science experiments for kindergarten

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

Engaging in science experiments for kindergarten is an essential part of education. These hands-on activities offer young learners a chance to see the world in action, encouraging critical thinking skills and inspiring awe for the natural world. Whether it’s observing a plant sprout or mixing colored liquids, little scientists are sure to have a blast while learning important lessons about the world around them.

Engaging students in scientific experiments in the classroom is an effective strategy for fostering active learning. Hands-on activities allow children to develop their curiosity, as they ask questions, test hypotheses, and make keen observations. But it’s not just about learning science – by working together and sharing their findings, children also develop communication and teamwork skills that will serve them well in all aspects of life. Ultimately, incorporating science experiments into the curriculum creates a dynamic learning environment that engages and inspires young minds.

Discovering the wonders of science as a kindergarten student can be a truly enriching experience. With the right approach, educators can create a fun and engaging environment that excites young learners. And why not add some festive cheer into the mix? By incorporating seasonal themes like those found in this article, teachers can take student engagement to the next level. These educational yet fun science experiments for kindergarten could inspire the next generation of scientific pioneers.

Science experiments are like magical adventures that spark curiosity and imagination in kindergarteners. They provide endless opportunities for kids to unleash their inner scientist, from learning about the properties of matter to discovering the wonders of the natural world. Teachers who integrate these hands-on activities into their curriculum can spark a passion for learning in their students that lasts a lifetime. Plus, these experiments help develop essential cognitive and social skills, like critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork. So let’s inspire the next generation of scientists and explorers with some fun and engaging science experiments!

4 Easy Science Experiments for Kindergarten

Looking for some engaging and entertaining science experiments for budding scientists? Look no further! These effortless and exciting projects are tailored specifically for kindergarteners and require only a few materials. Any curious child will love getting acquainted with the basics of science through these stimulating activities.

1. Dancing Raisins

Attention all curious kindergarteners! Get ready to witness a thrilling scientific experiment that involves raisins and carbon dioxide bubbles. Watch as the raisins magically float to the surface and then sink back down again when the bubbles pop. You won’t want to miss out on this exciting discovery!

Materials :

• Fill the glass with water and add a handful of raisins.
• Watch as the raisins dance up and down in the water.

In this video, you’ll learn how to make raisins dance using baking soda and vinegar. It’s a fun and easy science experiment that is sure to captivate your kindergarten learners.

2. Magic Milk

Welcome to an enchanting science activity that is perfect for kindergarteners! Our young learners will be thrilled to witness a mesmerizing phenomenon that takes place when soap is dropped into milk. When soap breaks the surface tension of milk, something truly magical happens – the food coloring starts to blend and swirl in all directions!

• Food coloring
• A shallow dish
• Pour enough milk to cover the bottom of the dish.
• Add a few drops of food coloring.
• Add a drop of dish soap to the center of the dish.
• Watch as the colors swirl and mix together.

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

Engage your little scientists with a thrilling kindergarten experiment that they won’t forget! Discover the magic of vinegar and baking soda as they react to create a bubbling, explosive eruption. Whip out your lab coats and goggles as you explore the science behind the reaction- vinegar is an acid while baking soda is a base. When they combine, it forms an incredible carbon dioxide gas that causes the fizzy and exciting reaction.

• Baking soda
• A plastic bottle
• Use the funnel to add baking soda to the plastic bottle.
• Pour in vinegar and watch as the mixture bubbles and fizzes, creating a mini-volcano.

In this video, you’ll learn how to make a volcano erupt using baking soda and vinegar. It’s a classic science experiment that will engage your kindergarten learners and teach them about chemical reactions.

4. Rainbow Celery

Experience the magic of science with your young ones through this engaging experiment! Watch as celery transforms before their eyes by absorbing vibrant colors through its stem. Kindergarten students will be thrilled to witness the captivating process of water transportation in plants.

• A clear glass or jar
• Fill the glass with water and add a few drops of food coloring.
• Cut the bottom of the celery stalk and place it in the glass.
• Wait a few hours and watch as the celery turns different colors.

This science experiment for kindergarteners is a colorful and fun way to learn about plant anatomy. Watch as we demonstrate how water moves through celery and creates a beautiful rainbow effect.

4 Fun Science Experiments for Kindergarten

Are you ready to turn your kindergartener into a mad scientist? Look no further than these entertaining and captivating science experiments. Children will be thrilled to participate in experiments that are both straightforward and engaging, requiring only a few materials. You can do them with ease at home or in the classroom, and they will enhance children’s curiosity and knowledge of science right from a young age.

