cool science experiments for kindergarten

Kindergarten Science Experiments

These fun and easy kindergarten science experiments will be a hit with your kids. They are all hands-on and engaging STEM activities for kids!

Simple Kindergarten Science Experiments

If you’re looking for easy and entertaining science experiments to enjoy with your kindergarten students, you’ve come to the right place.

I’m passionate about sparking my kids’ curiosity through science investigations, and we’ve made it a goal to do even more of them. We’ve curated a collection of our favorite science activities.

Knowing that many of you are also eager to discover science experiments and activities suitable for kindergarten students, I’ve decided to share them right here with you.

If you’re in search of science activities tailored for kindergarten, this resource is bound to be a great help to you. Bookmark and come back to it as we will continue to add more experiments to this page as we do them.

Favorite Science Experiments for Kindergarten

These are some of our most popular STEM activities for kindergarten.

Your kids will love watching the colors race together in the Skittles experiment. Their reactions to the Fireworks in a Jar experiment and Lava Lamp experiment are always fun to watch!

You will be able to explain the science, prompt them to ask questions and answer questions as they ask them.

Science – Capillary Action

Capillary action occurs because water is sticky since water molecules like to stay together (cohesion). Thanks to adhesion, water sticks to other substances and moves along their walls. Learn more about capillary action with the three colorful experiments!

Science – Fun with Water

Most kids love water! Your students will learn so much with these fun hands-on science activities!

More Science Fun

Here are some more fun and exciting experiments for your kindergarten students! The kids will have a blast while they engage with these hands-on science lessons.

Educational Benefits of Science Experiments

Apart from the visual fun, experiments offer numerous benefits for students:

• Critical Thinking:  Kids will experiment with different variations and use trial and error to figure out how to manipulate the experiment. Be sure to ask questions to help foster your students’ curiosity. Invite them to ask you questions as well!
• Chemical Reactions:  They will be introduced to chemical reactions, creating curiosity about the interactions between substances.
• Fine Motor Skills:  Kids will help with these fun science experiments. They will be able to help setup the activity, pour, mix, and so much more.
• Creativity: Experiments are a great way for kids to explore their creativity. They will be able to try so many different fun variations.
• Building Confidence and Self-Esteem : As kids conduct experiments and have successful results, their confidence will really grow! This will encourage them to tackle challenges with excitement and perseverance.

We hope your kindergarten students love these engaging science activities! Looking for more fun science? Check out our Science for Preschool post .

16 Science Experiments for Kindergarten: Nurture Curiosity and Learning with These Simple Experiments

4 Easy Science Experiments for Kindergarten

1. dancing raisins.

Materials :

2. Magic Milk

Watch as we demonstrate the magic of milk in this fun science experiment for kindergarteners. Using just a few household ingredients, your students will learn about chemical reactions and colors.

3. Baking Soda and Vinegar Volcano

4. rainbow celery, 4 fun science experiments for kindergarten, 5. colorful bubble snake.

In this video, you’ll learn how to make a colorful bubble snake using just a few household ingredients. It’s a fun and easy science experiment that will captivate your kindergarten learners.

6. Exploding Milk

7. walking water.

Young minds will be delighted as they witness the magic of water “walking” between cups while exploring the wonders of capillary action and color mixing.

In this video, you’ll learn how to make water “walk” using just a few household ingredients. It’s a fun and easy science experiment that will teach your kindergarten learners about capillary action.

8. Balloon Rocket

4 christmas science experiments for kindergarten.

Make the holiday season both enjoyable and educational for your kindergarteners by infusing science into your curriculum. These festive experiments will not only spark curiosity but also make learning more fun and memorable. have a blast experimenting with these cool Christmas science projects!

9. Fizzy Candy Canes

Looking for a fun and exciting science experiment to do with your kids? Look no further! Our candy cane fizzle experiment puts a unique spin on the classic baking soda and vinegar reaction. It’s all thanks to the powerful chemical reaction that creates carbon dioxide gas, resulting in that cool and exciting fizzing and bubbling effect. Get ready to experience a hands-on science lesson unlike any other!

10. Crystal Snowflakes

Introducing a magical winter experiment that will leave children feeling like creative geniuses! By using pipe cleaners and a top-secret solution made with natural borax and hot water, kids can craft their very own one-of-a-kind snowflakes. Watch in amazement as the borax molecules dance around the pipe cleaner, creating a stunning crystal formation that perfectly mimics the intricate beauty of real snowflakes.

Lean how to make crystal snowflakes in this fun science experiment for kindergarteners. Your students will learn about crystal formation and shapes in a fun and engaging way.

11. Peppermint Oobleck

12. melting snowman.

Looking for an exciting science experiment that will mystify your kids? Look no further. This super cool experiment involves the power of chemical reactions to make a snowman melt right before your eyes. With just a few simple ingredients like baking soda and vinegar, you’ll create a reaction that produces carbon dioxide gas. As it foams and fizzes, it’ll look like the snowman is melting away.

Learn how to make a melting snowman in this fun science experiment for kindergarteners. Your students will learn about the properties of different materials and states of matter.

4 Thanksgiving Science Experiments for Kindergarten

13. apple volcano.

Looking for a fun and educational experiment for your little ones? Try this one where they get to create a mini volcano! By combining vinegar and baking soda, a cool chemical reaction occurs and carbon dioxide gas is released. The build-up of gas in the apple causes it to erupt like a volcano.

14. Corn on the Cob Popcorn

Immerse yourself in a hands-on learning experience where you can see firsthand the magic that happens when heat, steam, and pressure work harmoniously together. Delight in the excitement of watching dried corn kernels transform before your very eyes as they burst open, creating the beloved snack we all know and love – popcorn!

Learn how to turn corn on the cob into popcorn in this fun science experiment for kindergarteners. Your students will learn about heat energy and transformations.

14. Pumpkin Guts Sensory Play

16. cranberry science experiment.

Experience the magic of buoyancy and density with this exciting experiment for children! Discover how cranberries can float in water thanks to the air pockets inside them. But wait, adding salt dissolves and reduces the density of water, causing these little berries to sink!

Additional 4 Science Experiments for Kindergarten

17. elephant toothpaste.

In this video, you’ll learn how to make elephant toothpaste using hydrogen peroxide and yeast. This experiment is a fun and exciting way to teach young learners about the science of chemical reactions and how they can cause a foamy

18. Magnetic Painting

This exciting magnetic experiment provides a dynamic and imaginative way to introduce children to the fascinating world of magnetism. With this hands-on approach, children will be enthralled as they use magnets to craft their own vibrant and one-of-a-kind works of art. Young minds will be captivated by the endless possibilities offered by the power of magnets, making for an unforgettable educational experience.

19. Egg in Vinegar

Prepare to witness a transformation as an ordinary eggshell dissolves, revealing a mysterious and captivating expansion of the shell itself. Children and adults alike will be amazed by the chemical reaction that unfolds before their very eyes, igniting a curiosity for the wonders of the world around us.

In this video, you’ll learn how to dissolve the shell of an egg using vinegar. This experiment is a great way to teach young learners about chemical reactions and how they can cause a change in the physical properties of an object.

20. Ice Cream in a Bag

In this video, you’ll learn how to make ice cream using a plastic bag and some ice. This experiment is a tasty way to teach young learners about the science of freezing and how it can transform liquids into solids.

3 Services to Help with Science Experiments

Spark curiosity with the wonders of science in your kindergarten classroom! By introducing easy science experiments for kindergarten, your little learners can explore the amazing world around them while also developing important problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Dive in with abundant online resources, collaborate with fellow teachers, and experiment with different activities until you find the perfect fit for your unique classroom. Let’s embark on a thrilling journey of discovery and make learning an exhilarating adventure!

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Kindergarten Science

Kindergartners are naturally curious about the world around them! We are here to help you capitalize on their desire to explore, discover, and learn about the world around them! On this  Kindergarten Science  page we hope to help make planning fun and engaging  science experiment for kindergarten  EASY! Just scroll down to find the  science activities for kindergarten , projects,  kindergarten science worksheets , etc. that interests you. Then click on the picture to see the entire post with more pictures and instructions.

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Science Activities for Kindergarten

We have so many different cool science experiments for kindergartners we’ve incuded our most popular below to get you started. But we’ve also included an easy pictoral directory below so you can quickly find the science experiments for kindergartners at home you are looking for! Many of these science projects for kinders work with preschool, pre-k, first grade, 2nd grade, 3rd grade, and 4th graders too! So whether you are a parent, teacher, or homeschooler – we’ve got lots of fun science ideas for kids to make learning FUN!

Cool Science Experiments for Kindergarten

The purpose of Kindergarten science is to help kids start to explore the world around them as they begin to make observations and predictions. Children can do this with simple things like slime and volcano projects or more formal experiments looking at oxidation of apple slices. The important thing is that they begin to understand the scientific method including following a procedure, making a hypotheses, designing a test, recording data, and seeing what conclusions they can draw from the outcome.

Science Experiments for Kindergartners at Home

• nature walks
• playing with magnets
• taking things apart and putting them back together
• observing pond water in jars with magnifying glasses
• planting seeds
• vising the zoo to observe animals
• learn to describe properties – color, shape, texture, size, and weight
• learn about recycling by watching you and helping
• experiment with ice to tell the difference between solids, liquids, and gases

Science Experiment for Kindergarten

Young learners like bright, fascinating projects that grab their attention. THe concept should be simple and not too involved. These projects alow you to do a simple project or demonstartion to help children understand a scientific principle or concept in a fun way!

Apple Browning Science Experiment with FREE Oxidation Worksheet

How do Lungs Work Human Body Project for Kids

Tomato Electricity Battery Experiment for Kids

Edible 3 Types of Rocks Activity and Rock Cycle for Kids

Gassy Banana Science Experiment for Kids

Colorful science experiments.

Kindergartners are fascinated by rainbows and colorful things. After you learn about the colors in a rainbow, you can explore these pretty, colorful projects.

Grow a Rainbow – Capillary Action Experiment for Kids

DIY Water Xylophone Activity – Sound Science Experiment for Kids

Rainbow in a Jar with Sugar – Density Science Experiment

Amazing Food Coloring Flower Science Experiment w/ FREE Worksheet

Skittle Turkey Science Activities for November

Volcano projects.

Nothing wows a kid more than a fun, homemade volcano project! These volcano experiments are simple to try, but are a clever twist that will get kids eager to learn! Try making a ketchup volcano, ice cream volcano with elephant toothpaste concept, an amazing underwater volcano, or a snow volcano too.

Ketchup Volcano Science Experiment

Underwater Volcano Science Experiment for Kids

Ice Cream Volcano Experiment – Summer Science Activity for Kids

Snow Volcano Science Experiment

EASY Pumpkin Volcano Science Experiments

Slime recipes for kids.

Slime is certainly a popular kids activity. But it can be perfect for science classes with k4 and k5 too! First, the fascinating way the materials join together to make this fluid substance will amaze kids. Then let kids experiment to explore cause and effect and make observations and deductions. So much learning happens without any parental guidance as to  how to play with slime to learn .

How to Make Pumpkin Slime – Halloween Activities for Kids

Easy, Fluffy Apple Slime Recipe for Fall

Valentines Day Slime

Puffy Watermelon Slime Play for Kids

St Patricks Day Slime Activity for Kids

Life cycles for kids.

