Fun and Easy Science Activities for Preschoolers

For a preschooler, fluttering butterflies, raindrops, vibrant rainbows or bubbles dancing in the sunlight, are more than just joyful sights, these enchanting wonders are the very essence of discovery. As a child learns to observe and unravel the world around them, they instinctively begin to uncover the science behind it all. They start to question and seek answers in their playful exploration. This natural curiosity of a child lays the groundwork for critical thinking, grasping scientific ideas, and a lifelong love for learning. Easy science activities for preschoolers can help them build on this curiosity, making complex concepts easy to understand through hands-on fun.

Benefits of Science Activities for Preschoolers:

Everyday play and exploration help children develop essential skills to understand the science behind everything they see or do.

• Noticing the World Around Them

Children learn to pay attention to detail by observing—watching plants grow, seeing how objects move, or feeling textures.

• Finding Similarities and Differences

Through comparing, children identify how objects or events are alike or differen­t—noticing different sizes of a block, different shades and shapes of leaves.

• Grouping Based on Characteristics

Your little one learns to classify by sorting and grouping items based on shared traits, such as colour, shape, or size, which helps develop logical thinking.

• Understanding Size and Quantity

A child grasps the understanding of measurement through the idea of how much, how big, or how long things are. Simple tasks like pouring water or stacking blocks teach basic measurement concepts.

• Sharing Ideas and Discoveries

Communication is key in science. Preschoolers learn to describe what they see, ask questions, and share their thoughts with others, boosting both language and critical thinking skills.

• Inferring Why Things Happen

Dark clouds in the air? “It’s going to rain, Mummy!” Children learn to make sense of what they observe with what they know.

• Guessing What Happens Next

Children use their observations and experiences to make educated guesses or predict about what might happen next, sparking curiosity and excitement.

33 Easy Science Activities for Preschoolers:

Here’s a compilation of some fun and exciting hands-on science activities for preschoolers that spark curiosity and encourage your little learners to explore the world around them:

1. See What Sinks and What Floats:

“See What Sinks and What Floats” is an easy science activity for preschoolers to explore how things work. Through this experiment, your little one learns to make guesses (predictions), observe what happens, and compare their guesses with the results. The essence of this activity is to encourage your child to think about why some objects stay on top of the water while others go to the bottom, helping them develop important thinking and learning skills.

Materials Required:

A tub of water, various objects like stone, leaf, plastic spoon, coin, sponge

Steps:

• Fill the tub with water.
• Gather different small objects and ask the child to guess whether each object will sink or float.
• Let your little one drop each object into the water one by one and observe what happens.
• Ask them to compare the results to the predictions.
• Discuss why certain objects sink and others float.

Difficulty Level:

Easy

Scientific Concept:

Density

2. Grow a Rainbow:

A magical and colourful way for preschoolers to explore how colours move and blend is through this easy science activity. This simple activity helps little ones understand how water can move colours and encourages them to think about why things happen the way they do. In this fun experiment, children learn to observe changes, make predictions about what will happen, and compare the results with what they thought.

Materials Required:

Paper towels, sketch pens, a shallow dish, water.

Steps:

• Let your child fold a paper towel lengthwise into a strip and place it in the shallow dish.
• Use sketch pens to make dots of colour at the bottom of the paper towel strip.
• Fill the shallow dish with a small amount of water, ensuring it doesn’t cover the paper towel.
• Let them place the paper towel strip in the water, making sure the coloured ends are submerged.
• Observe as the colours travel up the paper towel, mixing and creating a rainbow effect.
• Share with your child the concept of capillary action and how it helps the colours to move and mix.

Difficulty Level:

Easy

Scientific Concept:

Capillary action

3. What Melts in the Sun:

“What melts in the sun”, is an interesting activity to place different types of chocolate outside and watch them melt in the sun. It’s a tasty way to learn how heat changes solid chocolate into a gooey treat! Through this fun activity, children get to observe how chocolate changes, make predictions about which chocolate will melt faster, and compare their guesses with what actually happens. Through this simple science activity, you can introduce the concept of heat transfer to your little one and encourage them to think about how heat affects different materials.

Materials Required:

Different types of chocolates, a tray

Steps:

• Gather various types of chocolate and place them on the plate or tray.
• Take the plate outside to a sunny area.
• Let your child observe the chocolates in the sun and predict which one will melt first.
• Set a timer and periodically check back to see how the chocolates are melting.
• Discuss the differences in melting times and textures as the chocolates begin to change.
• Share with your child the concept of heat transfer and how the sun’s warmth affects the chocolates.