5. Colorful Bubble Snake

Get ready for some bubble-tastic fun with this science experiment! Take your bubble blowing skills to the next level by creating a mesmerizing bubble snake. Watch in wonder as bursts of colorful bubbles spiral out of the bottle and combine to create a winding serpent-like shape. Kids won’t be able to resist blowing and watching the magical bubble snake form in front of their eyes.

• Plastic bottle
• Rubber band
• Cut the bottom of the plastic bottle and put a sock over it, securing it with a rubber band.
• Mix dish soap and water in a bowl and add food coloring.
• Dip the sock end into the mixture and blow into the top of the bottle.

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

Looking for an exciting way to introduce chemical reactions to young minds? Look no further than this vibrant and fizzy experiment! With a colorful explosion that will capture their attention, children will have a blast while learning the science behind the magic.

• Pour milk into a dish, add drops of food coloring.
• Then add dish soap and vinegar.
• Sprinkle baking soda over the top and watch the reaction.

Watch the explosive power of milk in this fun science experiment for kindergarteners. Using just a few ingredients, your students will learn about chemical reactions and colors.

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.

• Paper towels
• Fill three clear cups with water.
• Add different colors of food coloring.
• Place one cup between the other two and connect them with paper towels, folded to create a bridge.

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

Engage young minds with a lively experiment that will teach them about force and motion! Kids will be delighted as they watch a colorful balloon rocket soar across the room. It’s the perfect activity to get them interested in science in a playful and enjoyable way.

• Tape a straw to the top of a string and tie it between two chairs.
• Thread a balloon through the straw, blow it up, and hold onto the end.
• Let go and watch the balloon rocket across the string.

Watch how to make a balloon rocket in this fun science experiment for kindergarteners. Your students will learn about forces and motion in a fun and engaging way.

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!

• Candy canes
• Tray or dish
• Place a candy cane on a tray or dish.
• Sprinkle baking soda over the candy cane.
• Pour vinegar over the baking soda and watch the candy cane fizz!

In this video, you’ll learn how to make fizzy candy canes using baking soda and vinegar. It’s a sweet and fun science experiment that will engage your kindergarten learners.

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.

• Pipe cleaners
• Jar or container
• Bend a pipe cleaner into a snowflake shape.
• Tie a string to the pipe cleaner and attach it to a pencil.
• Mix 3 tablespoons of borax with 1 cup of boiling water in a jar or container.
• Submerge the pipe cleaner snowflake in the solution and let it sit overnight.
• Remove the snowflake from the solution and let it dry.

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

Get ready to experience a holiday treat that defies the laws of physics. Introducing peppermint-infused Oobleck, the non-Newtonian fluid that’s both a liquid and a solid. With just the right amount of force, this festive concoction transforms into a rigid structure that will amaze you. But as soon as the force is gone, it reverts back to a flowing liquid. This mind-bending creation is sure to add a bit of scientific wonder to your holiday celebrations.

• Peppermint extract
• Red food coloring (optional)
• Mix cornstarch with water in a bowl.
• Add a few drops of peppermint extract and red food coloring (if desired).
• Mix the ingredients together with your hands to create a goopy, slimy substance.

In this video, you’ll learn how to make peppermint oobleck, a fun and slimy science experiment for kindergarteners. Your students will learn about non-Newtonian fluids and viscosity.

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.

• Small plastic snowman figurine
• Mix together baking soda and water in a bowl.
• Place the snowman figurine on a tray or dish.
• Pour the baking soda mixture over the snowman.
• Pour vinegar over the baking soda mixture and watch the snowman “melt”!

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

Inject some scientific magic into your Thanksgiving celebrations with these exciting and educational experiments! Kids will love exploring the fascinating world of science as they experiment, learn and have a blast. Spice up your holiday lesson plans and holiday activities with these interactive Thanksgiving experiments that are sure to capture their imagination and teach them something new.

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.

• Cut off the top of the apple and use a spoon to scoop out the core.
• Place the apple on a tray.
• Add baking soda to the apple until it’s about 3/4 full.
• Pour vinegar over the baking soda and watch the apple volcano erupt!

In this video, you’ll learn how to make an apple volcano using just a few household ingredients. It’s a fun and easy science experiment that will teach your kindergarten learners about chemical reactions.

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!

