best science experiments for preschoolers

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50 Easy Science Activities For Preschoolers

Curious kids turn into junior scientists with these fun and easy preschool science experiments . Th ese science activities for preschoolers are doable and use simple supplies for home or in the classroom. Plus, you can scale any of these activities to use with kindergarten through elementary-age students!

Science for Preschoolers Engages the Senses

Preschool science encourages observations of the five senses, including sight, sound, touch, smell, and sometimes taste. The more kids can fully immerse themselves in an activity, the greater their interest will be !

Kids are naturally curious creatures, and once you have piqued their curiosity, you have also activated their observation, critical thinking, and experimentation skills.

These science activities are perfect for the senses, allowing play and exploration without adult-led directions. Kids will naturally start to pick up on the simple science concepts presented just by having a fun conversation about it all with you!

• 5 Senses Exploration Station
• 5 Senses Coloring Book (Free)
• 5 Senses Discovery Bags
• Apple Taste Test with the 5 Senses
• Pop Rocks and 5 Senses

Awesome Science Activities for Preschoolers

💡 Many of the preschool science projects below can be adapted to your kids’ current level. Also, these are perfect for kids of multiple ages to work together in small groups.

Click on each link below for full instructions. Also, look through our seasonal preschool science activities and grab the free science experiment cards!

• Spring Preschool Science Experiments
• Fall Preschool Science Experiments: apples and pumpkins
• Winter Preschool Science Experiments

Check out how different materials absorb water with this simple what absorbs water activity. 

ALKA SELTZER CHEMICAL REACTIONS

Make an Alka Seltzer Rocket , try a simple Alka Seltzer Experiment or a homemade Lava Lamp to check out this neat chemical reaction.

BAKING SODA AND VINEGAR EXPERIMENTS

Who doesn’t like a fizzing, foaming eruption? From an erupting lemon volcano to our simple baking soda balloon experiment. . Check out our list of baking soda science activities to get started!

BALLOON RACE CARS

Explore energy, measure distance, build different cars to explore speed and distance with simple balloon cars. You can use Duplo, LEGO, or build your own car.

BALLOON ROCKETS

Gas, energy, and power! Make Go power! Set up a simple balloon rocket. All you need is a string, a straw, and a balloon!

BURSTING BAGS

Definitely take this bursting bags science activity outside! Will it pop? This science activity will have you on the edge of your seat!

BUTTER IN A JAR

The science you can spread with a tasty homemade butter, after a good workout for the arms anyway!

BUTTERFLY LIFE CYCLE

Explore the butterfly life cycle with a free printable pack and butterfly sensory bin idea. Or create an edible butterfly life cycle instead!

Explore the simple fun of bubbles with these easy bubble experiments ! Can you make a bubble bounce? We have a recipe for the perfect bubble solution too.

Check out even more bubble fun with 2D bubble shapes or 3D bubble shapes , bubble painting , and bubble snakes !

BUILDING BRIDGES

This bridge building activity is an easy engineering project for young kids. It starts with the planning and designing process and ends with the building process. Construct your own bridge from simple supplies.

BUILDING TOWERS

Kids love building, and building structures is a great activity that incorporates many skills and is also frugal. Check out a variety of building activities .

CANDY SCIENCE

Play Willy Wonka for a day and explore candy science with floating m&m’s, chocolate slime, dissolving candy experiments, and more!

CELERY AND FOOD COLORING

Watch how water moves through a plant with a simple celery food coloring science experiment!

CHICK PEA FOAM

Have fun with this taste-safe sensory play foam made with ingredients you probably already have in the kitchen! This edible shaving foam, or aquafaba as it is commonly known, is made from the water chickpeas are cooked in.

COLOR MIXING

Color mixing is a science. Learn colors through play with these preschool color activities .

CRYSTAL GROWING

Growing crystals is simple! You can easily grow your own crystals at home or in the classroom with our simple recipe. Make a rainbow crystal , a snowflake , hearts , crystal eggshells , and even crystal seashells.

DENSITY {LIQUIDS}

Can one liquid be lighter than the other? Find out with this easy liquid density experiment!

DINOSAUR FOSSILS

Be a paleontologist for a day, make homemade dinosaur fossils , and then go on your own dig . Check out all our fun preschool dinosaur activities .

DISCOVERY BOTTLES

Science in a bottle. Explore all kinds of simple science ideas right in a bottle! They are perfect for themes, too, like these Earth Day ones!

Test how strong an egg is with this easy eggshell strength experiment. Find out what happens to an egg in vinegar , and try our mess-free egg drop challenge for young kids.

Have you ever changed the color of a flower? Try this color-changing flower science experiment and learn about how a flower works! Or why not try growing your own flowers with our list of easy flowers to grow .

What goes up must come down. Have young kids explore concepts in gravity around the house or classroom with simple objects you already have.

GROW A RAINBOW

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

FIZZING LEMONADE

Explore the senses and a little chemistry with our fizzy lemonade recipe.

ICE CREAM IN A BAG

Homemade ice cream is yummy, edible science with only three ingredients! Don’t forget the winter gloves and sprinkles—this gets cold!

ICE MELT SCIENCE

An ice melt activity is a simple science you can set up in many different ways with many themes. Ice melting is a wonderful introduction to a simple science concept for young kids! Check out our list of ice activities for preschool.

Try the classic expanding ivory soap experiment! One bar of ivory soap can be very exciting! Also see how we experimented with one bar of soap and turned it into either soap foam!

Another must try science experiment using oil and water, a lava lamp experiment is always a favorite!

LETTUCE GROWING ACTIVITY

Set up a lettuce growing station. This is fascinating to watch and pretty quick to do. We watched the new lettuce grow taller each day!

