Summer is here, and it’s time to have some fun away from school! Of course, we still want our kids to learn and grow during the summer months, which is why science activities for preschoolers are a great way to keep them entertained and educated!
The Benefits of Science Activities for Preschoolers
Engaging in science activities can provide numerous benefits for your little ones. Here are just a few:
- Develops curiosity and love for learning.
- Encourages problem-solving skills.
- Enhances observation skills.
- Helps children understand and appreciate the world around them.
- Teaches cause-and-effect and how things work.
With so many benefits, it’s no wonder science activities are a popular choice for many parents during the summer months.
25 Summer Science Activities for Kids
Here are 25 science activities for preschoolers that you can try this summer:
1. Growing Seeds
This science activity teaches preschoolers about seed germination and growth. You can use beans, sunflower seeds, or any other kind of seed that you have on hand. Plant them in cups or pots, water them, and watch them grow!
2. Ice Excavation
This activity is perfect for hot summer days! Freeze small toys or objects in a large container of water overnight. The next day, have your child use tools to chip away at the ice and uncover the hidden treasures!
3. Oobleck Sensory Bin
Oobleck is a non-Newtonian fluid that has some unique properties. It is liquid when poured but solid when pressure is applied to it. Create a sensory bin with oobleck and let your child explore and play with it.
4. Sink or Float
Fill a large container with water and gather various objects from around the house. Have your child guess which items will sink and which will float, and then test their predictions.
5. Nature Walk
Take a nature walk with your child and collect various items such as rocks, leaves, and flowers. Discuss what they are and how they grow. This activity is perfect for teaching children about the natural world.
6. Shape Hunt
Give your child a list of shapes to find around the house or outdoor area. You can use stickers or pictures to represent the shapes, and your child can place them on a sheet of paper as they find them.
7. STEM Floating Letters
Fill a container with water and add letters. Use a magnet wand to move the letters around and explore the properties of water, including buoyancy and surface tension.
8. Ice Cream in a Bag
Combine ingredients such as milk, sugar, and vanilla in a sealable bag. Surround the bag with ice and salt in a larger bag and shake vigorously for several minutes. The end result is homemade ice cream that your little ones will love!
9. Balloon Rockets
A simple but exciting experiment that involves using a balloon and a string to make a rocket. Blow up the balloon and attach it to a straw. Thread a string through the straw, and then use a fan or hairdryer to propel the rocket forward.
10. Fizzy Lemonade
Combine lemonade mix and baking soda for a fun, fizzy drink. Have your child measure out the ingredients and watch as the mixture bubbles and fizzes.
11. Salt Dough
Make your own salt dough and shape it into different objects. Bake it in the oven to harden and then let your child paint and decorate their creations.
12. Rainbow Density Jar
Fill a jar with different colored liquids that have different densities. Watch as the liquids settle on top of each other and create a beautiful rainbow effect.
13. Baking Soda and Vinegar Volcano
This classic experiment is a crowd favorite. Create a volcano out of clay or play dough, and then add baking soda and vinegar to create a fizzy eruption.
14. Magnetic Slime
Make your own magnetic slime using iron oxide powder and liquid starch. Add magnets to the slime and watch as it moves and changes shape in response.
15. Shadow Tracing
16. Cabbage pH Indicator
Cut up red cabbage and boil it in water to create a natural pH indicator. Add various household items such as lemon juice and baking soda to test their pH balance.
17. Rainbow Milk
Add food coloring to milk and then add a drop of dish soap. Watch as the colors swirl and mix together in a mesmerizing display.
18. Sensory Nature Bottles
Fill a clear plastic bottle with a mixture of water, oil, and various items such as leaves, glitter, and beads. Your child can shake and explore the bottle, noticing how the materials interact in the mixture.
19. Homemade Rain Gauge
Create your own rain gauge using a clear plastic bottle and a ruler. Place the bottle outside during a rainstorm and measure how much rainfall there is.
20. Build a Solar Oven
Use a pizza box, aluminum foil, and plastic wrap to create a solar oven that can cook food using only the power of the sun. This is a fun activity that teaches children about the science of solar energy.
21. Drip Art Painting
Place a piece of paper on a table or easel and drip paint onto it. Move the paper around to create an interesting design. This activity teaches children about color mixing and viscosity.
22. Invisible Ink
Use lemon juice or baking soda mixed with water to create invisible ink. Have your child write a secret message on a piece of paper and then reveal it using heat or a chemical reaction.
23. DIY Slime
Make your own slime using glue and borax. Add food coloring and glitter for a fun twist. This activity is great for teaching children about chemical reactions.
24. Rainbow Bubble Snakes
Use a water bottle and a sock to create a bubble snake that blows out colorful bubbles. This activity teaches children about air pressure and surface tension.
25. Soda Geyser
Create a geyser using a bottle of soda and mentos. Watch as the soda shoots out of the bottle in a fizzy eruption. This activity teaches children about chemical reactions and pressure.
These science activities for preschoolers are a great way to keep your children engaged and learning during the summer months. So why not try one or more of these fun and educational activities today?
