Preschool Science Activities

At Home Science Activities for Your Preschooler

There are many fun and educational science activities that you can do at home with your preschooler. For example, the next time you are playing with balloons use the opportunity to talk about static electricity. Rub the balloons on your heads and stick them to your body or onto a wall. Talk about inflating the balloons when you blow them up. Later, stick a pin into one and explain deflation.

Another fun science activity that you can do with your preschooler is gardening. Depending upon where you live, grow flowers, herbs or other plants in your garden or inside your home. Plant seeds with your child and let her share in the watering and care of the seedlings as they grow. Your preschooler will love watching the plants mature as they bloom. Track the growth of your gardening project by measuring the plant as it grows and by making a growth chart, or a picture board. If your plants produce herbs, vegetables or flowers enjoy them with your child. The entire growth process has many chances to incorporate science activities into a fun family activity.

Hands on Science Activities

Young children learn science and scientific ideas best through hands on learning. Investigation and experimentation help the development of critical thinking skills as well as encourage the growth of self confidence in their problem solving ability. There are many online sites that offer excellent information and tips on hands on science activities for preschoolers. One such site is Preschool Rock which offers science and nature activities that include:

• Physics
• Biology
• Weather
• Nature
• Astronomy and space
• Botany
• Hydrology
• Science experiments

Each science category at Preschool Rock has detailed explanations and instructions for many hands on activities within the category. For example the hydrology section features lessons that include:

• Learning about the water cycle
• Learning about water filtration
• Water and ice experiment

Preschool Activities from the San Francisco Exploratorium is another great site for hands on preschool science. With its alphabetical listing and search options, Preschool Activities makes it easy to find an activity or experiment on a particular subject. Several of their topics include:

• Crystal Creations - Grow Spikes of Crystals in the Sun
• Fun With Air!
• Grass Seed Fun
• Make Your Own Paper
• Soap Powered Paper Boats
• How to Make A Water Drop Magnifier
• What is Evaporation?

Books on Science Activities and Experiments for Preschoolers

• Bubbles, Rainbows and Worms: Science Experiments for Preschool Children by Sam Ed Brown
• Mud Pies to Magnets: A Preschool Science Curriculum by Robert A Williams
• More Than Magnets: Exploring the Wonders of Science in Preschool and Kindergarten by Sally Moomaw and Brenda Hieronymus
• Science is Simple: Over 250 Activities for Children 3-6 by Peggy Ashbrook

Preschool Science Activity Resources

• The Kaplan Early Learning Company offers a vast selection of preschool science learning materials and activities. Although the site is geared toward educators, it is also a wonderful resource for parents.
• Shirley’s Preschool Science Activities is full of interesting science activities and resources for science experiments and nature activities.
• Preschool Activities Everyday offers science activities that are interesting and creative.
• Dozens of science activity ideas for preschoolers in biology, physical and earth science
• Science activities and crafts for children ages 2-6

Conclusion

Preschool science activities help to give children a better understanding of the world they live in. Whether your preschooler is in school or at home, each day offers many opportunities to share science concepts and ideas in a creative and enjoyable way.