Magic milk is one of our most popular science experiments. It is also just plain fun and mesmerizing!

What’s magnetic? What’s not magnetic? You can set up a magnet science discovery table for your kids to explore and this fun magnet activity !

MIRRORS AND REFLECTIONS

Mirrors are fascinating and have wonderful play and learning possibilities plus it makes for great science!

BOUNCY EGG EXPERIMENT

Ah, the egg in vinegar experiment. You need a little patience for this one {takes 7 days}, but the end result is really cool!

OOBLECK {NON-NEWTONIAN FLUIDS}

Oobleck is 2 ingredient fun! A simple recipe using kitchen cupboard ingredients, but it is the perfect example of a non-Newtonian fluid. Also makes for fun sensory play. Make classic oobleck or colored oobleck.

Take the penny boat challenge and find out how many pennies your tin foil boat will hold before sinking. Learn about buoyancy and how boats float on water.

Make a simple pulley that really works, and test out lifting loads.

Learn about the science of rainbows as well as fun rainbow-themed science experiments. Check out our fun selection of simple-to-set-up  r ainbow science experiments . 

RAMPS AND FRICTION

We use cars and balls all the time with our rain gutters! Even flat pieces of wood or stiff cardboard work! Newton’s laws of motion really come alive with simple toy cars and homemade ramps.

ROCK CANDY (SUGAR CRYSTALS)

Another tasty science activity as you explore how sugar crystals form!

FOUR SEASONS

What’s the reason for the seasons, perfect for kids?

SEED GERMINATION

Our simple seed jar science activity is one of our most popular science activities for preschoolers. It is an excellent way to see how a seed grows!

THE 5 SENSES

Let’s explore the senses! Young kids are learning to use their senses every day. Set up a simple 5 Senses Science Table for exploring and learning how their senses work! Our candy taste test and senses activity are fun, too.

SHADOW SCIENCE

Explore shadows in several ways! Make shadows with your body (fun outdoor play and learning idea) and animal shadow puppets to check out!

Every kid should build a volcano with a simple chemical reaction, baking soda and vinegar! Build a sandbox volcano or a LEGO volcano ! Learn about fun volcano facts too!

Young kids learn by exploring, observing, and figuring out the way things work with hands-on activities. This volume activity encourages all of the above and is simple to set up.

WATER EXPERIMENTS

There are all kinds of fun science activities you can do with water. Use your STEM design skills to build your own water play wall , observe refraction of light in water , explore what dissolves in water or even try a simple solid liquid gas experiment .

WATER XYLOPHONE

Learn a little bit about the science of sound with a simple water xylophone.

WEATHER SCIENCE

Explore weather with rain clouds and tornados or even make a water cycle in a bottle!

TORNADO BOTTLE

Create a tornado in a bottle and study the weather safely!

Make a toy zipline for LEGO mini-figures and explore science concepts through play.

How to Teach Science to Preschoolers

Teaching science to preschoolers is a wonderful way to spark their curiosity about the world around them. Making the learning process fun, engaging, and age-appropriate is essential.

Make sure to check out…

• STEM for Toddlers
• STEM for Kindergarten
• STEM for Elementary

Begin by incorporating hands-on activities and experiments that encourage exploration and observation. Use simple and relatable examples from their everyday lives, such as observing plants grow, mixing colors, or exploring the properties of water.

Encourage questions and provide simple explanations that align with their level of understanding. Picture books can also be valuable tools for teaching science concepts. Add fun themes and colors for the holidays and seasons!

Additionally, fostering a sense of wonder and excitement about the natural world will lay a strong foundation for their future scientific learning. Remember that patience, repetition, and a nurturing environment are key to helping preschoolers develop a lifelong love for science.

Helpful Resources

Check out the links below to prepare yourself, your family, or your classroom for these easy preschool science experiments and activities. The key to success is in the preparation!

• Preschool Science Center Ideas
• Sensory Science Activities
• Fine Motor Activities
• Preschool Math Activities
• STEAM Books with Activities for Kids
• Make a homemade science kit that’s inexpensive!

Science Activities By Age Group

• Science for Toddlers
• Science for Kindergarten
• Elementary Science by Season
• Science for 1st Grade
• Science for 2nd Grade
• Science for 3rd Grade
• Science for 4th Grade
• Science for 6th Grade
• Science for Middle School

Printable Preschool 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.

22 Comments

Hi, this sounds like a neat activity for young toddlers to explore for texture. Could u please share the ingredients. My profession is in childcare. The children would like this activity I believe. Again, please share your slime recipe. Thank you!! LaTonia Jackson Armstrong

Hi! You simply need to click through the liquid starch slime link or get your recipe here box. However, I would suggest one of our taste safe slime recipes for toddlers as regular slime contains borax, sodium borate, or boric acid. These slimes should not be tasted!

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It’ fun for kids to experiment and science activities of any kind are a great way to encourage kids to explore. I will encourage my son about this hope so he will enjoy it. Thanks for the sharing such a interesting article.

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30 Amazing Science Activities and Experiments for Preschoolers

From science experiments to sensory explorations to STEM and STEAM activities, these science activities for preschoolers are sure to be a hit!

Science Experiments for Preschoolers

If you are looking for simple science experiments and activities to do with preschoolers, then this list is perfect for you.

Your kids are sure to have a blast exploring science!

My kids love science investigations so I am making a point of doing more of them. To get myself started, I decided create a collection of my favorite science activities.

Since I know many of you are also looking for science experiments and activities to do with preschoolers, I decided to share them here for you too.

If you are looking for science activities for preschoolers, this is going to be a HUGE help to you.

Top 30 Science Activities for Preschoolers

Lava Lamp Experiment

This lava lamp experiment is a HUGE hit with kids. It is one of our most popular science activities. I bet your kids will enjoy it too!

