science experiments for pre kinder

40 Fun & Easy Preschool Science Experiments

Welcome to our collection of fun and easy science experiments, especially handpicked for our tiniest tinkerers and budding scientists. These experiments provide a safe and engaging environment for children to observe, question, and discover.

Activities on this list aren’t about complex theories or lengthy explanations; they’re about the joy of discovery, the magic of “why,” and the thrill of the “aha!” moment.

In the age of preschool kids, curiosity knows no bounds. Every raindrop is a mystery, every shadow a playful game, and every bubble a burst of joy. At this tender age, the line between magic and science is delightfully blurred, making it the perfect time to embark on whimsical experiments that tickle the imagination while fostering a foundational love for the wonders of the world.

Guided by experienced educators, each experiment is thoughtfully crafted to ensure age-appropriate materials, simple instructions, and plenty of opportunities for hands-on exploration.

1. Floating Dry Erase Rainbow and Shapes Experiment  

The Floating Dry Erase Rainbow and Shapes Experiment is a captivating preschool science activity that engages young minds while introducing fundamental concepts of buoyancy and color mixing.

Learn more: Team Cartwright

2. The Oil and Water Experiment- Density Science

By combining oil and water in a clear container, students observe the distinct separation between the two substances due to their different densities.

Learn more: Play Trains

3. Make Ice Grow

This experiment sparks curiosity and wonder and teaches children about the states of matter and the scientific principle of freezing.

Learn more: Teach Preschool Org

4. Ice Cream in a Bag

The “Ice Cream in a Bag” experiment is a delightful preschool science activity combining hands-on fun and a tasty treat.

Learn more: Ice Cream in a Bag

5. Magic Milk

The “Magic Milk” experiment with fizzing milk is a captivating preschool science activity that combines chemistry and visual spectacle.

Learn more: Magic Milk

6. Walking on Raw Eggs

By placing raw eggs in a row on the ground and carefully stepping on them, students discover that the eggs can withstand their weight without breaking.

This experiment not only sparks excitement and awe but also encourages children to question and investigate the strength and structure of objects.

Learn more: Housing a Forest

7. Unicorn Fizz 

The “Unicorn Fizz” experiment is a delightful preschool science activity that brings together a sense of wonder and the magic of unicorns.

Learn more: Unicorn Fizz 

8. Unpoppable Bubbles

This hands-on and interactive activity encourages exploration, experimentation, and a sense of achievement when bubbles refuse to burst, making it a must-try for young scientists ready to challenge the laws of bubble physics.

Learn more: Unpoppable Balloons

9. Melting Ice

It’s a simple yet engaging activity that lays the foundation for understanding the principles of thermodynamics and encourages scientific inquiry, making it an ideal experiment for young learners eager to explore the wonders of science.

Learn more: Melting Ice

10. Exploring How Water Travels Through Leaves

The “Exploring How Water Travels Through Leaves” experiment is an exciting preschool science activity that allows children to discover the wonders of plant biology.

Learn more: Buggy and Buddy

11. Pepper and Soap

By sprinkling pepper onto a bowl of water and then gently touching the surface with a soapy finger, students witness the mesmerizing movement of pepper particles as they scatter away from the soap.

Learn more: Pepper and Soap

12. Rain Cloud in a Jar

This hands-on activity encourages observation, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of weather phenomena, making it an exciting and educational experience for young learners eager to explore the science behind rain.

13. Making Color Disappear

The “Making Color Disappear” experiment is a captivating preschool science activity that introduces children to the magical world of color mixing.

Learn more: Making Color Disappear

14. Elephant Toothpaste

This hands-on and engaging activity fosters scientific inquiry, observation, and a sense of wonder, making it a must-try for young scientists eager to explore the fascinating world of chemistry.

Learn more: Elephant Toothpaste

15. Play Dough Volcano

This is a sensory and interactive activity that encourages exploration, observation, and scientific inquiry, making it a must-try for young scientists eager to unleash their inner volcanologists and have a blast while learning about the wonders of the natural world.

Learn more: Play Dough Volcano

16. Skittles Rainbow

By arranging a circle of colorful Skittles candies on a plate and adding a small amount of warm water, students can observe as the colors dissolve and blend together, creating a beautiful rainbow pattern.

Learn more: Skittles Rainbow

17. Rainbow Tower

By layering different liquids of varying densities, such as water, oil, and colored syrup, students can create a stunning rainbow tower in a clear container.

18. Balloon-Powered Car

By constructing a simple car out of everyday materials and attaching a balloon as the power source, students can witness the car zooming forward as the air escapes from the balloon.

19. Wind-Powered Car

By constructing a simple car using lightweight materials and attaching a small sail, students can observe how the wind propels the car forward.

20. Travelling Waters

The “Travelling Waters” experiment is a captivating preschool science activity that explores the concept of water absorption and movement.

21. Leak-proof Bag

Get ready to discover the wonders of a leak-proof bag experiment! This engaging pre-school science activity is a must-try for young explorers

Learn more: Leak-proof Bag

22. Magnetic Discovery Bottles

By filling transparent bottles with a combination of water, glitter, and an array of magnetic objects, children can witness the mesmerizing dance of magnetic forces.

Learn more: Magnetic Discovery Bottles

23. Water Xylophone

As they experiment with water levels and observe the corresponding changes in pitch, they’ll develop a deeper understanding of sound and vibrations.

24. Balloon Rocket Science

This hands-on activity not only sparks excitement but also introduces basic physics concepts in a playful and interactive manner.

25. LEGO Ice Excavation

Get ready to embark on a cool and captivating journey with LEGO ice excavation! This thrilling preschool science experiment is a must-try for young adventurers.

Learn more: LEGO Ice Excavation

26. Edible Butterfly Life Cycle

As they assemble and devour their edible creations, children will gain a deeper understanding of the miraculous transformation that butterflies undergo.

Learn more: Little Bins Little Hands

27. Penny Boat

As they experiment with different shapes and sizes, they’ll learn about buoyancy, weight distribution, and the principles of floating.

28. Salt Painting

Get ready to unleash your creativity with salt painting! This exciting pre-school art activity is a must-try for young artists. By using a mixture of salt, watercolors, and paper, children can create stunning and textured paintings.

Learn more: Salt Painting

29. String Telephone

This hands-on activity not only sparks imagination but also introduces the concept of sound transmission and vibrations.

Learn more: String Telephone

30. DIY Straw Rockets

Get ready for an exciting DIY adventure with straw rockets! This thrilling preschool science experiment is a must-try for young rocket scientists.

Learn more: DIY Straw Rocket

31. Dancing Corn

Through this simple yet enchanting experience, children will grasp the concept of air pressure and buoyancy in a fun-filled manner.

32. Egg Drop Challenge

The Egg Drop Challenge not only sparks enthusiasm for science but also nurtures teamwork and perseverance in little ones.

Learn more: Egg Drop Challenge

33. Rubber Egg (Egg in Vinegar)

Welcome to the fascinating world of the “Rubber Egg” experiment, where curious young minds will witness the extraordinary transformation of a regular egg into a bouncy, rubbery wonder!

34. LEGO Zipline

By constructing a simple zipline using LEGO bricks and a string, children get hands-on experience with the principles of gravity, motion, and engineering.

Learn more: LEGO Zipline

35. Blow Cup Challenge

The Blow Cup Challenge is a delightful and captivating preschool science experiment that will leave young learners amazed and eager to explore.

By blowing air into the cup, they witness the fantastic force of air pressure propelling the rocket upwards.

Learn more: Erintegration

36. How Strong Is the Spaghetti?

Through hands-on experimentation, they discover the principles of balance, stability, and load-bearing capacities.

This experiment not only encourages creativity and problem-solving but also introduces early engineering concepts in an engaging and approachable manner.

Learn more: Frugalfun4boys

37. Simple Static Electricity Experiment

The Simple Static Electricity Experiment offers an electrifying experience for preschoolers that sparks curiosity and wonder.

In this captivating activity, children explore the fascinating world of static electricity by rubbing balloons against different materials and observing the surprising effects.

38. Sedimentary Rocks Model

The Sedimentary Rocks Model offers an immersive and educational preschool science experiment that takes young learners on a fascinating geological adventure. In this hands-on activity, children get to create their own sedimentary rock models.

Learn more: Preschool Powol Pockets

39. Layers of the Earth

Through hands-on exploration, children will create a simplified Earth model using different materials to represent its layers: the crust, mantle, and core.

By understanding the composition of our planet, they’ll gain insight into the forces that shape the Earth’s surface and its interior.

Learn more: Red Ted Art

40. LEGO Pendulum Painting

By experimenting with different string lengths, weights, and paint colors, they discover how the motion of the pendulum influences the patterns it creates.

Learn more: LEGO Pendulum

Similar Posts:

• Top 100 Fine Motor Skills Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers
• 68 Best Chemistry Experiments: Learn About Chemical Reactions
• 37 Water Science Experiments: Fun & Easy

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30 Amazing Science Activities for Preschoolers

From science experiments to sensory explorations to STEM and STEAM activities, these science activities for preschoolers are sure to be a hit!

Science Experiments for Preschoolers

If you are looking for simple science experiments and activities to do with preschoolers, then this list is perfect for you.

Your kids are sure to have a blast exploring science!

My kids love science investigations so I am making a point of doing more of them. To get myself started, I decided create a collection of my favorite science activities.

Since I know many of you are also looking for science experiments and activities to do with preschoolers, I decided to share them here for you too.

If you are looking for science activities for preschoolers, this is going to be a HUGE help to you.

Top 30 Science Activities for Preschoolers

Lava Lamp Experiment

This lava lamp experiment is a HUGE hit with kids. It is one of our most popular science activities. I bet your kids will enjoy it too!

Leak-Proof Bag Science Experiment

Want to really WOW your kids? Try out this leak-proof bag science experiment . It’s like a magic trick, but it’s really science!

Make a Rain Cloud in a Jar

Make a rain cloud in a jar and develop fine motor skills too! This science activity allows young children to explore and investigate what happens when it rains.

Oil and Water Science Exploration

This oil and water science exploration is a fun and colorful way to observe how oil and water don’t mix together.

Fun and Colorful Skittles Rainbow Experiment

Grab some Skittles and water and make a Skittles rainbow for a fun and colorful surprise!

Magic Milk Experiment

Kids will be amazed by this Magic Milk Science Experiment !

Clouds and Rain Science Investigation

Explore clouds and rain with a simple science investigation that will totally engage young kids.

Color Changing Flowers Experiment

Dye flowers a variety of colors with this Color Changing Flowers Experiment .

Rust Resistant Magnetic Discovery Bottle

This Rust Resistant Magnetic Discovery Bottle  is a super cool way to explore magnetism.

Explore Colors with fun Chemical Reactions

This science activity encourages kids to explore colors with chemical reactions . It’s also a great way to develop fine motor skills.

Fun Weather Activity

This weather activity  combines a popular book and a classic experiment to introduce kids to tornadoes.

Learn about Animal Habitats

Teach kids about animal habitats while Sorting Animals on a Venn Diagram . It’s really easy to set up and even toddlers can participate.

Walking Water Science Experiment

This awesome Walking Water Science Experiment  will wow kids all of ages!

Learn about Water Density

Make a Rainbow Jar  and introduce young children to density. It’s really neat.

Dancing Raisins are a Blast

The kids will get a kick out of this super cool dancing raisins science experiment !

Water Xylophone Fun

This Water Xylophone Science Experiment  combines music and science. It’s easy enough for your kids to make too.

Dancing Rice Investigation

Amaze your kids with Dancing Rice ! This baking soda and vinegar investigation is very intriguing.

Shaving Cream Clouds

These shaving cream clouds are so gorgeous! I can’t wait to do this one!

Inflate a Balloon with Baking Soda and Vinegar

Did you know that you can inflate a balloon with baking soda and vinegar ? You have to try this one!

Solar System Scavenger Hunt

My kids absolutely love this Solar System Scavenger Hunt ! It’s a fun way to introduce preschoolers to the solar system and planets within it.

More Lava Lamp Fun

Your kids will love this super cool Lava Lamp Science Experiment .

Zones of the Ocean Sensory Bottle

Introduce preschoolers to the Zones of the Ocean  with these engaging sensory bottles!

Make a Pully to learn about Machines

Make a pulley and teach kids about simple machines with this activity that will have kids moving and learning!

Growing Plants Science Activity

This Growing Plants Science Activity  is a fantastic way to teach kids about plants! It even includes a observation sheet that is easy enough for preschoolers to use. (not pictured)

Explore Ramps and Friction

Explore ramps and friction with this super simple science activity for kids!

Ocean in a Bottle

This ocean in a bottle looks amazing! It is a great way to explore oil and water.

Dinosaur Excavation Activity

Did you know you can make your own dinosaur excavation activity and only use two simple ingredients that you probably have in your house? It’s really cool!

Static Electricity Butterfly Experiment

This static electricity butterfly experiment is so neat. It’s very easy to make and you’ll be surprised by how long this will occupy your kids.

Fun Preschool Science Activities

Baking Soda and Vinegar Reactions

My kids absolutely love baking soda and vinegar reactions ! This post will tell you how to get really amazing reactions.

Explore what Melts

Explore what melts in the sun with this fun science experiment. It’s perfect for a warm, sunny day.

Water Cycle in a Bag

Teach kids about the water cycle with this Water Cycle in a Bag ! It’s perfect for young children.

Lego Volcano

Kids will have a blast building a LEGO Volcano and watching it erupt.

Oobleck Recipe

This oobleck recipe is a fun and easy science activity for kids! You just need 2 ingredients and your kids will be ready for lots of fun sensory play!

Keep Paper Dry under Water

Our kids loved this simple keep paper dry under water science experiment. They were amazed when the paper didn’t even get wet!

Grow a Rainbow Science Experiment

This Grow a Rainbow science experiment was a blast! It is a simple way for young kids to learn about capillary action!

Catapult STEM Activity

This catapult activity is a fun and easy STEM activity that your kids will love!

Fireworks in a Jar

Your kids will love seeing the Fireworks in a Jar reactions in this easy experiment!

Floating Dry Erase Marker

This  floating dry erase marker  science activity is easy and fun! You just need dry erase markers and water!

Dancing Corn Science Activity

This dancing corn science activity  is quick to setup and you just need a few ingredients you can find around your house.

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Science experiments from A-Z

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Looking for science experiments for preschoolers that are are sure to keep your child’s interest?  We’ve found the best of the best – from A to Z!

Preschoolers have a natural fascination for the world.  It’s a fabulous time to soak up science experiments!  Here some of the best from the blogosphere.

A – Apple rotting experiment – What will happen to an apple when it’s left to sit in water, vinegar, or oil?   Check out  this rotting apple experiment from Gift of Curiosity.

B- Blow up a balloon with a bottle – We repeated this baking soda and vinegar experiment a number of times at my kids’ request.   We followed this tutorial at Frogs and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails.

C- Cloud in a jar – You’ll need some boiling water, ice cubes, aerosol spray, and a mason jar with a lid to make a cloud in a jar with No Time for Flashcards.

D – Density experiment – Fill a clear bowl half-full of water.  Then gather small items for this simple (but high interest!) density experiment from Inspiration Laboratories.

E – Easter egg sink or float – I love how this sink or float experiment from Little Bins for Little Hands involves a lot of testing and predicting.   What a fun way to develop problem solving!

F – Dyed flowers – My kids loved the classic dyed flower experiment.   Learn more at The Imagination Tree.

