabulary around concepts such as air, wind, bubbles, movement, push, light and heavy.
• 🔬 Experience the basic scientific process of asking, predicting, testing and observing.

How the activity works

Predict → Test → Observe → Discuss

Teacher

Fradha Intan Arassah

Lead Educator

What parents should know

At ages 3–6, children learn scientific concepts best when they can experience them rather than simply being told how something works. During Air Detectives, we are not expecting children to memorize complicated explanations about air. Instead, we introduce the idea through concrete experiences they can see and feel. When a child sees bubbles escaping from a cup, feels air while blowing, or discovers that one object moves more easily than another, they are beginning to understand that invisible forces can have visible effects. The Wind Challenge also encourages children to experiment independently. If their first idea does not work, they can adjust it and try again. This helps develop persistence, curiosity and problem-solving skills while keeping science playful and exciting.