Difficulty Level:

Moderate

Scientific Concept:

Heat transfer, States of matter

4. Floating Egg:

In this exciting science activity for preschoolers, where they can discover how adding salt to water can make an egg float instead of sink. It’s a fun and easy science activity for preschoolers to learn about density and buoyancy. Not just that when they perform the experiment, they are also observing the changes, making predictions about what will happen, and also comparing their results with their expectations. This hands-on exploration helps little ones understand how different liquids can affect whether an object sinks or floats.

Materials Required:

Raw egg, a bowl, water, salt

Steps:

• Fill the container with water until it’s about three-quarters full.
• Carefully place the raw egg in the water and observe what happens (it will sink).
• Remove the egg and add salt to the water, stirring until it dissolves.
• Once the salt is mixed in, gently place the egg back in the water and watch it float!
• Discuss how adding salt changes the water’s density, making the egg float instead of sink.
• Share with your child the concept of buoyancy and how different liquids can support various objects.

Difficulty Level:

Moderate

Scientific Concept:

Buoyancy

5. Homemade Slime:

Who doesn’t love to play with slime! This fun science activity for preschoolers is a hands-on way to explore science through mixing and observing chemical reactions! Homemade Slime allows preschoolers to create their own stretchy, gooey slime using simple ingredients. This engaging experiment helps little ones understand how different ingredients interact to create something new.

Materials Required:

1 cup of clear glue, 1/2 cup of water, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 tablespoon of contact lens solution (containing boric acid), food colouring (optional), a bowl and a mixing spoon.

Steps:

• Let your child mix the glue and water together in a bowl, until well combined.
• Add the baking soda to the mixture and stir until dissolved.
• Add a few drops of food colouring and let them mix it well.
• Slowly add the contact lens solution while your little one stirs until the mixture starts to thicken and form slime.
• Knead the slime with your hands until it reaches your preferred consistency.
• Store it in an airtight container to keep it from drying out.

Difficulty Level:

Moderate

Scientific Concept:

Chemical reactions

6. Volcanic Eruption:

Let your little one create their own mini volcano and watch a fizzy eruption using simple household ingredients. This exciting experiment engages preschoolers in hands-on learning as they mix the ingredients and observe the bubbly reaction. As they set up their volcano, question them and let them predict how big the eruption will be and compare their expectations with the actual results. This fun and interactive experience gives them a glimpse into the world of chemistry and encourages them to understand the science behind chemical reactions.

Materials Required:

Baking soda, vinegar, a small container or plastic bottle, dish soap, food colouring, a tray or large dish to contain the mess

Steps:

• Place the small container or bottle in the centre of the tray.
• Add 3 tablespoons of baking soda to the container.
• Mix in a few drops of dish soap and food colouring for a colourful effect.
• Let your child slowly pour vinegar into the container and watch as the “lava” erupts out!
• Discuss the scientific concept of the activity with your child that how the reaction between baking soda (a base) and vinegar (an acid) creates carbon dioxide gas, which causes the eruption.
• Experiment with different amounts of baking soda and vinegar to see how it affects the size of the eruption.

Difficulty Level:

Easy

Scientific Concept:

Chemical reactions

7. Lava Lamp:

Let your child create a colourful, bubbling lava lamp using oil, water, and a fizzy tablet. This fun science activity for preschoolers encourages them to explore the properties of different liquids and observe how they interact. Watch them get awestruck as their lava lamp comes to life with vibrant colours and bubbles as soon as the fizzy tablet drops into the water. This engaging activity helps little ones understand the concepts of density and chemical reactions in a visually exciting way.

Materials Required:

A clear bottle, water, vegetable oil, food colouring, any effervescent tablet

Steps:

• Fill the bottle about one-quarter full with water.
• Add a few drops of food colouring to the water and stir to mix.
• Let your child slowly pour vegetable oil into the bottle, filling it almost to the top. Watch as the oil and water separate.
• Break the fizzy tablet into pieces, drop one piece into the bottle, and let them watch the fun as the bubbles rise.
• Once the bubbling slows down, add another piece to keep the reaction going.
• Explain to your child how oil and water don’t mix due to their different densities, and how the tablet releases gas, causing the coloured water to form bubbles that rise and fall like lava.

Difficulty Level:

Easy

Scientific Concept:

Density and chemical reactions

8. Colour Changing Chemistry:

In this easy science activity for preschoolers, children can use simple kitchen ingredients to reveal vibrant colours while learning how acids and bases react to change the colour of certain liquids. This hands-on experience encourages little ones to discover the fascinating world of chemistry through fun and engaging activities. Allow them to observe closely and guess the colour change. This fun and easy science activity allows your child to explore the science behind pH and chemical reactions.

