Using Playground Games to Learn Science
Updated on: February 4, 2023
It has been well evidenced that children learn best through play, and science is a perfect subject to get young people interested in, especially when it is combined with active, outdoor learning opportunities.
UK primary school teachers work tirelessly to create exciting and engaging resources for pupils in their care, but it is up to Governors, business managers and Senior Leaders to decide whether to invest in more permanent resources and equipment that can support teachers with their planning.
The good news is that there are plenty of ways that these budget holders can work to update playgrounds with fun markings so that pupils are keen to play and learn whenever they get the chance. Most people bring to mind a simple hopscotch or a number line when they think about playground markings but the types that are available now go far beyond these.
Science playground markings are becoming increasingly more popular as educational settings are embracing the idea of turning playgrounds into more exciting and engaging places for young people to spend time.
How Playground Markings can promote learning during playtime
Playground markings have been used in educational settings and playgrounds for a long time and provide a dual purpose. Giving children the opportunity to play together, create or implement games and have fun is what playtime is about but that doesn’t mean the learning has to stop.
With educational playground markings there is the opportunity for children to learn while playing, often without them even realising they are engaging with further education.
This fun and engaging playground skeleton is a perfect example of how thermoplastic playground markings can be used. Not only does it promote learning about the different parts of the body, which is great for biology, it also helps with literacy and encourages reading.
Learning about space and the solar system is another topic that can be wonderfully illustrated with playground markings. Having the solar system displayed across the playground encourages children to learn the names of planets, the order of planets and what they look like, in a fun and interactive way.
Enhance wellbeing by stepping outside
Spending time outdoors is good for creativity and wellbeing, both of which can improve focus, attention and engagement in activities. Sitting at a desk in a classroom for long periods, even when carrying out fun and interactive tasks, can decrease levels of motivation and creativity. Stepping outside gives children a feeling of more freedom, which encourages thinking in a different way.
When you think about it, playground games and engaging with playground markings don’t have to be limited to playtime. Teachers and school staff can proactively incorporate outdoor playground games into their lesson or activity planning to give children a different type of learning experience.
The younger the pupils are, the more important it is to provide short, stimulating activities that they can enjoy. Group children and rotate them around a carousel of science themed activities, including the outdoor space you have available.
From skeletons that teach us about the body to trains that stimulate discussions about movement and even solar system markings that support understanding space, there really is something for every topic in the curriculum.
Science experiments in the great outdoors
It’s likely that science experiments are part of the curriculum that most children are very happy to get involved in. With younger pupils it’s often the case that the messier the experience, the more they enjoy it and the more they learn!
Carrying out experiments in the classroom is great, but by moving your science lab outside, you have more scope with how impactful (and messy) the experiments can be.
Water, sand, and slime are all exciting resources that will get children engaged and by using it outside you don’t have to stress about classrooms getting damaged. You can also create outdoor gardens and discover life cycles by growing your own in pots or beds and studying wildlife that lives in and around the school grounds.
Plus, a school playground isn’t complete without a mud kitchen set up for messy exploration of soil, moss and other outdoor materials.
Thinking outside the box
Science playground markings are not the only option when it comes to helping children to learn about scientific topics. In reality, most activities or games that children get up to outdoors can be related to science and can allow for learning to develop through play.
Here are some ideas for how playground markings can be used to enhance science learning, without being science specific playground markings.
- Running track – allow pupils to learn and practice skills such as timing their friends to run or walk along the running track. This activity can support scientific thinking as pupils learn about respiration and the changes to their body as they move.
- Distance markers – encourage children to get to know and understand distances and how to use measuring instruments to accurately measure these. You can also use distance markers when doing experiments that include measurements – from rocket launches to chemical tests, your pupils will be able to measure distance with ease.
- Sports pitches – learning about forces and energy can be fun when combined with sports. Kicking or throwing balls with different amounts of force can be a great way to start understanding how forces work and will keep everyone entertained and fully engaged.
- Playground compass – whilst teaching direction is typically done in Maths lessons, learning how compasses work is firmly the role of science teaching. Explain how compasses work to show the way and then support pupils as they discover the role of magnets in helping us to find our way from point A to point B.
- Trail markers – when it comes to teaching pupils how electrical currents work and what disrupts them, you can use playground trail markers to set up circuits and get pupils to pass things around the circuit, showing them what happens when the circuit stops or has a disruption. This type of hands-on learning will provide them with a clear visual idea of what happens when they flick a switch and make them more willing to consider the impact of their electricity usage.
- Custom markings – if you can’t find a playground marking that offers all the opportunities you are looking for then why not work with us to design one that works for you? Our bespoke playground markings can offer a truly personal solution and we’d be happy to discuss design ideas to make sure the final result looks exactly as you had pictured. Get in touch to find out more about this service.
Games that teach science help to learn so much more
Whether it’s organised science experiments, testing theories, or games to help children learn the order of planets or bones in a skeleton, it should be acknowledged that a lot more is being learned than simple science.
Working in groups to find answers to scientific puzzles or to predict the outcome of an experiment enhances social communication skills and the ability to work effectively within a group. These tasks can also increase critical thinking, reasoning, and creativity.
Developing the ability to predict an outcome and explain the reason for the prediction is a skill that is learned much more easily in an environment where it’s fun to test ideas, get things wrong and try to figure out why.
Why Thermoplastic Playground Markings are the best
Having to set up games ready for children to play takes time that isn’t necessary. By investing in thermostatic playground markings, the resource is already there and waiting to be used.
Whether it is to allow children to play together during their lunch or break times, or as part of a planned lesson, you can be certain that they will love this new addition to the school. But which markings should you choose?
At Fun & Active Playgrounds, we offer thermoplastic markings to our clients as we believe it is the best material when compared to traditional painted markings, for a number of reasons:
Thermoplastic is tough in all weather
Painted line markings fade quickly when they are exposed to bad weather and excess use, but thermoplastics don’t. In fact, no matter how bad, cold, or wet the weather is, you can be confident that the markings you purchase will continue to look as good as they did when they were installed.
Thermoplastic is versatile
Another great thing about thermoplastic is that it is easier to come up with more complex designs and offers a wider range of colour options for your pupils to enjoy.
Thermoplastic is safe
Some paint used in groundwork’s can be harmful to humans and wildlife, but thermoplastic is completely safe even when it is in a liquid state. This means no worries about health and safety when you choose to have it installed.
Thermoplastic is cost-effective
Finally, the cost of thermoplastic may be more upfront but as the material is longer lasting, safe and durable, you will save more by installing it rather than having to have lines and markings repainted every year. With the amount of pressure on school budgets, you can be sure that your new thermoplastic markings will prove to be a valuable and much-loved part of your school grounds.
If you are ready to create a science playground that your pupils will love, then get in touch with our friendly team today and let us show you just how exciting we can make your outdoor space – we can’t wait to hear from you!
Jess Sparks
Jess is deeply committed to supporting our mission of positively impacting UK outdoor play environments to promote healthy lifestyles in children.
With a CIM Level 6 Diploma in Sustainable Marketing, Jess channels her passion for sustainability into her marketing role, using her skills to promote eco-conscious practices and raise awareness for our initiatives.
Jess’ experience within the industry is instrumental in driving engagement and supporting connections with those who require ultra-durable, high-grade playground markings both locally and internationally.