LEARNING SCIENCE THROUGH PLAY
Play with Sun: solar activity book for children.

Abstract

Learning is associated with education which stresses on learning through classrooms, teachers, text books and exams. But, we tend to ignore the fact that we all including children learn through what we experience.

This project aimed at self directed, purposeful and meaningful experiences against passive, forceful and fearful education. Experiences mean things done with body, muscles, hands, tools as well as
the mind; the things which involve actions which are physical and involve senses. Talking, reading, listening, writing, questioning, observing, thinking, making, breaking and even dreaming are part
of the experiences.

‘Play’ is the most active component of things when we engage, enjoy, have fun, question, analyze, argue, prove and do things. Science is to know how things work. Children are naturally curious
to know how things work around them. Sun is the most essential component of our existence
being responsible for most of the phenomena in our environment. It is important to know Science behind Sun.

The project is an attempt towards learning to understand ‘Sun’ through a book where activities are planned and illustrated to encourage children to learn Science with readily available materials in a playful way.