Materials Required:

Red cabbage, water, vinegar, baking soda, small cups or clear containers, a pot.

Steps:

• Boil a few red cabbage leaves in water for about 10 minutes, then strain the liquid into a bowl.
• Pour the cabbage juice into several small cups.
• Let your little one add vinegar to the cabbage juice and observe the colour change to pink or red.
• Repeat the same process by adding baking soda to another cup of cabbage juice and watch it turn blue or green.
• Let your child experiment by adding different amounts of vinegar or baking soda to see how the colours change.
  Explain how the cabbage juice changes colour when it reacts with acids (vinegar) and bases (baking soda), showing how chemicals can affect pH levels.

Difficulty level:

Moderate

Scientific Concept:

pH, Acids and Bases

9. Mirrors and Reflections:

The “Mirrors and Reflections” is a simple science activity for preschoolers that allows them to explore the very basic concepts of Physics. Let them play and understand how light behaves when it bounces off mirrors. As children play with mirrors, they can create fun reflections and learn about concepts like symmetry and angles. This hands-on experience encourages little ones to observe how their movements create different reflections and to make predictions about what they will see. This activity not only sparks curiosity about light but also introduces foundational concepts in physics through playful exploration.

Materials Required:

Handheld mirror, flashlight, small toy or a pencil, large mirror

Steps:

• Give your child the handheld mirror and have them look at objects in the room through the mirror.
• Place the small object in front of the mirror and let them see how it appears in the reflection.
• Ask your child to move the object closer and farther from the mirror to see how the reflection changes.
• Experiment by shining a flashlight on the mirror and observe how the light reflects and bounces.
• If you have a large mirror, stand in front of it with your child and explore how your reflections move and change with your actions and explain how mirrors reflect light.

Difficulty level:

Moderate

Scientific Concept:

Light reflection

10. Seed Germination:

One of the very first life science activities for preschoolers that intrigue children is seed germination. In this exciting hands-on science activity, let your little one plant seeds and watch them get amazed when they observe the transformation of these seeds into tiny plants. This experiment encourages them to make predictions about how long it will take for the seeds to sprout and to observe the changes that occur each day. Through this process, children develop patience and a deeper understanding of the life cycle of plants.

Materials Required:

Sunflower seeds, a clear plastic cup, cotton balls, water

Steps:

• Dampen the cotton balls and place them at the bottom of the clear cup or jar.
• Position the seeds along the side of the cup so they are visible through the glass.
• Sprinkle a little water to keep the cotton moist, but not soaked.
• Let your child place the cup in a sunny spot and check the seeds daily, making sure to keep the cotton damp.
• Watch as the seeds begin to sprout roots, stems, and leaves over the next few days.
• Explain how water, sunlight, and air help the seeds germinate and grow into plants.

Difficulty level:

Easy

Scientific Concept:

Seed Germination

11. Water Xylophone:

This fun and interactive experiment encourages preschoolers to explore how sound changes with water levels. Let your child create music through this easy science activity by letting them tap on glasses filled with different amounts of water. As they experiment with different glasses, children can make predictions about which glasses will produce higher or lower pitches and observe the differences in sound. This hands-on science activity not only fosters creativity but also introduces fundamental concepts of sound and vibration in an enjoyable way.

Materials Required:

5-6 clear glass bowls, water, wooden spoon, food colouring

Steps:

• Line up glass bowls in a row.
• Fill each bowl with a different amount of water, ranging from almost full to just a small amount.
• Add a few drops of food colouring to each glass to make it more visually fun.
• Use the wooden spoon to gently tap the side of each glass and listen to the different sounds.
• Encourage your child to experiment by tapping the glasses in different sequences to create simple tunes.
• Explain how the different water levels change the pitch of the sound, with more water creating a lower pitch and less water creating a higher pitch.

Difficulty level:

Easy

Scientific Concept:

Sound and Pitch

12. Wax Paper Experiment:

In this exciting activity, children can explore the unique properties of wax paper by testing how different substances interact with its surface. As they experiment with various liquids—like water, oil, and juice—children can observe and guess whether the liquids will soak into the wax paper or bead up on top. This hands-on easy science activity encourages little ones to observe and compare the behaviours of different substances on a wax paper.

Materials Required:

Wax paper, water, a dropper or spoon, oil, small objects (e.g., coins, beads)

Steps:

• Lay a sheet of wax paper flat on a table.
• Let your little one to carefully place a few drops of water using a dropper or spoon on the wax paper. Watch how the water forms droplets instead of spreading.
• Repeat the process with oil and observe how it behaves differently on the wax paper surface.
• Tilt the wax paper slightly to see how the water and oil move.
• Place small objects like coins or beads on the wax paper to see how they interact with the water droplets.
• Explain how the waxy surface of the paper resists water, making the droplets stay in a rounded shape instead of absorbing.

