Young children are curious, energetic, and creative–just like scientists. Before they can speak their first words or take a single step, their brains are making connections and absorbing information. It is important to give young learners many hands-on activities that boost problem-solving skills, creativity, and more.
Preschool science experiments and activities can help children learn about the world around them. Focusing on science in the preschool classroom can help kids develop essential skills that will help them succeed in school.
This article explores the benefits of encouraging children to learn science concepts and provides easy science activities to try with your students.
Contact the educators at Little Sunshine Preschool to learn about our nurturing early learning programs. You may also schedule a tour of our learning center.
Why is Science Important for Preschoolers?
Research shows that children who learn about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) have better kindergarten outcomes. Learning about science can help children build better problem-solving abilities. It can help them make critical connections about how the world works.
Science experiments for preschoolers are also fun! Engaging young children in easy science experiments is a great way to keep children active. It can help boost interest in what they’re learning, too. Hands-on science experiments can teach kids a lot while also fostering a lifelong love of learning.
10 Fun Preschool Science Activities
Science activities don’t have to be big, messy, or complicated to do. Here are ten fun, easy activities to help you bring science to life in your preschool classroom.
1. Caterpillars to butterflies
You can find simple butterfly garden kits available online or in educational stores. You’ll receive a safe habitat and caterpillars. Over several days or weeks, your caterpillars will go through their life cycle. Your students can watch them make cocoons and emerge as butterflies several days later.
Your students will enjoy watching the caterpillars go through their cycle. You can ask them what they are observing throughout the process. You could have them draw different parts of the process, then finally release the butterflies outside once they emerge.
2. Growing seeds
Wet a paper towel and place it in a clear, leak-proof bag. Place a large seed (lima beans work well) on the damp towel. Tape the plastic bag on a sunny window. Over the next few days, you will see the seed begin to split as roots and shoots emerge.
3. Rain gauge
Pick a small, sturdy container and place it outdoors where it can catch rain. Observe the rain gauge each day to determine how much rain has fallen in the past day.
You can measure the amount of rain every day. Make a chart to record the amount of rain that falls each day, then add up the total at the end of the week.
4. Nature scavenger hunt
Give your students a simple nature scavenger hunt and take them outside. Help them mark off each item they find. Some ideas might include:
- A round rock
- A white flower
- A stick shaped like a letter
- A feather
Preschool-aged children will love spending time exploring nature and looking for these items.
5. Sink or float
Fill a large container with warm water. Find objects of different shapes and sizes from around the classroom. Ask your students if they think the item will sink or float. Then, let each student take turns dropping an item into the water.
6. Rain cloud in a jar
Put a few drops of food coloring into a small container of water. Fill a large jar about ¾ full of water. Spray shaving cream on top of the water in the large jar. Let the kids use pipettes to drop the water and food coloring mixture on top of the shaving cream “cloud”.
The colored water will drip through the “cloud” and into the clear water below. You can use this fun experiment to introduce the concept of a water cycle.
7. Volcano
Baking soda and vinegar volcanoes are one of the easiest and fun ways to explore chemical reactions. You can build a volcano out of clay or paper mache or just demonstrate what happens when you mix these two different chemicals.
8. Traveling rainbow
Put cups of colorful water in rainbow order, then place paper towels or another absorbent material into each cup. Place the dry end of the paper towels in another cup. Then, watch as the colors travel from one cup to the next. This is a fun, colorful way to explore capillary action.
9. Magic milk
Pour whole milk into a shallow container, covering the entire bottom. Then, drop food coloring onto the surface of the milk.
Use cotton swabs soaked in dish soap to touch the surface of the milk and watch the colors swirl. Describe how the fat in the milk and the soap react to make the colors move around.
10. Oil and water jars
Place plain or colorful water in a jar with a lid. Add a good amount of vegetable oil to the water. Shake up the jar to mix the oil and water, then watch as they separate again. Talk to the kids about how water and oil don’t mix–but let them try as many times as they want!
Science experiments are a great way to get kids active and involved in what they’re learning. Bring these and other science activities into your classroom and observe the many benefits!
Learn More About Science for Preschoolers
Reach out to the educators at Little Sunshine Preschool to learn about our incredible, enriching early learning programs. You can also find answers to your questions or schedule a tour. We look forward to meeting you and your child soon!