Leak-Proof Bag Science Experiment

Want to really WOW your kids? Try out this leak-proof bag science experiment . It’s like a magic trick, but it’s really science!

Make a Rain Cloud in a Jar

Make a rain cloud in a jar and develop fine motor skills too! This science activity allows young children to explore and investigate what happens when it rains.

Oil and Water Science Exploration

This oil and water science exploration is a fun and colorful way to observe how oil and water don’t mix together.

Fun and Colorful Skittles Rainbow Experiment

Grab some Skittles and water and make a Skittles rainbow for a fun and colorful surprise!

Magic Milk Experiment

Kids will be amazed by this Magic Milk Science Experiment !

Clouds and Rain Science Investigation

Explore clouds and rain with a simple science investigation that will totally engage young kids.

Color Changing Flowers Experiment

Dye flowers a variety of colors with this Color Changing Flowers Experiment .

Rust Resistant Magnetic Discovery Bottle

This Rust Resistant Magnetic Discovery Bottle  is a super cool way to explore magnetism.

Explore Colors with fun Chemical Reactions

This science activity encourages kids to explore colors with chemical reactions . It’s also a great way to develop fine motor skills.

Fun Weather Activity

This weather activity  combines a popular book and a classic experiment to introduce kids to tornadoes.

Learn about Animal Habitats

Teach kids about animal habitats while Sorting Animals on a Venn Diagram . It’s really easy to set up and even toddlers can participate.

Walking Water Science Experiment

This awesome Walking Water Science Experiment  will wow kids all of ages!

Learn about Water Density

Make a Rainbow Jar  and introduce young children to density. It’s really neat.

Dancing Raisins are a Blast

The kids will get a kick out of this super cool dancing raisins science experiment !

Water Xylophone Fun

This Water Xylophone Science Experiment  combines music and science. It’s easy enough for your kids to make too.

Dancing Rice Investigation

Amaze your kids with Dancing Rice ! This baking soda and vinegar investigation is very intriguing.

Shaving Cream Clouds

These shaving cream clouds are so gorgeous! I can’t wait to do this one!

Inflate a Balloon with Baking Soda and Vinegar

Did you know that you can inflate a balloon with baking soda and vinegar ? You have to try this one!

Solar System Scavenger Hunt

My kids absolutely love this Solar System Scavenger Hunt ! It’s a fun way to introduce preschoolers to the solar system and planets within it.

More Lava Lamp Fun

Your kids will love this super cool Lava Lamp Science Experiment .

Zones of the Ocean Sensory Bottle

Introduce preschoolers to the Zones of the Ocean  with these engaging sensory bottles!

Make a Pully to learn about Machines

Make a pulley and teach kids about simple machines with this activity that will have kids moving and learning!

Growing Plants Science Activity

This Growing Plants Science Activity  is a fantastic way to teach kids about plants! It even includes a observation sheet that is easy enough for preschoolers to use. (not pictured)

Explore Ramps and Friction

Explore ramps and friction with this super simple science activity for kids!

Ocean in a Bottle

This ocean in a bottle looks amazing! It is a great way to explore oil and water.

Dinosaur Excavation Activity

Did you know you can make your own dinosaur excavation activity and only use two simple ingredients that you probably have in your house? It’s really cool!

Static Electricity Butterfly Experiment

This static electricity butterfly experiment is so neat. It’s very easy to make and you’ll be surprised by how long this will occupy your kids.

Fun Preschool Science Activities

Baking Soda and Vinegar Reactions

My kids absolutely love baking soda and vinegar reactions ! This post will tell you how to get really amazing reactions.

Explore what Melts

Explore what melts in the sun with this fun science experiment. It’s perfect for a warm, sunny day.

Water Cycle in a Bag

Teach kids about the water cycle with this Water Cycle in a Bag ! It’s perfect for young children.

Lego Volcano

Kids will have a blast building a LEGO Volcano and watching it erupt.

Oobleck Recipe

This oobleck recipe is a fun and easy science activity for kids! You just need 2 ingredients and your kids will be ready for lots of fun sensory play!

Rainbow Walking Water

You won’t believe how fun this walking water experiment is for kids! They will love watching the water travel up the paper towel and seeing all of the colors mix.

Keep Paper Dry under Water

Our kids loved this simple keep paper dry under water science experiment. They were amazed when the paper didn’t even get wet!

Grow a Rainbow Science Experiment

This Grow a Rainbow science experiment was a blast! It is a simple way for young kids to learn about capillary action!

Catapult STEM Activity

This catapult activity is a fun and easy STEM activity that your kids will love!

Fireworks in a Jar

Your kids will love seeing the Fireworks in a Jar reactions in this easy experiment!

Floating Dry Erase Marker

This  floating dry erase marker  science activity is easy and fun! You just need dry erase markers and water!

Dancing Corn Science Activity

This dancing corn science activity  is quick to setup and you just need a few ingredients you can find around your house.

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PS PK K 1 2 3 13 Comments

Science experiments from A-Z

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Looking for science experiments for preschoolers that are are sure to keep your child’s interest?  We’ve found the best of the best – from A to Z!

Preschoolers have a natural fascination for the world.  It’s a fabulous time to soak up science experiments!  Here some of the best from the blogosphere.

A – Apple rotting experiment – What will happen to an apple when it’s left to sit in water, vinegar, or oil?   Check out  this rotting apple experiment from Gift of Curiosity.

B- Blow up a balloon with a bottle – We repeated this baking soda and vinegar experiment a number of times at my kids’ request.   We followed this tutorial at Frogs and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails.