Visit a local farm, zoo, pond, or butterfly garden to see animals in their natural habitats. Then take it a step further and use our free life cycle printables to discover how animals grow and develop. I highly suggest hatching butterflies, watching the amazing transformation from tadpole to frog, staring a worm farm, or hatching baby chicks too! These life cycles for kids worksheets and activities are incredible educational activities that will get kids excited about learning.

FREE Farm Animal Life Cycles Printable Readers for Kids

Butterfly Life Cycle Crafts w/ Free Printables

FREE Plant Life Cycles Printable Emergent Reader and Worksheets

FREE Bee Life Cycle Worksheets Printables for Kids

24 Life Cycle of a Frog for Kids Resources

Seasonal science.

Many of our  science activity ideas for kindergarten  are themed by holiday or seasons so they can easily fit with your  kindergarten theme  plans! Here are some of our popular seasonal projects:

Not-so-Spooky Halloween Ghost Science Experiment

Ornaments-Go-Round Christmas Science STEM Activities

Beach Summer Density Tower Science Experiment for Kids

Back to School Yellow Bus Science Activity for Kids

Valentines Day Dancing Hearts Science Experiment for Kids

Kindergarten science worksheets.

There are so many other things you can explore with kids such as the many types of insects, animal habitats, seasons of the year, famous scientists, constellations (star formatinos), simple machines, and more! We have hands-on science activities, science coloring pages, and science printables to make learning fun, simple, free, and no-prep too.

Insects Coloring Pages for Kids – Read Color and Learn

FREE Printable Animal Habitats Activities for Preschool & Kindergarten

FREE Printable States of Matter Coloring Pages

FREE Parts of a Plant Worksheet and Activity for Kindergarten

FREE Printable Female Science Inventor Coloring Pages

Dinosaur activities.

Young kids are so impressed with colossal dinosaurs! Help them explore more by reading to learn about the variety of dinosaurs and then use our free printable flash cards to creat their own pasta skeletons. You can make a simple dinosaur cast with playdough or learn a la Jurassic Park by pretending you are excavating insects in amber.

Easy Make Your Own Dinosaur Fossils Activity for Kids

Free Printables Dinosaur Worksheets

Dinosaur Fossils for Kids Activity

Jurassic World Insects in Amber Excavation Activity

Dinosaur Stack Engineering (STEM Activity for Kindergarten)

And in case you didn’t have enough science project options already, here are some of our most popular posts:

Moon Worksheets for Kindergarten

Spring Kite Activities – Baking Soda and Vinegar Science Experiment

Why Does Warm Air Rise and Cold Air Sink? Weather Science Activity

Halloween Lava Lamp Science Experiment

Germ and Hand Washing Experiment for Kids

Sliding Brushing Teeth Visual Sequence Dental Printables

Seasons on the Farm Printable

Parts of a Pumpkin Craft

Colorful Oil and Water Science Experiment

EASY Sink or Float Egg Science Experiment with FREE Worksheet

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50 Fun Kids Science Experiments

Science doesn’t need to be complicated. These easy science experiments below are awesome for kids! They are visually stimulating, hands-on, and sensory-rich, making them fun to do and perfect for teaching simple science concepts at home or in the classroom.

Top 10 Science Experiments

Click on the titles below for the full supplies list and easy step-by-step instructions. Have fun trying these experiments at home or in the classroom, or even use them for your next science fair project!

Baking Soda Balloon Experiment

Can you make a balloon inflate on its own? Grab a few basic kitchen ingredients and test them out! Try amazing chemistry for kids at your fingertips.

Rainbow In A Jar

Enjoy learning about the basics of color mixing up to the density of liquids with this simple water density experiment . There are even more ways to explore rainbows here with walking water, prisms, and more.

This color-changing magic milk experiment will explode your dish with color. Add dish soap and food coloring to milk for cool chemistry!

Seed Germination Experiment

Not all kids’ science experiments involve chemical reactions. Watch how a seed grows , which provides a window into the amazing field of biology .

Egg Vinegar Experiment

One of our favorite science experiments is a naked egg or rubber egg experiment . Can you make your egg bounce? What happened to the shell?

Dancing Corn

Find out how to make corn dance with this easy experiment. Also, check out our dancing raisins and dancing cranberries.

Grow Crystals

Growing borax crystals is easy and a great way to learn about solutions. You could also grow sugar crystals , eggshell geodes , or salt crystals .

Lava Lamp Experiment

It is great for learning about what happens when you mix oil and water. a homemade lava lamp is a cool science experiment kids will want to do repeatedly!

Skittles Experiment

Who doesn’t like doing science with candy? Try this classic Skittles science experiment and explore why the colors don’t mix when added to water.

Lemon Volcano

Watch your kids’ faces light up, and their eyes widen when you test out cool chemistry with a lemon volcano using common household items, baking soda, and vinegar.

Bonus! Popsicle Stick Catapult

Kid tested, STEM approved! Making a popsicle stick catapult is a fantastic way to dive into hands-on physics and engineering.

Grab the handy Top 10 Science Experiments list here!

Free Science Ideas Guide

Grab this free science experiments challenge calendar and have fun with science right away. Use the clickable links to see how to set up each science project.

Get Started With A Science Fair Project

💡Want to turn one of these fun and easy science experiments into a science fair project? Then, you will want to check out these helpful resources.

• Easy Science Fair Projects
• Science Project Tips From A Teacher
• Science Fair Board Ideas

Easy Science Experiments For Kids

Science Experiments By Topic

Are you looking for a specific topic? Check out these additional resources below. Each topic includes easy-to-understand information, everyday examples, and additional hands-on activities and experiments.

• Chemistry Experiments
• Physics Experiments
• Chemical Reaction Experiments
• Candy Experiments
• Plant Experiments
• Kitchen Science
• Water Experiments
• Baking Soda Experiments
• States Of Matter Experiments
• Physical Change Experiments
• Chemical Change Experiments
• Surface Tension Experiments
• Capillary Action Experiments
• Weather Science Projects
• Geology Science Projects
• Space Activities
• Simple Machines
• Static Electricity
• Potential and Kinetic Energy
• Gravity Experiments
• Magnet Activities
• Light Experiments

Science Experiments By Season

• Spring Science
• Summer Science Experiments
• Fall Science Experiments
• Winter Science Experiments

Science Experiments by Age Group

While many experiments can be performed by various age groups, the best science experiments for specific age groups are listed below.

• Science for Toddlers
• Science for Preschoolers
• Science for Kindergarten
• Elementary Science by Season
• Science for 1st Grade
• Science for 2nd Grade
• Science for 3rd Grade
• Science for 4th Grade
• S cience for 5th Grade
• Science for 6th Grade
• Science for Middle School

How To Teach Science

Kids are curious and always looking to explore, discover, check out, and experiment to discover why things do what they do, move as they move, or change as they change! My son is now 13, and we started with simple science activities around three years of age with simple baking soda science.

Here are great tips for making science experiments enjoyable at home or in the classroom.

Safety first: Always prioritize safety. Use kid-friendly materials, supervise the experiments, and handle potentially hazardous substances yourself.

Start with simple experiments: Begin with basic experiments (find tons below) that require minimal setup and materials, gradually increasing complexity as kids gain confidence.

Use everyday items: Utilize common household items like vinegar and baking soda , food coloring, or balloons to make the experiments accessible and cost-effective.

Hands-on approach: Encourage kids to actively participate in the experiments rather than just observing. Let them touch, mix, and check out reactions up close.

Make predictions: Ask kids to predict the outcome before starting an experiment. This stimulates critical thinking and introduces the concept of hypothesis and the scientific method.

Record observations: Have a science journal or notebook where kids can record their observations, draw pictures, and write down their thoughts. Learn more about observing in science. We also have many printable science worksheets .

Theme-based experiments: Organize experiments around a theme, such as water , air , magnets , or plants . Even holidays and seasons make fun themes!

Kitchen science : Perform experiments in the kitchen, such as making ice cream using salt and ice or learning about density by layering different liquids.

Create a science lab: Set up a dedicated space for science experiments, and let kids decorate it with science-themed posters and drawings.

Outdoor experiments: Take some experiments outside to explore nature, study bugs, or learn about plants and soil.

DIY science kits: Prepare science experiment kits with labeled containers and ingredients, making it easy for kids to conduct experiments independently. Check out our DIY science list and STEM kits.

Make it a group effort: Group experiments can be more fun, allowing kids to learn together and share their excitement. Most of our science activities are classroom friendly!

Science shows or documentaries: Watch age-appropriate science shows or documentaries to introduce kids to scientific concepts entertainingly. Hello Bill Nye and the Magic Schoolbus! You can also check out National Geographic, the Discovery Channel, and NASA!

Ask open-ended questions: Encourage critical thinking by asking open-ended questions that prompt kids to think deeper about what they are experiencing.

Celebrate successes: Praise kids for their efforts and discoveries, no matter how small, to foster a positive attitude towards science and learning.

What is the Scientific Method for Kids?

The scientific method is a way scientists figure out how things work. First, they ask a question about something they want to know. Then, they research to learn what’s already known about it. After that, they make a prediction called a hypothesis.

Next comes the fun part – they test their hypothesis by doing experiments. They carefully observe what happens during the experiments and write down all the details. Learn more about variables in experiments here.

Once they finish their experiments, they look at the results and decide if their hypothesis is right or wrong. If it’s wrong, they devise a new hypothesis and try again. If it’s right, they share their findings with others. That’s how scientists learn new things and make our world better!

Go ahead and introduce the scientific method and get kids started recording their observations and making conclusions. Read more about the scientific method for kids .

Engineering and STEM Projects For Kids

STEM activities include science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. In addition to our kids’ science experiments, we have lots of fun STEM activities for you to try. Check out these STEM ideas below.

• Building Activities
• Self-Propelling Car Projects
• Engineering Projects For Kids
• What Is Engineering For Kids?
• Lego STEM Ideas
• LEGO Engineering Activities
• STEM Activities For Toddlers
• STEM Worksheets
• Easy STEM Activities For Elementary
• Quick STEM Challenges
• Easy STEM Activities With Paper  

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

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37 Cool Science Experiments for Kids to Do at Home

General Education

Are you looking for cool science experiments for kids at home or for class? We've got you covered! We've compiled a list of 37 of the best science experiments for kids that cover areas of science ranging from outer space to dinosaurs to chemical reactions. By doing these easy science experiments, kids will make their own blubber and see how polar bears stay warm, make a rain cloud in a jar to observe how weather changes, create a potato battery that'll really power a lightbulb, and more.

Below are 37 of the best science projects for kids to try. For each one we include a description of the experiment, which area(s) of science it teaches kids about, how difficult it is (easy/medium/hard), how messy it is (low/medium/high), and the materials you need to do the project. Note that experiments labelled "hard" are definitely still doable; they just require more materials or time than most of these other science experiments for kids.

#1: Insect Hotels

• Teaches Kids About: Zoology
• Difficulty Level: Medium
• Messiness Level: Medium

Insect hotels can be as simple (just a few sticks wrapped in a bundle) or as elaborate as you'd like, and they're a great way for kids to get creative making the hotel and then get rewarded by seeing who has moved into the home they built. After creating a hotel with hiding places for bugs, place it outside (near a garden is often a good spot), wait a few days, then check it to see who has occupied the "rooms." You can also use a bug ID book or app to try and identify the visitors.

• Materials Needed
• Shadow box or other box with multiple compartments
• Hot glue gun with glue
• Sticks, bark, small rocks, dried leaves, bits of yarn/wool, etc.