G – Grass in a cup – Teach your child about plants any time of year with this seed planting activity from Creative Connections for Kids.

H – Humpty Dumpty egg drop – This is the most brilliant twist on the classic egg drop experiment that I’ve seen!  I Heart Crafty Things has a free printable for you as you find different ways to cushion an egg.

I – Ice Experiment – Teach your child how to lift ice with a string with this experiment from Mess for Less.

J – Jar Rainbow  – Learn about density with this beautiful rainbow in a jar from Play dough to Plato.

K – Kitchen Counter Science – My five-year-old was busy for more than half an hour doing kitchen counter science with just a few basic ingredients .  Check it out at No Time for Flashcards.

L – Light experiment – Help your preschooler see that seeds need light to grow with this experiment from Gift of Curiosity.

M – Magnetic objects – Which objects are magnetic and which aren’t?   Grab our free recording sheet as your child has fun exploring with magnets.

N – Nature sink or float – Collect objects on a nature walk and do a sink or float activity.

O – Ocean in a bottle – Help your child see that oil and water don’t mix with this beautiful ocean in a bottle from Happy Hooligans.

P – Make a pulley – You just need a few basic materials to  make your own pulley like they did at Kids Activities Blog.

Q – Quicksand science – Learn about the properties of quicksand by making your own!  Check it out at Preschool Powol Packets.

R – Rain in a jar – This experiment is super easy to set up, but it fascinates preschoolers!  Learn Play Imagine shows you how to make rain in a jar.

S – S melling bottles – Explore the sense of smell with this collection of smelling bottle ideas from Gift of Curiosity.

T – Temperature experiment – You need just a thermometer and three glasses of water – one cold, one lukewarm, and one warm/hot.  Talk about how thermometers rise and fall with temperatures.  Have your child feel the outside of each cup and predict whether the thermometer will rise or fall when he puts it in the cup.  Test your predictions!

U – Up, up, and away – Try this helium balloon experiment from Mess for Less. How many balloons will it take to make the bag go up?

V – Volcano – We had so much fun doing the classic volcano experiment in our backyard one year.  Try this paint and erupt volcano  from Fun at Home with Kids… it combines art and science for a super cool effect!

W – Walking water – Coffee Cups and Crayons has a striking  walking water experiment that requires just a few materials you’ve already got at home!

X – Explore X-rays – You can make your own light box and print X-rays onto transparencies for observation.   Learn more here.

Y – Yeast experiment – Help your preschooler understand how yeast makes bread rise with this yeast experiment from PBS Kids.

Z – FiZZy science – Just put a layer of baking soda in a rimmed baking sheet and give your child some food-colored vinegar in a spray or squirt bottle.  Let the fizzing begin!

Free Alphabet Printables

Join our email list and get this free sample of alphabet activities from our membership site! Students will practice identifying and forming letters, matching upper to lowercase, and identifying beginning sounds.

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Reader Interactions

13 comments.

June 1, 2018 at 2:17 am

June 2, 2018 at 3:43 pm

You’re welcome, Joanne!

May 17, 2016 at 9:13 am

Such wonderful ideas! Thanks so much for sharing! I’m going to do many of these with my kids as well as share on my blog page, Emily’s Puzzle. Thanks again!

Anna Geiger

May 21, 2016 at 7:50 pm

Thanks for reading, Emily!

Nancy Penfield

July 9, 2015 at 8:48 pm

I really enjoy your website! I look around for activities that might help me in my work and I also send Facebook comments to my step-daughter and daughter-in-law as they both homeschool their children. Thank you so much for the wonderful things that you share!

July 10, 2015 at 4:44 pm

You’re very welcome, Nancy, and thanks so much for passing along my resources! 🙂

Kari Molise @ Pre-K Complete

June 30, 2015 at 11:17 am

This is such a great list of science experiments! I love bringing learning to life for preschoolers and using hands-on activities. Thank you for putting this great list together!

~ Kari http://www.PreKComplete.com

July 3, 2015 at 5:43 pm

You’re very welcome, Kari!

June 25, 2015 at 5:57 am

I am really grateful to you for your resources. The more you give the more you receive!!! You have been doing a great job. Keep it up.

Thanks and regards,

July 3, 2015 at 5:42 pm

Thank you so much for reading, Priya! I’m glad these resources can help you. 🙂

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Science Experiments for Preschoolers

February 25, 2020 By Emma Vanstone 7 Comments

This collection of science experiments for preschoolers contains many of my all time favourite science activities. When I started this website I had three preschool age children and we all have happy memories of baking soda and vinegar potions , endless volcanoes, sinking and floating in the garden, bug hunts and lots of other fun preschool science activities .

I have definitely found over the years that even very young children can enjoy science at home . Most science activities are very hands on and can easily be turned into a learning through play experience which makes them perfect for preschoolers!

It’s never too early to introduce children to science, just make sure everything is age appropriate and safe for the child.

Messy Science Station

My little girl was mesmerised by our messy science station and spent a good hour mixing and experimenting with different combinations of the ingredients.

Fizzy rocks

Fizzy rocks take a bit of preparation, but are totally worth it for the giggles when the rocks start to fizz and melt. You can even hide little bugs or toy figures inside. I once hid these in different places for the kids to find and drew them a treasure map!

Ice Cream Soup

Explore melting with some ice cream soup . Don’t forget to eat it afterwards! This is a brilliant way to introduce kids to changes of state and the effect of temperature on frozen things.

Giant Bubbles

Learn how to make giant bubbles . This is a fantastic preschool activity as children can they can look for rainbows in bubbles and create their own magic bubble solution.

Another fun bubble science idea is to set up a bubble making station with pipecleaners and strawsfor children to make their own bubble wands.

Erupting Volcano Science Experiments for Preschoolers

Make an erupting volcano with snow, sand or even papier mache. One of the best things about baking soda volcanos is that they can be erupted over and over again!

Colourful Shadow Puppets

These colourful shadow puppets are very easy to make and look amazing!

Fruity Boats

Fruity boats are a great creative science activity and a lovely twist on a traditional sink/float experiment. Children can make little sails, blow the boats with straws and even add toy figures to make the boats sink.

Boats made from recycled materials are also great to test in the same way.

Make Slime or Oobleck

Slime and oobleck are both lovely sensory materials. All our slimes are borax free and feel amazing!

Oobleck is fascinating to kids and adults. Squish it in your hand and it feels solid, release the pressure and the solid ball starts to flow! AMAZING! For preschoolers I usually add a sieve and some plastic toys to a tray of oobleck and let them explore. Oobleck is also great frozen. I freeze it into shapes using ice cube moulds and let it defrost a little before the children play.

Ice Science Experiments for Preschoolers

Painting on ice is a lovely creative science activity for younger children. This is great fun on a sunny day as the ice feels lovely to paint on as it starts to melt.

Ice excavations are always a big hit in our house too. I usually put them out with little pots of warm and cold water and pipettes so the kids can drop water over the ice to melt it.

Sensory bottles

We have a simple magnet sensory bottle , that is great fun and love this i-spy bottle from The Imagination Tree.

No Time for Flash Cards has some gorgeous colour mixing sensory bottles you might like too!

Magnet Science Experiments for Preschoolers

This paper plate magnet maze is one of our favourite preschool science activities. These can be themed in lots of different ways so perfect for any topic or time of year.

We also LOVE this magnet hair activity from Laughing Kids Learn .

Fairy Tale Science Experiments

This collection of Fairy Tale science experiments is one of our favourites. Grow a bean for Jack, make a zip wire for Rapunzel and lots more fun preschool science experiments .

Dr Seuss Science Activities

This collection of Dr Seuss science activities is perfect for preschoolers!

Science Kit for Preschoolers

You don’t actually need much specialised equipment for preschool science experiments and investigations, but if you did want to invest in a few items these are the ones we would recommend and have all been used in our house for years!

Magnet Wands – these can be used for magnet mazes, general testing to see if things are magnetic and magnet sensory bottles.

Pipettes – pipettes are great for ice excavations!

Tweezers – we use these for fine motor control activities, sorting and lots more.

My little boy also loves his tape measure !

All these activities use non toxic materials but please do supervise small children at all times. They wouldn’t be very nice to eat or drink.

If you’re looking for ideas for even younger children try this collection of non messy toddler science experiments .

This post contains affiliate links

This post was updated Feb 2020

Last Updated on April 9, 2021 by Emma Vanstone

Safety Notice

Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

Reader Interactions

August 17, 2014 at 8:07 am

lovely ideas, your blog rocks! xx

August 18, 2014 at 7:02 am

Thank you 🙂

August 25, 2014 at 5:58 pm

Oh my gosh, that top photo is just the sweetest! 😀 I bet she had a ball conducting lots of experiments with you! Love the look of the colourful milk! 🙂 xx

August 25, 2014 at 6:25 pm

Looks liek she was realy enjoying herself. This is the thing with a number of kids, you forgot what you did with who! lol Mich x

August 25, 2014 at 8:14 pm

My 6 year old would love doing this.Where would I buy a pipette from?

August 25, 2014 at 9:21 pm

Milk pictures – why hadn’t my science teacher husband shown us that one! A new one for Erin to try.

August 26, 2014 at 3:24 pm

I am SO bookmarking this to do with the boys on a rainy day.

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62 Preschool Science Activities: Experiments, Challenges, And Crafts

November 9, 2023 //  by  Alison Vrana

As your kids approach school age, it becomes increasingly important to develop their knowledge of colors, numbers, shapes, and the alphabet. While you’re engaging them with these vital concepts, it’s also important to satisfy their need to think, create, and wonder. With these awesome science experiments, you’ll spark their curiosity about the world around them as you fill their lessons with fun-filled activities to introduce them to captivating scientific concepts.

We’ve gathered up 62 of the best science projects that are perfect for your inquisitive preschoolers and their developing minds.

1. Design Your Own Planet

Let your kiddos’ imaginations run wild as you have them create their very own planets! Allow them to use balloons, tape, glue, and construction paper to mold their worlds before inviting them to adorn their crafts with weird and wonderful colors that are indigenous to their planet. 

Learn More: Education

2. Build a Bridge

Introduce your preschoolers to the basics of engineering with this building challenge. Task them with creating bridges out of simple materials like toothpicks and marshmallows. You’ll encourage them to connect their materials together to see who can build the strongest bridge.

Learn More: Learn with Play at Home

3. Design a Catapult

Develop your little ones’ critical thinking skills with this super cool craft. Invite them to design and create catapults using popsicle sticks, rubber bands, and bottle lids before you have them test their structures by prompting them to see how far they can hurl some pom poms.

Learn More: Coffee Cups and Crayons

4. Turn Salt Into Drinking Water

Turn your class into pioneers of science with this hands-on experiment. Assist them in experimenting with different methods as they try to turn saltwater into fresh drinking water. They’ll learn basic principles that real scientists use every day, all while having a ball of a time doing it.

5. Design a Weather Calendar

Involve your children in tracking weather patterns with this collaborative classroom weather calendar. Start each morning off by inviting them to track weather conditions like rain, sun, or wind or invite them to predict what weather they think awaits them in the coming days.

Learn More: Simply Today Life

6. Make a Wind Sock

Here’s another exciting weather activity, but this one is all about wind! Engage your learners in whipping up this whimsical wind sock craft that you’ll then use to teach them about weather concepts like wind direction and wind speed.

Learn More: Stir the Wonder

7. Dissolving Peeps

Your kids are sure to love this adorable candy experiment, that’s perfect for Easter time! Using Peeps, you’ll task them with testing the acidity of different liquids like vinegar and baking soda. Allow them to place their Peeps in small containers filled with each liquid before you have them record the speed at which each piece of candy dissolves.

Learn More: Pre-K Printable Fun

8. Dissolving Jelly Beans

No Peeps on hand? No worries, here’s an alternative activity where your tots will use jelly beans. Simply have them place their beans in liquids such as soda, water, and milk before you have them observe the speed of each reaction as they watch their candies disappear.

9. Frozen Flowers

Teach your class all about freezing points with this vibrant experiment. Start by sending them out into your schoolyard to pick out a bunch of flowers. Then, invite them back inside and have them place their flowers in water before freezing. The result? A beautiful and icy flower bouquet.

Learn More: Mombrite

10. Salt Painting

Treat your little artists to a texturally rich activity by having them design salt paintings. Prompt them to map out their designs using glue before inviting them to add in a tactile effect by sprinkling salt over their patterns. Once dried, allow them to use watercolor paint to fill their artwork with color as you watch their creations come to life!

Learn More: The Best Ideas for Kids

11. Water Refraction Experiment

Dazzle your kiddos with a little bit of scientific magic! In this easy experiment, you’ll begin by mapping out colorful strips on paper before placing it behind a glass jar. Then, encourage your class to fill each glass with different amounts of water as you invite them to observe the shape-shifting magic that occurs when the water reaches each color.

Learn More: What Do We Do All Day

12. Magic Moon Dough

Wow your learners with this magic moon dough that changes color when you touch it! Assist them in mixing together potato starch, flour, coconut oil, and thermochromic pigment. Once combined, you’ll spread the dough out on a flat surface before you invite them to touch it and observe how the color changes according to the warmth of their hands.

Learn More: STEAM Powered Family

13. Electric Eels

Here’s an electrifying experiment for your science aficionados. Begin by having them place gummy worms in a small glass before allowing them to soak their worms in vinegar and baking soda to spark a fizzy reaction that culminates in a glass full of “electric eels”.

Learn More: Bitz n Giggles

14. Sunscreen Paintings

Teach your littles the importance of using sunscreen with this engaging experiment. Task them with painting doodles onto black construction paper using sunscreen. Then, let them place their designs outside or in the sunlight for several hours before inviting them to observe how the sun lightens the rest of their paper leaving behind their darkened drawings.

Learn More: Team Cartwright

15. Magic Mud

This science project is sure to become a class favorite as you have your kids create Magic Mud! Task them with mixing together simple ingredients to create this glow-in-the-dark gloop and then invite them to play around with their ooze as they notice how it morphs into a solid while moving but reverts to a liquid while stable.

Learn More: YouTube

16. Straw Rockets

Using these printable templates, you’ll liven up your children’s day with this exciting activity. Simply have them cut and paste together these rocket crafts before challenging them to blow air through the straws to see who can fly their rocket the furthest.

Learn More: Artsy Fartsy Mama

17. Fireworks in a Jar

Fascinate your young minds with this colorful project. Involve them in filling a jar with water and oil before allowing them to drop in different hues of food coloring. They’ll marvel at this dazzling reaction as they watch their colors slowly separate and swirl into the water.

Learn More: I Can Teach My Child

18. Magnetic Slime

Here’s an interactive activity that’s fantastic for introducing your class to the science behind magnetism. Encourage them to create a simple mixture using liquid starch, iron oxide powder, and glue; and then allow them to hover magnets over their slime to explore how they can manipulate it using magnetism!

Learn More: Frugal Fun 4 Boys and Girls

19. Color Changing Water

This color-mixing project is perfectly tailored to your preschoolers’ growing curiosity, and it also doubles as an interactive sensory bin! Arm them with kitchen items like eye droppers, measuring spoons, and measuring cups before allowing them to use their tools to drop food coloring and glitter into the water to transform it into a colorful whirlpool.

Learn More: My Bored Toddler

20. Dancing Acorns

This fizzy experiment is sure to keep your little scientists entertained for hours. Simply place sinkable plastic items like beads or jewels in water and then task your kiddos with dropping in some Alka-Seltzer tablets. As the tablets start to dissolve they’ll notice how the chemical reaction causes their little trinkets to dance around the water.