Difficulty level:

Easy

Scientific Concept:

Water Resistance and Absorption

13. The Pepper and Soap Experiment:

The Pepper and Soap Experiment is a fun science activity for preschoolers which can be used to introduce the concept of surface tension to them. Let your child sprinkle pepper on the surface of a dish filled with water and then add a drop of soap. Ask them to observe what happens. This engaging experiment not only captures their attention, but also helps little ones grasp essential scientific concepts in a playful manner.

Materials Required:

A shallow plate, water, black pepper powder, dish soap, a cotton swab

Steps:

• Fill the plate with water, creating a shallow layer.
• Sprinkle a layer of ground black pepper evenly across the surface of the water.
• Let your child dip a cotton swab into the dish soap to coat the tip.
• Carefully touch the soapy end of the toothpick to the surface of the water.
• Let them watch as the pepper quickly moves away from the soap, creating interesting patterns!
• Explain how the soap reduces the surface tension of the water, causing the pepper to move away from the soap and demonstrating the effect of surface tension.

Difficulty level:

Moderate

Scientific Concept:

Surface tension

14. Leaf Propelled by Ink:

Create an easy science activity with your child by just using a leaf, ink and water to let them explore the concept of propulsion. The “Leaf Propelled by Ink” experiment is an engaging way for preschoolers to explore the concept of propulsion using just a leaf, ink, and water. In this exciting activity, children will observe how a simple leaf can move and spin on the surface of water, creating colourful patterns. As they conduct the experiment, little ones will have the chance to make predictions about what will happen and watch the fascinating movement unfold. This hands-on science activity not only captures their imagination but also introduces important scientific concepts in a playful manner.

Materials Required:

Fresh leaves, ink, shallow dish, water

Steps:

• Fill the shallow dish or tray with water, leaving some space at the top.
• Add a few drops of ink on the edge of the leaf.
• Gently place the leaf on the water in the dish.
• your little one observe how the leaf moves and spins, creating a colourful pattern.
• Explain to your child the concepts of surface tension. Show them that the ink causes the leaf to move and spin because it is lighter than water. Water has higher surface tension and hence it pulls the leaf forward

Difficulty level:

Moderate

Scientific Concept:

Surface tension

15. Liquid Colour Explosion

The “Liquid Colour Explosion” activity lets children witness an exciting burst of colour when soap interacts with milk and food colouring, offering a fun way to explore surface tension and chemical reactions. In this engaging experiment, preschoolers can make predictions about what will happen as they mix different substances and observe the colourful reactions unfold. This easy science activity for preschoolers not only captures their attention but also introduces essential scientific concepts in an enjoyable and memorable way.

Materials Required:

A shallow plate, milk, food colours, dish soap, cotton swab

Steps:

• Pour enough milk into the shallow dish to cover the bottom.
• Add a few drops of different food colouring around the surface of the milk, spaced out.
• Dip the tip of a cotton swab or toothpick into dish soap.
• Gently touch the soapy tip to the centre of the dish of milk, and watch as the colours quickly spread and swirl, creating a vibrant explosion of colour.
• Explain to your child that this happens because the soap breaks the surface tension of the milk, causing the food colouring to spread. The fat in the milk also interacts with the soap, creating dynamic, swirling patterns.

Difficulty level:

Easy

Scientific Concept:

Surface tension and Chemical reactions

16. Underwater Flashlight:

The “Underwater Flashlight” activity allows your child to explore how light behaves when it passes through water, observing how it bends and scatters. This easy science activity for preschoolers to the fascinating properties of light refraction. As they shine a flashlight into a container of water, let them observe and note how the path of light changes through different objects and mediums. This hands-on experience not only captivates their interest but also helps them grasp important scientific concepts in a fun and interactive way.

Materials Required:

Flashlight, glass jar, coin or toy.

Steps:

• Fill the glass jar with water.
• Turn off the lights in the room to make it dim or dark.
• Shine the flashlight through the water-filled glass. Observe how the light behaves as it passes through the water.
• Place a small object (like a coin) at the bottom of the jar and shine the light on it to see how it appears from different angles.
• Let your child move the flashlight around and see how the light changes direction or bends through the water.
• Explain to your child how light refracts (bends) when it passes from air into water, making objects look different when viewed through the water.

