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Ignite your little one’s curiosity with some fun, hands-on science experiments for preschoolers. Every step of a simple,…
Ignite your little one’s curiosity with some fun, hands-on science experiments for preschoolers. Every step of a simple, do-it-yourself (DIY) science project can be a learning experience, from measuring ingredients to hypothesizing outcomes and from problem-solving to creative thinking. With a little preparation and patience, you can minimize the mess and maximize fun.
How to Prepare for Science Experiments with Your Preschooler
في “10 Tips to Support Children’s Science Learning,” ال National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)–a membership organization committed to using research, practice and policy to promote high-quality early learning for children ages 0-8–outlines great tips about diving into science experiments with your little one. From exploring questions together to accepting that messes are second nature with discovery, they cover the basics of preparation.
Then, once you gather up your patience and a few household items, you are ready to go. Here are a few of our top suggestions for success with science experiments for preschoolers:
- Choose experiments that interest your child (and you). What is your child curious about? How can you help them learn through hands-on exploration?
- Check the ingredients. Make sure you have what you need on hand or purchase the supplies before introducing your preschooler to the idea. The last thing you want is an eruption before a chemical reaction even occurs. Also, be sure to avoid anything that your child is allergic or sensitive to.
- Set low expectations. Science experiments are bound to be unpredictable. If it doesn’t go to plan the first time, try again or consider shifting the fun to another day.
- Prepare for messes. Even successful experiments can get sloppy, chaotic or downright gross–just what preschoolers love! Consider where to conduct the experiments (outdoors, in the garage or driveway, or on a tarp in your kitchen) to minimize mess and make cleanup easy. Also, based on the experiment, wear safety goggles and clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty.
Turning Questions into Hypotheses With Your Little Learner
Estimates show that children ask upwards of 40,000 questions between the ages of two and five. While many questions ask for permission to do or eat something, preschool children have a knack for asking questions that help them figure things out. Questions like “how does this work” or “why is the sky blue” or “how does this strawberry grow” spur creativity, understanding and problem solving. Asking your preschool child open-ended questions can help them develop critical thinking and language skills.
Take questions one step further by helping your child create hypotheses–educated guesses about what might happen or how something might work. “I wonder what would happen if” and “I’m not sure; let’s find out together” are great set-ups for science experiments.
DIY Slime Recipes for Science Fun at Home
Most preschoolers love gooey sensory activities. Whether you grew up watching “Double Dare” or your little one’s favorite monster saves the day with sticky messes, slime is a staple in most childhoods. Imagine the memories you can make while mixing up a batch of homemade slime. Then turn a lackluster day into a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) lesson on problem solving, math and chemical reactions. Here are two recipes to try:
- Best kid-friendly slime video. All you need is:
- Elmer’s glue (½ cup)
- Baking soda (½ teaspoon)
- Food coloring, scented oils or lotion, or glitter (based on your preferences)
- Contact saline solution (1-2 tablespoons)
- Baby oil (1-2 squirts)
Straw Rocket Science Experiment for Preschoolers
What little learner isn’t curious about how things fly? A bird, a plane, even spaghetti noodles from dinner can all be fascinating flying objects. Pilot your child’s curiosity quest about flying with a fun straw rocket experiment. Before diving into testing the rockets, start by building the contraptions.
- Straw Rocket Template. All you need is:
- Plastic straws
- Glue
- Scissors
- Disposable plastic tubes or droppers
- Markers, crayons, or colored pencils
- Free Rocket Template from Buggy and Buddy
Once you have your rockets built, have your child come up with different ideas for where to fly them and hypothesize where they may go the furthest or highest. Experiment with different types of paper and straws to see if that makes a difference in the outcomes.
Play Dough and Kinetic Sand Recipes for Preschoolers
What childhood experience is complete without play dough? From social-emotional skills to observing how the materials feel and can be molded, making and playing with play dough combine nearly every important developmental skill for young learners.
With a few simple ingredients, you can make your own play dough. Try this playdough recipe from i heart naptime:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup salt
- 4 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 2 cups lukewarm water
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil (coconut oil works too)
- Add food coloring as you choose but not necessary
If kinetic sand is more to your liking and you have access to sand nearby (check out this blog post for opinions and observations about sands, dough, and slime), dig into this simple kinetic sand recipe from Eating Richly.
Whether you choose dough or sand, these fun activities include color sorting, sensory play, creative building and more.
Additional Science Experiments for Preschoolers
What science experiment list for preschoolers would be complete without “Easy STEM Activities & Experiments with Baking Soda & Vinegar.” The classic chemical reaction between baking soda and vinegar can mimic a volcanic eruption, make crystals, or fuel a bottle rocket.
Or, check out these “30 Preschool Science Experiments” from Twinkl. Testing the shape of different objects, experimenting with magnets, and floating or sinking activities are just a few of their suggestions.
Good Housekeeping also offers up “45 Clever Science Experiments for Kids That Are Easy to Set Up at Home,” including a marshmallow catapult and water walking experiments.
Looking for more ways to keep your little one entertained and learning? Check out these blog posts:
- “Fun Indoor Activities for Preschoolers During Winter (or Anytime!)”
- “Let’s Chalk About It: Sensory-Friendly Sidewalk Chalk Ideas”
- “Outdoor Winter Activities for Preschoolers In Denver: Skiing, Sledding and More!”
- "أنشطة الربيع للأطفال في مرحلة ما قبل المدرسة: أنشطة فنية، أيام ميدانية، والمزيد!"
- “Spring and Summer Ideas for Preschool Kids and Toddlers in Denver”
For more ideas and tips on life with a preschooler, subscribe to our bilingual monthly newsletter, Family Dispatch.