Learn More: Teaching Ideas

21. Frozen Bubbles

Take science to the outdoors with this icy activity that’s perfect for a cold Winter’s day. Invite your tots to blow bubbles in the snow using bubble solution and straws. As each bubble is blown, prompt them to observe the speedy reaction as the icy air causes their bubble structures to crystallize.

Learn More: Fireflies and Mudpies

22. Ocean Life Experiment

Help your preschoolers visualize density with this simple ocean activity . Task them with filling an empty jar with sand, oil, and water before having them drop in some food coloring to turn their liquid into a beachy blue. They’ll notice how each substance either sinks or floats to the bottom because of the varying densities.

Learn More: Natural Beach Living

23. Wax Paper Experiment

Combine art and science in this creative project as you have your kiddos create wax paper art. Begin by having them crumple up wax paper then assist them in using an iron to transfer glossy paper into the folds. Afterward, encourage them to use watercolors and a spray bottle to adorn their canvases with color to reveal the hidden patterns.

Learn More: Housing a Forest

24. Making Borax Crystals

In this scientific project, your preschoolers will create homemade crystals. Start by combining Borax and warm water before inviting them to place colorful pipe cleaners or string in the solution. Over a few days, they’ll notice how their materials start to sparkle with an array of homemade crystals.

Learn More: The Craft Train

25. Skittles Experiment

Teach your kids about complex concepts like stratification with this edible science experiment. Task them with spreading out some colorful Skittles on a plate and then prompt them to cover their candies in warm water. They’ll notice how the color starts to seep out of the Skittles creating a sweet and intricate design.

Learn More: The Soccer Mom Blog

26. Sprouting Sweet Potato

Have your class observe scientific changes over time as you invite them to grow their own potatoes! Invite them to place toothpicks in sweet potato halves before placing them on top of containers filled with water. Throughout each day, you’ll encourage them to observe and jot down the changes they see as their sweet potato begins to sprout roots.

Learn More: Pre-K Pages

27. Dancing Corn Experiment

Here’s another fizzy experiment that you can involve your learners in. Simply have them fill a jar with corn and then allow them to pour in baking soda and vinegar to spark an instant chemical reaction, causing the corn to zoom around the jar.

Learn More: Little Bins for Little Hands

28. Cranberry Slime

Why make regular slime, when you can treat your kids to cranberry slime? In this fall-themed project , you’ll task them with mixing together cranberries, xanthan gum, and other simple ingredients to make their slime. Once complete, they’ll have an edible ooze that they can stretch and squish in any way they like.

Learn More: STEAMsational

29. Yeast Science Experiment

Have your young minds whip up these easy concoctions that make for a mesmerizing experiment. Allow them to test the reactivity of yeast by having them mix yeast into 3 types of sugar. Afterward, they’ll pour their mixtures into squeezy bottles and place a balloon over the opening to observe how the chemical reaction causes the balloons to inflate.

Learn More: Lemon Lime Adventure

30. Tin Foil Boat Challenge

Challenge your little brainiacs to work out the connection between density and floating with this creative experiment. Invite them to put together tin foil boats before you have them test their structures on water to see whether their designs float or sink.

Learn More: JDaniel4’s Mom

31. STEM Snowman

Here’s a simple experiment to test your students’ awareness of balance. Task them with creating snowmen out of paper towel rolls. Then, have them cut it into three pieces before encouraging them to balance their pieces on top of one another to make their snowman stand.

Learn More: How Wee Learn

32. Turn Milk Into Plastic!

This crazy experiment will leave your kiddos in shock as they make plastic out of milk! Invite them to mix milk, vinegar, and food coloring together before straining their mixture and leaving it to solidify. You can then engage them in using cookie cutters to create a variety of shapes with their DIY plastic.

33. Earthworm Coding

Computer coding is fast becoming an invaluable skill in our ever-changing world. In this activity, you’ll introduce your tots to the basics of coding using adorable earthworms. Challenge them to replicate the sequences on these color-coding worksheets by having them thread colorful beads onto pipe cleaners.

Learn More: Sixth Bloom

34. Eyedropper Dot Counting

Develop your children’s counting skills in a hands-on way with this easy STEM activity. Start by drawing different-sized circles on wax paper or a laminated sheet. Then, task your learners with using eye droppers to place drops of water in the circles to see how many drops it takes to fill each one.

Learn More: Teach Beside Me

35. Geoboard Design

Dive into the world of shapes with this Geoboard activity! Start by handing out some Geoboards to your class before inviting them to fill their boards with shapes, patterns, and images by having them pull and stretch rubber bands around each raised point.

Learn More: The STEM Laboratory

36. Pool Noodle Engineering Wall

This STEM activity provides a wonderful way for you to teach your preschoolers about cause and effect. Using pool noodles, twine, and anything else you want to include you’ll engage your little geniuses in creating this wall of fun. Encourage them to create intricate pulley systems or thrilling ball reaction systems as you introduce them to the basics of engineering.

Learn More: Left Brain Craft Brain

37. Make a Bouncy Ball

Your little ones will love these homemade bouncy balls that they can make all by themselves! Assist them in mixing together borax, water, glue, and cornstarch before prompting them to add in food coloring of their choice. Once their ingredients are combined, allow them to place their mixture into molds before leaving to dry to create this interactive toy.

38. Ice Excavations

Turn your classroom into a bustling excavation site with this hands-on experience. Start by freezing small toys or objects in containers to create icy fossils. Then, provide your learners with plenty of tools to allow for exploration as you encourage them to talk about their thought process of safely removing their newfound treasures.

Learn More: Lemon Lime Adventures

39. Erupting Snowballs

Trigger your kids’ senses with this interactive experiment. Engage them in crafting these pre-made frozen snowballs before having them pour vinegar over their balls to initiate a chemical reaction that will cause their snowballs to erupt.

Learn More: Learn, Play, Imagine

40. Ice Cream in a Bag

This edible science project is sure to be a big hit with your class. Have them place their tasty ingredients in a plastic bag before prompting them to add in ice and salt. Then, encourage them to shake their bags around as they watch their liquid ingredients transform into solid ice cream right before their eyes.

Learn More: Steamsational

41.  Glowing Ice Cubes

Lay a strong foundation for your future scientists with this dazzling activity. Invite them to whip up two batches of ice cubes by having them put tonic water in one batch and normal water in the other. Once completely frozen, allow them to observe the difference that the tonic water makes by shining a black light on their ice cubes.

Learn More: Go Science Girls

42. Grow Your Own Rainbow

This simple and easy experiment only requires a few tools, but makes for a load of fun! Engage your kiddos in coloring the edges of a paper towel before allowing them to insert each side into two glasses of water. They’ll soon see how the water travels through the paper towel to reveal a beautiful rainbow.

43. Make Your Own Tornado

In this mesmerizing experiment, your students will create tornadoes right in your classroom! Encourage them to combine a few ingredients like dish soap and water in a jar before prompting them to give their jars a good swirl – watching as their colorful tornado starts to take form.

Learn More: Growing A Jeweled Rose

44. Magnetic Exploration

Here’s another magnetic science activity that’s sure to get your young minds thinking. Simply invite them to conduct an experiment where they’ll find out whether different objects are magnetic or not. Split them into small groups, challenge them to make predictions, and then have them use magnets to test each item.

Learn More: PreKinders

45. Bubble Pop Or Not?

Pique your littles’ interest in science with these magical bubbles. Using a special solution of sugar, dish soap, and water you’ll entertain them with these super strong bubbles that are virtually unpoppable!

Learn More: Team Cartright

46. Cloud Scout

In this engaging activity, your class will explore the skies as you teach them about different clouds. Simply have them put together this adorable Cloud Spotter tool before you prompt them to raise it to the skies and identify various cloud types.

Learn More: Red Ted Art 

47. Make Your Own Spectroscope

Treat your young minds to a new science tool by having them create spectroscopes. Challenge them to put their instrument together by having them use recycled materials. You’ll then invite them to gaze through their contraption as you introduce them to the science behind light and prisms.

Learn More: Buggy and Buddy

48. Explore Your Food

Dive into this food adventure as you invite your little learners to learn more about the foods we eat. Challenge them to sort and classify seeds that can be found in different fruits and vegetables. While they’re busy, you can even engage them in a discussion about which seeds are safe to eat and which seeds are not.

Learn More: Preschool Toolkit

49. Instant Ice

Your kiddos will learn about the movement of energy between solids, liquids, and gasses in this magical experiment. Task them with combining baking soda and vinegar to create sodium acetate, also known as hot ice. Afterward, have them pour this solution on a flat surface to leave behind a solid trail of instant ice!

Learn More: Frugal Fun 4 Boys

50. Parachute Experiments

In this interactive project, you’ll challenge your little brainiacs to create DIY parachutes. Invite them to piece together their craft using plastic garbage bags, string, and plastic cups. Then, encourage them to test their designs in different wind conditions while also amping up the challenge by adding on differing weights

Learn More: Deceptively Educational

51. Model of the Heart

This captivating craft is great for engaging your kids in a human body unit. Using simple materials, they’ll create a makeshift heart before you task them with physically pumping their contraption to observe how the heart works to pump blood throughout our bodies.

52. Static Butterflies

While your preschoolers may not understand all the details behind static electricity, this creative project provides a fantastic way to introduce them to the basics. Using construction paper, task them with gluing a butterfly body onto cardboard before adding on some tissue paper wings. Afterward, allow them to rub a balloon on various materials to see if they’ve generated enough electricity to move their butterfly’s wings. 

Learn More: I Heart Crafty Things

53. Pumpkin Exploration

Lead your pupils into a scientific exploration of a pumpkin, perfect for a Halloween-themed science lesson. Engage them in analyzing different parts of these iconic and spooky decorations, from seeds to fibrous strands and flesh.

Learn More: Early Learning Ideas

54. Make Rain in a Jar

In this captivating activity, you’ll entertain your children with science as you have them create rain in a jar. Simply prompt them to fill their jars with water before covering it with a layer of shaving cream to create clouds. Then, invite them to drop blue food coloring over the shaving cream and watch as the color seeps through the clouds and into the water.

Learn More: Mrs. Jones’ Creation Station

55. Leaf Breathing

Did your kiddos know that leaves can breathe? In this activity, you’ll introduce them to the science behind photosynthesis by first having them place leaves in water. They’ll soon begin to notice little air bubbles forming, sparking a discussion on how plants are able to turn carbon dioxide into oxygen.

Learn More: KC Adventures

56. Water Candle Experiment 

Walk your preschoolers through the scientific method with this hands-on experiment. Invite them to place a lit candle on a layer of colored water. Then, allow them to provide you with hypotheses of what they think will happen when you place a jar over the candle.

57. Sink or Float in Your Cork Boat

Treat your students to this hands-on experience as you task them with building unsinkable boats! Challenge them to use cork and other materials to build their boats before you invite them to set sail as they test their designs out on the water.

Learn More: 2 Paws Designs

58. Pencil Bag Magic

Entertain your class with this captivating optical illusion! Start by having them fill zipper bags with water before sealing. Then, arm them with sharpened pencils and invite them to quickly poke them through their bags. It’s a great way to engage them in some scientific magic as you prompt a discussion of how the pencils and plastic work together to stop any leaks.

Learn More: Hello Wonderful

59. Melt Your Colors

Here’s another activity that’s perfect for a states of matter lesson. Allow your kids to place old crayon chunks onto a piece of cardboard before having them place their designs in the sun. As the sun starts to heat up the crayons they’ll eventually start to melt – turning solid to liquid and also creating great examples of thermal artwork.

60. Seasons Themed Sensory Bottles

This creative project makes a great craft to end off lessons on seasons and weather. Invite your children to put together their very own sensory bottles by first prompting them to pick a theme. They’ll then fill their bottles with food coloring and little decorations to mimic the characteristics of their chosen season or weather pattern.

Learn More: Tea in the Wild

61. Make Your Own Dinosaur Fossils

Inspire the future archeologists in your class with this fossil-making activity. Task them with pressing small dinosaur toys into salt dough before gently lifting up to reveal their impressions. You’ll then place their fossil discs in the oven to set their dino prints in stone.

Learn More: Make Life Lovely

62. Magic Milk Experiment

Art and science combine in this whimsical activity! Start by filling a bowl with milk before encouraging your preschoolers to drop in some food coloring. Then, allow them to use cotton buds to swirl the colors around to create a colorful tapestry of fluid patterns.

100 Easy Science Activities for Preschoolers

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Would you like to do more science projects  with your kids, but are not sure where to start? These science activities for preschoolers are quick, EASY, and FUN! We’ve included preschool science experiments by type with more than enough to keep you busy all year round. Try these science experiments for preschoolers , toddlers, kindergartners, and grade 1 students to make learning FUN and, even if you are not so ‘sciencey’ yourself!

Science Activities for Preschoolers

These science activities for preschoolers are a great way to introduce young children to science. Even though toddler, preschool, pre-k, kindergarten, and first grade aged children may not understand all the science theories behind these experiments and activities – they are still learning lots of scientific concepts and practicing critical thinking skills. It’s easy to encourage a love of science at a young age by keeping things playful and fun with  preschool science experiments .

Science experiments for preschoolers

There are so many  science experiments for preschoolers on this list to choose from. From fun sensory science ideas, to simple garden science activities, arty crafty science and lots of amazing hands-on preschool science ideas to explore all kinds of scientific concepts. You don’t need teaching experience or fancy equipment to try these experiments for preschoolers , just a willingness to experiment! Try one of these science activity for preschool children aged 2, 3, 4, and 5 year olds (older kids will love them too!) with lots of hands on learning opportunities and cool ways to explore science.

Preschool Science Experiments

Get ready for children to say WOW with these  easy preschool science experiments !

• How to Make A Lava Lamp from 123 Homeschool 4 me. Make a cool lava lamp sensory bottle with this Alka-Seltzer science experiment.
• Amazing Lemon Volcano experiment for summertime
• Sand Volcano is a quick and easy beach activity for kids !
• EPIC Watermelon Volcano is loads of fun to learn and play
• Easy to Make Orange Volcanoes from The Art Kit. You can make these fun mini volcanoes with just a few kitchen supplies.
• Playdough Volcanoes from Glitter on a Dime. Here’s another super fun idea and easy for making volcanoes.
• Colorful Oil and Water Experiment from Kindergarten Worksheets and Games
• How to Make Fizzy Lemonade – Use a chemical reaction to make your homemade lemonade bubbly!
• Dinosaur Eruptions
• Edible Slime Recipes from Little Bins for Little Hands. All the fun of learning about polymers with slime without the worry of any little people tasting it!
• Ice Cream Edible Playdough Recipe from 123 Homeschool 4 Me
• Edible P eanut Butter Playdough Recipe
• Funfetti Edible Playdough Recipe
• Colorful Fizzing Sensory Bin from My Bored Toddler. Combine sensory play and chemistry for this fun activity.
• Rainbow Baking Soda and Vinegar Experiment – This simple, hands on, experiment is perfect for preschoolers and so much fun.
• How to Make Fizzy Sherbet from Laughing Kids Learn. Try making this deliciously fizzy chemical reaction!
• Ice, Salt and Temperature Science for Kids
• Simple Sink or Float Science Experiment from Kindergarten Worksheets and Games
• Color Surprise Eruptions from Simple Fun for Kids. There’s a colorful surprise hidden in this science activity.
• Pirate Science Fun from Fun a Day. These exploding pirate chests look like so much fun to play with!
• Amazing, Color Changing Playdough 
• Underwater Sound Experiment for Kids from Still Playing School. This is a super cool science investigation that is perfect for a hot summer’s day.
• Easy Science Project with Skittles from 123 Homeschool 4 Me. This is a sweet, rainbow colored experiment.
• How to Make Water Beads Glow from Go Science Kids. Grab a black light and try this cool sensory science activity.
• Sink or Float Experiment from Edventures with Kids. There is a great printable worksheet to record your predictions before you try this activity.
• Easy Science Discovery Bottles from Little Bins for Little Hands. These ideas for science sensory bottles are so fun to explore.

