The Science of Small: Exploring Tiny Wonders as a Family

Have you ever stopped to notice the tiny things in the world around you? From microscopic organisms to miniature ecosystems, the science of small is all about exploring the fascinating details that often go unnoticed at home and in your community!  

Mini Magnified Explorations

What You'll Need:

• A magnifying glass  
• Small natural objects (leaves, soil, bugs, feathers, etc.)
• Notebook and colored pencils

At Home: Go on a tiny treasure hunt around your house or backyard. Collect interesting small objects and examine them under a magnifying glass. Sketch what you see and write down any patterns, textures, or colors that surprise you!

In the Community: Visit a park, garden, or beach with a magnifying glass and observe the details of different surfaces—bark on trees, grains of sand, or flower petals. Compare how different materials look up close versus far away!

The Teeny Tiny Terrarium

What You'll Need:

• A clear jar or plastic container
• Small pebbles, soil, and moss
• A tiny plant or succulent
• Spray bottle with water

At Home: Build a miniature terrarium by layering pebbles, soil, and moss in a clear jar. Add a tiny plant and mist it with water. Place it in a sunny window and observe how moisture recycles inside over time—just like a small ecosystem!

In the Community: Go on a nature walk to collect tiny ferns, moss, or small pebbles. Observe where small plants grow best in your neighborhood—do they prefer shade, sun, or damp areas?

Tiny Engineer Challenge: Building with Mini Materials

What You'll Need:

• Toothpicks, mini marshmallows, or playdough
• Cotton swabs, straws, or pipe cleaners
• A ruler or measuring tape

At Home: Challenge your family to build the tallest structure using only small materials! Try creating bridges, towers, or even tiny homes using toothpicks and marshmallows. Discuss how engineers design on both large and small scales.

In the Community: Visit a local science museum or architecture exhibit and look for examples of tiny structures—miniature models, dollhouses, or even insect nests! How do nature and science inspire design?

The Science of Seeds: Watching Growth Happen

What You'll Need:

• Dried beans or fast-growing seeds (like radish or alfalfa)
• Cotton balls or a paper towel
• A small clear plastic cup

At Home: Place a few dried beans between a damp paper towel and the side of a clear cup. Watch them sprout over the next few days! Observe how small roots and stems grow before they become full-sized plants.

In the Community: Visit a community garden or local farm and look for baby plants. Talk about how small seeds turn into the food we eat! If possible, plant tiny seeds in a garden or pot and watch them grow over time.