As we all know, young kids absolutely love to ask, “Why?” That’s what makes science such an exciting subject for them. Preschool science students should be encouraged to explore everything about the world around them. These experiments and activities are easy to do, and curious kiddos will enjoy every moment of the hands-on learning!
1. Find out what sinks and floats
Kids love to play around in water! This preschool science activity helps them learn to make a hypothesis, conduct a simple experiment, and sort their findings by property.
Learn more: Fun With Mama
2. Learn what dissolves in water
Keep the water fun going by have kids predict which items will dissolve in water and which ones won’t. Keep track of your results and see if they have anything in common.
Learn more: Hands On As We Grow
3. Watch hot water rise and cold water sink
This early exploration into the concept of density is always impressive to see in action. Explain that the same applies to air, and see if kids can think of a way to observe that in action too.
Learn more: Hot and Cold Water/Mombrite
4. Grow a paper towel rainbow
“Capillary action” might be a real mouthful for preschool science students, but they don’t need to remember the term to be impressed by this experiment! All you need are markers, a paper towel, two glasses of water.
Learn more: Paper Towel Rainbow/Mombrite
5. Mix up some “magic” milk
A drop or two of dish soap will make food coloring dance and swirl across the surface of a shallow bowl of milk. To little ones, it seems like magic, but it’s all about surface tension and chemical reactions.
Learn more: Laughing Kids Learn
6. See how easily germs spread
We spend a lot of time reminding kids to wash their hands. Help them see why it’s so important with this simple experiment that uses glitter to stand in for germs.
Learn more: The Nerd’s Wife
7. Predict and observe what will melt in the sun
You’ll need a hot sunny day for this preschool science experiment. Help students choose a variety of items to place into a muffin tin and have them predict which ones will melt. Set the tin out in the sun for an hour or two, then bring it in and record your results.
Learn more: Frugal Fun 4 Boys and Girls
8. Watch rice dance in water
There are lots of cool baking-soda-and-vinegar experiments out there (ever made your own volcano?), and this is always a favorite with little ones. The acid-base reaction causes the rice to dance and jump around in the water. So cool!
Learn more: Green Kid Crafts
9. Make shaving cream rain clouds
This is a classic science activity every kid should try at least once. It helps them understand how clouds become so saturated with water, they must release it in the form of rain.
Learn more: One Little Project
10. Head to the playground to explore gravity and friction
What goes up must come down! A playground slide is the perfect place to help kids understand gravity. This is a good chance to learn about friction too.
Learn more: Buggy and Buddy
11. Test objects with magnets
Magnets are an endless source of fascination for kids. At this stage, you can worry less about explaining how magnets work, and instead just let kids explore which items are attracted to magnets and which aren’t. Have them sort the items into categories, then see if the items have anything in common.
Learn more: PreKinders
12. See sound waves in action
This series of simple experiments lets kids see sound waves at work. Start by making waves with a Slinky, then move on to tuning forks and bouncing confetti.
Learn more: Hands On Teaching Ideas
13. Grow delicious rock candy crystals
Crystal experiments are a hit with kids of any age. This one requires a little patience, but kids get to eat the yummy results!
Learn more: Growing a Jeweled Rose
14. Move pompoms with air pressure
Understanding the idea that air can have enough force to move objects can be a little challenging. This simple experiment using household items lets little learners see it happen before their eyes.
Learn more: Kids Activities Blog
15. Blow bubble towers
There are lots of fun science activities you can do with bubbles to explore concepts like surface tension. Or, you can just have a blast seeing who can make the tallest bubble tower!
Learn more: Happy Hooligans