Kindergarten science experiments

These  science activities for kindergarten make it playful and fun to learn about scientific principles and develop of love of learning!

• Chromatography Flowers from 123 Homeschool 4 Me
• Chromatography Butterflies – Instead of mixing colors like you normally do in art, you’ll be separating colors for this science and art project.
• Rainbow Walking Water Science Experiment This is a great project to learn about absorption and color mixing, there is even a great free printable to go with it.
• Mushroom Spore Prints from Go Science Kids. Learn all about mushrooms while making some art.
• Magic Paper Towel Art from Messy Little Monster. Is this activity magic or is it science?
• Rainbow Magic Milk Experiment  from Childhood101. If you haven’t tried this super cool experiment you really need to give it a go!
• Blooming Paper Flower Experiment from Preschool Play and Learn You only need paper, scissors and water to try this experiment.
• Sunscreen Experiment – This easy experiment helps kids understand why sunscreen is important.
• Watercolors and Oil Art Science for Kids from Babble Dabble Do. Combining watercolors and oil is a fun way to explore science and art at the same time with gorgeous results.
• Make your own Borax Crystals
• Fizzy Painting from Taming Little Monsters. Use a chemical reaction to make art!
• Grow a Rainbow Experiment from Kindergarten Worksheets and Games You can see the rainbow grow right before your eyes!
• Salt Painting Science Experiment from A Dab of Glue Will Do. This is a creative way to teach children all about absorption.
• EPIC Snow Volcano
• How to Make a Drawbot from Picklebums. Make some simple robots that can draw!
• Pendulum Paintings from Hello Wonderful. The kids will be mesmerized by this cool STEM activity.

Preschool science

Learn about plants with these fun garden expeirments for young learners!

• Parts of a Plant Science Experiment and printable worksheet
• Plants and Sunlight Simple Science Experiment from Mama Smiles. The kids love this simple visual phototropism plant science experiment.
• Color Changing Flower Experiment from Kindergarten Worksheets and Games. This experiment demonstrates how plants drink water and with a few simple things you can make a white flower turn blue!
• Fun Garden Preschool Science Experimen t from From Enginner to Stay at Home Mom Learn what the best environment is for a seed to grow.
• Growing Carrot Tops Science Experiment from Rainy Day Mum. You can do this experiment with kitchen leftovers!
• Garden in a Glove from The Kinderhearted Classroom. How fun to grow plants in a glove!
• Garden Science – Worms and Compost from The Educators Spin on it. Learn all about worms and how they turn compost into dirt.
• Ant Experiment from Lemon Lime Adventures. Experiment to see which sweetener ants like best.
• Sprout House from The STEM Laboratory. Combining engineering and science into one project to learn about germination.
• Growing Grass from Pre-K Pages. You can do this garden science activity inside or outside and it’s a great way to learn about the needs of a plant and allow kids to observe changes over time.

Plant Activities

• Potato Maze – Summer STEM Activity for Kids
• Water Pollution for Kids Science Expeirment
• Simple Geranium Photosynthesis Experiment for Kids
• How to Regrow Celery in Water
• Food coloring flower experiment worksheet Science Experiment for kids
• Color Changing Flower Experiment learning about capillar action

Plant Experiments

• Simple Blooming Flowers Capillary Action Experiment
• Grow Crystals Flower Experiment
• Easy BEE Pollination Experimnt for kids using Jello
• Simple Acid Rain Pollution Experiment for Kids
• Seeds and Plants Unit filled with hands-on Plant Activities for Kindergarten
• Beautiful Chromatography for Kids Flower Project

Science activity for preschool

We have found so many  science projects for preschoolers , it is hard to pick which one to start with!

• Cleaning Pennies with Ketchup from Team Cartwright. Wow your kids with simple kitchen science experiment.
• Air Pressure Science Experiment with eggs
• Bouncy Egg Science Experiment for Kids   – Did you know that you can make an egg bounce? This experiment shows you how.
• How to Grow Crystals Overnight from Babble Dabble Do. Grow awesome crystals quickly and easily with these instructions.
• Butterfly Life Cycle from Mamma Miss. Learn all about butterflies with this lovely free printable and activity.
• Raising Tadpoles from The Craft Train.
• Homemade Butter Science Experiment
• Bending Water Science Experiment from Kindergarten Worksheets and Games
• Swirling Galaxy Science Experiment  Set up and observation tank and watch as the tadpoles turn into frogs.
• Simple Science Earthquake Experiment from The Chaos and the Clutter. This hands on science experiment is lots of fun and uses items you probably already have at home.
• Colorful Polymer science Experiment
• Simple Surface Tensions Experiment
• Rain Cloud in a Jar Science Experiment – This is a super cool experiment to play around with.
• Tornado Experiment – Weather Science for Kids from Natural Beach Living. Learn about the way tornadoes work with this fun experiment.
• Make Your Own Mini Microscope from Childhood101. Did you know you could make a microscope from kitchen items?
• Dancing Raisins Science Experiment This fun experiment will definitely make the kids smile.
• Creating Frost Science Experiment
• Charged Atoms Science Experiment
• Pop Rock Science Experiment
• Microwave Ivory Soap Experiment from Happy Hooligans. The Expanding Ivory Soap Experiment is a classic science activity that will fascinate everyone!
• Exploding Watermelon Science from 123 Homeschool 4 Me. The kids will love helping add rubber bands to this explosive experiment.
• Water Displacement Candy Experiment
• DIY Solar Oven from The Craft Train. Make a solar oven from a cardboard box and recycle your old crayons!

We have lots more preschool science to explore! Which one of these science experiments for kindergarten and EASY preschool science ideas will you try first?

Preschool Worksheets

Looking for more fun and free pre k worksheets to make learning fun for early learners? Check out these resources:

• Join Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, and Olaf with these adorable FROZEN Preschool Worksheets
• Villains Disney Printables – These themed worksheets make it fun for kids to practice a variety of skills
• Fish Preschool Worksheets for working on a variety of skills
• Preschool Beach Theme Printables
• Super cute and FREE If you Give a Mouse a Cookie Printables
• You’ll go Bananas for these cute Minion Printable Worksheets
• HUGE Pack of Free Superhero Worksheets
• Princess Worksheets with your favorite Disney princesses like Ariel, Aurora Belle, Snow White, Cinderella, and more!
• Head to the tower to learn with Tangled using these Rapunzel Worksheets Pack
• Learn all about weather with these Free Weather Printables
• Work on learning colors with these Color Worksheets for Preschoolers
• Planet Worksheets for Kindergarten
• Super cute The Very Hungry Caterpillar Worksheets
• Free Mouse Paint Printables
• Community Helpers Coloring Pages
• Go prehistoric with this colorful Free Dinosaur Printables or these dinosaur printables
• Yeehaw! Join the cowboys in these Wild West Worksheets
• Super cute, FREE Preschool Construction Theme Printables
• Lots more Kindergarten Worksheets with fun themes

Free Worksheets

• ⭐Reader Favorite Alphabet Coloring Pages shaed like the uppercase letter
• ⭐You don’t want to miss these Alphabet Worksheets
• Preschoolers love these cute, FREE Alphabet Coloring Pages
• ✂ Free Printable Lowercase alphabet crafts or Uppercase Letter Crafts
• Grab those bingo daubers and practice your ABCs with these Alphabet Bingo Dauber Printables or these Letter Recognition Worksheets
• Dinosaur Color by Number Printable or these Zoo Animals Color By Number Worksheets
• Work on visual discrimination with these FREE I Spy Farm Animals Worksheet pages
• Head to the farm with these printable Preschool Farm Activities Free
• Sight Words Printable List and free activities to help learn preschool sight words
• Hand Washing Activities for Preschoolers
• 50+ Fun Preschool Science Experiments or these 100 Food Science Experiments
• Check out these  fun Shape Craft Ideas for preschoolers or these
• Zoo Animal Crafts for kids
• Zoo Animals Uppercase Tracing Letters
• Grab some kid favorite cut and paste worksheets

• Help kids learn their ABCs and work on letter recognition with these super cute A to Z Worksheet pages
• Over 2000 pages of free alphabet printables to find exactly what you are looking for!
• Huge pack of solar system worksheets
• Free Printable Alphabet Worksheets
• Simple machines for kids projects, lesson plans, printables, and more!
• FREE Maps for kids including printable world map for kids , continent maps, and country maps too
• Handy Sight Words Printable list plus lots of sight word games, activities, and worksheets too!
• Learn about other countries around the world with our free country coloring pages
• We also have reading list like this 1st grade reading books pdf to help you pick engaging books for kids!
• Celebrate the letter of the week with these adorable, Free Alphabet Hats
• Make learning fun with these free cut and paste worksheets
• Plus don’t miss this outrageously fun Human Body Project
• We have lots of themed worksheets like these super cute Frozen preschool worksheets
• Color, Read and Learn your letters with this printable alphabet book pdf for each letter A to Z
• Make science FUN for kids of all ages with over 100 Food Experiments to try
• Teach kids to tell time with this huge pack of printable time puzzle s

Looking for more fun, creative ways you can begin your free homeschool ? We have over 1,000,000 pages of FREE Printable Worksheets including resources for: pre k worksheets , kindergarten worksheets , 1st grade worksheets , 2nd grade worksheets , 3rd grade worksheets , 4th grade worksheets , 5th grade worksheets , 6th grade worksheets , and more. Plus see our history lessons for kids , hands-on countries for kids , printable math games , language arts worksheets ,  sight word worksheets ,  free alphabet printables , and  cvc word activities for kids of all ages! And our hugely popular Pipe Cleaner constellation activities

Kate is an Aussie Mum to four kids and an early childhood educator. She shares easy activities for kids, family friendly recipes and lots of printables on her blog picklebums.com

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School • Things To Do

18 Easy Science Experiments Perfect for Preschoolers

September 9, 2021

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Science projects are the perfect messy fun! Packed with messy appeal for young kids, but also packed full of the learning opportunities that appeal to parents! Get started with these easy science experiments that are perfect for preschoolers and toddlers .

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These easy science experiments are perfect for preschool aged children. Many of them would be great for older children too, so they could be enjoyed together as a family activity.

You May Also Enjoy 10 Fun Ideas for Entertaining Preschoolers at Home

Easy Science Experiments for Preschoolers

#1. ice and salt experiment.

Image: Learning & Exploring Through Play

I think I enjoyed this fascinating salt and ice experiment just as much as Little N (toddler)! As you observe the salt melting craters into the ice, that’s where the colouring seeps through and creates beautiful coloured tunnels.

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#2. Colour Mixing on Coffee Filters

Image: Messy Little Monster

Using primary colours (red, yellow and blue) and coffee filters, why not explore the different secondary colours you can create? Kids can see for themselves all the different shades of colours that can be made by mixing 2 (or more) colours together.

It is fascinating to watch as the paint spreads and is absorbed by the the coffee filters. Messy Little Monster uses jumbo eye droppers to make this simple colour mixing activity that works on fine motor skills.

#3. Make Glow in the Dark Bubbles

Make your very own glow in the dark bubbles for hours of outdoor fun!

You May Also Enjoy 7 Simple Sensory Box Ideas

#4. Pop, Rock Balloons

Image: A Little Pinch of Perfect

This is a great idea from A Little Pinch of Perfect for pop rock balloons .

As the Pop Rocks and the soda make little bubbles, when they pop, the air inside the bubbles fills the balloon right in front of your very eyes!

#5. Create Fizzy Lemonade

Image: Learn with Play at Home

What a fun idea! Why not let your preschool create their very own edible science experiment? This fizzing lemonade experiment from Learn With Play at Home is the perfect little experiment before meal time.

#6. Simple Colour Mixing Science

Image: My Mundane and Miraculous Life

Simple? Fun? Educational? – Check!

Sometimes the most simple set-ups are enjoyed the most. Most preschoolers LOVE water play, and this easy colour mixing science experiment  from My Mundane and Miraculous Life is sure to be popular. Simply add some food colouring and away they go, creating lots of different colours!

#7. Little Scientist Space

Image: Epic Childhood

Perhaps you want to create a space that offers lots of experimenting and imaginative play? Epic Childhood has some great ideas for little scientists in this post , where they share their set-up.

You May Also Enjoy 5 Fun Science Experiments for Kids

#8. Colourful Milk Experiment

Image: Crafts by Amanda

This colourful milk experiment from Crafts by Amanda is fascinating, and all it requires is milk, food colouring and dish soap. There is a great video to go along with it too, as well as explanations around the science behind the fun!

#9. Walking Water

Image: Parenting Chaos

This colour-mixing activity is pretty awesome! A beautiful rainbow experiment, creating colours through walking water  from Parenting Chaos. Using some simple tools your little ones will look on in amazement as new colours are created before their very eyes!

You May Also Enjoy 27 Innovative Water Play Ideas for Kids

#10. Water Bottle Fountain

Add a twist to your water play and create your very own fountain! This water bottle fountain experiment from Learn with Play at Home allows children to see that air takes up room and is always present even though we can’t see it.

#11. Oil and Water Discover Bottles

Image: Play Trains

Children of this age love transferring, filling and emptying containers. By adding a couple of simple ingredients you can extend their play by allowing them to explore changes that take place when you combine oil and water . Get the instructions over at Play Trains.

You May Also Enjoy 5 Fun Halloween Science Experiments

#12. Rainbow Eruptions

Image: Learn Play Imagine

How beautiful do these rainbow eruptions   from Learn Play Imagine look? Using 2 simple ingredients you too could be enjoying rainbow eruptions with your little ones!

#13. Fireworks in a Jar

Image: I Can Teach My Child

Is your little one fascinated with colours and fireworks? Then this fireworks in a jar project from I Can Teach My Child is for you! The great thing about this experiment is you will most likely have all the ingredients you need at home already.

#14. Colouring Flowers/Vegetables

• Colouring Wild Carrot – Fireflies and Mudpies
• Colouring Roses – Hello, Wonderful
• How Does a Plant Drink? – SFI (Science Foundation Ireland)
• Dye one flower two colours! – Homegrown Friends

#15. Soap Clouds

Image: Our Best Bites

Soap clouds , like these ones from Our Best Bites, smell divine! They are also great for sensory play and your children can stand and watch the ‘cloud’ forming too. Get the details at Our Best Bites.

#16. Rainbow Paper

Image: The Science Kiddo

Look how effective this rainbow paper is – and it only takes 5 minutes to create! The project and instructions can be found at The Science Kiddo .

#17. Sink or Float

Image: The Joys of Boys

This couldn’t be easier – a container of water and a hunt around the home for items, is all that’s needed.

Enjoy this Sink or Float experiment from The Joys of Boys and take it in turns to predict if you think an item will sink or float. A great way to teach mathematical concepts too!

#18. Cress Heads

You May Also Enjoy: Tips for Making Gardening Fun for Kids

Stop by  Learning and Exploring Through Play for lots more ideas for activities for little learners.

