Preschoolers by nature love to explore. They are curious, ask
questions and love exploring their world. You might ask "what
kind of science activities can preschoolers do?" What can't they
do?
Science for preschoolers can include things that they see in their
everyday environment at home, in their neighborhood and the
outdoors. Preschoolers benefit from exposure to science. Encourage
your child to ask questions and try to make science fun to learn.
Expose your child to early science by collecting rocks, cooking in
the kitchen, reading about weather/seasons, dinosaurs, and space,
etc.
There are many everyday experiences that can focus on science
concepts. Mixing kool-aid with water and noticing the change of
color in the water is an opportunity to discuss mixing colors. Your
kitchen can be a home science lab for measuring and cooking
concoctions. Playing with water and bath toys can show what sinks
and what floats.
Here are some tips to consider in having fun with science:
- Provide hands on experiences for learning science concepts.
- Listen to your preschooler make their own observations as
they learn.
- Focus on everyday experiences that your child can relate to.
- Use fun objects to include in learning about mixing colors,
playing with sand, playing with sound, magnetism, etc.
- Ask your child questions to encourage discussion.
Here are some ideas for simple science experiments that your
preschooler can participate in:
Popcorn Dance:
Fill a small glass 3/4 full of water. Mix in 2
Tablespoons of baking soda and mix well. Add a drop or two of food
coloring and add 10-15 popcorn kernels. Then add a few drops of
vinegar and watch the kernels start to move in 1 -2 minutes.
Mini Ocean:
Fill a plastic bottle 3/4 full of water. Add blue food
coloring and then add cooking oil. Leave about one inch at the top
of the bottle. Show your preschooler how the oil and water do not
mix. Show how tilting the bottle back and forth causes a wave effect.
Volcano:
Place an empty baby food jar on a clean Styrofoam tray.
Surround the jar with play dough to look like a volcano/mountain.
Place a drop of red food coloring and a tablespoon of baking soda in
the jar. Then add vinegar to your volcano to make it erupt.
Remember that the preschool years are the most curious age. You
don't have to be an expert in science to draw your child's
attention to science. Common everyday experiences like blowing
bubbles, mixing colors in water, watching birds, growing plants and
flowers can be the basis in teaching preschool science!
About the Author
Sandra Lombard lives in Texas with her husband and son.
She is a writer, homeschooler, artist as well as a parent to a
special needs child. As a free-lance writer, her content focuses on
gardening, crafts, relationships and family life. She maintains a
position as a Community Leader and a Moderator at Friends and
Families, an online community for women. For more ideas, visit the
Homeschool Board of Friends and Families,
where friends become
family.