#2: DIY Lava Lamp

• Teaches Kids About: Chemical reactions
• Difficulty Level: Easy

In this quick and fun science experiment, kids will mix water, oil, food coloring, and antacid tablets to create their own (temporary) lava lamp . Oil and water don't mix easily, and the antacid tablets will cause the oil to form little globules that are dyed by the food coloring. Just add the ingredients together and you'll end up with a homemade lava lamp!

• Vegetable oil
• Food coloring
• Antacid tablets

#3: Magnetic Slime

• Teaches Kids About: Magnets
• Messiness Level: High (The slime is black and will slightly dye your fingers when you play with it, but it washes off easily.)

A step up from silly putty and Play-Doh, magnetic slime is fun to play with but also teaches kids about magnets and how they attract and repel each other. Some of the ingredients you aren't likely to have around the house, but they can all be purchased online. After mixing the ingredients together, you can use the neodymium magnet (regular magnets won't be strong enough) to make the magnetic slime move without touching it!

• Liquid starch
• Adhesive glue
• Iron oxide powder
• Neodymium (rare earth) magnet

#4: Baking Soda Volcanoes

• Teaches Kids About: Chemical reactions, earth science
• Difficulty Level: Easy-medium
• Messiness Level: High

Baking soda volcanoes are one of the classic science projects for kids, and they're also one of the most popular. It's hard to top the excitement of a volcano erupting inside your home. This experiment can also be as simple or in-depth as you like. For the eruption, all you need is baking soda and vinegar (dishwashing detergent adds some extra power to the eruption), but you can make the "volcano" as elaborate and lifelike as you wish.

• Baking soda
• Dishwashing detergent
• Large mason jar or soda bottle
• Playdough or aluminum foil to make the "volcano"
• Additional items to place around the volcano (optional)
• Food coloring (optional)

#5: Tornado in a Jar

• Teaches Kids About: Weather
• Messiness Level: Low

This is one of the quick and easy and science experiments for kids to teach them about weather. It only takes about five minutes and a few materials to set up, but once you have it ready you and your kids can create your own miniature tornado whose vortex you can see and the strength of which you can change depending on how quickly you swirl the jar.

• Glitter (optional)

#6: Colored Celery Experiment

• Teaches Kids About: Plants

This celery science experiment is another classic science experiment that parents and teachers like because it's easy to do and gives kids a great visual understanding of how transpiration works and how plants get water and nutrients. Just place celery stalks in cups of colored water, wait at least a day, and you'll see the celery leaves take on the color of the water. This happens because celery stalks (like other plants) contain small capillaries that they use to transport water and nutrients throughout the plant.

• Celery stalks (can also use white flowers or pale-colored cabbage)

#7: Rain Cloud in a Jar

This experiment teaches kids about weather and lets them learn how clouds form by making their own rain cloud . This is definitely a science project that requires adult supervision since it uses boiling water as one of the ingredients, but once you pour the water into a glass jar, the experiment is fast and easy, and you'll be rewarded with a little cloud forming in the jar due to condensation.

• Glass jar with a lid
• Boiling water
• Aerosol hairspray

#8: Edible Rock Candy

• Teaches Kids About: Crystal formation

It takes about a week for the crystals of this rock candy experiment to form, but once they have you'll be able to eat the results! After creating a sugar solution, you'll fill jars with it and dangle strings in them that'll slowly become covered with the crystals. This experiment involves heating and pouring boiling water, so adult supervision is necessary, once that step is complete, even very young kids will be excited to watch crystals slowly form.

• Large saucepan
• Clothespins
• String or small skewers
• Candy flavoring (optional)

#9: Water Xylophone

• Teaches Kids About: Sound waves

With just some basic materials you can create your own musical instrument to teach kids about sound waves. In this water xylophone experiment , you'll fill glass jars with varying levels of water. Once they're all lined up, kids can hit the sides with wooden sticks and see how the itch differs depending on how much water is in the jar (more water=lower pitch, less water=higher pitch). This is because sound waves travel differently depending on how full the jars are with water.

• Wooden sticks/skewers

#10: Blood Model in a Jar

• Teaches Kids About: Human biology

This blood model experiment is a great way to get kids to visual what their blood looks like and how complicated it really is. Each ingredient represents a different component of blood (plasma, platelets, red blood cells, etc.), so you just add a certain amount of each to the jar, swirl it around a bit, and you have a model of what your blood looks like.

• Empty jar or bottle
• Red cinnamon candies
• Marshmallows or dry white lima beans
• White sprinkles

#11: Potato Battery

• Teaches Kids About: Electricity
• Difficulty Level: Hard

Did you know that a simple potato can produce enough energy to keep a light bulb lit for over a month? You can create a simple potato battery to show kids. There are kits that provide all the necessary materials and how to set it up, but if you don't purchase one of these it can be a bit trickier to gather everything you need and assemble it correctly. Once it's set though, you'll have your own farm grown battery!

• Fresh potato
• Galvanized nail
• Copper coin

#12: Homemade Pulley

• Teaches Kids About: Simple machines

This science activity requires some materials you may not already have, but once you've gotten them, the homemade pulley takes only a few minutes to set up, and you can leave the pulley up for your kids to play with all year round. This pulley is best set up outside, but can also be done indoors.

• Clothesline
• 2 clothesline pulleys

#13: Light Refraction

• Teaches Kids About: Light

This light refraction experiment takes only a few minutes to set up and uses basic materials, but it's a great way to show kids how light travels. You'll draw two arrows on a sticky note, stick it to the wall, then fill a clear water bottle with water. As you move the water bottle in front of the arrows, the arrows will appear to change the direction they're pointing. This is because of the refraction that occurs when light passes through materials like water and plastic.

• Sticky note
• Transparent water bottle

#14: Nature Journaling

• Teaches Kids About: Ecology, scientific observation

A nature journal is a great way to encourage kids to be creative and really pay attention to what's going on around them. All you need is a blank journal (you can buy one or make your own) along with something to write with. Then just go outside and encourage your children to write or draw what they notice. This could include descriptions of animals they see, tracings of leaves, a drawing of a beautiful flower, etc. Encourage your kids to ask questions about what they observe (Why do birds need to build nests? Why is this flower so brightly colored?) and explain to them that scientists collect research by doing exactly what they're doing now.

• Blank journal or notebook
• Pens/pencils/crayons/markers
• Tape or glue for adding items to the journal

#15: DIY Solar Oven

• Teaches Kids About: Solar energy

This homemade solar oven definitely requires some adult help to set up, but after it's ready you'll have your own mini oven that uses energy from the sun to make s'mores or melt cheese on pizza. While the food is cooking, you can explain to kids how the oven uses the sun's rays to heat the food.

• Aluminum foil
• Knife or box cutter
• Permanent marker
• Plastic cling wrap
• Black construction paper

#16: Animal Blubber Simulation

• Teaches Kids About: Ecology, zoology

If your kids are curious about how animals like polar bears and seals stay warm in polar climates, you can go beyond just explaining it to them; you can actually have them make some of their own blubber and test it out. After you've filled up a large bowl with ice water and let it sit for a few minutes to get really cold, have your kids dip a bare hand in and see how many seconds they can last before their hand gets too cold. Next, coat one of their fingers in shortening and repeat the experiment. Your child will notice that, with the shortening acting like a protective layer of blubber, they don't feel the cold water nearly as much.

• Bowl of ice water

#17: Static Electricity Butterfly

This experiment is a great way for young kids to learn about static electricity, and it's more fun and visual than just having them rub balloons against their heads. First you'll create a butterfly, using thick paper (such as cardstock) for the body and tissue paper for the wings. Then, blow up the balloon, have the kids rub it against their head for a few seconds, then move the balloon to just above the butterfly's wings. The wings will move towards the balloon due to static electricity, and it'll look like the butterfly is flying.

• Tissue paper
• Thick paper
• Glue stick/glue

#18: Edible Double Helix

• Teaches Kids About: Genetics

If your kids are learning about genetics, you can do this edible double helix craft to show them how DNA is formed, what its different parts are, and what it looks like. The licorice will form the sides or backbone of the DNA and each color of marshmallow will represent one of the four chemical bases. Kids will be able to see that only certain chemical bases pair with each other.

• 2 pieces of licorice
• 12 toothpicks
• Small marshmallows in 4 colors (9 of each color)
• 5 paperclips

#19: Leak-Proof Bag

• Teaches Kids About: Molecules, plastics

This is an easy experiment that'll appeal to kids of a variety of ages. Just take a zip-lock bag, fill it about ⅔ of the way with water, and close the top. Next, poke a few sharp objects (like bamboo skewers or sharp pencils) through one end and out the other. At this point you may want to dangle the bag above your child's head, but no need to worry about spills because the bag won't leak? Why not? It's because the plastic used to make zip-lock bags is made of polymers, or long chains of molecules that'll quickly join back together when they're forced apart.

• Zip-lock bags
• Objects with sharp ends (pencils, bamboo skewers, etc.)

#20: How Do Leaves Breathe?

• Teaches Kids About: Plant science

It takes a few hours to see the results of this leaf experiment , but it couldn't be easier to set up, and kids will love to see a leaf actually "breathing." Just get a large-ish leaf, place it in a bowl (glass works best so you can see everything) filled with water, place a small rock on the leaf to weigh it down, and leave it somewhere sunny. Come back in a few hours and you'll see little bubbles in the water created when the leaf releases the oxygen it created during photosynthesis.

• Large bowl (preferably glass)
• Magnifying glass (optional)

#21: Popsicle Stick Catapults

Kids will love shooting pom poms out of these homemade popsicle stick catapults . After assembling the catapults out of popsicle sticks, rubber bands, and plastic spoons, they're ready to launch pom poms or other lightweight objects. To teach kids about simple machines, you can ask them about how they think the catapults work, what they should do to make the pom poms go a farther/shorter distance, and how the catapult could be made more powerful.

• Popsicle sticks
• Rubber bands
• Plastic spoons
• Paint (optional)

#22: Elephant Toothpaste

You won't want to do this experiment near anything that's difficult to clean (outside may be best), but kids will love seeing this " elephant toothpaste " crazily overflowing the bottle and oozing everywhere. Pour the hydrogen peroxide, food coloring, and dishwashing soap into the bottle, and in the cup mix the yeast packet with some warm water for about 30 seconds. Then, add the yeast mixture to the bottle, stand back, and watch the solution become a massive foamy mixture that pours out of the bottle! The "toothpaste" is formed when the yeast removed the oxygen bubbles from the hydrogen peroxide which created foam. This is an exothermic reaction, and it creates heat as well as foam (you can have kids notice that the bottle became warm as the reaction occurred).

• Clean 16-oz soda bottle
• 6% solution of hydrogen peroxide
• 1 packet of dry yeast
• Dishwashing soap

#23: How Do Penguins Stay Dry?

Penguins, and many other birds, have special oil-producing glands that coat their feathers with a protective layer that causes water to slide right off them, keeping them warm and dry. You can demonstrate this to kids with this penguin craft by having them color a picture of a penguin with crayons, then spraying the picture with water. The wax from the crayons will have created a protective layer like the oil actual birds coat themselves with, and the paper won't absorb the water.

• Penguin image (included in link)
• Spray bottle
• Blue food coloring (optional)

#24: Rock Weathering Experiment

• Teaches Kids About: Geology

This mechanical weathering experiment teaches kids why and how rocks break down or erode. Take two pieces of clay, form them into balls, and wrap them in plastic wrap. Then, leave one out while placing the other in the freezer overnight. The next day, unwrap and compare them. You can repeat freezing the one piece of clay every night for several days to see how much more cracked and weathered it gets than the piece of clay that wasn't frozen. It may even begin to crumble. This weathering also happens to rocks when they are subjected to extreme temperatures, and it's one of the causes of erosion.