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Fun with Science: 27 Sensory Science Experiments for Kids

If you told my 15-year-old self I would one day be sitting at this desk writing a post about sensory science experiments for kids, I wouldn’t have believed you.

And yet, here we are, LOL.

While I did the mandatory biology, chemistry, and geology courses in middle and high school, I found each subject tedious, boring, and difficult, and figured I just wasn’t smart enough to be a scientist.

I avoided anything to do with science from grade 10 onwards, and it wasn’t until my daughter started telling me about all of the amazing science experiments she did in preschool and kindergarten that I started poking around on Pinterest for science experiments for kids we could do together at home, and I was pleasantly surprised with all of the fun ideas I found.

As it turns out, science can actually be fun!

RELATED:  100+ Fun STEM / STEAM Projects and Why They Work

And with a huge shift towards STEM learning , finding ways to get kids interested in science is becoming more important than ever. Whether you’re looking for sensory science experiments for kids in preschool and kindergarten, or amazing science experiments for kids in elementary school and beyond, we’ve got 27 super cool ideas below!

What is Science?

Simply put, science refers to the act of studying the world around us.

There are all different types of science – biology, chemistry, physics, botany, paleontology, geology, astronomy, etc. – and scientists study these through observation, hypotheses, prediction, and experimentation.

Why Is It Important to Do Science Experiments with Kids?

With more classrooms focusing on STEM education – a multifaceted approach to learning that combines science, technology, engineering, and math to develop a child’s problem solving and critical thinking skills while also encouraging creativity, communication, and teamwork – finding ways to foster a love for science is becoming more important than ever. Engaging children in science experiments at home and in the classroom:

• Encourages higher level thinking
• Teaches children not to accept the status quo and make their own predictions
• Fosters an interest and excitement for research
• Provides opportunities for failure in a safe environment
• Encourages innovative and creative thinking
• Teaches children how to work collaboratively

Unfortunately, kids are often taught that science is boring and difficult, and if parents and teachers don’t intervene, these negative thoughts can persist through high school and beyond, making children less interested in and willing to participate in STEM-based subjects. This can have a huge impact on their academic growth and development, not to mention their career paths.

How to Get Kids Excited About Science

Start young. It’s never too early to get kids excited about science and other important areas of education, and the internet is filled with all kinds of amazing science experiments for kids of all ages. Sensory science experiments tend to work best with younger kids as they are more hands on, and we’ve rounded up some fabulous ideas below to inspire you!

Make it hands on. Instead of getting kids to MEMORIZE scientific facts and equations, get them involved! Not only will this make your lesson plans more engaging and fun, but it will also help your students retain more information.

Appeal to your child’s interests. If you’re finding it difficult to foster a love for science in your child, find ways to apply it to the things he or she loves. Think outside the box and use props, materials, and/or toys that appeal to your child’s interests to capture his or her attention and make learning fun instead of tedious.

Get online. There’s no question that our children love spending time watching TV and on their iPad, so use this to your advantage! Find science-themed TV shows and search YouTube for inspirational videos and tutorials your child might find interesting.

Be a good role model. Instead of telling your child how much you hated science when you were in school (ahem…), model everyday inquisitive behavior to foster a love for learning in your child. You will be amazed at what this simple change in mindset can do!

Make it fun!  From sensory science experiments for preschoolers, to amazing science experiments for kids in elementary school, there are SO MANY WAYS you can make science fun for kids. We’re rounded up 27 ideas for kids aged 3 to 13 below to help get you started!

14 Sensory Science Experiments for Preschoolers

Fizzing Colors Baking Soda & Vinegar Experiment | Happy Hooligans Heat Sensitive Color Changing Slime | Left Brain Craft Brain Instant Hot Ice with Baking Soda and Vinegar | Frugal Fun with Boys and Girls Fizzy Cloud Dough Experiment | Powerful Mothering Floating M M&M Candy Science Experiment | Little Bins for Little Hands Underwater Magic Sand | Teaching Mama Turn Milk Into Plastic! | How Wee Learn What Dissolves in Water Experiment | Hands On As We Grow Rainbow Soap Foam | The Chaos and the Clutter Melting Snowman Baking Soda Science Experiment | Little Bins for Little Hands Expanding Ivory Soap Experiment | The STEM Laboratory Dancing Oobleck | Housing a Forest Elephant Toothpaste | Preschool Powol Packets Erupting Apple Science Experiment | Little Bins for Little Hands

13 Amazing Science Experiments for Kids in Elementary School

Salt Volcano Liquid Density Science Experiment | What Do We Do All Day? Static Electricity Butterfly Experiment | I Heart Crafty Things Magic Milk Science Experiment | Natural Beach Living How Clouds Make Rain | Mrs. Jones’ Creative Station How to Make a Lava Lamp | 123 Homeschool 4 Me Glowing Tornado in a Jar | Growing a Jeweled Rose Fireworks in a Jar | I Can Teach My Child Crystal Growing Experiment | Creekside Learning The Science of Sound Waves | Edventures with Kids Invisible Ink Science Experiment | Homeschool-101 Snow Volcanoes | Growing a Jeweled Rose Frozen Bubbles Science Experiment for Kids | Growing a Jeweled Rose Homemade Butter Science Experiment | 123 Homeschool for Me

I hope this collection of tips to get kids excited about science, as well as the sensory science experiments for younger kids and the awesome science experiments for older kids we’ve included inspires you in your quest to raise inquisitive learners!

‘We should not teach children the sciences but give them a taste for them.’ -Jean Jacques Rosseau

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And if you’re looking for more ways to have fun with your students and/or children, please follow our Kids board where we share all kinds of fun ideas we find each day!

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45 Easy Science Experiments for Kids

Hello, STEM! These simple DIY activities can be done at home or in school.

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Imagine blowing the biggest bubbles imaginable — or even making bubbles within bubbles. Or sending vessels — rockets, tea bags, airplanes — soaring through the sky for impossible distances. Now imagine making things explode, or change colors, or reveal hidden messages with just a few simple mixtures.

First off, it's good to start them off with the scientific method. Give them a journal to record their observations, questions, hypotheses, experiments, results and conclusions. As always, safety counts: wear goggles and coats or aprons if need be (sometimes kids get a kick out of how scientific the protective gear makes them look), and always make sure that the kids are supervised when doing them. (Warning: Some of these are messy!)

These experiments are mostly designed for preschoolers through elementary schoolers — with a couple that are either demonstrations or better for older kids — but if you have a younger one, you can check out these 1-year-old learning activities , toddler learning activities and preschool/kindergarten learning activities , some of which also cover STEM subjects.

Floating Fish

Here's another one that deals with solubility and density.

• Draw the outline of a fish on the bottom of a glass plate or tray in dry-erase marker. Retrace your drawing to make sure all the lines are connected. Let dry for a minute or two.
• Fill the measuring cup with tap water. Place the pour spout just inside the corner of the dish and add water very slowly until it just covers the bottom. Be careful not to pour water directly onto your drawing or make splashes near it. The water will move toward your drawing, eventually surrounding it. Observe what happens. If the water splashes or it doesn’t work on your first try, empty the dish, erase the drawing with a paper towel, dry off the dish, and try again.
• Tilt the dish slightly from side to side. What happens? Jot it down.

The ink in dry erase markers is engineered to be slippery. It’s made with a chemical that causes it to easily release from surfaces. (Permanent markers are made with a chemical that makes the ink stick to surfaces, so be sure not to use these in your experiment!)

The easy-release ink lets go from a surface, but why does it float? There are two reasons. First, dry erase ink isn’t soluble, which means it won’t dissolve in water. Second, dry erase ink is less dense than the water, so it becomes buoyant, meaning it can float. When you tilt the dish, the fish moves around on the water’s surface.

From Good Housekeeping Amazing Science: 83 Hands-on S.T.E.A.M Experiments for Curious Kids! See more in the book »

Brush, Brush!

This one will really get them into brushing their teeth once they scientifically prove all the good things that toothpaste can do.

• Write on sticky notes: Soda 1, Soda 2, Juice 1, and Juice 2. Place them in a row on a counter.
• Fill two glasses halfway with brown soda and place behind the Soda 1 and Soda 2 sticky notes. Fill two glasses halfway with lemon juice and place behind the Juice 1 and Juice 2 sticky notes.
• Carefully place one egg in the bowl. Squeeze a big dollop — about one tablespoon — of toothpaste on top of the egg and gently rub the toothpaste all around with your hands until the egg is completely covered in a thick layer of toothpaste. Repeat with a second egg.
• Gently submerge the toothpaste-covered eggs into the liquids: one egg in the glass labeled Soda 1 and the other egg in the glass labeled Juice 1. Wash and dry your hands.
• Gently submerge the remaining eggs, without toothpaste on them, in the remaining glasses: one in the glass labeled Soda 2 and the other in the glass of juice labeled Juice 2. Wash and dry your hands. Leave the eggs in the glasses for 12 hours.
• After 12 hours, remove the eggs from the glasses of soda one at a time. Rinse them in cool water and pat them dry with the towel. Place each egg by the sticky note of the glass it was in. Are the eggs the same or different colors?
• Remove the eggs from the glasses of juice one at a time. Rinse them under the faucet and pat them dry. Place each egg by the sticky note of the glass it was in. Feel the eggs gently. Does one feel stronger or weaker than the other?
• Write down your observations in your science notebook.

The eggshells in this experiment represent the enamel (outer coating) on your teeth. Toothpaste cleans your teeth and prevents stains: it removes food and drink particles that are stuck on your teeth. Teeth can be stained easily by dark-colored liquids like cola, coffee or tea. The egg without toothpaste will be brown and discolored. The egg covered in toothpaste was protected from turning brown.

Toothpaste also protects your pearly whites from decay (breaking down). The egg without toothpaste left in the lemon juice was worn down and soft to the touch, while the egg that was protected with toothpaste is stronger. The lemon juice is acidic, and those acids broke down the shell just as acidic drinks can wear away your tooth enamel. When a tooth is worn down, a cavity can form more easily. But the fluoride in toothpaste mixes with your saliva to create a protective coating around your tooth enamel. It helps keep your teeth strong and cavity-free.

Grow an Avocado Tree

For an easy lesson in Earth Science, your family can grow an avocado tree from a pit. You can buy an AvoSeedo kit , or just peel the seed and suspend it over water with toothpicks.

Get the tutorial »

Milk Bottle Xylophone

No for an experiment in sound!

• Arrange six glass jars or bottles, all the same size with no lids, in a line. What will each jar sound like when you tap it with a spoon? Make a prediction, then tap each jar. Record your observations.
• Next, put water in each of the jars. Pour 1⁄4 cup (60 ml) of water into the first jar. Add 1⁄2 cup (120 ml) of water to the second jar. Continue in 1⁄4-cup increments, adding 3⁄4 cup (180 ml) of water to the third jar, 1 cup (240 ml) of water to the fourth jar, 11⁄4 cups (300 ml) of water to the fifth jar, and 11⁄2 cups (360 ml) to the sixth jar. Add a couple of drops of food coloring to each jar.
• What will each jar sound like? Will they sound the same or different than when the container was empty? Will they sound the same or different from one another? Record your predictions.
• Tap each jar with a metal spoon. Write down your observations about each jar’s pitch (how high or low a sound is) in your notebook.

Sound waves are created by vibrations, which are back-and-forth movements that are repeated again and again. Pitch depends on the frequency of the waves — how many are created each second. A high pitch is created by high-frequency sound waves, and can sound squeaky. A low pitch is created by low-frequency sound waves, and sounds deep and booming.

When you tapped the jar, it vibrated. The vibrations traveled from the jar to the water to the air and eventually to your ears. The jars with more water had a low pitch. The sound waves vibrated more slowly because they had more water to travel through. The jars with less water had higher pitches. The sound waves vibrated faster because they had less water to travel through. A jar with no water in it makes the highest pitch because it has the least substance to travel through.

"Elephant Toothpaste"

Okay, elephants don't really brush with this stuff, which is made from a chemical reaction between hydrogen peroxide, yeast, dish soap and a few other simple ingredients. But this experiment has a big "wow" factor since, when the substances are mixed, the "toothpaste" foams out of the bottle. You can use it to teach kids about catalysts and exothermic reactions.

Get the tutorial at Babble Dabble Do »

DIY Compass

Explore the way magnetism works, and how it affects everyday objects, by magnetizing a needle and making a DIY compass. You can even spin the compass in the water, and it'll end up pointing the right way again.

Get the tutorial at STEAM Powered Family »

Craft Stick Chain Reaction

Kids can learn about the differences between potential and kinetic energy with this chain reaction. It makes a big impact: Once the tension is released, the pom poms go flying through the air!

Get the the tutorial at Science Sparks »

Color-Changing Invisible Ink

Kids will feel like super-spies when they use this heatless method to reveal pictures or colors written with "invisible ink." You can try different acid/base combinations to see which one makes the most dramatic result.

Get the tutorial at Research Parent »

Paper Bridge

Get the engineering back into STEM with this activity, which challenges kids to create a paper bridge that's strong enough to hold as many pennies as possible. How can they manipulate the paper to make it sturdier? (Hint: Fold it!)

See the paper bridge tutorial at KidsActivities.com »

Challenge your little scientist to lift up an ice cube with just a piece of string. It's possible ... with a little salt to help. Salt melts the ice and lowers the freezing point of the ice cube, which absorbs the heat from the water around it, making the water cold enough to re-freeze around the string.

Get the tutorial at Playdough to Plato »

Marshmallow Catapult

Another lesson in potential and kinetic energy, kids will love sending mini marshmallows flying in the name of science. Change some of the variables and see how that affects the marshmallow's trajectory.

Get the tutorial at Hello, Wonderful »

Leaf Breathing

It's hard for kids to picture how plants and trees "breathe" through their leaves — until they see the bubbles appear on a leaf that's submerged in water. You can also teach them about photosynthesis by putting different leaves in different spots with varying levels of sunlight.

Get the tutorial at KC EDventures »

Hoop-and-Straw Airplane

We all remember how to fold those classic, triangular paper airplanes, but these hoop-and-straw airplanes fly way better (and straighter). Experiment by changing the length of the straw and the size of the hoops and see how it affects the flight.

Get the tutorial at Mombrite »

Film Canister Rocket

Blast off! You don't need jet fuel to make these rockets go, just Alka-Seltzer tablets and baking soda, but they'll be amazed when they achieve lift-off! (Note: If you can't find old film canisters, tubes of Airborne work, too.)

Get the tutorial at Raising Lifelong Learners »

Coin Inertia

Stack up about five or so coins on a piece of cardboard and place it over a glass of water. Then, flick the cardboard out from on top of the glass. Do the coins drop into the water, or ride with the cardboard? Due to inertia, they drop into the water — a very visual (and fun!) demonstration of Newton's First Law of Motion.

Get the tutorial at Engineering Emily »

Apple Oxidation

What works best for keeping an apple from turning brown? Test to find out! Slice up an apple, and let each slice soak in a different liquid. Then take them out, lay them on a tray, and check the brownness after three minutes, six minutes and so on. Not only does this test the properties of different liquids, it also helps students practice the scientific method if they create hypotheses about which liquids would be most effective.

Get the tutorial at Jennifer Findley »

RELATED: 50 Fun Activities for Kids Will Keep Them Entertained for Hours

Coffee Ground Fossils

By making a salt dough with coffee grounds and pressing various shapes into it (toy dinosaur feet, seashells), kids can get a better understanding of how fossils are made. If you poke a hole in the top before it dries, the kids can hang their "fossils" up in their rooms.

