During our “Rescue the Worms” experience, children playfully investigated magnetism by using magnetic wands to rescue pipe cleaner worms hidden beneath the sand. Guided by curiosity and wonder, the children explored how the magnets attracted the worms, testing different movements and strategies to uncover and lift them from the sensory table. As described in FLIGHT: Alberta’s Early Learning and Care Framework, children demonstrated the qualities of mighty learners by being curious, resourceful, connected, and confident. They worked alongside peers, shared discoveries, problem-solved, and persisted when worms were buried deeply in the sand. Through this open-ended experience, children strengthened their fine motor skills, developed early scientific thinking, and built theories about how magnets work, all while experiencing the joy of learning through exploration, collaboration, and play.