Difficulty level:

Moderate

Scientific Concept:

Light refraction

17. Static Comb:

Let preschoolers explore the concepts of static electricity with this fun and easy “Static Comb” activity. Allow them to observe how it can move small, lightweight objects. This simple science activity for preschoolers helps them to see how rubbing a comb can create an invisible force that attracts or repels objects like paper or small bits of tissue. As they experiment with the comb, children can make predict on how different materials react and observe the effects first-hand. This easy science activity for preschoolers introduces a fascinating scientific concept in a playful way that captures their imagination.

Materials Required:

Plastic comb, small pieces of tissue or paper, wool cloth or sweater.

Steps:

• Let your child cut or tear small pieces of tissue or paper and place them on a flat surface.
• Give them a plastic comb and a woollen cloth or sweater.
• Have them rub the comb on the wool cloth for about 10 seconds to generate static electricity.
• Ask them to hold the comb just above the small pieces of tissue or paper and watch how they are attracted to the comb.
• Let your little one experiment with rubbing the comb and seeing how it affects different materials, such as small paper balls or feathers.
• Explain to your child how static electricity is created when the comb is rubbed, causing it to attract lightweight objects due to the electric charge it builds up.

Difficulty level:

Easy

Scientific Concept:

Static electricity

18. Water Absorption

The “Water Absorption” activity is an exciting way for preschoolers to explore how different materials absorb water and understand the concept of absorption. In this engaging experiment, children can test various items—such as paper towels, sponges, and cloth—to see how much water they can soak up. This easy science activity for preschoolers encourages them to guess which materials will absorb the most water and observe the results as they conduct the tests. It’s a fun way to introduce fundamental scientific concepts through play.

Materials Required:

Small containers, water, various absorbent materials (e.g., paper towels, sponges, cloths, and cotton balls).

Steps:

• Gather small containers and fill them with equal amounts of water.
• Cut or tear different absorbent materials into small pieces.
• Let your child predict which material will absorb the most water.
• Dip each piece of material into the water and observe how quickly and how much water each one absorbs.
• Encourage your child to squeeze out the absorbed water into a separate container to measure and compare the amounts collected from each material.
• Discuss the results with your little one, highlighting which materials absorbed the most water and why.

Difficulty level:

Easy

Scientific Concept:

Absorption

19. Hands-On Air Pressure:

By conducting an easy science activity for preschoolers using everyday items, let them learn the basics of how air pressure works and how it affects the world around them. The “Hands-On Air Pressure” activity provides an exciting opportunity for preschoolers to explore the concept of air pressure in a fun and interactive way. In this engaging experiment, children can observe how air can push and pull objects, leading to surprising results.

Materials Required:

Plastic bottle, balloon, cup of water, straw, and a small plate.

Steps:

• Begin by blowing up a balloon and tying it off.
• Take the plastic bottle and place the balloon inside without letting it deflate.
• Fill the cup with water and place the straw in the cup.
• Hold the bottle upside down over the plate and slowly let the balloon drop into the bottle, ensuring the opening is still covered.
• Ask your child to guess what will happen when you release the balloon.
• When you do, the air pressure inside the bottle will cause the water to be drawn up through the straw and out of the cup!
• Share the concept of how air pressure works to create this effect with your child and let them note how the air pushes the water upward.

Difficulty level:

Moderate

Scientific Concept:

Air pressure

20. Strong Shapes:

The “Strong Shapes” activity is a delightful way for preschoolers to explore the concept of strength and stability in structures. In this easy science activity, children will learn how different shapes can be combined to create strong structures, highlighting the importance of geometry in engineering. Through hands-on building with various materials, little ones can discover which shapes are the strongest and why, fostering creativity and critical thinking skills.

Materials Required:

Straws, popsicle sticks, building blocks, cardboard, and tape and small weights (like coins or small toys) for testing.

Steps:

• Set up a flat surface for building, and gather the building materials.
• Encourage your child to choose different shapes (triangles, squares, rectangles) to create a structure, like a tower or bridge.
• As they build, discuss which shapes they are using and why they think those shapes will be strong.
• Once the structure is built, gradually add small weights to see how much it can hold before collapsing.
• Ask your little one to observe which shapes held the most weight and why they think that happened.
• Allow them to rebuild their structures using different shapes or materials to see if they can improve strength.

Difficulty level:

Easy to Moderate

Scientific Concept:

Structural integrity

21. Leak-Proof Bag:

Let children go “Wow, that’s so cool!,” with the Leak-Proof Bag activity. It is a fascinating science experiment for preschoolers that allows them to explore the properties of water and the concept of pressure in a fun and interactive way. In this engaging activity, children can see how a bag can hold water without leaking, demonstrating the principles of seals and pressure. This hands-on science activity for preschoolers captivates their interest while introducing essential scientific concepts.