Get the tutorial at Crafts by Amanda »

Chromatography Flowers

Chromatography is the process of separating a solution into different parts — like the pigments in the ink used in markers. If you draw stripes around a coffee filter, then fold it up and dip the tip in water, the water will travel up the filter and separate the marker ink into its different pigments (in cool patterns that you can display as a craft project). This family made the end-result even brighter by adding an LED circuit to the center.

Get the tutorial at Steam Powered Family »

Water Walking

You'll need six containers of water for this one: three with clear water, one with red food coloring, one with blue coloring, and one with yellow coloring. Arrange them in a circle, alternating colored and clear containers, and make bridges between the containers with folded paper towels. Your kids will be amazed to see the colored water "walk" over the bridges and into the clear containers, mixing colors, and giving them a first-hand look at the magic of capillarity.

Get the tutorial at Fun Learning for Kids »

Sunscreen Test

This experiment puts the A (art) in STEAM: Paint different designs on construction paper with different sunscreens, leave the papers out in the sun and compare the results. Then, hang your "conclusions" on your fridge.

Get the tutorial at Tonya Staab »

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21 Easy Science Activities for Preschoolers

Introduce science concepts to your preschool classroom with these activities and experiments.

• brightwheel
• Child development

Preschoolers may not fully understand science concepts yet, but doing science experiments is an excellent way to lay a foundation for future learning and exploration. Experimentation helps young children build a good relationship with science by making concepts fun and hands-on. 

In this article, we’ve featured simple experiments to teach preschoolers basic science concepts. But before getting into our list, let's discuss why science activities are important and what concepts children need to learn at this stage.

What are important science concepts for a preschooler to learn?

There are seven basic preschool science concepts. They include:

• Observing: This is the first concept children learn from science experiments. For example, when you present them with an object, they are able to use their senses to describe its color, size, shape, and texture. 
• Comparing: Once your preschoolers learn to observe items, you can introduce several items for them to compare. For example, which apple is bigger? Are the colors different? 
• Classifying: After observing and comparing, preschoolers can progress to grouping items. They can arrange things according to shape, size, texture, or color.  
• Measuring:  This is a more advanced skill, where preschoolers can practice measuring items for comparison instead of simply comparing the objects through observation. For example, they can use a weighing scale or tape measure to determine which banana is bigger. 
• Communicating:  After doing experiments, preschoolers have to learn how to report their results. This can be done through documentation, drawing, or verbal description. 
• Inferring:  Children can learn this skill through simple experiments in the classroom. For example, if your class has a thriving plant that you water consistently, the children might notice it has withered after school has been closed for an extended period of time. The children might come to the conclusion that the plant needs water. 
• Predicting:  This skill is gained by making guesses based on prior observations. Preschoolers will start by predicting easy concepts, like what melts or what floats, and advance as they learn more.

Importance of science experiments in early childhood

When children conduct experiments, they learn to observe, predict, and question the world around them, laying the foundation for analytical thinking. These hands-on activities also provide invaluable opportunities for children to experience the thrill of discovery firsthand, encouraging them to be active participants in their own learning process. Here we discuss more benefits of introducing science in preschool:

Fuels curiosity 

As an early childhood teacher, you are most likely bombarded every few minutes with questions about why things happen. Science allows children to investigate and learn more about the world around them. Encouraging children to engage in exploratory activities can help feed curiosity and even reduce the occurrences of challenging behavior. For example, a paint-mixing activity can help neutralize high energy and avoid distracting behavior.

Enhances the curriculum 

Science doesn't have to stand on its own—other parts of the preschool curriculum can be tied to science concepts. For example, during a temperature measuring experiment, children can practice number recognition. You can also extend the lesson by discussing arctic animals or the culture of people who live in cold climates. You could even incorporate an art class by deciding to draw arctic animals. 

Boosts literacy development 

Group science experiments can boost children’s communication skills. One way this is done is by discussing predictions or observations. Children must also use their critical thinking skills to predict what to expect from the experiments and express their thoughts about the experiment.

Builds a foundation for learning 

Science experiments foster a positive attitude toward science at an early age. The skills children learn at this stage can help them think critically, improve their problem-solving skills, and understand their world better. Concepts such as animals, plants, weather, and environment can impact a child's perspective of the world around them.

Keep families informed about what their child is learning in your classroom. With brightwheel's daily report feature , you can record photos and activities and share them with families. You can also create custom newsletters for longer updates showing your classroom highlights!

Science activities for preschoolers

Each of the activities listed below is designed to be fun, engaging, and packed with learning opportunities that introduce basic scientific concepts in a way that’s accessible and exciting for young learners.

1. Grow a rainbow

The concept behind this experiment is capillary action , which is the spontaneous flow of liquid into a porous material. However, preschoolers don't need to remember that to enjoy the action. Prepare to see their faces light up as the rainbow travels up the paper towel to make a complete rainbow. It's also a good opportunity for children to learn more about colors.

2. Sink or float 

In this experiment, children are challenged to predict what will sink and what will float . They can then do the experiment with different objects and record their findings. Remember to ask them to note which predictions they got right.

Additionally, when preschoolers use science-related terms, it expands their vocabulary. For example, science introduces them to words like species , lifecycle , habitat , and microscope .

3. Color-changing milk

This experiment is an introduction to the concept of surface tension, and requires only a few simple materials to get started. There are so many color changes during this experiment, so it's an excellent way to introduce preschoolers to observation and communicating their findings. After the experiment, ask the children when the color changes happened and why they occurred.

4. Water absorption

Understanding how different items absorb water is an important concept for children to understand in real life. This experiment will help preschoolers determine what to use when drying a spill and help them understand why they can use a napkin to wipe up a drop of water, but they need a towel to dry themselves after bathing.

5. What melts in the sun?

This is a good way to pass the time on a hot, sunny day and teach your preschoolers about melting points . Pick a mixture of items that can melt and items that don't melt and add them to a muffin tin. You could choose items such as a cube of cheese, ice, a rock, butter, or a coin. Before starting the experiment, ask the children to predict which items they think will melt and record their answers.

Place the tray in the direct sun and wait at least 15 minutes to see what happens to the items and then revisit their predictions to see which ones they got right. Later, ask them to name other items they think would melt.

6. Bubble towers

This bubble blowing activity will probably be one of your children’s favorite experiments. Add water and a few drops of dish soap to a plastic cup and have children blow out through plastic straws to make bubbles. The bubbles will grow and expand and spill over the edges of the cup. See who can create the biggest bubble tower!

7. Hands-on air pressure

Introduce your preschool class to the concept of air pressure with an experiment that gives a visual demonstration of moving an object with just air. Add two kitchen sponges to a plastic bag and place a plastic straw between the two sponges so one end is outside the bag and one is inside the bag. Seal the bag with tape. Blow into the straw to inflate the bag. Place a pom pom or cotton ball on a flat surface in front of the end of the straw and press hard on the sponges and watch the pom pom roll away.

8. Static comb

This easy experiment teaches the basics of static electricity , the friction force caused by the imbalance of positive and negative charges on a surface. The charges build up on the surface until they’re discharged. 

For this activity, take some colored paper and cut it up into small pieces. Scatter the pieces on a table. Grab a plastic comb and hold it over the pieces of paper and see what happens. Next, run the comb against your hair and hold it over the pieces of paper again. The comb will now attract the pieces of paper and they will get attached to the comb.

9. Magic dancing rice

This experiment shows the reactions of acids and bases. You’ll need vinegar, baking soda, a clean container, a spoon, rice, and water. 

Pour a cup of water into the container, then add a teaspoon of baking soda and stir. Sprinkle some rice in the mixture and observe what happens (the rice sinks because it's denser than water). Then add a teaspoon of vinegar to the water. You’ll observe that the vinegar reacts with the baking soda to form carbon dioxide bubbles.  

After a few minutes, the rice rises to the surface of the glass. Once the rice reaches the surface level, the gas is released, and the rice falls to the bottom of the glass, and the process continues to repeat.

10. Strong shapes

This science activity is similar to the game Jenga, and it’s a good way to introduce preschoolers to the concept of weight distribution . The idea is to make bases of different shapes—square, triangle, and cylinder—out of sheets of paper to see how much weight each base can support. Once the bases are ready, you can start stacking items such as books, one by one, on each base to see how it supports the items.

11. Glowing water experiment

This experiment introduces children to electromagnetic waves . For this experiment, you’ll need regular tap water, tonic water, a dark room, a black light, four glasses, fluorescent paint, and a highlighter pen. Fill glass one with regular tap water, glass two with tonic water, glass three with normal water and highlighter ink, and glass four with normal water and fluorescent paint. Put the four glasses in a dark room, place the back light 12 inches away from the glasses, and watch which glasses glow.

You’ll see that glass one doesn’t glow under black light. However, glass two glows brightly because the quinine in tonic water makes invisible ultraviolet rays visible. Glass three glows because highlighter ink contains phosphors, which react to the black light, causing the water to glow. Because fluorescent paint also contains phosphors, glass four will also glow under black light.

12. Egg and toothpaste experiment 

Convincing children to brush their teeth can be a challenge. This experiment presents an opportunity to show preschoolers how toothpaste protects teeth from discoloration.

For this experiment, you’ll need a dark soda like Coca-Cola, toothpaste, black coffee, four glasses, and four raw eggs. Pour black coffee into two glasses and pour the soda into the remaining two glasses. Coat two of the eggs with toothpaste. Place one plain egg in a glass of soda and one with toothpaste into the other glass of soda. Then place one plain egg in a glass of coffee and a coated egg in the other glass of coffee. Allow the setup to rest for at least 24 hours for desired results. 

You should find that the plain egg in the soda glass stains, while the one coated in toothpaste doesn’t. Similarly, the toothpaste-coated egg in coffee doesn’t stain, but the plain egg in the coffee does.  

This happens because when the plain eggs are placed in the liquids, the acidic contents react with the calcium carbonate to form stains. However, when the eggs are covered with toothpaste, the fluoride creates a protective layer around the eggs to prevent the acidic reaction from happening.

13. Ocean in a bottle

This simple experiment introduces children to the concept that water and oil don’t mix. For this experiment , you’ll need a funnel, blue food coloring, cooking oil, water, and a large, clear plastic bottle.  Fill the bottle with water and add several drops of food coloring. Ask your preschoolers to shake the bottle to disperse the food coloring and observe what happens.

14. Leak-proof bag

This experiment is fascinating, even for some adults. Did you know that you can push pencils through a bag full of water without the water spilling out? Well, it’s possible because the bag is made of a long flexible chain of molecules (polymers), so when the pencils enter the bag, molecules form a seal around them. You’ll need sharpened pencils and a gallon-size storage bag for the experiment. Fill the bag halfway with water and poke a pencil straight into one side and through to the other side. Allow the preschoolers to try this with as many pencils as they can.

15. Rain cloud in a jar

This experiment allows preschoolers to understand the idea behind water saturation as well as  explore clouds and rain in an engaging way. It shows children the process through which clouds get thick before the rain falls. 

For this experiment, you’ll need a large jar, pipettes, gel food coloring, and shaving cream. Mix the food coloring with water in a small cup. Fill ¾ of the large jar with water and spray some shaving cream on top to represent a cloud. Ask the children to use the pipettes to squirt the colored water on top of the cream. Soon the colored water will seep down through the cream (cloud) into the water, just like rain!

16. How to keep a tissue dry in water

This activity is a good way to explain how air pressure works. For this experiment, you’ll need a container, cup, water, and tissue. Instruct the children to push the tissue inside the cup and then fill the container with water. Have the children push the cup down into the water while keeping it straight. 

When done properly, no water touches the tissue. This is because the air pushes the water away from the cup. Lastly, instruct the children to place the cup inside the water again, tilting it this time. This lets air escape from the cup, allowing the water to wet the tissue.

17. Disappearing eggshell

This disappearing egg experiment is a good introduction to how different chemical agents react. In this case, the eggshells dissolve because they contain calcium carbonate. The latter dissolves in the vinegar to produce carbon dioxide gas and calcium ions. 

For the experiment, you’ll need a fresh egg, white vinegar, and a 16-ounce mason jar with a lid and ring. Place your egg in the mason jar and fill the jar halfway with vinegar. It’s important not to completely fill the jar, because the build-up of carbon dioxide could cause the jar to burst.  Cover the jar loosely to allow the gas to escape, and let it sit for at least 48 hours.

18. Floating egg

This experiment is a good way to explore the concept of density. You’ll need tap water, table salt, sugar, saline water, four raw eggs, four glass jars, and a tablespoon. Fill four glasses halfway: Fill glass one with water, glass two with salt water, glass three with sugar water, and glass four with saline water. Place an egg in each glass and observe. 

You’ll find that the egg in glass one sinks because the egg is denser than tap water. However, the egg in glass two floats because the salt increases the water’s density. Similarly, the egg in glass three floats. The egg in glass four sinks.

19. Dissolve objects

This experiment will help your preschoolers understand items that dissolve in water . When choosing substances for the experiment, be sure to include substances that won’t dissolve. Sugar, cornmeal, flour, oatmeal, orzo noodles, and colored sprinkles are good substances to consider. Encourage the children to predict which substances will dissolve before starting the experiment and compare the predictions with the results after completing it.

20. Thunderstorm formation

This is an interesting introduction to the concept of convection . Convection is the science behind why thunderstorms are more common during the afternoon when the sun heats up moist air near the land that rises into cold air.

For this experiment, you’ll need water, two cups, a container, and two colors of washable paint or food coloring. You can use red with warm water and blue with cold water.  In one cup, mix cold water and the blue coloring; in the other cup, mix red coloring and warm water. Then pour the cups of colored water at opposite ends of the container of room temperature water. Observe how the red coloring floats while the blue coloring sinks. 

This happens because warm water has a lower density than room-temperature water, while cold water has a higher density than room-temperature water. Eventually, the cold water becomes warm and starts to rise. Conversely, the warm water cools and starts to sink. This process is called convection.

21. Shadow play

This simple activity explores the science of shadows and can be linked to the concept of solar eclipses . O n a sunny day, take the children outside with a variety of objects of different shapes and sizes (e.g., toys, balls, blocks). Discuss how every object casts a shadow when it blocks the light from the sun, similar to how the moon blocks the sun during a solar eclipse.

Encourage the children to experiment with casting shadows in different ways, using their bodies or the objects provided. They can see how the size and position of the object can change the shadow. Link this back to the solar eclipse by explaining how the moon is like the objects the children are using, and it casts a shadow on Earth during an eclipse.

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Encouraging children to participate in science activities sets a strong foundation for an interest in the subject. Integrating science experiments in early education equips children with the skills necessary to navigate and understand the complexities of the world, fostering a sense of wonder and inquiry that will serve them throughout their educational journeys and beyond.

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Easy Science Projects for Preschool and Kindergarten Teachers

These easy science projects for preschool and kindergarten teachers will make your life easier!

Read on to see how these simple science experiments will have your little learners excited to explore and engage in the best ways!

Easy Science Projects for Preschool and Kindergarten Teachers: Tips and Inspiration

I love easy science projects! Don’t you? Science education is a fundamental aspect of early childhood development, sparking curiosity and nurturing the natural inquisitiveness of young children! These easy science projects for preschool and kindergarten teachers have the ability to turn everyday ingredients into moments of awe and discovery for young minds.

Today I’m sharing some of my favorite kindergarten and preschool science activities. These projects are simple to set up and a great way to engage little scientists! I’ve been teaching for almost two decades and I find that kindergarten and preschool children are always excited to get to work in our science center. I really enjoy working on an easy science experiment while we are meeting in small groups. 

