Home Experiments

November 17, 2023
Three glasses of different colored liquids are sitting on a table.

Easy Science Experiments to Try at Home


This article will share fun and easy science experiments that kids can do at home. We will show how science can be super fun and how kids can learn cool things by doing simple experiments with stuff they find around the house. We want to make science exciting for kids and easy for parents and teachers to share.

 

MAKE A VOLCANO IN YOUR KITCHEN


Making a baking soda volcano in your kitchen is a fascinating scientific experiment with the added "wow" effect of an explosion.


Ingredients/Materials


  • 3 to 7 cups warm water
  • Red food colouring
  • 5 drops dishwashing detergent
  • 2 tbsp. baking soda
  • 2 cups white vinegar


Supplies/Tools


  • Empty soda bottle (2 litre depending on how big you want your volcano)
  • Baking pan or large tray
  • Funnel


Instructions


1.  Create Your Volcano Structure


Place the plastic bottle in a baking pan or large tray and mould your volcano around it using play dough.

Whichever technique you choose to create your volcanic cone, be sure to keep the bottle opening free of material. Use the bottle cap or cover the opening with tape to prevent any material from getting in the bottle.


2.   Load Your Volcano

 

Using the funnel, fill the bottle two-thirds full with warm water and a few drops of food colouring. Add the dishwashing detergent and baking soda to the liquid in the bottle and give it a gentle stir.

 


   3. Prepare for the Explosion


Before adding the final ingredient, make sure that you're wearing some sort of protection over your eyes. Keep your face away from the volcano as the mixture may shoot up quite a bit, especially if you used a smaller bottle.

As precisely as possible (without using the funnel), pour the vinegar into the bottle and get ready for your miniature-sized volcanic eruption.


Try different amounts of vinegar. Try different amounts of baking soda. Try different sized and shaped bottles.


CREATE RAINBOW IN A GLASS

 

Ingredients


Sugar, water, food colouring, and 5 glasses or clear plastic cups.


INSTRUCTIONS


  1. Arrange five glasses in a row. 1 tablespoon (15 g) sugar in the first glass, 2 teaspoons (30 g) sugar in the second glass, 3 tablespoons (45 g) sugar in the third glass, and 4 tablespoons (60 g) sugar in the fourth glass. The fifth glass is still empty.


 

 

Add 3 tablespoons (45 ml) of water to each of the first 4 glasses. Stir each solution. Each solution should be stirred. If the sugar does not dissolve in any of the four glasses, add another tablespoon (15 ml) of water to each.

Fill the first glass with 2-3 drops of red food colouring, the second with 2-3 drops of yellow food colouring, the third with 3 drops of green food colouring, and the fourth with 3 drops of blue food colouring. Each solution should be stirred.


Now, utilizing the various density solutions, let's create a rainbow. Fill the remaining glass about a quarter of the way with the blue sugar solution.


Layer some green sugar solution on top of the blue liquid with care. Put a spoon in the glass, just above the blue layer, and slowly pour the green solution over the back of the spoon.


If you do it correctly, you won't affect the blue solution at all. Fill the glass halfway with the green solution.

Using the back of the spoon, place the yellow solution on top of the green liquid. Fill the glass three-quarters of the way.


Finally, pour the crimson solution on top of the yellow liquid. Fill the glass up to the brim.


 

MAKE A BOUNCY EGG

 

Supplies Needed


  •    Raw Egg
  •    Clear Glass or Jar
  •    White Vinegar


Instructions


  1.  Place an egg carefully into a jar.
  2.  Fill a jar with vinegar until the egg is fully covered.


  1.  Leave egg for 24 hours, then drain the old vinegar and add fresh vinegar.
  2.  Check on the progress each day and note how the egg changes.
  3.  After three days, carefully remove the egg from the jar and rinse with water.


The egg will now look translucent, and the yolk can be seen from the outside. Allow your child to gently “bounce” the egg from a small height, about 6 inches or less.


PLAY WITH STATIC ELECTRICITY USING A BALOON

 

What You Need

• 2 balloons

• Light string, thread, or curling ribbon

• Wool fabric (socks, mittens, or sweater)

• Gift tissue paper

• Aluminium can (empty, on its side)

 

Instructions

1. Blow up the balloons and tie a light string to each


2. Hold a balloon by the string (it should be hanging down) and bring the balloon close to each of the materials (the second balloon, the tissue paper, and the aluminium can).


 

         

3.Rub both balloons onto your hair or onto the wool fabric.