Materials Required:

Zip lock bag or any re-sealable plastic bag, water, sharp pencil or wooden skewer, and a tray or sink (to catch any spills).

Steps:

• Fill the Zip lock bag with water until it’s about halfway full.
• Seal the bag tightly, making sure there are no leaks.
• Have your child observe the bag and ask them what will happen when you poke a pencil or skewer through it.
• Carefully poke the pencil or skewer through the bag while it is filled with water.
• Allow your little one to see how the water doesn’t leak out, even with the pencil still in the bag!
• Afterward, remove the pencil or skewer to observe what happens when you create a hole without the object inside.

Difficulty level:

Easy

Scientific Concept:

Pressure

22. Disappearing Eggshell:

The “Disappearing Eggshell” activity is a captivating experiment that allows preschoolers to explore the concept of chemical reactions and the properties of eggshells in a fun and hands-on way. This easy science activity for preschoolers helps children observe how vinegar can dissolve an eggshell, revealing the soft inner membrane and sparking their curiosity about the science behind it. This engaging experiment introduces fundamental scientific concepts while keeping little ones entertained.

Materials Required:

Raw eggs, vinegar, clear containers (like cups or jars), and a spoon.

Steps:

• Carefully place one or two raw eggs into clear containers.
• Pour enough vinegar over the eggs to completely submerge them.
• Let your child observe the eggs and let them guess about what will happen.
• After a few hours, check on the eggs together and discuss any changes they see, like bubbles forming on the eggshell.
• Leave the eggs in the vinegar for 24 – 48 hours, observing daily.
• After the time is up, carefully remove the eggs from the vinegar and gently rinse them with water. Show your little one how the eggshell has disappeared, leaving only the soft membrane!

Difficulty level:

Moderate

Scientific Concept:

Chemical reactions

23. Dissolving Objects:

“Dissolving Objects” activity is an exciting and interactive experiment that allows preschoolers to explore the concept of solubility and how different materials react when mixed with liquids. In this hands-on science activity, children can test various objects to see which ones dissolve in water and which ones don’t. This experiment not only captivates their interest but also introduces important scientific concepts in a fun and engaging way.

Materials Required:

Clear containers (like cups or jars), warm water, a variety of objects (e.g., sugar cubes, salt, flour, sand, oil, and small pieces of fruit), and a spoon for stirring.

Steps:

• Gather the clear containers and fill each with warm water.
• Present the various objects to your child and encourage them to predict which ones will dissolve in the water.
  One by one, add each object to the containers and stir gently.
• Let your little one observe what happens to each object as they dissolve or remain unchanged.
• Discuss the results together, noting which items dissolved and which did not.
• Encourage your child to draw their observations to reinforce their learning.

Difficulty level:

Easy

Scientific Concept:

Solubility

24. Shadow Tracing:

In this engaging experiment, children can observe how light creates shadows and learn about the position of the light source. This fun and easy science activity for preschoolers not only captivates their interest but also introduces important scientific concepts in an enjoyable manner. The “Shadow Tracing” activity is a fun and creative way for them to explore the concept of light and shadows while enhancing their artistic skills.

Materials Required:

Paper, pencils or markers, a flashlight or sunlight, and various objects (toys, hands, or plants).

Steps:

• Choose a sunny day or a dimly lit room where you can use a flashlight as a light source.
• Place the paper on a flat surface and position the objects between the light source and the paper.
• Encourage your child to observe the shadows that the objects cast on the paper.
• Help them trace the outlines of the shadows with a pencil or marker.
• After tracing, let your little one colour in or decorate their shadow drawings to make them more fun!
• Discuss with your child how the position of the light source affects the size and shape of the shadows.

Difficulty level:

Easy

Scientific Concept:

Light

25. Stack Up Plastic Cups:

The “Stack Up Plastic Cups” activity is a simple yet engaging experiment that allows preschoolers to explore concepts like balance, stability, and coordination. In this hands-on activity, children will learn about how to stack cups in different configurations, experimenting with balance and gravity. This fun and interactive challenge not only captures their interest but also introduces essential scientific concepts while enhancing their fine motor skills.

Materials Required:

Colourful plastic cups of different sizes and a flat surface for stacking.

Steps:

• Gather a set of plastic cups and clear a flat surface for stacking.
• Encourage your child to experiment with stacking the cups in different ways, such as creating a tower or pyramid shape.
• Discuss strategies for balancing the cups, such as using wider bases or smaller cups on top.
• Let your little one try to build the tallest stack they can without it toppling over.
• Challenge them to create different structures, such as a square or triangle shape, and observe how that affects stability.
• As they stack, talk about gravity and how it affects the cups, explaining why some configurations work better than others.