• Plastic wrap

#25: Saltwater Density

• Teaches Kids About: Water density

For this saltwater density experiment , you'll fill four clear glasses with water, then add salt to one glass, sugar to one glass, and baking soda to one glass, leaving one glass with just water. Then, float small plastic pieces or grapes in each of the glasses and observe whether they float or not. Saltwater is denser than freshwater, which means some objects may float in saltwater that would sink in freshwater. You can use this experiment to teach kids about the ocean and other bodies of saltwater, such as the Dead Sea, which is so salty people can easily float on top of it.

• Four clear glasses
• Lightweight plastic objects or small grapes

#26: Starburst Rock Cycle

With just a package of Starbursts and a few other materials, you can create models of each of the three rock types: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. Sedimentary "rocks" will be created by pressing thin layers of Starbursts together, metamorphic by heating and pressing Starbursts, and igneous by applying high levels of heat to the Starbursts. Kids will learn how different types of rocks are forms and how the three rock types look different from each other.

• Toaster oven

#27: Inertia Wagon Experiment

• Teaches Kids About: Inertia

This simple experiment teaches kids about inertia (as well as the importance of seatbelts!). Take a small wagon, fill it with a tall stack of books, then have one of your children pull it around then stop abruptly. They won't be able to suddenly stop the wagon without the stack of books falling. You can have the kids predict which direction they think the books will fall and explain that this happens because of inertia, or Newton's first law.

• Stack of books

#28: Dinosaur Tracks

• Teaches Kids About: Paleontology

How are some dinosaur tracks still visible millions of years later? By mixing together several ingredients, you'll get a claylike mixture you can press your hands/feet or dinosaur models into to make dinosaur track imprints . The mixture will harden and the imprints will remain, showing kids how dinosaur (and early human) tracks can stay in rock for such a long period of time.

• Used coffee grounds
• Wooden spoon
• Rolling pin

#29: Sidewalk Constellations

• Teaches Kids About: Astronomy

If you do this sidewalk constellation craft , you'll be able to see the Big Dipper and Orion's Belt in the daylight. On the sidewalk, have kids draw the lines of constellations (using constellation diagrams for guidance) and place stones where the stars are. You can then look at astronomy charts to see where the constellations they drew will be in the sky.

• Sidewalk chalk
• Small stones
• Diagrams of constellations

#30: Lung Model

By building a lung model , you can teach kids about respiration and how their lungs work. After cutting off the bottom of a plastic bottle, you'll stretch a balloon around the opened end and insert another balloon through the mouth of the bottle. You'll then push a straw through the neck of the bottle and secure it with a rubber band and play dough. By blowing into the straw, the balloons will inflate then deflate, similar to how our lungs work.

• Plastic bottle
• Rubber band

#31: Homemade Dinosaur Bones

By mixing just flour, salt, and water, you'll create a basic salt dough that'll harden when baked. You can use this dough to make homemade dinosaur bones and teach kids about paleontology. You can use books or diagrams to learn how different dinosaur bones were shaped, and you can even bury the bones in a sandpit or something similar and then excavate them the way real paleontologists do.

• Images of dinosaur bones

#32: Clay and Toothpick Molecules

There are many variations on homemade molecule science crafts . This one uses clay and toothpicks, although gumdrops or even small pieces of fruit like grapes can be used in place of clay. Roll the clay into balls and use molecule diagrams to attach the clay to toothpicks in the shape of the molecules. Kids can make numerous types of molecules and learn how atoms bond together to form molecules.

• Clay or gumdrops (in four colors)
• Diagrams of molecules

#33: Articulated Hand Model

By creating an articulated hand model , you can teach kids about bones, joints, and how our hands are able to move in many ways and accomplish so many different tasks. After creating a hand out of thin foam, kids will cut straws to represent the different bones in the hand and glue them to the fingers of the hand models. You'll then thread yarn (which represents tendons) through the straws, stabilize the model with a chopstick or other small stick, and end up with a hand model that moves and bends the way actual human hands do.

• Straws (paper work best)
• Twine or yarn

#34: Solar Energy Experiment

• Teaches Kids About: Solar energy, light rays

This solar energy science experiment will teach kids about solar energy and how different colors absorb different amounts of energy. In a sunny spot outside, place six colored pieces of paper next to each other, and place an ice cube in the middle of each paper. Then, observe how quickly each of the ice cubes melt. The ice cube on the black piece of paper will melt fastest since black absorbs the most light (all the light ray colors), while the ice cube on the white paper will melt slowest since white absorbs the least light (it instead reflects light). You can then explain why certain colors look the way they do. (Colors besides black and white absorb all light except for the one ray color they reflect; this is the color they appear to us.)

• 6 squares of differently colored paper/cardstock (must include black paper and white paper)

#35: How to Make Lightning

• Teaches Kids About: Electricity, weather

You don't need a storm to see lightning; you can actually create your own lightning at home . For younger kids this experiment requires adult help and supervision. You'll stick a thumbtack through the bottom of an aluminum tray, then stick the pencil eraser to the pushpin. You'll then rub the piece of wool over the aluminum tray, and then set the tray on the Styrofoam, where it'll create a small spark/tiny bolt of lightning!

• Pencil with eraser
• Aluminum tray or pie tin
• Styrofoam tray

#36: Tie-Dyed Milk

• Teaches Kids About: Surface tension

For this magic milk experiment , partly fill a shallow dish with milk, then add a one drop of each food coloring color to different parts of the milk. The food coloring will mostly stay where you placed it. Next, carefully add one drop of dish soap to the middle of the milk. It'll cause the food coloring to stream through the milk and away from the dish soap. This is because the dish soap breaks up the surface tension of the milk by dissolving the milk's fat molecules.

• Shallow dish
• Milk (high-fat works best)

#37: How Do Stalactites Form?

Have you ever gone into a cave and seen huge stalactites hanging from the top of the cave? Stalactites are formed by dripping water. The water is filled with particles which slowly accumulate and harden over the years, forming stalactites. You can recreate that process with this stalactite experiment . By mixing a baking soda solution, dipping a piece of wool yarn in the jar and running it to another jar, you'll be able to observe baking soda particles forming and hardening along the yarn, similar to how stalactites grow.

• Safety pins
• 2 glass jars

Summary: Cool Science Experiments for Kids

Any one of these simple science experiments for kids can get children learning and excited about science. You can choose a science experiment based on your child's specific interest or what they're currently learning about, or you can do an experiment on an entirely new topic to expand their learning and teach them about a new area of science. From easy science experiments for kids to the more challenging ones, these will all help kids have fun and learn more about science.

What's Next?

Are you also interested in pipe cleaner crafts for kids? We have a guide to some of the best pipe cleaner crafts to try!

Looking for multiple different slime recipes? We tell you how to make slimes without borax and without glue as well as how to craft the ultimate super slime .

Want to learn more about clouds? Learn how to identify every cloud in the sky with our guide to the 10 types of clouds .

Want to know the fastest and easiest ways to convert between Fahrenheit and Celsius? We've got you covered! Check out our guide to the best ways to convert Celsius to Fahrenheit (or vice versa) .

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Kindergarten Science Activities: Experiments, Art Projects, And Video Resources

October 3, 2023 //  by  Lauren Du Plessis

Science experiments completed from a young age have proven to display amazing benefits such as: improved problem-solving and observation skills, as well as increased curiosity levels. Follow along as we dive into varied and exciting experiments that your kindergarten class is sure to love!

1. How Germs Spread

Learn about the spread of germs in this simple science experiment. Pair your students off and sprinkle glitter onto one students’ damp hands. Then encourage them to shake hands with their partner and watch how the germs, representing glitter, spread.

Learn More: Gift of Curiosity

Looking for fun and educational kits for kids? Check out our Favorite Subscription Boxes for Kids

2. Colorful Ice Cube Delight

This fun-filled, fizzy experiment is a great outdoor activity and perfectly demonstrates the chemical reaction between acids and bases.

Learn More: The Play-Based Mom

3. Will it Sink or Float? 

Learn More: Buggy and Buddy

4. Growing Jack o’ Lantern

This is the perfect Halloween-themed activity and allows students to grow their own balloon Jack o’ Lantern by producing a chemical reaction using 2 simple ingredients.

Learn More: Education.com

5. Divine Slime 

Get stuck into this fun hands-on science project with your Kindergarten class- they’ll love getting creative with unique feeling substances.

Learn More: Mommy Poppins

6. Dancing Rice

This is one of those fascinating experiments for kindergarten learners. Make the grains of rice dance through a water-vinegar mix shat has been dyed using drops of food coloring!

Learn More: Green Kid Crafts

7. Make a Lava Lamp

Make your very own lava lamp with the help of simple household ingredients. Personalize your lamp according to your favorite color- adding a couple of color droplets to your bottle.

Learn More: Science Fun For Everyone

8. Design a straw boat

Keep spirits high and brains alert with this straw boat project. Students should be instructed to create a floatable structure that successfully holds the weight of 25 pennies.

Learn More:  Education.com

9. Dry Erase Man

Using a whiteboard marker, draw a stick figure on a plate or the bottom of a glass bowl. Add water to watch your drawing come to life and start moving around the surface.

Learn More: Science Fun

10. Turn Bean Seeds Into a Bean Plant 

Green thumbs will have a blast as they grow sprouts from beans in paper towel strips. To embed this experiment into the curriculum, analyze the factors, such as sunlight, air, and water, that help the beans grow.

Learn More: Mom Junction

11. Craft Chromatography Butterflies 

Coffee filters take on a new purpose in this vibrant experiment. Chromatography is a kid-friendly science experiment that allows for the separation of various mixtures.

Learn More:  123 Homeschool 4 Me

12. Cloud in a Glass Jar

Jar-style experiments allow students to learn about grand-scale occurrences in a small, measurable manner. Create a cloud in a jar during a science lesson by using warm water, a closed jar, hairspray, and ice. Enjoy similar printable worksheets via the website linked below!

Learn More: Little Bins for Little Hands

13. Balloon Juice Box Racer

Incorporate this easy experiment into any lesson regarding recycling or air pressure by using a used juice box and other materials to build a car. For added excitement, we’d recommend having your students race their creations to see who is faster!

Learn More: Hello Wonderful

14. Watch Water Move Through Cabbage

This funky experiment visually demonstrates how plants work by absorbing colorful water and eventually ending up with dyed leaves.

Learn More: Itsy Sparks

15. Magic Tea Bag Rocket

Elements of magic are perfect for capturing the attention of Kindergarten students. Launch teabag rockets and wow the class. Be sure to have plenty of tea bags on hand as your students are going to want to repeat this experiment a couple of times!

Learn More: Paging Fun Mums

16. Melt your crayons 

Craft new, whacky crayons using pieces of old broken ones. Melt the wax and remold them into any shape you desire. This is a wonderful idea for younger grade classes who often require many coloring resources.

Learn More: Fun with Mama

17. Create Sensory Bottles

This fun sensory activity appeals to learners in a unique way and is sure to get them excited to learn! Get the students to experiment with smells and see if they can match the smell to its correct label and make scent bottles.

Learn More: Things to Share and Remember

18. Make a Sun Dial

The use of a sundial used to be common practice back in the day, but can still be incorporated into modern-day play as a unique approach to learning how to tell the time.

