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.     


 

 

 

How School Clubs Foster Personal Growth – The Debate Club

By Matshidiso Kokorwe • June 12, 2025
At GIS, learning goes beyond textbooks—it shapes the whole child. Clubs and co-curricular activities play a vital role in developing confident, curious, and capable students. Few are as transformative as the Debate Club, which equips learners with essential life skills while offering a space for personal growth and discovery. Debate Club gives students powerful exposure to diverse perspectives. Whether working with peers across year groups or engaging with students from other schools, these moments build empathy, adaptability, and communication skills—qualities that serve them long after school. But debate is about more than arguing opposing views. It’s a rigorous yet supportive environment where students learn to think on their feet, research thoroughly, and communicate with clarity. For many, it begins with hesitation. That’s why our club introduces new members through informal discussions and mock debates. These non-competitive sessions provide a safe space to learn structure, build confidence, and grow at their own pace. The first real test came at Maru-a-Pula School. Though they didn’t win, the experience was formative. Students learned how to source information properly, evaluate claims critically, and present arguments grounded in logic and evidence. They also strengthened their media literacy—developing the discernment to separate fact from misinformation in today’s digital world. These habits extend beyond debating. In the classroom and beyond, students become more intentional, articulate, and resilient. They learn to present clearly, listen actively, and stay composed under pressure. This confidence isn’t built overnight—but the Debate Club lays the foundation. Importantly, they also learned to lose well. Just a week after their initial loss, the team competed again—this time at Westwood International School. The challenge: present a business proposal to a panel of judges. Drawing on everything they had learned, the team walked away with a well-deserved win: Best Speaker in the Business Pitch category, and 1st Place overall . But more valuable than the trophy was what the moment represented—growth, teamwork, and resilience in action. What Our Debaters Say “Debate at GIS is about more than just public speaking,” says Nicole Cole, a Form 3 learner. “It helps you become more confident, informed, and ready to lead. Whether you're debating in class or on stage, you learn to think critically, express ideas clearly, and listen respectfully. It’s an experience that stays with you.” Club captain and Best Speaker winner Neelo Tshimologo, also in Form 3, shares: “I didn’t start debate with confidence. It built over time—through mistakes, learning, and just showing up. Now, I speak in class without overthinking. I contribute in group work. I work better with people, even adults. Debate taught me to listen properly, not just wait to speak. That’s helped in real life too. Even my writing improved. I now build strong arguments, use evidence correctly, and my teachers have noticed the difference—especially in English and History. Honestly, debate didn’t just teach me how to argue—it helped me communicate, stay calm, and show up with confidence, even when I felt unsure.”  Thanks to the support of highly qualified staff and the commitment of students, Debate Club continues to grow in numbers and impact. It’s one of many ways GIS enriches learning beyond the classroom—bridging academic content from the Cambridge curriculum with real-world application. As part of the ADvTECH group, GIS students benefit from world-class opportunities in a multicultural, well-resourced environment. Clubs like Debate reflect our commitment to developing confident, articulate leaders—ready to succeed anywhere. Students who step into Debate Club may start unsure—but they leave empowered.

