Exploring science with your kids can be one of the most memorable parts of their childhood; do you remember looking up at the night sky and being completely captivated by stars? Or mesmerized by magnets and motors, worms and windmills?
I like to think of science for young children as magic; introducing it to kids is all about engaging young imaginations, especially when you start as young as a preschool level. At that point you don’t have to worry about hard explanations of why things are happening, you can simply set up an experiment and invite them to participate in the fun!
Scroll down for loads of fun science links and ideas!
Why Introduce Science to Young Children?
Several years ago I was our cooperative preschool’s “Science Parent.” At first I was completely stumped by the idea of doing science experiments with young children, but after bringing in projects and seeing what worked and what didn’t I was hooked on the concept of making science fun for kids. And when the children started running up to me to ask what the day’s science project was, I knew they had developed a positive attitude, even excitement, about science and learning.
Not only do experiments get children excited about science, I believe that with hands on science experiences, concepts will click. Have you ever tried explaining density to a kid? I still can’t, but Floaters and Sinkers illustrates it with ease!
That is why I devote a good portion of our projects here at Babble Dabble Do to science. Create positive associations now and they’ll stay with kids, even when difficult book explanations become the primary way they learn about science. In college the best structural engineering course I took was the one where we never did one iota of math. Instead we built structures out of popsicle sticks. Why was it so effective? Because we learned first hand what structures inherently worked and what structures were unstable just by fooling around building them! Calculations could be done later, a hands on feel for physics was what was important.
Top 3 Science Experiments for Kids
So how should you start exploring science with your child? Here are my top three surefire science experiments for kids that WILL NOT FAIL TO IMPRESS. I promise!
- Oobleck There is no better way to introduce science to kids than making ooey gooey slime!
- Milk Painting The effects of swirling colors in milk is entrancing.
- Wizard’s Brew An explosion will always bring kids to the table!
Science Experiments here at Babble Dabble Do
Now check out the most popular post here on Babble Dabble Do: 20 Science Experiments for Preschoolers. Many of the projects I talk about in that post are categorized below for easy reference. These are suitable for preschool aged children and up! All the experiments below are tried, true and tested with kids by yours truly!
Density:
- Floaters and Sinkers Hands down the easiest way to illustrate density to kids.
- Glitter Tube Bracelets Yes a science experiment that involves fashion!
- Layered Liquids We’ve done this experiment several times at home and the kids never tire of it.
Magnets:
- Magnetic Boxes All you need to do is collect a few metal items from around your home and viola….
- Bouncing Magnets My grandfather got me hooked on this little magnet sculpture you can easily make at home.
Nature:
- Nature Shadow Boxes A simple and stunning way to get kids to look around and appreciate nature.
- Pinecone Birdfeeders Illustrate the importance of caring for our planet and animals by making a birdfeeder.
- DIY Chia Pet Also known as Fuzzy, you can make a simple chia pet at home.
- Seed Starts Grow stuff! A great exercise in patience for kids!
Airborne Science “Toys”
Toys that illustrate scientific concepts like aerodynamics make learning fun!
Liquids:
- Shiny Pennies Vinegar is a handy ingredient for a number of science experiments including this one.
- Dancing Spaghetti Make spaghetti dance!
- Color Mixing It’s truly magical to watch a new color appear by mixing two colors together.
For Fun:
- Smelly Game The nose knows….or does it. Set up this simple game at home.
- Marble Run I have never had a group of preschoolers sit more patiently that when we made a marble run at school. No fancy materials required!
- Recycling Scavenger Hunt Scavenger hunts are always popular.
- Marbled Milk Paper Turn that marbled milk painting into pretty paper!
- Water Beads These are just plain fun to touch, squish, and bounce.
More Science Resources on Babble Dabble Do:
- Explore the Science Category here at Babble Dabble Do.
- Visit Kitchen Science to find 14 science experiments you can do right now with pantry items!
- 5 Easy Science Experiments for Kids: We offer a free printable PDF with 5 easy science projects you can do today to all our subscribers. If would like a copy please subscribe here!
Further Science Exploration Online
Pumped? Now that you have started exploring science with your kids you’ll surely want to find more ideas. Here are some fabulous online resources:
Science Books for Kids We Love
I also highly recommend the following books for a wealth of great ideas and experiments!
- Big Book of Science Things to Make and Do
- Science Arts: Discovering Science Through Art Experiences
- The Everything Kids’ Magical Science Experiments Book
Next Step: Bridging Subjects
I have a personal love for any project that combines multiple subjects. Not only does it illustrate how interconnected our world is, it shows kids how to look at things differently. Think James Turrell who uses science and the natural world to create unforgettable art pieces like his work at Roden Crater. And how about the Eames’ exploration of space and time in Powers of 10, is that a design project, science film or both? If you want to see how science can bridge subjects check out these quirky projects on Babble Dabble Do:
Go Forth and Conquer
I think it’s funny that the antonym for science is magic, because exploring science with kids seems like magic to them. Hands on experiences are so important in making learning fun and a simple way to accomplish this is by doing children’s science projects at home. So step away from the computer and go make some Oobleck already! Your child’s inner Marie Curie thanks you.
Note: This post contains affiliate links to products I love and recommend to my readers!
Want more?
We publish two science projects a month here at Babble Dabble Do so be sure to subscribe to our email/newsletter to get them delivered straight to your inbox!