Learn More: Happy Brown House

19. Static Electricity Experiment

Use a balloon to demonstrate the effects of friction in causing static electricity. This inexpensive science experiment will be a good laugh for the class if the students are willing to use static electricity to make their hair stand up!

Learn More: Mess for Less

20. Instant Ice

Learn about the process of nucleation with this simple science activity that requires a plastic bottle and other simple materials.

Learn More: Only Passionate Curiosity

21. Turn Old Paper into New Paper

Explain that we can transform things from old to new by recycling them. Demonstrate this concept with paper!

Learn More: Think Earth

22. Make Edible Glass

Using a pantry of kitchen ingredients, make edible sugar glass to demonstrate the change of molecules when heat is applied!

Learn More: Go Science Kids

23. Rainbow Baking Soda and Vinegar Experiment

Make a rainbow from colored baking soda and add a vinegar mixture to make it fizz and come alive!

Learn More: Happily Ever Mom

24. Learn With Magnets

Make magnetic sensory bottles to help students learn about what objects are attracted versus which are repelled. We recommend the use of a variety of items such as pipe cleaners, a piece of paper, rubber bands, and a paper clip.

Learn More: Left Brain Craft Brain

25. Light Refraction Experiment

Dabble with light refraction when completing this quick and easy experiment.

Learn More:  Look We’re Learning

26. Water and Pencils in a Bag Experiment

Students are challenged to stick pencils through a bag without having it leak – how fun!

27. Defy Gravity

In this fun science experiment, defy gravity with the help of magnets and paper clips.

28. Make Magic Milk

This sure won’t disappoint your students and it’s just as good of an art project as it is a preschool science experiment!

Learn More: Fun Learning for Kids

29. Ice Painting Extravaganza

This activity gives budding artists an opportunity to get messy whilst enjoying a painting extravaganza with a scientific twist! To prepare, fill ice cube trays with watercolor paint and water before freezing. Then, once frozen, have your littles use the blocks to paint on paper and observe how the melting ice influences their art.

Learn More: YouTube

30. Growing Green Thumbs with Chia Pets

Cultivate your students’ green thumbs with a quick and exciting chia pet activity. All you need are terracotta planters and chia seeds to get going. Once you have the necessary materials, guide your students through the planting process and watch their faces light up as they observe their ‘pets’ sprouting vibrant green ‘hair’.

Learn More: Burger Fit

31. A Day of Shadow-Play

A sunny day is a perfect time for a lesson on light and shadows. Guide your students through a day of tracing and observing their shadows. Encourage them to note how their shadows change in size and position throughout the day. 

Learn More: Happy Mom Hacks

32. Bugs, Bugs Everywhere!

Transform your little ones into mini entomologists with a bug hunt. Equip them with magnifying glasses and lead them on a bug discovery adventure. As they locate them, spend time discussing the different bugs they encounter and instill a sense of wonder for these tiny creatures.

Learn More: Kidspot NZ

33. Tornado Twirling in a Jar

Prepare for gasps of amazement with a fun science experiment! Fill a jar with water, add a splash of vinegar, and a few drops of dish soap. Screw the lid on tightly, give it a good shake, and let your students watch in awe as a mini cyclone forms.

Learn More: Playing With Rain

34. A Globe, a Flashlight, and the Mystery of Night and Day

Demystify the concept of night and day using a globe and a flashlight. As the flashlight ‘sun’ shines on the globe ‘Earth’, explain how its rotation creates day and night. Your students will love seeing this cosmic ballet play out right in their very classroom.

35. Thermometer Craftiness

Engage your students in a crafty science challenge! Lead them in creating a homemade thermometer using a clear bottle, water, rubbing alcohol, and a straw. When putting their craft to the test, discuss how the rising and falling liquid reflects temperature changes.

Learn More: Lemon Lime Adventures

36. Can You Hear Me Now? 

This is no ordinary phone call! Get your kiddos to play with the transmission of sound waves by constructing a rudimentary telephone using cups and a string. 

Learn More: Mom Brite

37. Bubbling Over with Excitement

Unleash a flurry of excitement with homemade bubbles! With water and dish soap, engage your students by having them create bubbles of different sizes. As they compete to form the biggest, discuss the factors that affect the size and lifespan of a bubble.

Learn More: Project Nursery

38. The Magic of Composting

Teach the importance of recycling with a hands-on composting activity. You can do this by creating a compost bin to monitor the decomposition process; inviting your students to note how different items decay at different rates.

Learn More: National Geographic

39. Secret Messages 

This next activity will help you add a dash of intrigue to your lessons! Lemon juice and water create invisible ink that reveals itself under heat; leading your learners into a portal of chemical reactions. They can write secret messages and reveal them with heat, all while explaining the underlying chemistry.

40. Classroom Weather Watchers

Turn your classroom into a meteorological observatory by having your kiddos craft homemade weather instruments to observe and record weather changes. This will connect their learning to real-world applications like never before!

Learn More: Inventors of Tomorrow

41. Dive into a Flower’s World

Next up, explore the intricate life of flowers. First, give students a microscopic view of a flower’s world. Then, have them dissect a flower and identify its parts whilst discussing the role each part plays in the plant’s life cycle.

42. Journey Back in Time with Fossils

Time travel has never been easier! Leap back in time with DIY fossils. Using coffee grounds, flour, and salt, let your students create their own ‘fossils’; sparking conversations about geology and Earth’s history.

Learn More: Crafts by Amanda

43. Air Pressure Wizards 

Summon the magic of meteorology as you have your students step into the shoes of meteorologists and DIY a barometer. With a jar, a balloon, and a straw, they’ll discover a wealth of knowledge about changes in air pressure, and how it influences the weather.

Learn More: Go Science Girls

44. Sensory Nature Walk

Invite your students to explore the world by taking them on a multi-sensory nature exploration! A nature walk will let them listen, smell, touch, and see their environment in a whole new light; igniting a deep appreciation for nature.

Learn More: Fireflies and Mudpies

45. Shoebox Habitat Creations

Foster your kindergarteners’ creativity and empathy for living creatures. To begin, have them create shoebox habitats for animals of their choice. Then, spend time discussing the needs of each animal and the importance of suitable habitats.

Learn More: Teacher’s Mag

46. Egg Drop Architects

Turn your classroom into a physics lab with a simple egg drop challenge. The quest? Have your pupils design a structure that protects an egg that’s dropped from a height. 

47. Afloat in a Sea of Salts

Make the mystery of the Dead Sea come alive in your classroom. By testing buoyancy in different salt solutions, your students will learn why certain objects float while others sink.

Science experiments completed in Kindergarten are amazing opportunities for increasing academic ability from a young age. Elements of play, which can be seen throughout the above experiments, are encouraged in younger classes as they help to; reinforce more complex concepts and help students understand them in a simple manner.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is taught in kindergarten science.

Very basic concepts such as physical science and earth science are explored in the Kindergarten years. Principles of investigation and experimentation are also studied in these formative years whilst students develop their natural innate curiosity levels.

• Vishal's account

20 Easy to Do Science Experiments for Kindergarten & Kids

Simple Science Experiments For Preschool Children

Best science experiments for children.

Your child is at an age when the world around him/her seems exciting and plain old fun. It’s no wonder it’s the best time to introduce your kindergarten kids to the fascinating world and wonders of science. Here are a couple of easy kindergarten science experiments for your kids.

These cool kindergarten science experiment ideas can be done indoors and outdoors and will assimilate fine motor and observational skills in kids. Try these out at home and outside too.

• Sink And Float

Sink and float is a fun science game where you take a sheet of paper and label two columns as sink and float, respectively. You then tell your child to collect a couple of household and simple outdoor objects and try placing them one at a time in a big bowl or pan of water to see whether they sink or float.

The science behind this is that heavy objects sink while light objects float. Your kids will love it.

• Invisible Drawing 

Tell your kid to take a pan of water and mix in a few drops of dishwashing detergent. Get them a cotton swab and encourage them to draw or write their favorite letters on the bathroom window. After a hot bath or steam bath, they’ll notice that the letters or pictures they drew on the glass become visible despite the foggy surroundings.

The science behind this is that dishwashing detergent prevents water molecules from forming on the surface. Amazing!

• The Egg Game

Give your kid a glass and ask him to pour water till the halfway mark. Now, ask your kid to mix six tablespoons of salt and stir. Again, instruct your kid to gently add water till it the glass is almost full. Tell him/her to place the egg in the water and watch what happens. The egg will float because salt increases the density of the water.

• The Magnet Game 

Ask your kid to gather a few items from around the house and place them near a magnet one by one. The ones that are made from metal or nickel will get pulled in while the others won’t stick to the magnet. It’s a cool way to teach your kid about the magnetic properties of metals.

• Colour Theory Game

Take three glasses and fill them with water and add food colouring in each. Make sure the colours you add are red, yellow, and blue. Ask your kid to mix the colours and observe how new colours form. The science behind this is that red, yellow, and blue, are primary colours which can be used to create more colour variations.

Ask your kid to take three cups of water and fill them up to the brim. Cover one of them with a lid and tell him to put them all in the freezer. In the morning, remind your kid to take them out from the freezer and check them again. The cup with the lid will have noticeable cracks; the reason being water expands when frozen to cold temperatures, causing the cup to crack.

• The Balloon Experiment 

Inflate a balloon and place it near your kid’s ear. Gently tap it and watch him/her marvel at the outcome. The science lesson in this is that air molecules move and collide with each other, thus increasing sound waves.

• The Wave Game 

Take a bottle and fill 3/4 of it with water and the rest with castor oil. Add food colouring to the mix and ask your kid to turn it upside down or side to side. Colourful waves will travel from one end to the other, thus teaching them that the Earth’s gravitational pull causes waves as it rotates around the sun.

• The Gravity Game

Take a big watermelon and apple. Make sure you weight them each apart so that your kid realizes which one is heavier. Take them to a tall playground structure and ask him/her to drop both of them at the same time. If done correctly, both the objects will hit the ground at the same time. Your kid may be baffled at this experiment and ask how the heavier object didn’t reach the ground before the lighter one.

The answer is the Earth’s gravity attracts all objects with an equal pull and this pull’s force doesn’t change based on the weights of different objects.  Repeat this experiment with bowling balls, ping pong balls, and other objects and watch your kids’ curiosity unfold! Newton would be proud.

• The Water Lesson 

This little game involves three coffee cans, pieces of black construction paper, some tape, moist dirt, sand, and some time. Place the three cans in front of a sunny window on top of a radiation. Tape all the three with black construction paper except make sure that the second one is filled halfway with moist dirt and the third with sand. Ask your kid to make a hypothesis and check back after a while. Your kid will notice that the paper taped to the can filled with dirt will be drenched with moisture while the sandy can will have light traces of moisture, thus proving that soil retains water.

This lesson is also tied to their kindergarten curriculum and introduces them to their water cycle lessons too!

We understand your kid may be entering junior high any time which is why we have covered science experiments for children who are older than kindergarten kids too. Here are a couple of easy science experiments for kids of older age groups-

• The Shadow Game 

Everyday life provides many opportunities for this fun little game. Ask your child to investigate his shadow and guess where the light source comes from. What happens if he changes the shape of the shadow and takes objects like hula hoops and morphs it into different shapes? What happens if you change the direction the hula hoop is facing or if you move to a different spot outdoors or indoors? Explore this game with a lamp as well.