Difficulty level:

Easy

Scientific Concept:

Balance and Gravity

26. Test Objects with Magnets:

Let little preschoolers explore the fascinating world of magnetism by testing different objects with magnets. In this engaging simple science activity, children will test various objects to see which ones are magnetic and which are not, helping them learn about the properties of materials and the concept of attraction. This hands-on science activity for preschoolers captures their interest while introducing fundamental scientific concepts in a fun and enjoyable way.

Materials Required:

A variety of small objects (e.g., paper clips, coins, plastic toys, wooden blocks, and aluminium foil) and a magnet (a refrigerator magnet works well).

Steps:

• Gather the various objects and place them on a flat surface.
• Explain to your child that they will be testing which objects are magnetic.
• Let your little one pick up the magnet and begin testing each object by bringing the magnet close to it.
• Encourage them to make predictions about whether each object will be attracted to the magnet or not.
• As they test each item, discuss the results and categorise the objects into magnetic and non-magnetic piles.
• Talk about the materials of the objects and why some are magnetic (like metal) while others are not (like plastic or wood).

Difficulty level:

Easy

Scientific Concept:

Magnetism

27. Make a Balance Scale:

Make a balance scale using simple materials to understand how weight affects balance. It is a fun and interactive experiment that allows preschoolers to explore concepts like weight, balance, and measurement. In this engaging activity, not only captivates their interest but also introduces fundamental scientific concepts in a playful and educational way.

Materials Required:

A sturdy base (like a cardboard box or a flat piece of wood), a hanger or a ruler for the beam, string, two small containers, and various objects to weigh (like small toys, fruits, or blocks).

Steps:

• Start by creating the base of the balance scale. Use the cardboard box or flat piece of wood to hold the scale steady.
• Attach the hanger or ruler to the centre of the base using string, ensuring it can pivot freely.
• Hang the two small containers on either side of the beam. Make sure they are level when empty.
• Encourage your child to place different objects in one container while keeping the other container empty.
• Ask them to observe how the scale tips to one side, indicating which side is heavier.
• Let your little one experiment by adding or removing objects to see how the balance changes and to compare the weights of different items.
• Discuss what they observe, reinforcing the idea of balance and weight.

Difficulty level:

Easy

Scientific Concept:

Balance and Weight

28. DIY Pulley:

The “DIY Pulley” activity is an exciting hands-on science activity for preschoolers that allows them to explore the concept of simple machines and how they make work easier. In this activity, children will create their own pulley system using basic materials, providing them with practical experience in understanding how pulleys lift and move objects.

Materials Required:

A small pulley, string or rope, a sturdy base, and small objects to lift like toys, balls, or books.

Steps:

• Set up the base by securing the pulley or spool to the edge of a sturdy table or box. If using a spool, make sure it can rotate freely.
• Cut a length of string or rope long enough to go over the pulley and allow for lifting.
• Attach one end of the string to the object you want to lift.
• Thread the string over the pulley and let the other end hang down for your child to pull.
• Encourage your little one to pull on the string to lift the object, observing how the pulley makes it easier to move the weight.
• Discuss the concept of force and how the pulley reduces the effort needed to lift objects.

Difficulty level:

Moderate

Scientific Concept:

Mechanism of pulleys

29. Rock Candy:

A sweet and fascinating experiment that allows preschoolers to explore the science of crystallisation while making their very own candy is the Rock Candy experiment. This activity encourages preschoolers to learn about how sugar dissolves in water and how crystals form as the solution cools. This hands-on experience captivates their interest while introducing essential scientific concepts in a delicious and fun way.

Materials Required:

Granulated sugar, water, a small saucepan, a wooden spoon, a clean glass jar, a pencil or chopstick, and a string or wooden skewer.

Steps:

• In a saucepan, heat one cup of water until it starts to simmer.
• Gradually add 2 to 3 cups of granulated sugar, stirring continuously until the sugar is completely dissolved.
• This creates a supersaturated sugar solution.
• Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the saucepan from heat and let the solution cool slightly.
• While it’s cooling, tie one end of the string or wooden skewer to a pencil or chopstick, ensuring the other end hangs down. This will act as a “seed” for the sugar crystals.
• Dip the string or skewer into the sugar solution, then remove it and let it dry for a moment. This step helps start the crystallisation process.
• Pour the sugar solution into the glass jar, making sure the string or skewer is hanging in the centre without touching the sides or bottom of the jar.
• Cover the jar with a paper towel to prevent dust from getting in, and place it in a cool, undisturbed area.
  Over the next few days to weeks, watch as the sugar crystals grow on the string or skewer!

