Learning Mathematics & science through nursery rhymes- part 1
This is the first in a series of activities where you can explore Science and Maths through Nursery Rhymes.
POLLY PUT THE KETTLE ON
What’ s it all about?
Debbie Lewis- Education Consultant and specialist in the use of technology across the Creative Curriculum
The original rhyme featured a little girl called Molly and dates back to the late 1700’ s. Basically the man who wrote it had five children- two boys and three girls. They were constantly arguing- as the boys wanted to play soldiers and the girls wanted to play house! If the girls wanted to get rid of their brothers they would sometimes pretend to start a game of‘ tea party’ and Polly would put the toy kettle on- as soon as the boys left Sukey( or Susan) would take it off again! Their father was so amused by this game that he set it to words and added the music, which is still played today!
Polly put the kettle on, Polly put the kettle on, Polly put the kettle on, We ' ll all have tea. Sukey take it off again, Sukey take it off again, Sukey take it off again, They ' ve all gone away
Activity 1
Which is the best cup / teapot for keeping the tea warm?
Before tackling any of the activities read the rhyme and discuss‘ making a cup of tea’ and what that entails.
WARNING!!! These experiments could take some time to complete – and should be repeated as frequently as required … Any excuse for a cuppa!
Results could be filmed using timelapse or slow motion video apps on mobile devices.
Equipment –
• Teapots or cups / mugs of various materials shapes and sizes
• Thermometers( or data logger with sensor if available)
• Warm water( not boiling for health and safety reasons)
Take temperature readings at intervals for each individual cup / teapot
1. Over the same period of time 2. With the same amount of water 3. With the same temperature at the start. 4. Compare the results and discuss which appear to be the best and why.
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