10 Signs Your Child Is Ready for Standard 1

By Lisedi Phuti, Primary School Principal, Gaborone International School • June 12, 2025
Starting Standard 1 is a big leap for young learners. At Gaborone International School, we understand just how significant this transition is, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Over the years, we’ve walked this journey with hundreds of young learners, and while each child is wonderfully unique, there are a few signs we look for that suggest a child is ready to step confidently into Standard 1. While each child develops at their own pace, there are several common signs that suggest your child is ready to take on this exciting new chapter. Here are some helpful indicators:  Follows Simple Instructions Your child can listen to and follow 2–3 step directions, such as “Put your shoes away, wash your hands, and come to the table.” Works Independently for Short Periods They can focus on a task like colouring, building, or simple writing for at least 10–15 minutes without constant help. Expresses Needs Clearly Your child can use words to express when they are hungry, need the bathroom, feel upset, or have a question. Plays and Cooperates with Others They can take turns, share, and interact respectfully with other children in a group setting. Manages Basic Self-Care They can handle simple personal tasks like washing hands, packing a bag, or tidying up after an activity. Shows Curiosity and Interest in Learning Your child asks questions about the world, enjoys listening to stories, and shows interest in letters, numbers, or new experiences. Recognizes Some Letters and Numbers While full literacy isn’t expected yet, your child should be familiar with the alphabet and numbers 1–10. Identifies and Regulates Basic Emotions They are learning to name feelings like “sad” or “frustrated” and are beginning to calm themselves with adult guidance. Follows a Routine Your child is used to structured parts of the day like waking up, eating meals, and going to bed at regular times. Feels Comfortable in Group Settings Whether it’s a family gathering, Sunday school, or pre-school class, they can function in environments with multiple children and adults. At GIS, we know that no child needs to “tick every box” to be ready. What matters most is their growing confidence, curiosity, and willingness to learn. Are you unsure or have some questions about your child’s transition into Standard 1? I’d love to meet with you in person, hear more about your child, and help guide you through this important stage. Book a coffee chat with me at GIS — together, we’ll ensure your child’s next step is the right one. I look forward to connecting with you! — Lisedi Phuti, Primary School Principal

What Sets a Cambridge Education Apart

May 28, 2025
Understanding the System, Its Structure, and Global Value When parents consider their child’s future, they naturally want an education that unlocks opportunity and builds confidence. The Cambridge International curriculum does exactly that—offering more than a qualification. It offers aspiration, access, and academic excellence. A Global Standard for Ambitious Learners Cambridge is one of the most recognised and respected international education systems in the world. Offered in over 160 countries, it’s a curriculum trusted by top universities and employers across the globe. Whether your child wants to study in South Africa, Canada, the UK, or beyond, Cambridge provides a qualification that travels well. At its heart, it’s not just about where learners can go, but who they become along the way—resilient, culturally aware, and confident young adults. A Structured Pathway, A Flexible Future The Cambridge curriculum supports students from early secondary through to school-leaving level: Cambridge Lower Secondary prepares students with strong foundations. IGCSE develops subject mastery, critical thinking, and choice. AS and A Levels deepen academic strength and university readiness. What sets Cambridge apart is that it provides structure without being rigid. Schools can personalise delivery to reflect local relevance and learner needs, while still maintaining international benchmarks. More Than a Syllabus—A Skillset Cambridge places an emphasis on what students can do with what they know. Learners are encouraged to: Analyse and evaluate Think independently Communicate effectively Solve real-world problems This goes far beyond exam preparation. It cultivates learners who are emotionally and intellectually ready for the demands of university, the workplace, and society. Assessments That Develop, Not Diminish Rather than rewarding rote memorisation, Cambridge assessments are designed to reflect understanding, application, and insight. This aligns with GIS’s values of empowering learners and nurturing excellence at every stage. Students are given the chance to shine through varied question types and rigorous, fair marking. Real-World Application: Exposure to Global Pathways To bring this international value to life, we complement the academic journey with real-time exposure to global opportunities. Recently, GIS welcomed representatives from the University of Pretoria , as well as Canadian university campuses , who engaged learners on everything from study visas and scholarships to adapting to student life abroad. These experiences help students envision the next step and equip families with practical tools for planning their academic futures. The Functional Edge of a Cambridge School The Cambridge system is most powerful when paired with strong pastoral care and a culture of excellence. GIS aligns this with: AI-driven academic support Dedicated pastoral care , including a full-time psychologist Multicultural, inclusive environments Highly qualified teachers World-class sporting and co-curricular opportunities Together, these create not only superior academic outcomes but also well-rounded, adaptable students who are ready to thrive. In Summary: Confidence in the Journey Ahead A Cambridge education doesn’t just aim high—it helps students get there. It blends global standards with local care, academic rigour with emotional support, and structure with opportunity. That’s why parents feel proud of their children’s qualifications, and students feel confident in their future success.  Thomas Ramakgoakgoa Head of High School Gaborone International School
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