C- Cloud in a jar – You’ll need some boiling water, ice cubes, aerosol spray, and a mason jar with a lid to make a cloud in a jar with No Time for Flashcards.

D – Density experiment – Fill a clear bowl half-full of water.  Then gather small items for this simple (but high interest!) density experiment from Inspiration Laboratories.

E – Easter egg sink or float – I love how this sink or float experiment from Happy Toddler Playtime involves a lot of testing and predicting.   What a fun way to develop problem solving!

F – Dyed flowers – My kids loved the classic dyed flower experiment. Learn more at The Imagination Tree.

G – Grass in a cup – Teach your child about plants any time of year with this seed planting activity from Creative Connections for Kids.

H – Humpty Dumpty egg drop – This is the most brilliant twist on the classic egg drop experiment that I’ve seen!  I Heart Crafty Things has a free printable for you as you find different ways to cushion an egg.

I – Ice Experiment – Teach your child how to lift ice with a string with this experiment from Mess for Less.

J – Jar Rainbow  – Learn about density with this beautiful rainbow in a jar from Primary Playground.

K – Kitchen Counter Science – My five-year-old was busy for more than half an hour doing kitchen counter science with just a few basic ingredients .  Check it out at No Time for Flashcards.

L – Light experiment – Help your preschooler see that seeds need light to grow with this experiment from Gift of Curiosity.

M – Magnetic objects – Which objects are magnetic and which aren’t?   Grab our free recording sheet as your child has fun exploring with magnets.

N – Nature sink or float – Collect objects on a nature walk and do a sink or float activity.

O – Ocean in a bottle – Help your child see that oil and water don’t mix with this beautiful ocean in a bottle from Happy Hooligans.

P – Make a pulley – You just need a few basic materials to  make your own pulley like they did at Kids Activities Blog.

Q – Quicksand science – Learn about the properties of quicksand by making your own!  Check it out at Preschool Powol Packets.

R – Rain in a jar – This experiment is super easy to set up, but it fascinates preschoolers!  Learn Play Imagine shows you how to make rain in a jar.

S – Smelling bottles – Explore the sense of smell with this collection of smelling bottle ideas from Gift of Curiosity.

T – Temperature experiment – You need just a thermometer and three glasses of water – one cold, one lukewarm, and one warm/hot.  Talk about how thermometers rise and fall with temperatures.  Have your child feel the outside of each cup and predict whether the thermometer will rise or fall when he puts it in the cup.  Test your predictions!

U – Up, up, and away – Try this helium balloon experiment from Mess for Less. How many balloons will it take to make the bag go up?

V – Volcano – We had so much fun doing the classic volcano experiment in our backyard one year.  Try this paint and erupt volcano  from Fun at Home with Kids… it combines art and science for a super cool effect!

W – Walking water – Coffee Cups and Crayons has a striking  walking water experiment that requires just a few materials you’ve already got at home!

X – Explore X-rays – You can make your own light box and print X-rays onto transparencies for observation.   Learn more here.

Y – Yeast experiment – Help your preschooler understand how yeast makes bread rise with this yeast experiment from Steam Powered Family.

Z – FiZZy science – Just put a layer of baking soda in a rimmed baking sheet and give your child some food-colored vinegar in a spray or squirt bottle.  Let the fizzing begin!

Free Alphabet Printables

Join our email list and get this free sample of alphabet activities from our membership site! Students will practice identifying and forming letters, matching upper to lowercase, and identifying beginning sounds.

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Reader Interactions

13 comments.

June 1, 2018 at 2:17 am

June 2, 2018 at 3:43 pm

You’re welcome, Joanne!

May 17, 2016 at 9:13 am

Such wonderful ideas! Thanks so much for sharing! I’m going to do many of these with my kids as well as share on my blog page, Emily’s Puzzle. Thanks again!

Anna Geiger

May 21, 2016 at 7:50 pm

Thanks for reading, Emily!

Nancy Penfield

July 9, 2015 at 8:48 pm

I really enjoy your website! I look around for activities that might help me in my work and I also send Facebook comments to my step-daughter and daughter-in-law as they both homeschool their children. Thank you so much for the wonderful things that you share!

July 10, 2015 at 4:44 pm

You’re very welcome, Nancy, and thanks so much for passing along my resources! 🙂

Kari Molise @ Pre-K Complete

June 30, 2015 at 11:17 am

This is such a great list of science experiments! I love bringing learning to life for preschoolers and using hands-on activities. Thank you for putting this great list together!

~ Kari http://www.PreKComplete.com

July 3, 2015 at 5:43 pm

You’re very welcome, Kari!

June 25, 2015 at 5:57 am

I am really grateful to you for your resources. The more you give the more you receive!!! You have been doing a great job. Keep it up.

Thanks and regards,

July 3, 2015 at 5:42 pm

Thank you so much for reading, Priya! I’m glad these resources can help you. 🙂

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72 Easy Science Experiments Using Materials You Already Have On Hand

Because science doesn’t have to be complicated.

If there is one thing that is guaranteed to get your students excited, it’s a good science experiment! While some experiments require expensive lab equipment or dangerous chemicals, there are plenty of cool projects you can do with regular household items. We’ve rounded up a big collection of easy science experiments that anybody can try, and kids are going to love them!

Easy Chemistry Science Experiments

Easy physics science experiments, easy biology and environmental science experiments, easy engineering experiments and stem challenges.

1. Taste the Rainbow

Teach your students about diffusion while creating a beautiful and tasty rainbow! Tip: Have extra Skittles on hand so your class can eat a few!

Learn more: Skittles Diffusion

2. Crystallize sweet treats

Crystal science experiments teach kids about supersaturated solutions. This one is easy to do at home, and the results are absolutely delicious!