• Dried corn on the cob
• Brown paper bag
• Place a dried corn on the cob in a brown paper bag.
• Fold the top of the bag over twice and place it in the microwave.
• Cook on high for about 2-3 minutes, or until you hear the popping stop.
• Open the bag carefully and enjoy your freshly popped 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

Discovering the world around us is crucial for young minds. Engaging in sensory play can benefit children’s development in countless ways. Engage your little ones in an exciting experiment that involves exploring the inside of a pumpkin through their senses. Not only will this activity provide endless fun, it will also spark an enlightening conversation about the different parts of a pumpkin and how it grows.

• Small pumpkin
• Plastic container
• Sensory materials (e.g., scoops, spoons, cups, bowls)
• Cut off the top of the pumpkin and scoop out the seeds and pulp into a plastic container.
• Provide sensory materials for the children to explore the pumpkin guts. Encourage them to touch, scoop, and feel the texture.
• Talk about the different parts of the pumpkin and what they are used for.

In this video, you’ll learn how to use pumpkin guts for a fun and messy sensory play activity for kindergarteners. Your students will learn about the properties of different materials and textures.

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!

• Cranberries
• Clear plastic cups
• Fill a clear plastic cup with water.
• Add a few cranberries to the cup and observe what happens.
• Sprinkle salt over the top of the cranberries and observe again.

Watch as we demonstrate how to conduct a fun and colorful science experiment using cranberries in this video for kindergarteners. Your students will learn about acid-base reactions and colors.

Additional 4 Science Experiments for Kindergarten

Expanding the scientific horizons for kindergarteners goes beyond the original dozen experiments. Gear up for an even more gratifying adventure with four additional engaging, hands-on experiments that will undoubtedly spark curiosity and nourish young minds.

17. Elephant Toothpaste

This iconic experiment is a definite crowd-pleaser among kids. It showcases a chemical reaction that leads to an enormous, frothy blast. Witnessing the foam steadily expanding and overflowing from the container is sure to excite children. This experiment proves to be a fantastic educational tool as it teaches young ones about the wonders of chemical reactions and what catalysts are.

• A cup of hydrogen peroxide (6%)
• food coloring (optional)
• Pour the hydrogen peroxide into a clean plastic bottle.
• Add the dish soap and a few drops of food coloring, if desired. Swirl to mix.
• In a separate container, mix together the warm water and dry yeast. Stir until the yeast is completely dissolved.
• Pour the yeast mixture into the bottle with the hydrogen peroxide mixture.
• Step back and watch the foamy explosion!

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.

• Small magnets
• Optional: tape, scissors
• Tape the paper to a flat surface to keep it from moving.
• Dip the magnets into the paint and use them to create designs on the paper.
• Experiment with different shapes and colors.
• If desired, cut the paper into shapes or use as-is.

In this video, you’ll learn how to create a magnetic painting using iron filings and a magnet. This experiment is a fun and creative way to teach young learners about the science of magnets and how they can attract and repel each other.

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.

• Glass or clear container
• Place the raw egg in the glass or container.
• Pour enough vinegar over the egg to cover it completely.
• Wait 24-48 hours and observe the changes.
• After 24-48 hours, remove the egg from the vinegar and rinse it off with water. The eggshell should be completely dissolved, leaving only the membrane of the egg behind.

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

Looking for a fun-filled activity that teaches kids the science behind freezing while rewarding them with delicious ice cream? This experiment is the perfect blend of education and entertainment! Kids can learn how salt helps lower the freezing point of water and get hands-on experience with making their very own ice cream.

• Heavy cream
• Vanilla extract
• Plastic bags
• In the quart-sized bag, mix together the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and vanilla extract.
• Seal the bag tightly, removing as much air as possible.
• Fill the gallon-sized bag halfway with ice cubes.
• Add the rock salt to the ice cubes.
• Place the quart-sized bag inside the gallon-sized bag and seal the larger bag tightly, removing as much air as possible.
• Shake the bags for 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture inside the quart-sized bag turns into ice cream!

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

• NSTA.org — As a nonprofit organization, the NSTA is committed to providing science teachers with everything they need to succeed in the classroom, from kindergarten all the way up to advanced levels. With access to engaging lesson plans, proven teaching strategies, and top-notch professional development opportunities, teachers can continually improve their knowledge and skills. Plus, the NSTA hosts an array of events and conferences that give teachers the chance to connect with other professionals in the field, making it easier than ever to share ideas and collaborate on new projects.
• ScienceBuddies.org — Science Buddies, a nonprofit organization, is dedicated to providing a wealth of resources to both teachers and students looking to embark on exciting science experiments for kindergarten! Their website is chock full of project ideas that support the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), complete with helpful videos and clear, easy-to-follow instructions.
• NASA.gov — NASA is committed to helping educators inspire and educate their students in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) from a young age. With a wealth of resources available on their website, including lesson plans, interactive activities, and multimedia, teachers of all levels – yes, even kindergarten! – can find engaging tools to help their students explore the mysteries of space and beyond.

