Winter Fun

In Canada, typically January means cold and snow. But it might also mean that your grandchildren are participating in school science fairs. As kids know, Grandparents make some of the best teachers, so consider planning an activity that you can do together to enjoy the season and also provide an opportunity for learning.

Heading out to the local tobogganing hill is something many kids do during the winter. So this year, bundle up, grab the sled and head out to the hill with your grandchildren for a fun adventure filled with science fun. Kids know sledding down a hill is fun, but do they know why? This is the perfect opportunity for a lesson in physics! Explain how friction plays a part in lots of their favourite winter activities from skating, hockey and tobogganing. After you explain the theory, the experimenting fun can begin! 

Help your grandchildren design and build different sleds. This might sound intimidating, but all you really need are some common items you probably already have around the house and some imagination. Collect some drawing materials, cardboard, a plastic garbage bag or two and some tape. Invite your grandchildren to let their inner engineer out by drawing blueprints for their sled. Discuss different shapes and how some shapes are more aerodynamic than others and how different surfaces can be slippery or provide traction. After they have developed their concept, prototype construction can begin.

Using cardboard, help your grandchild cut out the shapes they need to make their sled. Cardboard makes a great sled on it's own, so take it out to the hill for testing and observation, but bring along your materials for modification. As they enjoy their rides down the hill, encourage your grandchild to ask themselves questions. How fast is their sled going? Do they have the ability to control the direction? How can they change the speed? Engage in discussion about their sled and what they discovered. 

Perhaps your grandchild discovers that their sled was great, or maybe they want to make some adjustments. Suggest covering their cardboard sled in plastic garbage bags and ask them to predict the effect this will have on their next ride down the hill. Imagine how excited they’ll be to test out their improvements!  After testing their theory, why not head home to cook up some chemistry fun with hot chocolate and marshmallows?

Grand Tip:

Winter Safety Essentials:
Perhaps the most important thing to consider when getting ready to head outdoors this winter is if your grandchildren are dressed for the conditions. Dressing in layers will help kids stay warm and dry. Make sure they have their hats and mitts before heading out and make sure scarves are tucked in so they can’t catch on anything. And even though it’s winter, don’t forget the sunscreen! If your grandchildren are participating in activities like sledding, skating or snowboarding, a helmet can prevent head injuries in case of a fall. It’s also a good idea to take breaks to warm up inside with a warm beverage.