Have you found yourself searching for an easy way to incorporate the scientific method, steam activities, and a fun science experiment into your day?

I’ve done all of the hard work for you! You can grab this resource that is packed with kindergarten and preschool lesson plans, planning and reflection sheets, troubleshooting tips, and so much more! This unit was created for homeschool and classroom teachers. I’ve included my top 10 science projects that use simple ingredients to dive into this great subject! This resource includes classroom-approved, experiments that I’ve tried with young kids and is an excellent way to make sure you have a simple experiment on hand any time you need one!

Science exploration and these important science concepts can be so much fun with these hands-on science activities. We will introduce kids to the wonders of science, as it sets the foundation for a lifelong appreciation of the world around them. Engaging in simple, hands-on science projects not only fosters a sense of wonder but also helps in developing critical thinking, observation skills, and a love for learning. 

Here is a sneak peek at 5 of the 10 easy science projects that kindergarten teachers can use to ignite the spark of scientific curiosity in their young learners!

1. Magic Milk Science Experiment 

​ materials: whole milk, dish soap, food coloring, shallow dish..

This captivating experiment introduces children to the concept of surface tension. Pour a shallow layer of milk into a dish and add a few drops of different colored food coloring. Dip a cotton swab in dish soap and touch it to the surface of the milk. Watch as the colors swirl and dance as if by magic.

This happens because the soap molecules disrupt the surface tension of the milk, causing the colors to move and mix. The bright colors make this a favorite of the easy preschool science experiments. It’s perfect for kindergarten and first grade too!  You can grab your lesson plans, detailed photos, and troubleshooting tips for this easy science activity here .

2. Inflating Curiosity: The Vinegar and Baking Soda Balloon Experiment

Materials: baking soda, vinegar, balloons, empty plastic water bottles, funnel, measuring spoon.

The vinegar and baking soda balloon experiment is such a fun science activity that perfectly combines excitement with fundamental scientific principles. Vinegar experiments are some of my favorites because with just a little bit of vinegar, you can get a BIG reaction!

Preschool and kindergarten teachers can use this simple yet captivating experiment to introduce their students to chemical reactions and the concept of gas expansion. Let’s dive into the details of this exciting project.

Begin by gathering all your materials and setting up a designated experiment area.

Using a funnel, carefully pour a small amount of baking soda into the balloon. You can use a teaspoon as a measuring tool. Aim for about one teaspoon of baking soda per balloon.

Provide each student with a plastic water bottle that’s about one-third full of vinegar. Stretch the mouth of the balloon over the opening of the water bottle, making sure not to let the baking soda spill into the vinegar just yet. (Little hands will need help with this!)

When everyone is ready, gently lift the balloon, allowing the baking soda to fall into the vinegar. As the baking soda reacts with the vinegar, it produces carbon dioxide gas. This gas will start to inflate the balloon, causing it to expand. Watch as the balloon inflates and discuss what’s happening.

I know easy science projects for kindergarten and preschool teachers are always needed and this is such a fun and exciting one!

Ask questions like:

• Why do you think the balloon is getting bigger?
• What do you notice about the balloon now compared to before?
• What do you think is making the balloon inflate?

You can use different materials to extend the learning. 

• Use different amounts of baking soda and vinegar. How does this affect the size of the balloon?
• Try using different sizes of balloons. Does the size of the balloon matter in the reaction?
• Add a few drops of food coloring to the vinegar before the reaction. Observe what happens to the color as the gas inflates the balloon.

Chemical Reaction:  The mixture of baking soda (a base) and vinegar (an acid) initiates a chemical reaction. This reaction produces carbon dioxide gas, which is responsible for the inflation of the balloon.

Gas Expansion:  As the carbon dioxide gas is released in the reaction, it fills the space inside the balloon. This gas takes up more space than the liquid and solid components (baking soda and vinegar) did individually, causing the balloon to expand.

Conclusion: The vinegar and baking soda balloon experiment is a fantastic way to introduce young learners to the magical world of chemical reactions and gas expansion. Through this hands-on activity, kindergarteners can observe firsthand how simple ingredients can create intriguing and dynamic transformations. Not only does this experiment spark curiosity, but it also lays the foundation for understanding fundamental scientific concepts that will serve as building blocks for their future explorations in science. So, get ready to inflate their minds with wonder and excitement as you embark on this engaging experiment in the classroom. Grab everything you need here!

3. Colors in Motion: Crawling Rainbow Experiment

Materials: clear cups or containers, water, paper towels (cut into strips or folded), food coloring.

This fun experiment is the perfect way to captivate young minds than with a colorful and mesmerizing science experiment! The Crawling Rainbow experiment is a simple and engaging activity that introduces children to the concepts of color mixing, capillary action, and water absorption. This hands-on project will have your kindergarteners wide-eyed with excitement as they watch colors come to life and “crawl” across paper towels. Let’s dive into the details of this captivating experiment. Gather all the materials and set up a designated experiment area. Fill each clear cup or container with a small amount of water, about halfway full. Invite the children to assist you in this step, promoting active engagement. Gently dip the bottom of the paper towel strip into the water-filled cup, ensuring that the colored section is just above the waterline. Rest the top part of the paper towel on the rim of the cup.

Observe and Predict  As the paper towel absorbs the water, the colors will begin to migrate upwards. Prompt the children to make predictions about what will happen to the colors. Will they mix together? How far will they “crawl”? 

Watch the Crawling Rainbow  Over the course of the next 15 to 30 minutes, the colors will slowly climb up the paper towel. With a little patience, the children will be amazed as they witness the colors blending and spreading, creating a beautiful crawling rainbow effect.

Ask Questions: Once the experiment is complete, gather the students to discuss their observations. Ask questions like:

• What did you notice happening to the colors?
• Why do you think the colors climbed up the paper towel?
• What other things in nature might use a similar process to move liquids?

Extend the Experiment – For an extra dose of exploration, encourage the children to try different color combinations or even various types of paper towels to see how they affect the crawling rainbow. You will be surprised how much different objects can change the outcome!

Scientific Concepts Explained:

Capillary Action:  Capillary action is the ability of liquids to flow in narrow spaces without the assistance of external forces like gravity. In this experiment, the water is drawn upward through the tiny gaps in the paper towel fibers, carrying the colors along with it.

Color Mixing:  As the water travels along the paper towel, it carries the water-soluble pigments from the markers with it. The colors mix and blend, creating a crawling rainbow effect as they move upwards.

Conclusion: The Crawling Rainbow science experiment is a delightful way to introduce kindergarteners to the magic of color mixing and capillary action. It truly is one of my favorites of the easy science projects. Through hands-on exploration, children witness firsthand the scientific principles that make colors come to life and seemingly crawl across paper towels. This experiment not only sparks curiosity and excitement but also cultivates observation skills and critical thinking. By engaging in the Crawling Rainbow experiment, young learners lay the groundwork for their ongoing scientific journey, where each discovery leads to new questions and exploration. So, get ready to dive into the world of colors and motion with this enchanting experiment that will leave a lasting impression on their inquisitive minds.

4. Sink or Float: Discovering Buoyanc y

Materials: various small objects (coins, buttons, balls, paperclips, cork, small toy), a large container of water, towel (for drying hands).

The sink or float experiment is a classic and engaging activity that introduces children to the concepts of buoyancy, density, and scientific observation. By testing various objects and making predictions, kindergarteners can learn how different materials interact with water and why some items sink while others float. Let’s delve into the details of this hands-on experiment that will surely make a splash in your classroom. Gather the students and introduce the concept of sinking and floating. Ask questions like:

• What do you think will happen when we put things in the water?
• Can you think of things that might sink? What about things that might float?
• Why do you think some things float while others sink?

Time to predict! Show the students a few objects from your collection. Encourage them to predict whether each item will sink or float in the water. Record their predictions on the chart. Invite the students to take turns choosing an object and placing it in the water. Observe whether the object sinks or floats. Encourage them to use descriptive language to explain their observations. As each object is tested, record the actual results on the chart. Use different colors for sinking and floating to make the chart visually engaging. Gather the students around the chart and discuss the results. Ask questions like:

• Were there any surprises? Did anything float that you thought would sink, o r vice versa?
• Can you find any patterns in the results? Are there objects that are similar in material but have different outcomes?

If you want to extend their learning, consider these extensions:

• Have the students group objects based on whether they are made of plastic, wood, metal, etc., and predict if the group as a whole will sink or float.
• Discuss real-life scenarios where knowing about sinking and floating is important, like when building boats or designing swimming toys.

Buoyancy:  Objects either sink or float based on the relationship between their weight and the amount of water they displace. Objects that are less dense than water will float, while those denser than water will sink.Whether you use cold or warm water – it doesn’t matter!

Density:  The density of an object determines whether it sinks or floats. If an object is denser than the liquid it is placed in (like water), it will sink. If it is less dense, it will float.

Conclusion: The sink or float experiment is a wonderful way to introduce kindergarteners to fundamental scientific concepts while sparking their natural curiosity. Through hands-on exploration and observation, children learn about buoyancy, density, and the properties of different materials. This experiment fosters critical thinking, encourages predictions, and allows young learners to test their hypotheses. By immersing themselves in this interactive activity, kindergarteners take their first steps into the world of scientific discovery, laying the groundwork for future explorations and a lifelong love of learning. So, grab your objects, fill your tub, and let the excitement of the sink or float experiment inspire your classroom’s scientific journey!

This classic experiment helps kids grasp the concept of buoyancy. Gather a variety of small objects and let the children predict whether each item will sink or float in water. Drop the items into the water one by one and observe the outcomes. Discuss the results and help them understand how the shape, size, and material of an object affect its buoyancy.

​5.  Rainy Clouds: Shaving Cream and Food Coloring Rain in a Jar Experiment for Kindergarten

Materials: clear glass or jar, shaving cream, blue food coloring, dropper or pipette, water

Exploring the wonders of weather can be an exciting adventure for kindergarten students. The rain in a jar experiment using shaving cream and food coloring is a playful and visually captivating activity that introduces children to the concept of precipitation and the water cycle. By creating a colorful “cloud” in a jar and watching it release “rain,” young learners can experience the magic of rain formation in a hands-on and engaging way. Let’s dive into the details of this delightful experiment!

Begin by gathering the students and discussing the water cycle, focusing on how water evaporates to form clouds and then falls as rain. Create the cloud! To do this, fill the jar about two-thirds full with water. Then, using a spoon, carefully add a layer of shaving cream on top of the water in the jar. This represents the cloud.  I n a separate container, mix a few drops of blue food coloring with a small amount of water to dilute it. Use a dropper or pipette to drop the colored water onto the shaving cream cloud. Get ready! As the colored water saturates the shaving cream, it will eventually become heavy and start to drip down into the clear water below, simulating rain falling from the cloud. Finally, you’ll want to observe and discuss. Encourage the students to watch as the “rain” falls from the cloud and mixes with the clear water below. Ask questions like:

• What do you notice happening to the shaving cream cloud?
• How does this experiment remind you of real rain?
• Can you see the connection between the colored water and rain?

Afterwards, gather the students and discuss their observations and experiences. You can also extend the activity by exploring other questions like:

• How does the “rain” affect the color of the water in the jar?
• What happens if you add more or fewer drops of colored water to the cloud? There are several scientific concepts touched on with this experiment.

Precipitation:  In the rain in a jar experiment, the shaving cream cloud becomes saturated with the colored water, causing it to release liquid “rain” that falls into the clear water below. This simulates the process of precipitation, where water vapor in real clouds condenses and falls to the ground as rain.

Water Cycle:  The experiment offers a simplified representation of the water cycle by demonstrating the stages of evaporation, condensation, and precipitation in a playful and tangible way.

Conclusion: The shaving cream and food coloring rain in a jar experiment is a wonderful introduction to the water cycle and the formation of precipitation. Through hands-on exploration, kindergarteners can witness the transformation of a cloud and the release of colorful “rain.” This experiment fosters curiosity, observation skills, and understanding of basic weather concepts. By engaging with this interactive activity, young learners lay the groundwork for their future scientific inquiries and build a foundation of knowledge about the natural world. So, gather your materials and get ready to create a storm of excitement in your classroom as you embark on this rainy adventure !

Easy Science Projects for Kindergarten and Preschool Teachers Conclusion

The Kindergarten and Preschool years are a magical time for introducing children to the wonders of science at a young age. I love to incorporate these simple, hands-on projects at any time of year. This was just a sneak peek of the 10 experiments that will captivate their curiosity, teach them important scientific concepts, and set the stage for a lifelong love of learning. Each of these easy science projects provide engaging and age-appropriate ways to explore the world around us, fostering critical thinking, observation skills, and a sense of wonder in young minds. Through these activities, kindergarten and preschool teachers can pave the way for future scientists, thinkers, and problem solvers!

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about these easy science projects for kindergarten and preschool teachers!

Do you want to grab the resource full of lesson plans, planning, reflection sheets, photos, and more? Head here to make your life easier!

Are you looking for more engaging ideas to teach CVC words to kindergarten students? Head here !

I’m loving the apple volcano project in my Johnny Appleseed unit. Head here to read about it!

Happy Teaching & Parenting this week, friends!

P.S. I’d love to hear if you try one of these easy science projects for kindergarten and preschool teachers with your kids! Let me know!

Author: hilarystatum

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Pre-K Preschool Science Activities

Science Ideas for Preschool and Kindergarten Teachers. Click each category to find free preschool science activities, lessons, & printables.

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Kindergarten Science Experiments

Curious kids turn into junior scientists with these fun and simple  science experiments for kindergarten. Science doesn’t need to be difficult or complicated for our younger kiddos! Here’s our list of the best kindergarten science activities that are totally doable and use simple supplies for home or in the classroom.

How to Teach Science to Kindergarten

Kindergarten is actually the craziest thing! If you take a minute to stop and think about it. It’s wild to me that we ask 4, 5 and 6-year-olds to come to school, sit quietly, and learn things like foundational science concepts.

This is coming from me, a former kindergarten teacher! I can’t imagine how parents feel sending their kiddos off and having them come home talking about the STEAM design process, ecosystems, and weather patterns. Kids understand it, and even more, they LOVE it!

These little ones are sponges. Things like STEAM or STEM and the NGSS standards actually help us as teachers tap into how they learn best – by doing and being hands-on with their learning. Our kinders are also playful, curious and inquisitive.

Encourage Curiosity, Experimentation and Exploration

There is much you can teach your kindergarten kids in science. Keep the activities playful and simple as you mix in a little of the “science” along the way.

These science activities below are great for short attention spans. They are almost always hands-on, visually engaging, and filled with play opportunities!

Not only are these science activities an excellent introduction to higher learning concepts, but they also spark curiosity. Encourage your kids to ask questions, solve problems, and find answers.

Science learning in kindergarten encourages young kids to make observations with the five senses, including sight, sound, touch, smell, and sometimes even taste. When kids are fully able to immerse themselves in the activity, the greater the interest they will have in it!

Kids are naturally curious creatures, and once you have piqued their curiosity, you have also turned on their observation, critical thinking, and experimenting skills.

Kids will naturally start to pick up on the simple science concepts presented just by having a fun conversation about it with you!

Kindergarten Science Standards Simplified

Much of what surrounds your kids every day is what makes up a good portion of the kindergarten science standards.

TIP 1: Play With Toys

The first thing a K teacher should do to get their students into NGSS is to start with toys and play! Gather yo-yos, toy cars and ramps/tracks, blocks, a wagon, marbles, etc and get the students playing.