• Backyard Detectives 

Take your kid out on a detective adventure to the backyard or a park. Ask him to explore different species of plants, bugs, insects, and small-sized animal species. Teach them to observe trees and look for signs of animal life there. Have the leaves been eaten or has the soil been burrowed? Ask questions aloud like, ‘I wonder what the ants eat?’ or ‘I wonder how the caterpillar moves’ will teach you kid about the structures of organisms and how they meet their basic needs. Ask your child to wonder about which animals take shelter where and when they come out. Document these changes and capture outdoor moments on camera every season to make memories and have fun exploring hands-on learning.

• Playground Science

Take your kid to the playground and ask them to balance themselves on swings or play structures. Ask them to think about what they are doing and how long they are able to maintain balance based on different postures. Tell them to think about what happens when they push harder on the swing and why it happens. Playing on the swings will teach your kids about equal and opposite forces.

• Weather And Structure Games 

When taking your kid on car rides or bus trips, ask him to describe the shapes and number of clouds, whether the sun is visible or not or where light comes from, the differences between manmade structures, and describing what the weather is like. These observations will model their senses and enhance their understanding of their surroundings. Ask your child to reason why the moon follows them at the night and explain to them why that appears to be so but is not.

• Building Blocks 

Take your child to construction sites or places with bricks and stones. Ask him to look closely and notice whether the stone has multiple colours or how they differ in shape and texture. Explain to him how buildings are made and how the materials look and differ in their foundations. What kind of challenges do construction workers face during building constructions and why are the rooftops of houses slanted? These experiences will build your child’s observation skills and awareness of their environments.

• Kitchen Experiments 

The kitchen is a wonderful avenue for developing a sense of measuring and observing how changes take place (foundations of chemistry). Children of this age are curious and want to help out in the kitchen. Let your child do that by encouraging him/her to mix ingredients, play with recipes, and watch how changes occur when two ingredients mix and heat up on the pan. Make scrambled eggs and pancakes in front of your child and allow them to observe how the fire changes the shape and colour of the yolk and encourage him/her to describe what he/she is seeing.

• Coloured Flowers 

Capillary action is when water flows through small spaces without the help of gravitational pull or external opposing forces. This phenomenon is due to the high surface tension of fluids and it explains how a sponge draws water into it or how hair strands stay wet after a bath even if gravity acts on them. A fun experiment to demonstrate this is to take a bunch of white flowers, trim with angled cuts and place them in a cup of lukewarm water. Add a couple drops of food dye and colouring and let the flowers sit for a few hours, until they begin to change colours. Your kids will be left mind-blown with this experiment.

• Homemade Slime 

Slime ranks at the top of childhood memories and who doesn’t have fond memories of watching Ghost Busters as kids? For this cool little trick, take a 1/4 cup of water, 1/4 cup of white school glue, and add a few drops of food colouring to the mix. Add borax solution to the glue and water and mix. Continue kneading till it results in a texture you like and remove the slime from your bowl or cup and have fun.

• Paper Airplanes

Teach your kids a little bit about physics and origami by making a paper airplane. Let it fly and bend its corners to demonstrate how the plane changes its flight path.

This experiment is a little explosive in nature so make sure to stand back when watching it go. For this you need a can of diet coke and a mentos pack. Drop in a mentos (or two) in the can of diet coke can and watch it explode! Older kids absolutely love it!

Kids love quenching their curiosity and exploring the marvels of science. At these budding ages, let them explore, have fun, and try out these science experiments and activities for kids at home and outside while you’re at it!

Your kid will definitely think you’re cool and creative and give you props for your taste of adventure with these easy but fun indoor and outdoor science experiments!

Also read:  15 Amazing Memory Games For Kids

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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

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50 Amazingly Simple Science Experiments for Kids at Home

Science Kindergartners Preschoolers Experiment Resources 30 Comments

Kids love experimenting , and these 50 simple science experiments for kids at home from Brigitte are perfect for all ages! Plus, you probably already have the basic supplies at home.

My daughters and I have had a lot of fun doing science experiments. Each year when we create our spring and summer list , we make sure to include “science days” which are days filled with science experiments.

Sometimes our science experiments don’t work according to plan, but I have been told that all scientists have failures with experiments from time to time.

It’s okay if they aren’t all successes.

Get the FREE Science Experiments Download

50 Simple Science Experiments with Supplies You Already Have

I love these 50 simple science experiments for you to try with your little scientists. They all use basic household supplies that you probably already have at home!

Most of these are experiments my daughters and I have done together. I hope you enjoy them as much as we have!

Get little ones involved with these easy toddler-friendly science experiment ideas!

Simple Science Experiments with Water

Not only can water  be a blast to play in, but water plus a few basic supplies equals a lot of science fun!

• Make an orange sink and float with an orange buoyancy experiment from Playdough to Plato.
• Compare the amount of salt in different types of water with this salty egg experiment  as seen on Uplifting Mayhem.
• Do a little more sinking or floating with a fun sink or float experiment  even toddlers can do from Hands On As We Grow.
• Use the free printable to record what sinks or floats in an outdoor experiment from Buggy and Buddy.
• Create some beautiful pieces of paper with this rainbow paper experiment from Science Kiddo.
• Talk about solutions as you try the “what dissolves in water” experiment  as seen on Hands On As We Grow.
• Learn about water absorption with this simple experiment from Little Bins for Little Hands.
• Mix some fun colors with this oil and water experiment  from Fun Learning for Kids.
• Make your own lava lamp , just like on  Hands On As We Grow.
• Can you keep all the water in the bag? Try it with a  leak-proof bag experiment  as seen on Hands On As We Grow.
• Learn about surface tension with this  magic finger pepper experiment  found on Hands On As We Grow.
• Make your own  water cycle in a bottle  as seen on A Dab of Glue Will Do.

Simple Science Experiments with Baking Soda and Vinegar

Baking soda + vinegar = a great chemical reaction! This fizzy reaction can fuel a variety of simple science experiments at home.

First of all, we have tested and found out the absolute best combination of baking soda and vinegar to get the best reaction possible. It makes a difference if you add vinegar to baking soda or vice versa! And how much you use!

• Inflate a balloon without blowing into it with a baking soda and vinegar balloon experiment  as seen on Little Bins for Little Hands.
• Practice colors as you do a baking soda and vinegar with color experiment as seen on Hands On As We Grow.
• Have fun outside with an outdoor volcano eruption  as seen on Preschool Inspirations.
• Have more volcano fun by making apple volcanoes as seen on The Resourceful Mama.
• Learn about acids and bases and the chemical reaction that occurs when you make apple seeds dance with a   jumping apple seeds experiment  as seen on JDaniel4s Mom.
• Watch some rice dance with a   dancing rice experiment as seen on Green Kid Crafts.
• Continue your dance party by making raisins dance with a dancing raisin experiment  as seen on 123 Homeschool 4 Me. What other items can you get to dance?
• Learn more about acids and bases by dissolving a sea shell as seen on Teach Beside Me.
• Make an egg shell disappear with this disappearing egg activity  as seen on Premeditated Leftovers.
• See how far you can launch a soda bottle with this baking soda powered boat as seen on Science Sparks.
• Make your own rocks (or eggs) with this fizzy treasure rocks experiment as seen on Living Life and Learning.
• Have some fun this summer with this frozen vinegar experiment as seen on Inspiration Laboratories.

Plant Themed Simple Science Experiments

Enjoy learning about seeds, plant parts, and how plants grow with these simple science experiments.

• Learn about how plants soak up water through their stems with a flower experiment for kids  from Growing A Jeweled Rose.
• Watch seeds sprout as you grow seeds in a jar  as seen on Teaching Mama.
• Learn about the parts of the seed with a seed coat experiment as seen on Gift of Curiosity.
• Build a house out of sponges and then watch it sprout with this sprout house as seen on The Stem Laboratory.
• Learn what liquids allow seeds to grow the best with this seed experiment  as seen on Gift of Curiosity.
• Explore how plants grow towards the light with this shoe-box maze experiment from Plants for Kids.

Animal Themed Simple Science Experiments

Learning about animals can be even more fun with some simple hands-on simple science experiments.

• Find out more about giraffes and create some giraffe spots  as seen on Preschool Powol Packets.
• Learn about how animals in the Arctic keep warm by making an arctic glove  as seen on Steve Spangler Science.
• Discover how penguins stay dry with a penguin feather experiment as seen on Raising Little Superheroes.
• Learn about different bird beaks with a bird beak experiment as seen on Blessed Beyond a Doubt.
• Explore how fish (and hermit crabs) breathe with this gill experiment  as seen on Preschool Powol Packets.
• Learn about sharks with a   shark buoyancy experiment as seen on Little Bins for Little Hands.

Even More Simple Science Experiment for Kids at Home!

If you are still looking for more science fun, you may enjoy the following simple science experiments.

• Find out how sugary drinks hurt teeth with an  eggs-periment  as seen on Feels Like Home Blog.
• Discover geodes (the state rock of Iowa) with this eggshell geode crystal experiment  as seen on Science Bob.
• Learn about air pressure with an egg and bottle experiment  as seen on Science Sparks.
• Find out what causes an apple to brown with this apple science experiment  as seen on Teach Beside Me.
• Make an  edible bubble apple with an experiment as seen on Preschool Powol Packet.
• Learn more about surface tension with a penny and water experiment  as seen on Artful Parent.
• Mix colors like magic with this color changing milk experiment  from Hands On As We Grow.
• Blow up a balloon with this soda and balloon experiment from Learn Play Imagine.
• Practice letters by making beautiful crystal letters as seen on Books and Giggles.
• Make your own indoor hovercraft  as seen on Living Life and Learning.
• Learn about colors with this beautiful butterfly chromatography craft  as seen on Buggy and Buddy.
• Make soap souffle  as seen on Steve Spangler Science.
• After talking about liquids and solids (and finding them in your own home), create oobleck  as seen on Babble Dabble Do. Is it a liquid, or is it a solid?
• Learn about frost by making some indoor frost as seen on Little Bin for Little Hands.
• Make your own homemade butter in a jar as seen on Happy Hooligans.

What scientific experiment will you try first?

About Brigitte Brulz

Brigitte Brulz is a homeschooling mom of two daughters, wife of her high school sweetheart, and author of Jobs of a Preschooler and Pickles, Pickles, I Like Pickles. She offers free coloring pages and activity ideas on her website at BrigitteBrulz.com .

More Hands on Kids Activities to Try

Reader Interactions

30 comments.

college brawl says

March 13, 2024 at 1:05 am

Wow, these experiments look like so much fun! I can’t wait to try them out with my kids. We’re always looking for new and creative ways to learn about science at home, and these experiments look like they’ll be perfect for us. Thanks for sharing! 😊

threadsBay says

August 31, 2023 at 3:13 am

I love science experiments! This one is really simple and easy to do.

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45 Easy and Fun Science Activities for Preschool

Introduce curious little minds to a world of discovery.

Every day is a new opportunity for toddlers to ask “Why?” over and over. Tap into that curiosity with these fun and engaging science activities for preschoolers. These simple experiments incorporate many preschool favorites like playing with bubbles or water, making arts and crafts, and, of course, making a mess!

To make things even easier, we’ve rated every one of these preschool science activities for preschoolers based on difficulty and materials.

Difficulty:

• Easy: These are low- or no-prep experiments you can do pretty much anytime
• Medium: These take a little more setup or a longer time to complete
• Advanced: Experiments like these take a fairly big commitment of time or effort
• Basic: Simple items you probably already have around the house
• Medium: Items that you might not already have but are easy to get your hands on
• Advanced: These require specialized or more expensive supplies to complete

Water Preschool Science Experiments

Stem challenges for preschoolers.

