Did you know that your child’s playtime can build a powerful foundation in Maths, Science, and even Engineering? With the right tools and a little creativity, everyday play becomes meaningful learning.
At Edx Education, we believe in the power of STEAM that’s Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics to encourage curiosity, problem solving, and critical thinking in young children. And the best part? It can all begin with a simple sand and water tray.
In the early years and Key Stage 1, children learn best through hands-on exploration and imaginative play. Our range of educational toys and accessories is designed to support this development while making learning fun, playful, and engaging. Here’s how you can turn your sand and water tray into a mini maths lab at home.
Why STEAM in Early Years?
STEAM learning isn’t just for older children. When introduced through play, young children begin to:
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Problem-solve through trial and error
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Develop early numeracy skills like counting, measuring, and comparing
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Explore scientific concepts like volume, floating and sinking
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Think creatively and design their own ideas
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Communicate and collaborate during shared play
These are the building blocks for confident, resilient learners.
3 Easy STEAM Maths Activities with Sand & Water Trays
1. Pour, Measure & Compare
What you need:
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Edx Education Measuring Jugs
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Funnels, scoops, and beakers
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Food colouring (optional)
Let children explore pouring water or dry sand from one container to another. Challenge them to guess which jug holds more or less, then check their answer. Try using food colouring to mix colours and talk about volume. Ask: “How many small scoops fill the big jug?”
Skills developed:
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Measurement & volume
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Comparison & estimation
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Language development ("full", "empty", "half", "more than")
2. Sink or Float Sorting Challenge
What you need:
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Edx Education Rainbow Pebbles®, Counting Bears or Number Rods
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Plastic boats or floating trays
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A large water tray
Let your child investigate which objects sink or float. Make predictions before each test. For a twist, ask your child to sort floating toys by colour or size, then count them together. Can they balance the same number on each side of a tray?
Skills developed:
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Scientific inquiry
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Early sorting & classification
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Counting and number recognition
3. Pattern Play in the Sand
What you need:
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Edx Education Pattern Blocks or Rainbow Pebbles®
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Stencils or shape cutters
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Fine sand tray or wet sand pit
Encourage your child to create repeating patterns in the sand using shapes or pebbles. For younger children, start with two-colour patterns (e.g., red-blue-red-blue). Older children can try more complex patterns or symmetrical designs using stencils.
Skills developed:
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Shape and pattern recognition
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Fine motor skills
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Creative expression & symmetry
Learning Through Play With Edx Education
At Edx Education, we know that play is the gateway to learning. That’s why our educational toys are designed to grow with your child, supporting development across multiple learning areas: from fine motor skills and cognitive development to communication and emotional confidence.
We also offer free downloadable activities and inspiration for parents and caregivers looking to support learning at home. And don’t forget to tune into our podcast, Play, Learn & Create with Edx Education, where we share expert advice, playful ideas, and stories from early years educators and families.
Ready to Get Messy with Maths?
Next time your little one is splashing in the water tray or digging in the sand, remember: they’re not just playing they’re learning essential STEAM skills that will help them thrive in school and beyond.
So roll up those sleeves, dive into sensory play, and discover how maths can be magical with Edx Education.
Let’s Play, Learn & Create Together!