We know young children learn best through play, so let’s use that to our advantage. How will playing help them learn science concepts?

Well the specific toys suggested above will all help students learn about forces and motion, pushes and pulls. This is a specific set of standards NGSS includes for the grade!

Now that your students are playing, talk to them about what is happening with the toys. Ask them questions like “what might happen if I push this faster?” “What about if I pull it slower?” You can foster conversation surrounding the play and the concepts! Then check those standards off your list! Easy enough right?!

TIP 2: Favorite Animals

Another suggestion I can make for K teachers diving into the world of science with their students is to use little kids’ love of animals to your advantage too! I have yet to meet a little one who doesn’t have a favorite animal! They can spout endless facts about on-demand. Kids LOVE animals!

Ask each student what his/her favorite animal is and what it eats, and you’re halfway there. You can talk about plants getting food from the soil, sun, and water!

TIP 3: Tricky Topics

You’re thinking, “ok, so far so good, but now I see that the NGSS standards want me to teach ‘Earth’s Systems’ to 5 year-olds and we’re not even sure that meteorologists understand ‘Earth’s systems’”. Have no fear!

All this means is we need to talk to our students about and make observations about the weather where we live. We can tie this into graphing and math, as many of us already do in our morning meetings, and we’re meeting some of the standards.

You can ask the students to have a dress-up day (who doesn’t love a good theme day!) and represent clothing needed for certain kinds of weather. Guess what? You’re meeting some of the standards!

Talk about the number of sunny days, cloudy days, rainy days in a month and compare the temperatures (warm/cool) from that length of time.

TIP 4: Integrate Topics

The final bundled of NGSS standards created for kindergarten is the group called “Earth and Human Activity”. This unit is going to bring your plant/animal learning and your weather discussions together!

To meet these standards you can begin to introduce the concept of food chains to the kids. You can talk more about what animals eat, what they need to survive, and how that changes or effects where the animals live.

This includes humans too! You can also discuss more why we have forecasters and why predicting the weather is important. (Take it back to your dress-up day and you’re set!)

Lastly, you can talk to students about conservation, recycling and protecting the earth to meet the final standard in this bundle. I have yet to meet a teacher that doesn’t do something with their students for Earth Day, be it a read-aloud, craft or picking up trash from the playground.

Take this conversation a tad deeper than you normally would and realize that not only did you just do some awesome hands-on teaching and integration, but you also just nailed the NGSS standards!

Kindergarten Science Topics

Kindergarten science introduces young learners to basic scientific concepts through hands-on activities and simple observations. Here are some common science concepts that kindergarteners may learn in the classroom:

Five Senses : Understanding and exploring the five senses – sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell. Activities might involve identifying and categorizing objects based on sensory experiences.

Living vs. Non-living: Differentiating between living and non-living things. Students may explore plants, animals, and objects to understand the characteristics of living organisms.

Seasons : Recognizing and understanding the four seasons and their characteristics. Activities may include observing changes in the weather, trees, and clothing.

Weather : Introducing basic weather concepts such as sunny, rainy, cloudy, windy, and snowy. Students may engage in weather-related observations and discussions.

Day and Night: Understanding the concept of day and night, and the rotation of the Earth. Activities might include observing the sky during different times of the day.

Basic Plant Parts : Introducing the basic parts of a plant, such as roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and seeds. Simple plant-growing experiments may be conducted.

Animals and their Habitats: Learning about different animals and their habitats. This may include discussions about where animals live and what they eat.

Basic Measurement: Introduction to basic measurement concepts, such as big/small, tall/short, long/short. Students may use non-standard units for measurement.

Sink and Float : Exploring the concept of buoyancy by observing and experimenting with objects that sink or float in water.

Magnets : Introducing the basic properties of magnets, such as attraction and repulsion. Students may explore objects that are attracted to magnets.

Life Cycle: Exploring the life cycle of simple organisms, such as butterflies, frogs, or plants. Activities may involve sequencing the stages of a life cycle.

Helpful Science Resources

Here’s a list of more helpful resources you will want to check out. Plan a year of science using all our ideas, and you will have an awesome year of learning!

• Preschool Science Center Ideas
• Make a homemade science kit that’s inexpensive!
• Preschool Science Experiments
• 100 STEM Projects For Kids
• Scientific Method For Kids With Examples
• FREE Printable Science Worksheets
• STEM Activities For Toddlers

BONUS!!  Check out our spooky  Halloween Science Experiments !

Free Printable Science Activities Calendar

Easy Science Experiments For Kindergarten

Are science activities easy to do with young kids? You bet! The science activities you find here are inexpensive, as well as quick and easy to set up!

Many of these awesome kinder science experiments use common ingredients you may already have. Just check your kitchen cupboard for cool science supplies.

Describe An Apple Using The 5 Senses

The 5 senses are a great way for younger kids to practice their observation skills. Get kids to examine, explore, and of course taste the different varieties of apples to find out which apple is the best. Use our handy free 5 senses worksheet to extend the lesson for kids ready to journal their science experiments.

Salt Painting

Combine science and art to learn about absorption with this easy salt painting activity. All you need is a little imagination, glue, and salt!

Magic Milk Experiment

The chemical reaction in this magic milk experiment is fun for kids to watch and makes for great hands-on learning. The perfect science activity as you already have all the items for it in your kitchen.

Sink or Float

Grab some common every day items and test whether they sink or float in water. An easy science activity to introduce the concept of buoyancy to our kindergarteners.

Egg In Salt Water

Will an egg float or sink in salt water? This is a fun version of the sink or float activity above. Ask lots of questions and get kids thinking with this salt water density experiment.

Is it a liquid or is it a solid? Fun hands-on science and play with our easy 2 ingredient oobleck recipe.

Magnet Discovery Table

Exploring magnets makes for an awesome discovery table! Discovery tables are simple low tables set up with a theme for kids to explore. Check out some easy ideas to set up magnets for kids to explore.

Mirrors and Reflection

Mirrors are fascinating and have wonderful play and learning possibilities plus they make for great science!

Colored Carnations

It might take a little bit of time to see your white flowers change color, but this an easy science experiment for kindergarten. Get kids thinking about how the colored water moves through the plant to the flowers.

You could also do this with celery !

Coffee Filter Flowers

Coffee filter flowers are a colorful STEAM activity for kids. Color a coffee filter with markers and spray with water for a fun effect.

Easy Flowers To Grow

Watching flowers grow is an amazing science lesson for kindergarten. Our hands-on growing flowers activity gives kids the opportunity to plant and grow their own flowers! Check out our list of the best seeds for little hands to pick up and plant, and grow quickly.

Seed Germination Jar

One of our most popular science experiments of all time and for good reason! What happens to seeds when you put them in the ground? Set up your own seed jars so kids can see the seeds germinating and growing towards the light.

Rain Cloud In A Jar

Where does rain come from? How do clouds make rain? Science doesn’t get much simpler than a sponge and a cup of water. Explore weather science with this rain cloud in a jar activity.

Introduce rainbows to kids with our printable rainbow coloring page , a coffee filter rainbow craft or this rainbow art . Or just have fun bending light to making the colors of the rainbow with simple prisms .

Ice makes an amazing sensory play and science material. It’s free (unless you buy a bag), always available and pretty cool too! The simple act of melting ice is a great science activity for kindergarten.

Provide kids with squirt bottles, eye droppers, scoops, and basters and you will also work strengthening those little hands for handwriting as well. Check out our list of favorite ice play activities !

What Absorbs Water

Explore what materials absorb water and what materials do not absorb water. Use items you already have on hand for this easy science experiment for kindergarten.

Printable Science Projects For Kids

If you’re looking to grab all of our printable science projects in one convenient place plus exclusive worksheets and bonuses like a STEAM Project pack, our Science Project Pack is what you need! Over 300+ Pages!

• 90+ classic science activities  with journal pages, supply lists, set up and process, and science information.  NEW! Activity-specific observation pages!
• Best science practices posters  and our original science method process folders for extra alternatives!
• Be a Collector activities pack  introduces kids to the world of making collections through the eyes of a scientist. What will they collect first?
• Know the Words Science vocabulary pack  includes flashcards, crosswords, and word searches that illuminate keywords in the experiments!
• My science journal writing prompts  explore what it means to be a scientist!!
• Bonus STEAM Project Pack:  Art meets science with doable projects!
• Bonus Quick Grab Packs for Biology, Earth Science, Chemistry, and Physics

Subscribe to receive a free 5-Day STEM Challenge Guide

~ projects to try now ~.

Science Fun

Science Experiments for Kids:

Science experiments you can do at home!  Explore an ever growing list of hundreds of fun and easy science experiments. Have fun trying these experiments at home or use them for science fair project ideas. Explore experiments by category, newest experiments, most popular experiments, easy at home experiments, or simply scroll down this page for tons of awesome experiment ideas!

Making A Volcano:

Acids and Bases Can Erupt in Your Faces

Orange Fizz:

Awesome Experiments:

New Experiments:

Check Out Our Newest Experiments

Top Experiments:

Easy Experiments:

Storm In A Glass:

Home Made Play Dough:

Snow Fluff:

Snow Globe:

Squishy Turkeys:

Rainbow in a Glass:

Sizzlin’ Snowballs:

Jello Lenses:

Ice Fishing:

Super Cool Soda:

Jack-O-Cano:

Dancing Hearts:

Marbled Gift Wrap:

Massive Expanding Soap:

Surface Tension Art:

Fizzy Fruit:

Rotting Pumpkin:

Explode A Bag:

Invisible Extinguisher:

Paper Hovercrafts:

Fun Fossil Stamps:

Cool Crystals:

Balloon Pop! Not!

Solar Eclipse Kit:

Moldy Apples:

Cool Off Volcanoes:

Vinegar Pops:

Make It Rain:

Black Light Blue Beverage:

Changing of the Leaves:

Snowflakes:

Water Fireworks:

Mind of a Student:

Balloon Speakers:

Polar Bear Blubber:

Gorgeous Gooey Gobstoppers:

Olympic Medals:

Dyed Flowers:

Rain, Rain, Don’t Go Away Gauge:

Blossoming Beans:

Butter Fingers:

Polishing Pennies:

Dancing Liquid:

Floating Egg:

Bendy Bones:

Pot Of Gold:

Layers of Liquids:

Crystal Candy:

• Grades 6-12
• School Leaders

FREE 2024-25 Printable Teacher Calendar! 🗓️

20 Balloon Experiments to Make Your Lessons Really Pop

See what we did there?

There’s something about the sight of colorful balloons that just makes you feel a little excited, don’t you think? That’s why kids will go crazy for these balloon experiments, whether they’re building a balloon-powered boat or powering a light bulb with static electricity. Plus, balloons are inexpensive, so stock up at the dollar store and get ready to throw a science party!

1. Blow up a balloon … without blowing

This is one of those classic balloon experiments everyone remembers doing in school. Kids learn about chemical reactions by mixing acids and bases. They’re always amazed at the results!

Learn more: Balloon Baking Soda Experiment

2. Design a balloon-powered car

Explore the laws of motion and encourage creativity when you challenge students to design, build, and test their own balloon-powered cars. Bonus: Use only recycled materials to make this project green! ( Find more cool car activities for the classroom here. )

Learn more: Balloon-Powered Car Challenge

3. Skewer a balloon without popping it

If you do this one right, you’ll make kids’ eyes pop—but not the balloon! They’ll learn about the polymers that make balloons possible, and even a little bit about how to stay cool under pressure.

Learn more: Balloon Skewer

4. Float a balloon-powered boat

Discover the power of air pressure and the third law of motion with this fun and inexpensive balloon experiment. Take this one outside on a sunny day and let kids splash away while they learn!

Learn more: Balloon-Powered Sponge Boat

5. Create ice crystal explosions

Fill balloons with water and leave them to freeze overnight. The next day, carefully cut open the balloons to reveal the beauty inside. Kids learn about crystallization and the expansion of water as it freezes. ( Get more science experiments involving ice and snow here. )

Learn more: Super Cool Melting Ice Experiment

6. Explore the science of swim bladders

Just how do fish manage to float without sinking or rising? Find out when you explore buoyancy with this swim bladder experiment using a glass bottle, balloon, and a few other basic materials.

Learn more: How Fish Sink and Float

7. Assemble a heart pump model

Anatomy lessons literally come alive when you do balloon experiments like this one. This working heart model demonstrates how blood pumps through the valves and chambers.

Learn more: DIY Heart Pump

8. Learn how lungs work

Your students might be surprised to learn that lungs have no muscles to make them work. Instead, the contraction of the diaphragm pulls air in and forces it out. This clever model helps explain the process.

Learn more: Lung Science Experiment

9. Blast off with a two-stage rocket

The rockets used for space flight generally have more than one stage to give them the extra boost they need. This experiment uses balloons to model a two-stage rocket launch, teaching kids about the laws of motion.

Learn more: Two-Stage Balloon Rocket

10. Build a hovercraft

It’s not exactly the same model the military uses, but this simple hovercraft is a lot easier to build. An old CD and a balloon help demonstrate air pressure and friction in this simple experiment.

Learn more: DIY Hovercraft

11. Parachute a water balloon

Water balloon experiments make a big splash with kids! In this one, they’ll explore how air resistance slows a water balloon’s landing using a homemade parachute.

Learn more: Water Balloon Skydiving

12. Sink or swim with water balloons

Fill water balloons with a variety of different liquids like oil, salt water, and corn syrup, then float them in a bucket of water to learn about density and buoyancy.

Learn more: Water Balloon Experiment

13. Perform the two balloons experiment

You have two balloons, one filled with more air than the other. When you open the valve between them, what will happen? The answer is almost certain to surprise you. Learn how it works in the video at the link below.

Learn more: Air Pressure Experiment

14. Power a light bulb with static electricity

One of the first balloon experiments most kids try is rubbing a balloon on their hair to make their hair stand on end. The next step is to hold the balloon over a compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL) to see it glow from the static electricity. Wow!

Learn more: Magic Light Bulb Balloon Science Experiment

15. Spin a penny round and round

In this simple experiment, students use kinetic energy and centripetal force to spin a penny inside a balloon. They’ll want to try other objects too, so hold a contest to see which spins the longest.

Learn more: The Spinning Penny

16. Fire up an air cannon

Discover the power of an air vortex with this easy DIY air cannon. To really understand how it works, use some incense to create visible smoke rings that will really impress your students.

Learn more: Air Cannon Smoke Ring

17. Create a working water fountain

See the power of air pressure when you build a balloon-activated water fountain. You’ll only need simple supplies like a plastic bottle, straw, and putty.

Learn more: Water Bottle Fountain

18. Explore the effects of hot and cold air

The concept of expansion and contraction of air can be hard to visualize. That’s where this experiment comes in to save the day. Watch the balloon expand and contract as the air around it changes temperature.

Learn more: Exploring the Effects of Hot and Cold Air

19. Fireproof a balloon

A balloon will obviously pop when touched to a hot flame, right? Not if you put some cold water in it first! Kids will be so amazed they won’t even realize they’re learning about the heat conductivity of water.

Learn more: Fireproof balloon

20. Experiment with balloons and pushpins

A pin pops a balloon in no time flat, so what happens when you place a balloon on a table full of them? Once again, the answer won’t be quite what your students expect until you explain the science of distributed pressure.

Learn more: Pinning a Balloon

Have more balloon experiments to add to the list? Come and share in our We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook.

Plus, check out our big list of easy science experiments .

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