Learn more: Candy Crystals

3. Make a volcano erupt

This classic experiment demonstrates a chemical reaction between baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and vinegar (acetic acid), which produces carbon dioxide gas, water, and sodium acetate.

Learn more: Best Volcano Experiments

4. Make elephant toothpaste

This fun project uses yeast and a hydrogen peroxide solution to create overflowing “elephant toothpaste.” Tip: Add an extra fun layer by having kids create toothpaste wrappers for plastic bottles.

5. Blow the biggest bubbles you can

Add a few simple ingredients to dish soap solution to create the largest bubbles you’ve ever seen! Kids learn about surface tension as they engineer these bubble-blowing wands.

Learn more: Giant Soap Bubbles

6. Demonstrate the “magic” leakproof bag

All you need is a zip-top plastic bag, sharp pencils, and water to blow your kids’ minds. Once they’re suitably impressed, teach them how the “trick” works by explaining the chemistry of polymers.

Learn more: Leakproof Bag

7. Use apple slices to learn about oxidation

Have students make predictions about what will happen to apple slices when immersed in different liquids, then put those predictions to the test. Have them record their observations.

Learn more: Apple Oxidation

8. Float a marker man

Their eyes will pop out of their heads when you “levitate” a stick figure right off the table! This experiment works due to the insolubility of dry-erase marker ink in water, combined with the lighter density of the ink.

Learn more: Floating Marker Man

9. Discover density with hot and cold water

There are a lot of easy science experiments you can do with density. This one is extremely simple, involving only hot and cold water and food coloring, but the visuals make it appealing and fun.

Learn more: Layered Water

10. Layer more liquids

This density demo is a little more complicated, but the effects are spectacular. Slowly layer liquids like honey, dish soap, water, and rubbing alcohol in a glass. Kids will be amazed when the liquids float one on top of the other like magic (except it is really science).

Learn more: Layered Liquids

11. Grow a carbon sugar snake

Easy science experiments can still have impressive results! This eye-popping chemical reaction demonstration only requires simple supplies like sugar, baking soda, and sand.

Learn more: Carbon Sugar Snake

12. Mix up some slime

Tell kids you’re going to make slime at home, and watch their eyes light up! There are a variety of ways to make slime, so try a few different recipes to find the one you like best.

13. Make homemade bouncy balls

These homemade bouncy balls are easy to make since all you need is glue, food coloring, borax powder, cornstarch, and warm water. You’ll want to store them inside a container like a plastic egg because they will flatten out over time.

Learn more: Make Your Own Bouncy Balls

14. Create eggshell chalk

Eggshells contain calcium, the same material that makes chalk. Grind them up and mix them with flour, water, and food coloring to make your very own sidewalk chalk.

Learn more: Eggshell Chalk

15. Make naked eggs

This is so cool! Use vinegar to dissolve the calcium carbonate in an eggshell to discover the membrane underneath that holds the egg together. Then, use the “naked” egg for another easy science experiment that demonstrates osmosis .

Learn more: Naked Egg Experiment

16. Turn milk into plastic

This sounds a lot more complicated than it is, but don’t be afraid to give it a try. Use simple kitchen supplies to create plastic polymers from plain old milk. Sculpt them into cool shapes when you’re done!

17. Test pH using cabbage

Teach kids about acids and bases without needing pH test strips! Simply boil some red cabbage and use the resulting water to test various substances—acids turn red and bases turn green.

Learn more: Cabbage pH

18. Clean some old coins

Use common household items to make old oxidized coins clean and shiny again in this simple chemistry experiment. Ask kids to predict (hypothesize) which will work best, then expand the learning by doing some research to explain the results.

Learn more: Cleaning Coins

19. Pull an egg into a bottle

This classic easy science experiment never fails to delight. Use the power of air pressure to suck a hard-boiled egg into a jar, no hands required.

Learn more: Egg in a Bottle

20. Blow up a balloon (without blowing)

Chances are good you probably did easy science experiments like this when you were in school. The baking soda and vinegar balloon experiment demonstrates the reactions between acids and bases when you fill a bottle with vinegar and a balloon with baking soda.

21 Assemble a DIY lava lamp

This 1970s trend is back—as an easy science experiment! This activity combines acid-base reactions with density for a totally groovy result.

22. Explore how sugary drinks affect teeth

The calcium content of eggshells makes them a great stand-in for teeth. Use eggs to explore how soda and juice can stain teeth and wear down the enamel. Expand your learning by trying different toothpaste-and-toothbrush combinations to see how effective they are.

Learn more: Sugar and Teeth Experiment

23. Mummify a hot dog

If your kids are fascinated by the Egyptians, they’ll love learning to mummify a hot dog! No need for canopic jars , just grab some baking soda and get started.

24. Extinguish flames with carbon dioxide

This is a fiery twist on acid-base experiments. Light a candle and talk about what fire needs in order to survive. Then, create an acid-base reaction and “pour” the carbon dioxide to extinguish the flame. The CO2 gas acts like a liquid, suffocating the fire.

25. Send secret messages with invisible ink

Turn your kids into secret agents! Write messages with a paintbrush dipped in lemon juice, then hold the paper over a heat source and watch the invisible become visible as oxidation goes to work.

Learn more: Invisible Ink

26. Create dancing popcorn

This is a fun version of the classic baking soda and vinegar experiment, perfect for the younger crowd. The bubbly mixture causes popcorn to dance around in the water.

27. Shoot a soda geyser sky-high

You’ve always wondered if this really works, so it’s time to find out for yourself! Kids will marvel at the chemical reaction that sends diet soda shooting high in the air when Mentos are added.

Learn more: Soda Explosion

28. Send a teabag flying

Hot air rises, and this experiment can prove it! You’ll want to supervise kids with fire, of course. For more safety, try this one outside.

