What is Steam?

Steam is a fascinating concept for children and the main component in steam baths. In this lesson, children will have the opportunity to experiment with heat to learn what steam is, how it is made, and the benefits of it. The extension activity will take children outdoors to find naturally produced steam.

Materials:

• Kitchen access or hot plate
• Vesicular basalt rocks
• Pot for heating rocks
• Water in a cup
• Gloves or tongs
• Thermometers (indoor & water)
• 100s chart

 

Center Materials
Camera, thermometer, a bowl of warm water, a bowl of ice water, pencil, and paper

Pre-Lesson Preparation
Ask parents/guardians of students to bring in a rock from their steam-bath. Ask families to describe where they found it?