                               

 

EXPLORING DENSITY - FLOATING EGG EXPERIMENT

 

Equipment needed

  • Measuring cups (1 cup and ¼ cup)
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 clear beakers or glasses
  • Water
  • Salt
  • Food colouring
  • Spoon

What to do


1. Fill one of the glasses with 1 cup of water.

2. Gently drop one egg into the water and watch what happens.

3. Fill the second glass with 1 cup of water and ¼ cup of salt.

4. Stir until the salt is completely dissolved.

5. Add a few drops of food colouring to the salt water and stir to mix.

6. Gently drop the second egg into the glass and watch what happens.     


 

 

 

Ai In Education: Supporting Teachers, Not Replacing Them

June 27, 2025
It is undeniable that AI in education, even though still in relative infancy, has a multiplier effect on student outcomes. An overview of the substantial impact of individualised learning on student performance over the past few years, combined with an insight into daily advances in real life, has the potential to raise concern about the role of human educators in classrooms. Are teachers becoming obsolete? Not quite. While it is true that AI’s role is growing by the day, it is in fact not replacing teachers, but rather changing the role of teachers, an education expert says. “We have, over the past 3 years, seen a 20% improvement in student performance, with AI and individualised learning having become the order of the day,” says Desiree Hugo, Academic Head at ADvTECH Schools. AI in education isn’t a case of students having access to ChatGPT – it is a vastly more considered strategy leveraging proprietary tools and platforms. ADvTECH’s ADvLEARN Intelligent Tutoring System is a prime example, utilising AI to craft individualised learning paths that allow students to advance at their own speed. This system empowers data-guided instruction while fostering independent learning across various subjects. “Adaptive learning technologies leverage data-driven analysis to personalise educational content, pacing, and assessments based on each student's unique needs. These solutions, which include intelligent tutoring systems and learning management platforms, enable educators to tailor instruction efficiently without increasing their workload, when integrated effectively,” says Hugo. “For students, this creates a customised, engaging, and encouraging experience, whether they’re building core skills or exploring complex topics. For educators, it delivers real-time insights to refine teaching approaches, ensuring all students achieve progress.” AI systems are fast moving in the direction of students being able to learn completely independently, which then raises the question – what about the teachers? Will in-person schools still be a thing? Or will future learning consist of young people working alone, in front of their screens? “Adopting best international practices in AI implementation is critical to staying at the forefront of educational excellence. However, the narrative around AI in education must be clear: AI is a powerful tool to support, not replace, teachers,” says Hugo. “The human element in teaching, in particular empathy, creativity, and mentorship, remains irreplaceable, and AI’s role is to enhance these supportive opportunities, ensuring teachers remain central to the learning experience, while time-consuming repetitive tasks become the domain of AI.” The integration of AI into education really is a best-case scenario, allowing overworked teachers to get back to their unique strengths, Hugo says. WHY TEACHERS WILL REMAIN AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE EDUCATIONAL LANDSCAPE While AI excels at processing data and delivering personalised content, it lacks the human qualities that ensures an exceptional, holistic education. In the age of AI, the role of teachers will remain important in the following areas: Emotional connection and empathy - Learning is deeply human, driven by relationships. Teachers understand students’ emotional needs, motivate them through challenges, and celebrate their successes. No algorithm can replicate the encouragement of a teacher who notices a student’s potential or the trust built through years of mentorship.  Fostering creativity and critical thinking - AI can provide information, but teachers guide students to question, innovate, and think critically. In a world increasingly shaped by AI, skills like ethical reasoning, collaboration, and creative problem-solving, nurtured by teachers, are essential. Curricula, like the IEB, IB and Cambridge systems, emphasize these skills, and ADvTECH’s commitment to global standards positions its teachers as key drivers of this development. Cultural and contextual nuance - South Africa’s diverse educational landscape requires teachers who understand local contexts, languages, and cultural dynamics. Teachers bridge the gap between AI and real-life context, ensuring learning is relevant and inclusive. “The fear that AI will replace teachers stems from a misunderstanding of its purpose, combined with the stunning realisation of its ability to improve student outcomes. But AI is not a substitute for human connection. Rather, it is a catalyst for unlocking teacher potential. It empowers teachers to do what they do best: inspire, guide, and transform lives. “Imagine a classroom where AI handles repetitive tasks, provides real-time student insights, and suggests tailored resources, while the teacher focuses on sparking debates, nurturing talents, and building confidence. This is the future that educational institutions must champion - a future where technology supports human excellence, not replaces it.”