Learn more: Flying Tea Bags

29. Create magic milk

This fun and easy science experiment demonstrates principles related to surface tension, molecular interactions, and fluid dynamics.

Learn more: Magic Milk Experiment

30. Watch the water rise

Learn about Charles’s Law with this simple experiment. As the candle burns, using up oxygen and heating the air in the glass, the water rises as if by magic.

Learn more: Rising Water

31. Learn about capillary action

Kids will be amazed as they watch the colored water move from glass to glass, and you’ll love the easy and inexpensive setup. Gather some water, paper towels, and food coloring to teach the scientific magic of capillary action.

Learn more: Capillary Action

32. Give a balloon a beard

Equally educational and fun, this experiment will teach kids about static electricity using everyday materials. Kids will undoubtedly get a kick out of creating beards on their balloon person!

Learn more: Static Electricity

33. Find your way with a DIY compass

Here’s an old classic that never fails to impress. Magnetize a needle, float it on the water’s surface, and it will always point north.

Learn more: DIY Compass

34. Crush a can using air pressure

Sure, it’s easy to crush a soda can with your bare hands, but what if you could do it without touching it at all? That’s the power of air pressure!

35. Tell time using the sun

While people use clocks or even phones to tell time today, there was a time when a sundial was the best means to do that. Kids will certainly get a kick out of creating their own sundials using everyday materials like cardboard and pencils.

Learn more: Make Your Own Sundial

36. Launch a balloon rocket

Grab balloons, string, straws, and tape, and launch rockets to learn about the laws of motion.

37. Make sparks with steel wool

All you need is steel wool and a 9-volt battery to perform this science demo that’s bound to make their eyes light up! Kids learn about chain reactions, chemical changes, and more.

Learn more: Steel Wool Electricity

38. Levitate a Ping-Pong ball

Kids will get a kick out of this experiment, which is really all about Bernoulli’s principle. You only need plastic bottles, bendy straws, and Ping-Pong balls to make the science magic happen.

39. Whip up a tornado in a bottle

There are plenty of versions of this classic experiment out there, but we love this one because it sparkles! Kids learn about a vortex and what it takes to create one.

Learn more: Tornado in a Bottle

40. Monitor air pressure with a DIY barometer

This simple but effective DIY science project teaches kids about air pressure and meteorology. They’ll have fun tracking and predicting the weather with their very own barometer.

Learn more: DIY Barometer

41. Peer through an ice magnifying glass

Students will certainly get a thrill out of seeing how an everyday object like a piece of ice can be used as a magnifying glass. Be sure to use purified or distilled water since tap water will have impurities in it that will cause distortion.

Learn more: Ice Magnifying Glass

42. String up some sticky ice

Can you lift an ice cube using just a piece of string? This quick experiment teaches you how. Use a little salt to melt the ice and then refreeze the ice with the string attached.

Learn more: Sticky Ice

43. “Flip” a drawing with water

Light refraction causes some really cool effects, and there are multiple easy science experiments you can do with it. This one uses refraction to “flip” a drawing; you can also try the famous “disappearing penny” trick .

Learn more: Light Refraction With Water

44. Color some flowers

We love how simple this project is to re-create since all you’ll need are some white carnations, food coloring, glasses, and water. The end result is just so beautiful!

45. Use glitter to fight germs

Everyone knows that glitter is just like germs—it gets everywhere and is so hard to get rid of! Use that to your advantage and show kids how soap fights glitter and germs.

Learn more: Glitter Germs

46. Re-create the water cycle in a bag

You can do so many easy science experiments with a simple zip-top bag. Fill one partway with water and set it on a sunny windowsill to see how the water evaporates up and eventually “rains” down.

Learn more: Water Cycle

47. Learn about plant transpiration

Your backyard is a terrific place for easy science experiments. Grab a plastic bag and rubber band to learn how plants get rid of excess water they don’t need, a process known as transpiration.

Learn more: Plant Transpiration

48. Clean up an oil spill

Before conducting this experiment, teach your students about engineers who solve environmental problems like oil spills. Then, have your students use provided materials to clean the oil spill from their oceans.

Learn more: Oil Spill

49. Construct a pair of model lungs

Kids get a better understanding of the respiratory system when they build model lungs using a plastic water bottle and some balloons. You can modify the experiment to demonstrate the effects of smoking too.

Learn more: Model Lungs

50. Experiment with limestone rocks

Kids  love to collect rocks, and there are plenty of easy science experiments you can do with them. In this one, pour vinegar over a rock to see if it bubbles. If it does, you’ve found limestone!

Learn more: Limestone Experiments

51. Turn a bottle into a rain gauge

All you need is a plastic bottle, a ruler, and a permanent marker to make your own rain gauge. Monitor your measurements and see how they stack up against meteorology reports in your area.

Learn more: DIY Rain Gauge

52. Build up towel mountains

This clever demonstration helps kids understand how some landforms are created. Use layers of towels to represent rock layers and boxes for continents. Then pu-u-u-sh and see what happens!

Learn more: Towel Mountains

53. Take a play dough core sample

Learn about the layers of the earth by building them out of Play-Doh, then take a core sample with a straw. ( Love Play-Doh? Get more learning ideas here. )

Learn more: Play Dough Core Sampling

54. Project the stars on your ceiling

Use the video lesson in the link below to learn why stars are only visible at night. Then create a DIY star projector to explore the concept hands-on.

Learn more: DIY Star Projector

55. Make it rain

Use shaving cream and food coloring to simulate clouds and rain. This is an easy science experiment little ones will beg to do over and over.

