Preschool science activities are hands-on experiments and explorations designed to introduce young children to basic scientific concepts like observation, prediction, and cause-and-effect.
Preschoolers may not fully understand complex scientific theories 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, tangible, and exciting.
In this guide, we feature simple experiments to teach basic science concepts in your childcare program.
Why is science important 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 provide invaluable opportunities for children to experience the thrill of discovery firsthand.
Here are the key benefits of introducing science in preschool:
- Fuels curiosity: Science allows children to investigate and learn more about the world around them. Encouraging exploratory activities can even reduce challenging behavior by channeling energy into focus.
- Enhances the curriculum: You can tie science to math (measuring), geography (climates), and art (drawing observations).
- Boosts literacy development: Discussing predictions expands vocabulary with words like species, lifecycle, habitat, and microscope.
- Builds a foundation for learning: Early exposure fosters a positive attitude toward STEM, improving problem-solving skills.
7 basic science concepts for preschoolers
Before diving into the activities, it is helpful to understand the seven concepts children learn at this stage:
- Observing: Using senses to describe an object's color, size, shape, and texture.
- Comparing: Looking at two items to see differences (e.g., "Which apple is bigger?").
- Classifying: Grouping items according to shape, size, texture, or color.
- Measuring: Using tools like scales or tape measures to determine differences.
- Communicating: Reporting results through drawing, verbal description, or charts.
- Inferring: Drawing conclusions based on evidence (e.g., "The plant wilted because we didn't water it").
- Predicting: Making guesses based on prior observations (e.g., "I think the ice will melt in the sun").
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Fun science activities for preschoolers
Each of the activities listed below is designed to be engaging and packed with learning opportunities. We have organized them to help you find the perfect experiment for your lesson plan.
Color and chemistry experiments
1. Grow a rainbow
Concept: Capillary action
This experiment demonstrates how liquid flows into a porous material. You do not need to explain capillary action in depth; just watch the children's faces light up as the rainbow travels up the paper towel. This is also a great opportunity to review colors.
2. Color-changing milk
Concept: Surface tension
This experiment requires only milk, food coloring, and dish soap. The color changes are rapid and visually stimulating, making it an excellent way to introduce observation. Ask the children when the color changes happened and why they think they occurred.
3. Magic dancing rice
Concept: Chemical reactions (acids and bases)
You need vinegar, baking soda, a clear container, rice, and water.
- Pour water into the container and stir in a teaspoon of baking soda.
- Add rice (it will sink).
- Add a teaspoon of vinegar.
- Watch as carbon dioxide bubbles attach to the rice, lifting it to the surface before it falls again.
4. Disappearing eggshell
Concept: Chemical reactions
This disappearing egg experiment shows how vinegar reacts with calcium carbonate in eggshells.
- Place a fresh egg in a mason jar.
- Fill halfway with white vinegar (leave space for gas expansion).
- Cover loosely and let sit for 48 hours.
- The shell will dissolve, leaving a bouncy, rubbery egg.
5. Egg and toothpaste experiment
Concept: Dental health
Show preschoolers how toothpaste protects teeth.
- Coat one egg in toothpaste and leave another plain.
- Soak both in dark soda or coffee for 24 hours.
- The plain egg will stain, while the toothpaste-coated egg remains white, demonstrating the protective power of fluoride.
6. Glow-in-the-dark water
Concept: Electromagnetic waves
You need tap water, tonic water, highlighter ink, and a black light.
- Fill glasses with the different liquids.
- Shine a black light on them in a dark room.
- Observe how tonic water (containing quinine) and highlighter water (containing phosphors) glow brightly under UV light.
Water and density experiments
7. Sink or float
Concept: Buoyancy
Challenge children to predict what will sink and what will float. Have them record their predictions before dropping various objects into a water bin.
8. Water absorption
Concept: Absorption
Test different materials (sponges, paper towels, fabric, foil) to see how they absorb water. This helps children understand why we use towels to dry off after a bath.
9. Leak-proof bag
Concept: Polymers
Fill a gallon-size bag halfway with water. Poke sharpened pencils straight through one side and out the other. The bag will not leak because the plastic is made of polymers that seal around the pencil.