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 Experiments

Curious kids turn into junior scientists with these fun and simple  science experiments for kindergarten. Here’s our list of the best kindergarten science activities that are totally doable and use simple supplies for home or in the classroom.

Kindergarten Science Topics

Kindergarten science introduces young learners to basic scientific concepts through hands-on activities and simple observations. Here are some common science concepts that kindergarteners may learn in the classroom:

Five Senses : Understanding and exploring the five senses – sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell. Activities might involve identifying and categorizing objects based on sensory experiences.

Living vs. Non-living : Differentiating between living and non-living things. Students may explore plants, animals, and objects to understand the characteristics of living organisms.

Seasons : Recognizing and understanding the four seasons and their characteristics. Activities may include observing changes in the weather, trees, and clothing.

Weather : Introducing basic weather concepts such as sunny, rainy, cloudy, windy, and snowy. Students may engage in weather-related observations and discussions.

Day and Night: Understanding the concept of day and night, and the rotation of the Earth. Activities might include observing the sky during different times of the day.

Basic Plant Parts : Introducing the basic parts of a plant, such as roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and seeds. Simple plant-growing experiments may be conducted.

Animals and their Habitats : Learning about different animals and their habitats. This may include discussions about where animals live and what they eat.

Basic Measurement : Introduction to basic measurement concepts, such as big/small, tall/short, long/short. Students may use non-standard units for measurement.

Sink and Float : Exploring the concept of buoyancy by observing and experimenting with objects that sink or float in water.

Magnets : Introducing the basic properties of magnets, such as attraction and repulsion. Students may explore objects that are attracted to magnets.

Life Cycle: Exploring the life cycle of simple organisms, such as butterflies, frogs, or plants. Activities may involve sequencing the stages of a life cycle.

Easy Science Experiments For Kindergarten

Are science activities easy to do with young kids? You bet! The science activities you find here are inexpensive, as well as quick and easy to set up!

Many of these awesome kinder science experiments use common ingredients you may already have. Just check your kitchen cupboard for cool science supplies.

Describe An Apple Using The 5 Senses

The 5 senses are a great way for younger kids to practice their observation skills. Get kids to examine, explore, and of course taste the different varieties of apples to find out which apple is the best. Use our handy free 5 senses worksheet to extend the lesson for kids ready to journal their science experiments.

Salt Painting

Combine science and art to learn about absorption with this easy salt painting activity. All you need is a little imagination, glue, and salt!

Magic Milk Experiment

The chemical reaction in this magic milk experiment is fun for kids to watch and makes for great hands-on learning. The perfect science activity as you already have all the items for it in your kitchen.

Grow A Rainbow

A fun and colorful experiment that uses a paper towel, markers and water to demonstrate the process of capillary action.

Sink or Float

Grab some common every day items and test whether they sink or float in water. An easy science activity to introduce the concept of buoyancy to our kindergarteners.

Egg In Salt Water

Will an egg float or sink in salt water? This is a fun version of the sink or float activity above. Ask lots of questions and get kids thinking with this salt water density experiment.

Is it a liquid or is it a solid? Fun hands-on science and play with our easy 2 ingredient oobleck recipe

Magnet Discovery Table

Exploring magnets makes for an awesome discovery table! Discovery tables are simple low tables set up with a theme for kids to explore. Check out some easy ideas to set up magnets for kids to explore.

Mirrors and Reflection

Mirrors are fascinating and have wonderful play and learning possibilities plus they make for great science!

Colored Carnations

It might take a little bit of time to see your white flowers change color, but this an easy science experiment for kindergarten. Get kids thinking about how the colored water moves through the plant to the flowers.

You could also do this with celery !

Coffee Filter Flowers

Coffee filter flowers are a colorful STEAM activity for kids. Color a coffee filter with markers and spray with water for a fun effect.

Easy Flowers To Grow

Watching flowers grow is an amazing science lesson for kindergarten. Our hands-on growing flowers activity gives kids the opportunity to plant and grow their own flowers! Check out our list of the best seeds for little hands to pick up and plant, and grow quickly.