Learn more: Shaving Cream Rain

56. Blow up your fingerprint

This is such a cool (and easy!) way to look at fingerprint patterns. Inflate a balloon a bit, use some ink to put a fingerprint on it, then blow it up big to see your fingerprint in detail.

57. Snack on a DNA model

Twizzlers, gumdrops, and a few toothpicks are all you need to make this super-fun (and yummy!) DNA model.

Learn more: Edible DNA Model

58. Dissect a flower

Take a nature walk and find a flower or two. Then bring them home and take them apart to discover all the different parts of flowers.

59. Craft smartphone speakers

No Bluetooth speaker? No problem! Put together your own from paper cups and toilet paper tubes.

Learn more: Smartphone Speakers

60. Race a balloon-powered car

Kids will be amazed when they learn they can put together this awesome racer using cardboard and bottle-cap wheels. The balloon-powered “engine” is so much fun too.

Learn more: Balloon-Powered Car

61. Build a Ferris wheel

You’ve probably ridden on a Ferris wheel, but can you build one? Stock up on wood craft sticks and find out! Play around with different designs to see which one works best.

Learn more: Craft Stick Ferris Wheel

62. Design a phone stand

There are lots of ways to craft a DIY phone stand, which makes this a perfect creative-thinking STEM challenge.

63. Conduct an egg drop

Put all their engineering skills to the test with an egg drop! Challenge kids to build a container from stuff they find around the house that will protect an egg from a long fall (this is especially fun to do from upper-story windows).

Learn more: Egg Drop Challenge Ideas

64. Engineer a drinking-straw roller coaster

STEM challenges are always a hit with kids. We love this one, which only requires basic supplies like drinking straws.

Learn more: Straw Roller Coaster

65. Build a solar oven

Explore the power of the sun when you build your own solar ovens and use them to cook some yummy treats. This experiment takes a little more time and effort, but the results are always impressive. The link below has complete instructions.

Learn more: Solar Oven

66. Build a Da Vinci bridge

There are plenty of bridge-building experiments out there, but this one is unique. It’s inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s 500-year-old self-supporting wooden bridge. Learn how to build it at the link, and expand your learning by exploring more about Da Vinci himself.

Learn more: Da Vinci Bridge

67. Step through an index card

This is one easy science experiment that never fails to astonish. With carefully placed scissor cuts on an index card, you can make a loop large enough to fit a (small) human body through! Kids will be wowed as they learn about surface area.

68. Stand on a pile of paper cups

Combine physics and engineering and challenge kids to create a paper cup structure that can support their weight. This is a cool project for aspiring architects.

Learn more: Paper Cup Stack

69. Test out parachutes

Gather a variety of materials (try tissues, handkerchiefs, plastic bags, etc.) and see which ones make the best parachutes. You can also find out how they’re affected by windy days or find out which ones work in the rain.

Learn more: Parachute Drop

70. Recycle newspapers into an engineering challenge

It’s amazing how a stack of newspapers can spark such creative engineering. Challenge kids to build a tower, support a book, or even build a chair using only newspaper and tape!

Learn more: Newspaper STEM Challenge

71. Use rubber bands to sound out acoustics

Explore the ways that sound waves are affected by what’s around them using a simple rubber band “guitar.” (Kids absolutely love playing with these!)

Learn more: Rubber Band Guitar

72. Assemble a better umbrella

Challenge students to engineer the best possible umbrella from various household supplies. Encourage them to plan, draw blueprints, and test their creations using the scientific method.

Learn more: Umbrella STEM Challenge

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40 Fun & Easy Preschool Science Experiments

Welcome to our collection of fun and easy science experiments, especially handpicked for our tiniest tinkerers and budding scientists. These experiments provide a safe and engaging environment for children to observe, question, and discover.

Activities on this list aren’t about complex theories or lengthy explanations; they’re about the joy of discovery, the magic of “why,” and the thrill of the “aha!” moment.

In the age of preschool kids, curiosity knows no bounds. Every raindrop is a mystery, every shadow a playful game, and every bubble a burst of joy. At this tender age, the line between magic and science is delightfully blurred, making it the perfect time to embark on whimsical experiments that tickle the imagination while fostering a foundational love for the wonders of the world.

Guided by experienced educators, each experiment is thoughtfully crafted to ensure age-appropriate materials, simple instructions, and plenty of opportunities for hands-on exploration.

1. Floating Dry Erase Rainbow and Shapes Experiment  

The Floating Dry Erase Rainbow and Shapes Experiment is a captivating preschool science activity that engages young minds while introducing fundamental concepts of buoyancy and color mixing.

Learn more: Team Cartwright

2. The Oil and Water Experiment- Density Science

By combining oil and water in a clear container, students observe the distinct separation between the two substances due to their different densities.

Learn more: Play Trains

3. Make Ice Grow

This experiment sparks curiosity and wonder and teaches children about the states of matter and the scientific principle of freezing.

Learn more: Teach Preschool Org

4. Ice Cream in a Bag

The “Ice Cream in a Bag” experiment is a delightful preschool science activity combining hands-on fun and a tasty treat.

Learn more: Ice Cream in a Bag

5. Magic Milk

The “Magic Milk” experiment with fizzing milk is a captivating preschool science activity that combines chemistry and visual spectacle.

Learn more: Magic Milk

6. Walking on Raw Eggs

By placing raw eggs in a row on the ground and carefully stepping on them, students discover that the eggs can withstand their weight without breaking.

This experiment not only sparks excitement and awe but also encourages children to question and investigate the strength and structure of objects.

Learn more: Housing a Forest

7. Unicorn Fizz 

The “Unicorn Fizz” experiment is a delightful preschool science activity that brings together a sense of wonder and the magic of unicorns.