10. Floating egg
Concept: Density
You need four glasses and four raw eggs.
- Fill glasses with tap water, salt water, sugar water, and saline water.
- Drop an egg in each.
- Observe that the egg sinks in tap water but floats in salt water because salt increases the water's density.
11. Ocean in a bottle
Concept: Density (oil vs. water)
Fill a bottle with water and blue food coloring, then add cooking oil. Ask preschoolers to shake the bottle. They will observe that oil and water do not mix, creating a wave effect.
12. Rain cloud in a jar
Concept: Saturation and precipitation
This demonstrates how clouds get heavy with rain.
- Fill a jar with water and top with shaving cream (the cloud).
- Use pipettes to squirt blue colored water onto the cream.
- Watch as the "rain" eventually seeps through the cloud and falls into the water below.
13. Dry tissue in water
Concept: Air pressure
Stuff a tissue into the bottom of a cup so it stays put when turned upside down. Push the cup straight down into a bucket of water. The air pressure keeps the water out, keeping the tissue dry.
14. Thunderstorm formation
Concept: Convection
- Fill a container with room-temperature water.
- Mix one cup of hot water with red dye and one cup of cold water with blue dye.
- Pour them into opposite ends of the container.
- Observe how the red (warm) water floats and the blue (cold) water sinks.
15. Dissolve objects
Concept: Solubility
Encourage children to predict which items dissolve in water. Test sugar, flour, oatmeal, and sprinkles.
Physics and nature activities
16. What melts in the sun?
Concept: Solar energy and melting points
Place a muffin tin outside on a hot day. Fill cups with cheese, ice, rocks, butter, or crayons. Have children predict which will melt and check back in 15 minutes.
17. Bubble towers
Concept: Surface tension and air
Mix water and dish soap in a cup. Have children blow through straws to create a massive bubble tower that spills over the cup.
18. Hands-on air pressure
Concept: Air pressure and force
Place a straw between two sponges inside a zip-top bag and seal it. Place a pom-pom in front of the straw. When you smash the sponges, the air shoots out and moves the pom-pom.
19. Static comb
Concept: Static electricity
Cut colored paper into small pieces. Have a child run a plastic comb through their hair to build up a static charge. Hold the comb over the paper and watch the pieces jump up and stick to the comb.
20. Strong shapes
Concept: Engineering and weight distribution
Create paper columns in different shapes (square, triangle, cylinder). Test how many books each shape can hold. This is a great intro to engineering.
21. Shadow play
Concept: Light and shadows
Take objects outside on a sunny day. Discuss how objects cast shadows by blocking light. This activity connects well to concepts like solar eclipses.
Keeping families informed
Keep families informed about the exciting science concepts their children are learning. With brightwheel's daily report feature, you can easily record photos of these experiments and share them with families instantly. You can also create custom newsletters to highlight your STEM curriculum!
Preschool Daily Sheet
A free template to document a child's activities, meals, naps, and learning throughout the day.
Frequently asked questions
How do I make science safe for preschoolers?
Always supervise children closely during experiments. Use non-toxic materials (like vinegar, baking soda, and food-grade items) whenever possible. Have children wear safety goggles or smocks to make them feel like real scientists while protecting their eyes and clothes.
Do I need a science lab for these activities?
No, you do not need a dedicated lab. Most of these activities use common household items like cups, water, paper towels, and food coloring. You can perform them at a sensory table, on the floor, or outdoors.
How often should I do science experiments?
Try to incorporate a science activity once a week. Science does not have to be a standalone event; you can weave it into your sensory play, outdoor time, or art sessions to keep learning consistent without overwhelming your schedule.
It's time to get to the lab
Incorporating preschool science activities into your curriculum is a fun way to inspire curiosity and foster a love for learning. You don’t need a dedicated lab or fancy equipment; simple household items can unlock countless opportunities for discovery. By dedicating just a little time each week to these hands-on activities, you can spark creativity, encourage problem-solving, and make learning a natural part of your daily routine.