Difficulty level:

Moderate

Scientific Concept:

Crystallisation of sugar

30. Shadow Play

The “Shadow Play” activity is a creative and engaging way for preschoolers to explore the science of light and shadows. In this fun experiment, children will learn how shadows are formed when an object blocks light, providing them with a hands-on understanding of light properties and the concept of silhouette. This playful exploration captures their interest while introducing essential scientific concepts in a fun and imaginative manner.

Materials Required:

A flashlight or a lamp, various objects (toys, hands, or cut-out shapes), a blank wall or large piece of paper, and optional coloured filters or translucent materials.

Steps:

• Set up the flashlight or lamp in a dimly lit room, directing the light towards a blank wall or large piece of paper.
• Encourage your child to choose different objects or their hands to hold in front of the light source.
• Ask them to observe how the object blocks the light, creating a shadow on the wall.
• Let your little one experiment with moving the object closer and farther from the light source to see how the size of the shadow changes.
• For added fun, they can create shapes or figures with their hands and make shadow puppets while telling stories.
• Discuss the concept of light, how it travels in straight lines, and why shadows form when an object obstructs the light path.

Difficulty level:

Easy

Scientific Concept:

Properties of light

31. Penny Boat with Aluminium Foil:

The “Penny Boat with Aluminium Foil” activity is a fun and easy science activity for preschoolers to explore the concepts of buoyancy and weight through hands-on experience. In this exciting activity, children will design their own boats using aluminium foil and test how many pennies they can hold before sinking. This experiment captivates their interest while introducing essential scientific principles in a playful and educational way.

Materials Required:

Aluminium foil, a shallow container or basin filled with water, and a collection of pennies or small weights.

Steps:

• Start by giving your child a sheet of aluminium foil (about 12 inches square).
• Guide them to shape the foil into a boat, making sure it has a base and sides to hold the water.
• Once the boat is ready, place it gently in the shallow container filled with water.
• Encourage your little one to begin adding pennies one at a time to the boat.
• Ask them to observe what happens as they add more pennies. Discuss the point at which the boat starts to sink.
• Have them experiment by changing the shape of the boat or adding more foil to see if it can hold more pennies.

Difficulty level:

Easy

Scientific Concept:

Buoyancy

32. Making a Sundial:

A fascinating way for preschoolers to explore the concept of time and how the position of the sun can help us tell time is by making a sundial. In this engaging experiment, children will create their own sundial using simple materials and observe how the shadow moves throughout the day. This hands-on activity captivates their interest while introducing essential scientific concepts related to the sun and shadows.

Materials Required:

A small plate or cardboard piece, a stick (or straw) for the gnomon, a compass (optional), and a sunny outdoor space.

Steps:

• Start by placing the plate or cardboard on a flat surface in a sunny spot outside.
• Use the stick or straw as the gnomon (the part that casts the shadow) and insert it vertically into the centre of the plate or cardboard.
• If available, use a compass to orient the sundial so that it points north.
• Mark the base of the stick with a small dot or line to indicate the position of the shadow at the hour you start (e.g., 12:00).
• Throughout the day, observe how the shadow moves as the sun changes position in the sky. Encourage your child to mark additional lines where the shadow falls at different times.
• Discuss how this simple tool helps us understand the passage of time based on the sun’s movement.

Difficulty level:

Easy

Scientific Concept:

Sundial

33. Colour Changing Milk:

Dive into the fascinating science of chemical reactions and the properties of liquids through the “Colour Changing Milk” activity. In this fun and visually striking activity, children will witness how colours can swirl and change in milk when combined with dish soap and food colouring. This hands-on science activity for preschoolers not only captivates their attention but also introduces essential scientific concepts in an engaging way.

Materials Required:

Milk, a shallow dish or plate, different food colours, and liquid dish soap.

Steps:

• Pour enough milk into the shallow dish to cover the bottom (about 1/2 inch deep).
• Carefully add a few drops of different colours of food colouring in various spots in the milk.
• Without stirring, let your child observe how the food colouring sits in the milk initially.
• Next, dip a cotton swab or your finger into liquid dish soap, then touch it gently to the surface of the milk.
  Watch as the colours immediately start to swirl and mix in a beautiful display!
• Encourage your little one to experiment by adding more soap or trying different colours to see how it changes the reaction.

Difficulty level:

Easy

Scientific Concept:

Surface tension and Chemical reactions

Engaging preschoolers in fun and easy science activities is a wonderful way to spark their curiosity and foster a love for learning. These activities offer exciting opportunities for young children to observe, ask questions, and discover the world around them. So let your child dive into these magical experiments, and watch their excitement grow as they become little scientists, one fun discovery at a time!