What are some science concepts explored in kindergarten science experiments?
Each of these kindergarten science experiments is designed to introduce young children to important scientific principles. Even though young kids may not fully understand the scientific concept just yet, it's a fun way to spark their interest and curiosity in science. When they grow older and learn the science behind it, they'll remember these science experiments fondly!
Biology
Plant Growth
Watch bean seeds grow into bean plant with some damp paper towels and a ziplock bag!
Chemistry
Chemical reactions
Use dish soap, milk and food coloring in the Magic Milk Experiment to make a constantly changing colorful art project!
The powerful eruption caused by the chemical reaction between baking soda and vinegar Baking Soda Volcano is a classic!
The chemical reaction from baking soda and vinegar power this simple science experiment to make Dancing Spaghetti!
It's possible to make your very own Lava Lamp with a plastic bottle, oil and vinegar!
Watch soap bubbles erupt when hydrogen peroxide, yeast and soap are mixed together in Elephant Toothpaste!
Growing crystals
Shimmery borax crystals form on pipe cleaners to make a Sparkling Rainbow Crystal!
Capillary action
Be amazed when a Walking Rainbow appears in front of you with just paper towels, cups of water and only 3 different food coloring!
Physics
Solar system
Make and then gaze at the mesmerizing Galaxy in a Bottle!
Use the power of the sun to make masterpiece Sun prints !
Forces & Motion
Kids will have such fun guessing what object will Sink or Float! Be prepared to be surprised!
Even though we can't see air, we can use different ways to Exploring Air in this science project!
Light
Discover what happens when you mix different colors of light!
Electricity
Find out how you can make Jumping Rice Krispies with static electricity!
Thermodynamics
See how cold and hot water move in this colorful science activity!
Engineering
These kindergarten science activities give kids hands-on experience with engineering. They're are perfect for kids to do by themselves, but they're even more fun and exciting when done together with other kids!
Protect the raw egg with various materials, then see whose egg will survive the Egg Drop! You just need a sheet of paper in the Paper Airplane Challenge to make an airplane that will soar!
What are some indoor kindergarten science activities?
Science Museums
Science museums are great places to learn about science. Children's museums, science museums, natural history museums, space museums, and discovery museums are all great places to do that! The museums usually have hands-on kindergarten science activities for kids to discover and explore science for themselves.
Look out for free admission days or free passes to a science museum near you! Check your credit card for offers, your local library for free museum passes, and local science museums for free entrance days.
Find a science museum near you and wow kids with the wonders of science! From my childhood to adulthood, I'm still in awe whenever I visit a science museum!
STEM TV Shows
These kid-friendly TV shows are easy, yet effective ways to teach kids about science. Check out our top picks for well-produced shows that incorporate science, technology, math and engineering into entertainment.
Ask the StoryBots (TV-Y, all children)
"Ask the StoryBots" is a children's animated TV series that follows the adventures of five lovable creatures, answering questions submitted by young children, such as "Why do we have to brush our teeth?" and "How do airplanes fly?". Each episode features a new question, and the StoryBots go on an adventure to find the answer, learning important lessons along the way. The show is educational, engaging, and designed to encourage kids to be curious about science and ask questions about the world.
Ask the Storybots on Netflix
Odd Squad (TV-Y, all children)
Odd Squad is a math live-action children's series that follows the adventures of a young team of agents who use math skills, deductive reasoning, and teamwork to investigate and solve strange and unusual occurrences in their city.
Odd Squad episodes (Oddtube) and activities on PBS Kids
Science Summer Camps
Summer is the best time for exploring science activities! Check out summer science camps at your local science museums.
These are popular science camps in the US:
Who: pre-K to 8th grade
Where: Los Angeles, California
What: day classes, scholarships available
Who: pre-K to 12th grade
Where: Chicago, Illinois
What: single- to multi-day camps year round, scholarships available
What are some outdoor kindergarten science activities?
Fold and fly paper airplanes
Fold different kinds of paper airplanes and see which flies the furthest. Have a paper airplane challenge with others to see whose plane flies the furthest!
Catch bugs
Put on your sunhat and head outdoors to see what bugs you can find! To catch flying insects, use a bug net. Also have a few jars with lids to catch creepy crawlies! Kids are naturally curious, so seeing insects up close provides a wonderful opportunity to spark their interest in the natural world and encourage them to learn more about insects. Look closely at it's color and shape and how many legs it has.
Collect leaves and flowers to make a sun print
Kids love to collect leaves and flowers, but make sure you have permission to pick leaves and flowers first. After having fun gathering leaves and flowers, use the power of the sun to make sun prints with the leaves and flowers on construction paper!
Go to the beach and see what you find there!
The beach is a great place to introduce kids (and adults!) to many science topics and encourage curiosity! Are there shells or pebbles? What shapes and colors can you find? What animals do you see? Are these animals there all-year-round, or are they just passing by during this season? Is it easier to walk on dry sand or wet sand? Which way is the wind blowing?
Learn about how animals camouflage and hide.
This fun STEAM art activity shows kids how animals can camouflage and hide.
Ready for some 1st grade science projects?
Head on over to our science projects for 1st graders!