• Seasonal Preschool Science Activities

More Science Activities for Preschoolers

These water activities for preschoolers help teach little learners a variety of science concepts. (These can get a little messy, so you might want to try them outside.) Find even more water science activities here.

Make music with xylophone bottles

Difficulty: Easy / Materials: Basic

The classic experiment using varying levels of water in glasses or bottles is even more fun when you add some food coloring. Experiment with different water depths and mallet styles to make all kinds of beautiful music!

Learn more: Xylophone Bottle at Mama Papa Bubba

Surround kids with an oversized bubble

Difficulty: Easy / Materials: Medium ADVERTISEMENT

Kids (and let’s face it, adults too) will definitely get a kick out of this fun science experiment. While you’ll only need a kiddie pool, some dish soap, and a Hula-Hoop to make this a reality, the payoff will be big.

Learn more: Giant Bubbles at Make and Takes

Watch rice dance in water

There are lots of cool baking-soda-and-vinegar experiments out there ( ever made your own volcano ?), but this one is always a favorite with little ones. The acid-base reaction causes the rice to dance and jump around in the water for an effect that is just so cool!

Learn more: Dancing Rice at Green Kid Crafts

Reveal colors with chemical reactions

Preschool science experiments often include a combination of baking soda and vinegar like this one. Fill muffin tins with a drop of food coloring, then top it with baking soda. Finally, let kids squirt in vinegar to reveal fabulous foamy hues! (Be sure to wear eye protection for this one.)

Learn more: Fizzy Fun at Busy Toddler

See what sinks and what floats

This preschool science activity helps kids learn to construct a hypothesis, conduct a simple experiment, and then sort their findings by property.

Learn more: Sink or Float at Fun With Mama

Learn what dissolves in water

Engage in more water play by having kids predict which items will dissolve in water and which ones won’t. Have kids keep track of the results so they can see if they have anything in common.

Learn more: What Dissolves in Water? at Hands On as We Grow

Watch hot water rise and cold water sink

This early exploration into the concept of density is always impressive to see in action. Have kids discover how hot water rises and cold water sinks. Explain that the same applies to air, and see if kids can think of a way to observe that in action too.

Learn more: Water Density Experiment at Mombrite

Grow a paper towel rainbow

“Capillary action” might be a real mouthful for preschool science students, but they don’t need to remember the term to be impressed by this experiment! All you need are markers, a paper towel, and two glasses of water.

Learn more: Capillary Action Experiment at Mombrite

Make shaving cream rain clouds

This is a classic science activity every kid should try at least once. It helps them understand how clouds become so saturated with water that they must release it in the form of rain.

Learn more: Shaving Cream Rain Clouds at One Little Project

Blow bubble towers

There are lots of fun science activities you can do with bubbles to explore concepts like surface tension. Or you can just have a blast seeing who can make the tallest tower with bubbles and straws.

Learn more: Bubble Towers at Happy Hooligans

STEM challenges give students a chance to try solving problems on their own. Give them some basic supplies and instructions, then let them experiment until they find a solution to the challenge.

Rescue toys from hot lava

While you might not want pre-K kids climbing all over the classroom furniture to play “The Floor Is Lava,” they can do the same thing with their toys in this cute STEM challenge.

Learn more: Floor Is Lava at Forward With Fun

Build a catapult

Challenge students to build a catapult using just three items: Popsicle sticks, elastics, and a plastic spoon. You’ll definitely want to have an extra set of adult hands available as this can prove challenging for pre-K kids. Finally, bring plenty of marshmallows or pom-poms to launch.

Learn more: Make a Catapult at Education.com

Discover strength in shapes

Learn shapes while also practicing some basic science. Fold paper into various shapes to form columns and ask kids to predict which will be able to support the most books.

Learn more: Strength in Shapes at All for the Boys

Build an aluminum foil boat

Teach kids about buoyancy and physics while having fun in the process. First, give your students some tinfoil and challenge them to build a sturdy boat. Then, challenge them to fill the boat with as many pennies as they can without it sinking.

Learn more: Foil Boat Challenge at Little Bins for Little Hands

Waterproof a boot

Ask kids to select various materials and tape them over the free boot printable found at the link. Then, test their hypotheses to see which ones work best.

Learn more: Waterproof a Book at Science Sparks

Reach for the sky

Round up all your building blocks and try this whole-class project. What will students need to do to be able to construct a tower that reaches all the way to the ceiling?

Learn more: Tower Engineering Challenge at Mama Smiles

Link up the longest paper chain

This incredibly easy preschool STEM activity really gets kids thinking. The challenge? Create the longest possible paper chain using a single piece of paper. So simple and so effective.

Learn more: Paper Chain Challenge at Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls

Build an apple toothpick tower

Put a healthy spin on a classic STEM challenge by substituting apple pieces for marshmallows. Kids will have a tasty snack when they’re done!

Learn more: Apple Toothpick Tower at N. Family Club

Stack up plastic cups

Kids absolutely love stacking cups ! Turn the play into a STEM challenge by adding index cards into the mix. Kids can experiment to see if they can build taller towers with or without the cards.

Learn more: Solo Cup Engineering Challenge at The Salty Mamas

Craft a nest

Take a nature walk and pick up items like sticks, leaves, and more. Then, build your own bird nests to protect little eggs and hatchlings.

Learn more: Build a Nest at Pink Stripey Socks

Seasonal Science Activities and Experiments for Preschoolers

Whether you’re looking for Halloween science activities , winter science experiments , or Easter egg activities , find them all and more here!

Make pretend snow

No snow where you live? Make some yourself! Find easy recipes for “snow” using baking soda, shaving cream, cornstarch, and other household items. Experiment to find the one that works best.

Learn more: Make Pretend Snow at Elf on the Shelf

Explore how mittens keep you warm

Ask little ones if mittens are warm, and they’ll likely answer yes. But when they measure the temperature inside an empty mitten, they’ll be surprised by what they find. Learn about body heat and insulation with this easy experiment.

Learn more: Mitten Body Heat Experiment at Classroom Magic

Measure the water content of snow

Two inches of snow is not the same as two inches of rain. This easy winter science experiment measures the amount of water actually found in an inch of snow.

Learn more: How Much Water Is in Snow? at KC Edventures With Kids

Create salt crystal hearts

Difficulty: Medium / Materials: Basic

Make these pretty red crystalized hearts as Valentine’s Day decorations, or anytime you want to show someone some love!

Learn more: Salt Crystal Hearts at Red Ted Art

Grow grass in an eggshell

Difficulty: Medium / Materials: Medium

What’s more fun than a preschool science experiment that doubles as a craft? You’ll need eggs, soil, grass seeds, water, and a permanent marker to bring this project to life. Kids will especially love personalizing their eggshell.

Learn more: Egg Grass Heads at Mother Natured

Decompose a jack-o’-lantern

Difficulty: Easy / Materials: Medium

When Halloween is over, plop your jack-o’-lantern pumpkin in the garden and observe it each day. Kids learn how organic matter breaks down over time.

Learn more: Pumpkin Decomposition at Gift of Curiosity

Send a ghost flying with magnets

Use magnets along with a few other supplies to make a tissue ghost seem to float in midair! It’s the perfect spooky Halloween science activity for preschoolers.

Learn more: Flying Ghosts at STEAM Powered Family

Conduct experiments on marshmallow Peeps

Pick up a package of marshmallow Peeps (they’re available during many seasons of the year now), and try turning them into little boats. Experiment with different sail sizes and types, and figure out how to make the candy boats go faster.

Learn more: Marshmallow Peep Boat Challenge at Lemon Lime Adventures

Launch plastic egg rockets

Put on some safety goggles and get ready for lift-off! This simple experiment uses Alka-Seltzer tablets to turn eggs into rockets.

Learn more: Easter Egg Rockets at The STEM Laboratory

Dissolve colorful turkey “feathers”

Baking soda and vinegar experiments are always popular, and this one is so cute for the Thanksgiving season. Build your own little turkey with baking soda feathers, then watch them foam up and dissolve when you add some vinegar.

Learn more: Turkey Feather Science at 123 Homeschool 4 Me

These science activities and experiments give preschoolers a chance to explore all sorts of science concepts, from plants and animals to germs and gravity and beyond.

Slice apples to learn about oxidation

Here’s another classic preschool science activity: using apple slices to learn about oxidation (and how to prevent it). When you’re done, you’ve got a tasty snack to eat too.

Learn more: Apple Oxidation at Teaching With Jennifer Findley

Show why sunscreen is important

First, have your students make four construction-paper people, each with varying conditions. Wrap one in plastic wrap, cover another in sunscreen, put a hat on one and a set of sunglasses on another. Ask kids to hypothesize what will happen when they’re left out in the sun, then see if they’re right!

Learn more: Sunscreen Experiment at 123 Homeschool 4 Me

Engage in some shadow science

Learn about animals and shadow science with these adorable and easy puppets. Use them to act out some scenarios involving these creatures in their natural habitats.

Learn more: Shadow Science at Little Bins for Little Hands

Mix up some “magic” milk

A drop or two of dish soap will make food coloring dance and swirl across the surface of a shallow bowl of milk. Preschool science experiments often seem like magic, but this one is all about surface tension and chemical reactions.

Learn more: Magic Milk at Laughing Kids Learn

See how easily germs spread

We love a preschool science experiment that reminds little ones of the importance of good handwashing. Help them see why it’s so important with this simple experiment that uses glitter to stand in for germs .

Experiment with wax paper

This wax paper experiment is interesting from both a science and art perspective. Ask kids to think about why wax paper behaves differently than other paper they use for art projects.

Learn more: Wax Paper Resist at Housing a Forest

Predict and observe what will melt in the sun

You’ll need a hot sunny day for this preschool science experiment. Help students choose a variety of items to place into a muffin tin and have them predict which ones will melt. Set the tin out in the sun for an hour or two, then bring it in and record your results.

Learn more: Melting Science at Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls

Drop balls to introduce gravity

Gravity can be a complicated subject, but all pre-K kids need to understand the basics. Drop balls of all sizes to discover that they all fall in the exact same way.

Learn more: Gravity Experiment at Inspiration Laboratories

Head to the playground to explore gravity and friction

What goes up must come down! A playground slide is the perfect place to help kids understand gravity. This is a good chance to learn about friction too.

Learn more: Playground Science at Buggy and Buddy

Test objects with magnets

Magnets are undeniably a source of fascination for kids. At this stage, you can worry less about explaining how magnets work and instead just let kids explore which items are attracted to magnets and which aren’t. Sort the items into categories, then see if the items have anything in common.

Learn more: Magnets at PreKinders

See sound waves in action

This series of simple experiments lets kids see sound waves at work. Start by making waves with a Slinky , then move on to tuning forks and bouncing confetti.

Learn more: Sound Experiment at Hands On Teaching Ideas

Make an orange volcano

Making erupting volcanoes is a staple of any childhood! We love this easy volcano experiment using an orange, baking soda, and vinegar.

Learn more: Orange Volcano at The Art Kit Blog

Grow delicious rock candy crystals

Preschoolers love science activities that involve food. While crystal experiments are a hit with kids of any age, this one is perfect for the young crowd. It requires a little patience, but kids get to eat the yummy results!

Learn more: Kool-Aid Rock Candy at Growing a Jeweled Rose

Move pom-poms with air pressure

Understanding the idea that air can have enough force to move objects can be a little challenging, but this simple experiment brings that concept to life. We love that this experiment is affordable since most people (especially teachers) already have these materials on hand.

