Introduction
Science is a fascinating subject, even for the littlest of learners. But when it comes to teaching science to preschoolers, it can be a challenge trying to find activities that are both fun and educational. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the 32 best science activities for preschoolers. From simple experiments that use household items to more complex tasks involving building and problem-solving, these activities will get your child excited about science and help them learn valuable skills in the process. So grab some supplies, put on your lab coats, and get ready for some hands-on learning!
What is Science?
Science is primarily about exploring the world around us. It’s a way of understanding how things work and why they work the way they do. Science is perfect for preschoolers who are naturally curious and love to ask questions.
There are lots of great science activities that preschoolers can do at home or in the classroom. These activities will help them learn about scientific concepts like measurement, prediction, and cause and effect. And they’ll have a lot of fun too!
The Scientific Method
The scientific method is a process that helps us to understand the natural world. It is a way of asking questions and finding answers through observation and experimentation.
In preschool, children are just beginning to explore their surroundings and ask questions about how things work. Science activities for preschoolers should be designed to help them learn about the scientific method and how to use it to answer questions.
Here are some science activities for preschoolers that will help them learn about the scientific method:
1. Have your child make observations of the world around them. Encourage them to ask questions and then try to answer those questions using their observations.
2. Help your child create a simple experiment. For example, they could try to see how far a toy car will travel on different surfaces (e.g., carpet, tile, grass).
3. Ask your child to predict what will happen in their experiment before they test it out. Then, after they’ve done the experiment, ask them if their prediction was correct and why or why not.
4. Help your child keep track of their observations by having them draw pictures or write down what they saw during their experiments. This will allow them to look back on their work and see how their understanding has grown over time.
The Benefits of Teaching Science to Preschoolers
One of the benefits of teaching science to preschoolers is that it helps them develop critical thinking skills. By engaging in scientific experiments and activities, preschoolers learn how to ask questions, think logically, and solve problems. These are important skills that they will use throughout their lives.
In addition, teaching science to preschoolers can help them understand and appreciate the world around them. Through science, they can learn about plants, animals, the weather, and other aspects of the natural world. This knowledge can help them better care for the environment and make informed choices about their own health and well-being.
Finally, teaching science to preschoolers is simply fun! It’s a great way to introduce them to the excitement of discovery and learning. Science activities can be both educational and entertaining, making them ideal for young children. With so many benefits, it’s no wonder that more and more educators are incorporating science into their preschool classrooms!
The 13 Best Science Activities for Preschoolers
If you’re looking for some great science activities for preschoolers, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve rounded up 32 of the best science activities for preschoolers that are perfect for exploring, experimenting, and learning.
From simple kitchen science experiments to fun outdoor nature activities, there’s something for everyone on this list. And best of all, these science activities are super easy to set up and do with your preschooler. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get started!
1. Make a Rainbow in a Jar
This is a classic science try that never goes downhill. All you need is some water, food coloring, and a clear jar or container. Add a few drops of different colored food coloring to the water and watch as your preschooler marvels at the pretty rainbow that appears.
2. Play with Ice Cubes
Let your preschooler explore the properties of ice with this simple activity. Freeze some water in an ice tray overnight and then pop out the cubes in the morning. Your child can play with them in a bowl or on a plate, and you can talk about how ice is cold and hard.
3. Grow Some Crystals
This is a fun science activity that doubles as a pretty decoration for your home. Just mix equal parts water and salt in a jar, and then add a drop or two of food coloring if you like. Tie a string around a pencil and place it across the top of the jar, making sure the string is touching the bottom. Leave it overnight and in the morning you’ll have beautiful crystals growing on the string!
4. Make Your Own Volcano
This is a great way to teach your preschooler about volcanoes, and it’s also really fun to do! You just need some baking soda, vinegar, a container or cup, and some food coloring (optional). Put the baking soda in the container and then add some vinegar. The mixture will start to foam up – this is when you can add food coloring if you like. Once it’s done foaming, your volcano is ready to erupt!
5. Create a Weather Station
This is a great way to teach your preschooler about the different types of weather. Find a spot outside that’s sheltered from the wind and set up your station with items like thermometers, rain gauges, and wind socks (all easy to find in most hardware stores). Your child can measure and observe the different types of weather each day!
6. Plant a Garden
Planting a garden is an excellent science activity for preschoolers. It’s fun for them to watch their plants grow, and it’s also a great lesson in responsibility as they need to water their plants each day. You can plant flowers, vegetables, or even herbs – whatever you like!
7. Make Shaving Cream Paint
This is such an easy and fun science activity for preschoolers! All you need is some shaving cream and some food coloring. Mix the shaving cream with drops of food coloring until you get your desired color, then let your preschooler use it as paint on paper or cardboard. They’ll love watching the colors mix together!
8. Explore Magnets
Magnets are always fun for preschoolers to explore and experiment with. You can find a variety of magnets at the store, or you can make your own using paper clips and craft magnets. Place some metal objects like spoons, keys, and coins on a tray and let your child use the magnets to pick them up. Talk about what things are magnetic and which ones aren’t!
9. Make a Lava Lamp
This is a classic science activity that your preschooler will love! All you need is an empty plastic bottle, water, vegetable oil, food coloring, and some Alka-Seltzer tablets. Fill the bottle with water and then add some drops of food coloring. Pour in the vegetable oil until it reaches the top of the bottle. When you’re ready to watch it “lava” just drop in one of the Alka-Seltzer tablets!
10. Create a Water Slide
This is an easy and fun science activity that can be done either indoors or outdoors. All you need is a long sheet of cardboard or plastic, some rocks, and a hose. Place the sheet on an incline (like your driveway) and then place some rocks at the top to hold it in place. Turn on the hose and let your preschooler watch as the water slides down the slope!
11. Play with Sink or Float
This is a great science activity for preschoolers that helps them learn about density. Fill a bowl or container with water and then add various items like coins, rocks, sponges, and plastic toys. Ask your child whether they think each item will sink or float when dropped in the water – and then let them find out!
12. Make Slime
Slime is always a hit with preschoolers! To make slime you’ll need some white glue, liquid starch, food coloring (optional), and a bowl or container. Mix the glue and starch together in the bowl until it forms a slimy consistency. Add food coloring if desired and then let your child knead it until it’s nice and stretchy.
13. Explore Inertia With Toy Cars
Inertia is such an important concept to understand, so why not explore it with toy cars? Place two toy cars at different distances from a wall and talk to your preschooler about which one they think will reach the wall first when pushed off the table. Then let them find out by pushing both cars off at the same time!
Conclusion
Science activities for preschoolers can be a fun and exciting way to get your little ones interested in science. With the 32 best science activities listed above, you now have plenty of ideas on how to make learning more engaging and meaningful. Keep these activities in mind when you’re looking for something educational but also entertaining to keep your kids busy. Let us know which activity was their favorite!
Read more: Best Science Activities for Preschoolers No.1 Guide