Come here, little squishy!
If you love all things squishy, squashy, and squeeze-y as much as Dory from Finding Nemo does, then wait ’til you hear all about hand2mind‘s Squishy Water Beads Science Lab.
I am the type of person who learns by doing, so I can attest that this hands-on activity kit will guide kids ages 5 and up through creating different projects and completing experiments, all while they’re learning about chemistry concepts. All of the STEM-based activities will teach something about the characteristics of gases, liquids, and solids, all while kids are learning about the properties of the squishy, slippery water beads along the way. Plus, with a lot more learning from home taking place this year, the Squishy Water Beads Science Lab is an approachable way for kids to learn about some potentially intimidating concepts in their kitchens.
The set comes with everything kids need to create three sensory activities: a squishy stress ball, a scented mini mood lamp, and a calming mood tube. It also comes with a 36-page, illustrated storybook that will guide kids through 10 experiments using all of the materials, so parents can rest assured knowing that their kids are getting a lot of play value out of one kit.
Crafting each of the activities did not involve any frustration, but I did have a few rogue water beads that bounced into my drain strainer or on the floor. Perhaps 5-year-olds are more careful than me, but definitely encourage them to take their time or to clean up after themselves! While I love the stress ball (which may or may not have a permanent spot on my desk now), my favorite is the mini mood lamp. #90skidatheart
More than just toys that kids make themselves, all of the crafts tie into experiments in the storybook. Kids can see what happens when they add water to a bottle of clear water beads, or how light reflects off of the green, clear, and blue water beads in the mini mood lamp. And, best of all, all of the items are reusable for continuous play.
With the Squishy Water Beads Science Lab, kids will learn about the states of matter and explore scientific concepts with sensory play.