Seed Germination Jar

One of our most popular science experiments of all time and for good reason! What happens to seeds when you put them in the ground? Set up your own seed jars so kids can see the seeds germinating and growing towards the light.

Rain Cloud In A Jar

Where does rain come from? How do clouds make rain? Science doesn’t get much simpler than a sponge and a cup of water. Explore weather science with this rain cloud in a jar activity.

Introduce rainbows to kids with our printable rainbow coloring page , a coffee filter rainbow craft or this rainbow art . Or just have fun bending light to making the colors of the rainbow with simple prisms .

Ice makes an amazing sensory play and science material. It’s free (unless you buy a bag), always available and pretty cool too! The simple act of melting ice is a great science activity for kindergarten.

Provide kids with squirt bottles, eye droppers, scoops, and basters and you will also work strengthening those little hands for handwriting as well. Check out our list of favorite ice play activities !

What Absorbs Water

Explore what materials absorb water and what materials do not absorb water. Use items you already have on hand for this easy science experiment for kindergarten.

BONUS!!  Check out our spooky  Halloween Science Activities !

Kindergarten Science Standards Simplified

Much of what surrounds your kids every day is what makes up a good portion of the kindergarten science standards.

TIP 1: Play With Toys

The first thing a K teacher should do to get their students into NGSS is to start with toys and play! Gather yo-yos, toy cars and ramps/tracks, blocks, a wagon, marbles, etc and get the students playing.

We know young children learn best through play, so let’s use that to our advantage. How will playing help them learn science concepts?

Well the specific toys suggested above will all help students learn about forces and motion, pushes and pulls. This is a specific set of standards NGSS includes for the grade!

Now that your students are playing, talk to them about what is happening with the toys. Ask them questions like “what might happen if I push this faster?” “What about if I pull it slower?” You can foster conversation surrounding the play and the concepts! Then check those standards off your list! Easy enough right?!

TIP 2: Favorite Animals

Another suggestion I can make for K teachers diving into the world of science with their students is to use little kids’ love of animals to your advantage too! I have yet to meet a little one who doesn’t have a favorite animal! They can spout endless facts about on-demand. Kids LOVE animals!

Ask each student what his/her favorite animal is and what it eats, and you’re halfway there. You can talk about plants getting food from the soil, sun, and water!

TIP 3: Tricky Topics

You’re thinking, “ok, so far so good, but now I see that the NGSS standards want me to teach ‘Earth’s Systems’ to 5 year-olds and we’re not even sure that meteorologists understand ‘Earth’s systems’”. Have no fear!

All this means is we need to talk to our students about and make observations about the weather where we live. We can tie this into graphing and math, as many of us already do in our morning meetings, and we’re meeting some of the standards.

You can ask the students to have a dress-up day (who doesn’t love a good theme day!) and represent clothing needed for certain kinds of weather. Guess what? You’re meeting some of the standards!

Talk about the number of sunny days, cloudy days, rainy days in a month and compare the temperatures (warm/cool) from that length of time.

TIP 4: Integrate Topics

The final bundled of NGSS standards created for kindergarten is the group called “Earth and Human Activity”. This unit is going to bring your plant/animal learning and your weather discussions together!

To meet these standards you can begin to introduce the concept of food chains to the kids. You can talk more about what animals eat, what they need to survive, and how that changes or effects where the animals live.

This includes humans too! You can also discuss more why we have forecasters and why predicting the weather is important. (Take it back to your dress-up day and you’re set!)

Lastly, you can talk to students about conservation, recycling and protecting the earth to meet the final standard in this bundle. I have yet to meet a teacher that doesn’t do something with their students for Earth Day, be it a read-aloud, craft or picking up trash from the playground.

Take this conversation a tad deeper than you normally would and realize that not only did you just do some awesome hands-on teaching and integration, but you also just nailed the NGSS standards!

Printable Early Learning STEM Pack

Get ready to explore this year with our growing Preschool STEM Bundle ! Or grab the individual packs.

What’s Included:

There are 12 fun preschool themes to get you started. This is an ” I can explore” series! You’ll find both seasonal and non-seasonal themes appropriate to preschool learning throughout the year.

Each unit contains approximately 15 activities, with instructions and templates  as needed. Hands-on activities are provided to keep it fun and exciting. This includes sensory bins, experiments, games, and more! Easy supplies keep it low-cost, and book suggestions add learning time.

Subscribe to receive a free 5-Day STEM Challenge Guide

~ projects to try now ~.

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 .

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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.