Choosing the right career path A guide for students and parents

June 26, 2025
“What do you want to be when you grow up?” It’s a question filled with imagination, ”Doctor!” “Astronaut!” “Pilot!” But as learners grow, the question demands more than dreams. At GIS, we believe choosing a career should be guided by reflection, purpose, and our values of Generosity, Integrity, Self-Discipline as well as Innovation, Diversity and Excellence! COGNITIVE ABILITY – EXCELLENCE Is your child ready, academically and mentally, for the career they’re considering? Professions such as medicine, engineering or aviation require strong abilities in subjects like Mathematics and Science. Encouraging careers where they can thrive, not just survive, helps them avoid overwhelm and anxiety. INTEREST – INNOVATION Do they enjoy what they want to do, even on a cold morning? Passion fuels perseverance. A budding lawyer should love reading. A future psychologist should be curious about how people think and feel. Interest keeps motivation alive when challenges arise. PERSONALITY – DIVERSITY Not every career suits every personality. Are they introverted or outgoing? If they are not instinctively confrontational and argumentative, is the legal profession the way to go? Shy students might struggle in performance arts, while reserved personalities may not enjoy sales or law. Their personality helps find the right fit, not the hardest fight. VALUES – INTEGRITY & GENEROSITY What truly matters to them—family, status, impact, balance? If its family they value, then they should choose a career that will not keep them away from their family A values-aligned career brings long-term fulfilment, not just success.  OUR GIS MESSAGE At GIS, we walk beside each student as they explore their future. A career choice is a journey of discovery, not a rush to the finish line.

Gaborone International School: Leveraging Technology to Drive Collaborative Learning

June 20, 2025
In today’s rapidly advancing digital world, Gaborone International School (GIS) stands at the forefront of innovative education in Botswana. By embracing cutting-edge educational technology, GIS is redefining the traditional classroom and transforming it into a vibrant, collaborative, and interactive learning environment. The integration of digital tools not only enhances academic engagement but also equips students with critical 21st-century skills—collaboration, creativity, communication, and critical thinking. A Vision for Future-Ready Learning At GIS, technology is more than just a teaching aid—it’s an essential part of our educational philosophy. We believe that collaborative learning prepares students for the real world by encouraging them to work in teams, share ideas, and solve problems together. Our school has invested in advanced learning technologies including: Guided Readers ADvLEARN Robotics kits Drones Virtual Reality (VR) headsets These tools create immersive and collaborative experiences that drive both academic success and personal growth. Guided Readers: Enhancing Literacy Through Shared Learning Reading is a foundational skill, and GIS promotes it through the use of Guided Readers, a digital platform offering leveled reading resources tailored to individual learners. This interactive tool transforms reading into a collaborative experience, allowing students to: Participate in paired reading sessions Engage in group discussions Conduct peer assessments This social approach to literacy encourages students to listen attentively, express their ideas clearly, and understand different perspectives. Teachers can monitor progress in real-time, offer personalized feedback, and adapt instruction to meet each student’s needs. The result is a classroom where reading is not only accessible and inclusive, but also dynamic and engaging. ADvLEARN and Personalized Collaboration GIS integrates ADvLEARN, an intelligent learning platform that adapts to each student’s academic progress. While the platform is tailored to individual learners, it also supports group learning through shared tasks, feedback loops, and performance tracking. Students collaborate on assignments, explain concepts to peers, and build their understanding through guided interactions—making learning both personalized and participatory. STEM Innovation: Robotics, Drones, and VR Technology-fueled group projects in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) at GIS provide powerful platforms for collaboration: Robotics kits inspire teamwork and innovation, as students design, build, and program robots in small teams. Drone programming encourages students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world applications while working together on navigation challenges. VR headsets immerse learners in virtual environments, where exploration and group problem-solving make subjects like history, biology, and geography come alive. These hands-on experiences foster creativity, logical reasoning, and digital literacy—skills essential for future careers in a tech-driven world. Why Collaborative Learning Matters at GIS GIS is committed to holistic education that balances academic achievement with character development. Collaborative learning: Builds self-confidence and leadership Encourages empathy and respect for diverse viewpoints Prepares students for team-oriented workplaces Strengthens communication and interpersonal skills By working together on tech-integrated tasks, students at GIS become not only better learners but also global citizens who are ready to thrive in a connected world. Conclusion: Technology Meets Teamwork at GIS At Gaborone International School, our approach to learning is rooted in innovation, inclusivity, and student empowerment. By combining state-of-the-art technology with a strong emphasis on collaboration, GIS offers a dynamic educational experience that develops both minds and character. Through platforms like Guided Readers and ADvLEARN, and interactive tools such as robotics and VR, students at GIS are gaining the skills they need to excel academically and lead confidently in the future. Explore how GIS is shaping future leaders—where technology meets collaboration, and excellence begins.
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