I began by sharing the materials we would need, water, two glasses (yes, real glass), a tray and a pipette. I told the children we would need to be extra careful because we were using real glasses and we didn't want to break one. I believe if you give a child responsibilities they will rise to the occasion and learn to respect the materials we are using. Everyone did a great job and really felt proud that I could trust them with fragile materials.
Next, we needed to learn how to use a pipette. As adults, we use one on autopilot. But for young learners this multi-step process and be quite challenging the first time out. So I demonstrated how you need to squeeze the bulb in the air, place it in the water while still squeezing it, release the bulb so that water will travel up the pipe, then move the full pipette to the other glass and squeeze again to release the liquid. That is a lot to remember! Some of us struggled at first but no one gave up! By the end of our work everyone had figured out the process. There were squeals of, "Look Ms .Kristen, I did it!"
We also discussed spills. Spills are going to happen. It is part of the learning process. No one would be upset if there was an accident, that is why we use the trays, to help contain any messes. We weren't using a lot of water so the messes (even times 8!) were contained and I even showed the children how to use their pipette to clean up any spills.
Every time I do this activity someone inevitably wants to try to pour the water directly from one cup to another. I always have to chuckle because the first child to try it always looks at me like they are up to no good and are quite relived when I encourage them to keep going. I am so glad they feel comfortable challenging themselves and leading others to try. It comes so naturally. Before long everyone was trying to transfer water from one glass to the other. Another great skill to work on! To have steady hands and to switch from their dominant hand to the less dominant hand is a natural bonus and a very valuable skill! And all spills are contained on the tray!