On Monday, 17 November 2025, the TK B pupils of Al Siddiq International took part in a simple experiment in the Science and Maths classroom. The activity used everyday materials—water, pepper, soap, and cotton buds. Although it appeared simple, the experiment was designed to spark the children’s curiosity and encourage them to observe real reactions from the objects around them.
Before starting the experiment, the teacher led a recall activity about different types of professions. The children were invited to mention jobs they knew, from teachers to scientists. From there, the teacher explained that scientists often conduct experiments to discover new things, including substances that help people remove bacteria from their hands when washing with soap. This explanation served as a bridge to the experiment they were about to carry out.
The teacher then prepared a container of water sprinkled with pepper. The children were allowed to observe the pepper floating on the surface and to guess what would happen when soap was added. This moment brought the classroom to life as the children freely shared their predictions, whether amusing or logical.
Each child received a cotton bud. The teacher demonstrated how to dip one end into the soap. The children then gently touched the surface of the pepper-covered water with their cotton buds. As soon as the tip touched the water, the pepper particles immediately moved away from the point of contact. The children looked surprised and delighted to see such a quick reaction.
Through this experiment, the children learned that soap has the ability to break the surface tension of water, causing the pepper to move away. The explanation was given in simple terms to make it easy to understand. More importantly, the activity offered a hands-on experience that made the children feel like little scientists. They did not just hear the theory; they experienced the cause-and-effect process themselves.
The activity ended their day with a sense of pride and curiosity. Many of them asked whether there were other experiments they could try. The teacher emphasised that curiosity is the first step to becoming a good learner. Through simple activities like this, the children learned that science can be found anywhere—even in the soap and pepper they have at home.
By Inka Amalia, S.Pd