Start Them Young: STEM Activities For Infants – Week 2

So we’re back with some more STEM activities for your little one. Did your little one enjoy the Science of Sounds experiments we talked about earlier? If you missed that you can catch up on those here.

When babies touch a texture that is new and unfamiliar they are working on their sensory skills. So why not let them have fun while they develop this all-important sense?

This week we’re going to introduce the babies to another interesting set of experiments – the science of touch.

The Science of Touch

Activity 1 – Jiggly Jell-O

Image Source: https://busytoddler.com

You may or may not like Jell-O but babies and infants love getting their hands on these jiggly things. If you make Jell-O at home then here is a little twist for you. Insert a small snack or a little toy into your Jell-O while making it. Let it set, and then let your little one study how objects are suspended inside. Let them dig into it to see what they can extract.

Since Jell-O is edible, it’s okay if curiosity gets the better of them and they bite it. However, be careful with the little toys though. We don’t want them putting those tiny bits in their mouths. Let them figure out how to get that snack or a toy out.

This play can be messy but it’s an amazing sensory stimulus, so lay down a towel or little sheet of plastic. Do this outside in the garden or balcony to minimize the mess. Let them see through the Jell-O and figure out how to get that prize that’s hidden inside the Jell-Os.

Activity 2 – Super Water Beads

I bet you didn’t know that basil seeds or what you call Sabja seeds can be great sensory tools for your babies and a rich source of iron? These are essentially safe, edible, non-choking mini water beads.

Here is what you need:

Sabja or basil seeds.
Edible colours ( can do without these too)
Water

Method

Put a few drops of edible food colours in water in separate containers.
Add the sabja/basil seeds to the containers and let them soak for 10 minutes. The seeds absorb this coloured water and become little jelly balls.
They naturally stick together so when you are ready for your child to play with, add these to a big tub and add some water to it. Then sit back and watch the fun. You’re going to be hearing a lot of squealing and loads of laughter.