Learn more: Air Pressure Experiment at Kids Activities Blog

Make a balance scale

This simple balance scale is so easy to make yet provides endless opportunities for weighing all kinds of objects. Have kids assemble a scale from a plastic hanger, a few paper cups, and some string, then let them hypothesize which items will be heavier and which will be lighter.

Learn more: DIY Balance Scales at Go Science Kids

Like these science activities for preschoolers? Don’t miss the 30 Best Educational Toys and Games for Preschool .

Plus, get all the latest teaching tips and ideas when you sign up for our free newsletters .

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10 of the Best Colourful Science Experiments

September 5, 2024 By Emma Vanstone Leave a Comment

Colourful science experiments are often much more engaging for younger children than less colourful activities. Adding colour to a lava lamp, volcano or density demonstration makes the activity feel extra special.

I’ve pulled together a list of my 10 favourite colourful science experiments for kids of all ages.

10 Colourful Science Experiments for kids

Create a skittles rainbow.

The infamous Skittles experiment will never let you down. It’s inexpensive, simple and looks fantastic.

Children can turn it into an investigation by using different temperature water and arranging the Skittles in different ways.

Rainbow in a hosepipe

Create a rainbow on a sunny day day using just a hosepipe. All you need to do is stand with your back to the sun, spray the hosepipe and a rainbow will appear in the droplets!

DIY Colour Mixing Wheel

A colour mixing wheel is a fun way to learn about primary and secondary colours. Children can create their own or use my handy template.

Another fun way to learn about colour mixing is to make colour mixing squishy bags .

Colourful Jar Activity

Creating firework type swirls of food colouring in a glass of water is a brilliant, very visual science activity for kids of all ages.

Colourful Potions

Baking soda and vinegar potions can be made colourful by adding food colouring or using red cabbage indicator . Red cabbage indicator is especially fun to use as it changes colour depending on whether you add an acid ( vinegar ) or alkali ( baking soda ).

The addition of a little dish soap makes an extra foamy potion.

Coloured Density Jar

A multicoloured density jar can be made from water, salt and food colouring!

The blue-coloured water contains salt, which makes it denser than the orange water, which does not contain salt. The denser liquid stays on the bottom and does not mix with the less dense liquid on the top. If the glasses were placed with the salt water on top, it would sink to the bottom and the colours would mix.

Colourful Flowers

White flowers can be made colourful by placing them in a vase of coloured water. The colourful water rises up the stem into the white petals, filling them with colour.

This is a great science activity for demonstrating transpiration .

Colourful Baking Soda Volcano

A baking soda volcano is an ever popular science activity. We made this one extra special by using two colours for the lava!

If you have snow this winter, snow volcanoes are easy to set up and almost mess-free. We made four different colour volcanoes a couple of years ago.

Paper Chromatography with Felt Tip Pens

Colourful paper chromatography is a simple science activity that can be done using paper towel if you don’t have filter paper.

The different inks in the felt-tip pens move through the kitchen towel at different speeds, separating the colours.

Black pens often contain the most different colour inks and are a great example of how this technique can be used as a method of separation.

Colourful Salt Crystals

Creating colourful salt crystals is a fun science activity for a hot day and a visual way to learn about evaporation.

More colourful science experiments

Set up a walking water experiment . This is a fantastic way to learn about capillary action and looks brilliant when it’s complete.

Learn about surface tension with a magic milk display .

Create a colourful slushy drink using the cooling power of ice and salt.

Do you have a favourite colourful science activity?

Last Updated on September 5, 2024 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.

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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.

You May Also Enjoy 28 Rainbow Inspired Activities for Kids

#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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Science Activities for Preschoolers

Did you know that preschool is the perfect time to start doing science experiments? Preschoolers have so much curiosity at this age, making it the perfect time to get hands on with our learning and discovery. Here we are sharing science activities that we have done ourselves with young kids with incredible results. They are not just about learning scientific concepts, they are designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning in young minds. At this age our number one goal is to foster a thrill for discovery! Remember, the key is to have fun and explore science in a playful, engaging way with your young learners. So let’s explore some science ideas for preschool.

Preschool Science Experiments

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Exploring science with preschoolers can be exciting, but it can also come with some challenges. Today we wanted to share some of our favorite science projects that are both educational and fun that you can try with your little ones. We want to make it easy for you, so make sure you click through to each activity to learn all of our pro tips and information to answer all of those questions your kids are going to ask.

Although we have focused on proving preschool science activities, many of these are actually STEM activities that incorporate not only science, but also some technology, engineering and math. 

No matter which activities you do, remember the most important rule, have fun!

Tips for Doing Preschool Science Experiments

Doing science activities with preschoolers can be a lot of fun, but you also need to always ensure safety first. But guess what? Even that part can be fun! I highly recommend buying children’s lab coats and lab safety glasses (in fun colors!) , for your preschoolers. It not only will help protect your kids, but it taps into children’s imaginations and helps them embrace the idea of being little scientists.

When doing any of these activities, proper adult supervision is required at all times, and ensure you adapt the activities as required to meet children where they are at maturity and ability wise. We want science to be fun and safe!

Another tip, always assume things are going to get messy! Cover areas and work in spaces when you can let kids explore freely without worrying about the mess. For some of these experiments, you can even head outside!

Whether you are at home and doing some homeschool science or looking for some classroom experiments, there are lots of fun science activities you can do with your kids!

Preschool Science and STEM

Magic color changing playdough.

Sure, anyone can make playdough, but why not make magic playdough that changes color? Kids can experiment by exposing the playdough to different colors in this heat reactive experiment. My kids especially loved chilling different shaped items and making patterns in the playdough, then warming it up to see them disappear.

We also have recipes for Magic Moon Dough or Magic Oobleck , if you prefer a different sensory science experiment.

A classic activity to keep the kids entertained and busy having fun and learning. Oobleck is a non-Newtonian Fluid, which means it becomes solid under pressure, then liquifies once the pressure is removed. Kids love playing with Oobleck and learn cool lessons in states of matter. We have lots of different recipes for making Oobleck . This is a great outdoor activity!

Hatching Dino Eggs

This baking soda and vinegar experiment idea came about because I needed to find ways to help my dinosaur obsessed preschooler build their fine motor skills. Chemistry may seem like an advanced topic, but in this Hatching Dino Eggs Science Activity we make it easy and fun! Kids love using syringes and pipettes to make their dino eggs fizz and “hatch” revealing a little dinosaur hidden inside.

Bouncy Egg Experiment

This fun science experiment involves soaking a raw egg in vinegar to dissolve its shell, leaving a bouncy, rubbery egg. It’s a fascinating way to teach children about osmosis and the properties of eggshells. Plus, kids have fun testing their Bouncy Eggs to see how much they can bounce… or break!

Making Water Rise

This experiment was one of the first activities that I did with my kids when they were just tiny where I saw their eyes light up with so much curiosity! In this project, kids learn about creating a vacuum in a simple setup involving a jar, water, and a candle. This How Does Water Rise activity demonstrates basic principles of physics in an easily understandable way. For really little ones, I do this as a demonstration and they watch as I do the experiment, but they can still get involved by using the thermometer to take readings.

Keep It Dry Experiment

This is a really quick and easy experiment that little kids love. Watch their surprise as you immerse a glass in water with paper towel inside… and it stays dry! Then let them do the Keep it Dry experiment themselves.

Frozen Bubbles

If you live in a colder climate, try freezing bubbles outside. It’s a fun way to explore the science of freezing and weather conditions. We share the secret to the perfect frozen bubbles , so you can have success with your little ones.

Not cold enough for frozen bubbles? You can still do some Bubble Science .

Bottle Crush

A fun and visually impressive way to understand heat transfer, using a plastic bottle, hot water, and cold conditions (or ice). My little ones love doing Bottle Crush as a magic trick that always wows!

Balloon Races – Physics Fun

You might think preschoolers are too young to learn about physics, but they aren’t too little! They will have a blast with Balloon Races which are a very fun, fast paced way to learn about basic physics principles. It will also help kids with lots of energy, burn off some steam while learning.

Glitter Dance – Surface Tension Experiment

Using just a plate, water, glitter (or pepper), and dish soap, this Glitter Dance experiment is a straightforward demonstration of how soap affects water’s surface tension.

Oil and Water Experiment

This easy science project is a fantastic way to explore the properties of oil and water , along with color theory. Kids can observe how oil and water do not mix and explore the mixing of colors.

Ice Fishing Experiment

This is a fantastic STEM game and experiment for preschoolers that uses salt, water, and homemade ice fish to explore the science of how salt affects ice melt. It’s a playful and educational activity that combines science with a fishing game .

Growing Crystals

Growing crystals can be a magical experience for young minds. It is honestly one of my favorite science activities, because the results are so beautiful! This Egg Geode Crystal Growing activity involves simple ingredients and offers a hands-on approach to learning about crystallization and geology.

If you are looking for crystal growing using other ingredients, we explore lots of different options in our Crystal Gnome project or try growing tasty sugar crystals .

This experiment is not only a visual treat but also a great way to learn about chemical reactions and density. Preschoolers will be mesmerized watching the bubbles dance and play in a homemade lava lamp, which can be made in lots of different ways using household items. We share 5 of our favorite Lava Lamp Activities , including glow in the dark versions.

In this captivating Magic Milk science experiment , preschoolers create an explosion of color as they use soap to disrupt the milk’s surface tension. It’s a fantastic way to teach about chemical reactions and surface tension in a mesmerizing way. Play with the fat content of your milk to create new reactions.

Elephant Toothpaste

A classic experiment where a chemical reaction creates a foamy gusher volcano like reaction, is Elephant Toothpaste . This can be easily done at home with common ingredients and is always a hit with kids.

Make sure you head to your local science center when they are doing demonstration days. They often do massive elephant toothpaste experiments with strong chemicals that erupt many feet into the air!

Walking Rainbow Experiment

We totally messed up this experiment the first time we did it, but once we figured it out, the kids were fascinated and loved checking on the progress over a few days. The Walking Rainbow experiment is a beautiful demonstration of capillary action and color mixing, requiring just jars, paper towels, water, and food coloring… just make sure you read my notes to ensure you don’t make the same mistakes I did!

Rainbow Rain

Keep those rainbows going with this pretty Rainbow Rain science activity that replicates rain clouds. A simple and beautiful experiment involving water, shaving cream, and food coloring, perfect for a rainy day activity.

Skittles Experiment

A super easy and colorful experiment using Skittles and water, the Skittles Experiment is always a hit. My kids especially enjoyed creating different designs and patterns. We even made a Starry Night inspired one. This experiment is not only beautiful, but it smells good too!

Does it Float?

In this fun activity, young children can explore the science concepts of buoyancy and density, by testing whether items sink or float. We loved using this project to introduce the scientific method to our little ones. You can also do this experiment with water balloons or for a really quick and easy science experiments, do it with floating soda pop cans .

Making Milk Plastic

This surprisingly simple experiment involves making bioplastics out of milk to create cute little figures and toys. It’s a wonderful way to introduce the concept of polymers and plastics. Plus, they get to keep a neat keepsake of their scientific creation.

These science activities are perfect for sparking a love of learning and discovery in preschoolers. Each experiment is designed to be simple, engaging, and educational, making science fun and accessible for young learners. Use this list as inspiration for your next session of exploration, discovery and science! Most of all… have fun!

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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.

It's time to get to the lab

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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