Learn more: Unicorn Fizz 

8. Unpoppable Bubbles

This hands-on and interactive activity encourages exploration, experimentation, and a sense of achievement when bubbles refuse to burst, making it a must-try for young scientists ready to challenge the laws of bubble physics.

Learn more: Unpoppable Balloons

9. Melting Ice

It’s a simple yet engaging activity that lays the foundation for understanding the principles of thermodynamics and encourages scientific inquiry, making it an ideal experiment for young learners eager to explore the wonders of science.

Learn more: Melting Ice

10. Exploring How Water Travels Through Leaves

The “Exploring How Water Travels Through Leaves” experiment is an exciting preschool science activity that allows children to discover the wonders of plant biology.

Learn more: Buggy and Buddy

11. Pepper and Soap

By sprinkling pepper onto a bowl of water and then gently touching the surface with a soapy finger, students witness the mesmerizing movement of pepper particles as they scatter away from the soap.

Learn more: Pepper and Soap

12. Rain Cloud in a Jar

This hands-on activity encourages observation, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of weather phenomena, making it an exciting and educational experience for young learners eager to explore the science behind rain.

13. Making Color Disappear

The “Making Color Disappear” experiment is a captivating preschool science activity that introduces children to the magical world of color mixing.

Learn more: Making Color Disappear

14. Elephant Toothpaste

This hands-on and engaging activity fosters scientific inquiry, observation, and a sense of wonder, making it a must-try for young scientists eager to explore the fascinating world of chemistry.

Learn more: Elephant Toothpaste

15. Play Dough Volcano

This is a sensory and interactive activity that encourages exploration, observation, and scientific inquiry, making it a must-try for young scientists eager to unleash their inner volcanologists and have a blast while learning about the wonders of the natural world.

Learn more: Play Dough Volcano

16. Skittles Rainbow

By arranging a circle of colorful Skittles candies on a plate and adding a small amount of warm water, students can observe as the colors dissolve and blend together, creating a beautiful rainbow pattern.

Learn more: Skittles Rainbow

17. Rainbow Tower

By layering different liquids of varying densities, such as water, oil, and colored syrup, students can create a stunning rainbow tower in a clear container.

18. Balloon-Powered Car

By constructing a simple car out of everyday materials and attaching a balloon as the power source, students can witness the car zooming forward as the air escapes from the balloon.

19. Wind-Powered Car

By constructing a simple car using lightweight materials and attaching a small sail, students can observe how the wind propels the car forward.

20. Travelling Waters

The “Travelling Waters” experiment is a captivating preschool science activity that explores the concept of water absorption and movement.

21. Leak-proof Bag

Get ready to discover the wonders of a leak-proof bag experiment! This engaging pre-school science activity is a must-try for young explorers

Learn more: Leak-proof Bag

22. Magnetic Discovery Bottles

By filling transparent bottles with a combination of water, glitter, and an array of magnetic objects, children can witness the mesmerizing dance of magnetic forces.

Learn more: Magnetic Discovery Bottles

23. Water Xylophone

As they experiment with water levels and observe the corresponding changes in pitch, they’ll develop a deeper understanding of sound and vibrations.

24. Balloon Rocket Science

This hands-on activity not only sparks excitement but also introduces basic physics concepts in a playful and interactive manner.

25. LEGO Ice Excavation

Get ready to embark on a cool and captivating journey with LEGO ice excavation! This thrilling preschool science experiment is a must-try for young adventurers.

Learn more: LEGO Ice Excavation

26. Edible Butterfly Life Cycle

As they assemble and devour their edible creations, children will gain a deeper understanding of the miraculous transformation that butterflies undergo.

Learn more: Little Bins Little Hands

27. Penny Boat

As they experiment with different shapes and sizes, they’ll learn about buoyancy, weight distribution, and the principles of floating.

28. Salt Painting

Get ready to unleash your creativity with salt painting! This exciting pre-school art activity is a must-try for young artists. By using a mixture of salt, watercolors, and paper, children can create stunning and textured paintings.

Learn more: Salt Painting

29. String Telephone

This hands-on activity not only sparks imagination but also introduces the concept of sound transmission and vibrations.

Learn more: String Telephone

30. DIY Straw Rockets

Get ready for an exciting DIY adventure with straw rockets! This thrilling preschool science experiment is a must-try for young rocket scientists.

Learn more: DIY Straw Rocket

31. Dancing Corn

Through this simple yet enchanting experience, children will grasp the concept of air pressure and buoyancy in a fun-filled manner.

32. Egg Drop Challenge

The Egg Drop Challenge not only sparks enthusiasm for science but also nurtures teamwork and perseverance in little ones.

Learn more: Egg Drop Challenge

33. Rubber Egg (Egg in Vinegar)

Welcome to the fascinating world of the “Rubber Egg” experiment, where curious young minds will witness the extraordinary transformation of a regular egg into a bouncy, rubbery wonder!

34. LEGO Zipline

By constructing a simple zipline using LEGO bricks and a string, children get hands-on experience with the principles of gravity, motion, and engineering.

Learn more: LEGO Zipline

35. Blow Cup Challenge

The Blow Cup Challenge is a delightful and captivating preschool science experiment that will leave young learners amazed and eager to explore.

By blowing air into the cup, they witness the fantastic force of air pressure propelling the rocket upwards.

Learn more: Erintegration

36. How Strong Is the Spaghetti?

Through hands-on experimentation, they discover the principles of balance, stability, and load-bearing capacities.

This experiment not only encourages creativity and problem-solving but also introduces early engineering concepts in an engaging and approachable manner.

Learn more: Frugalfun4boys

37. Simple Static Electricity Experiment

The Simple Static Electricity Experiment offers an electrifying experience for preschoolers that sparks curiosity and wonder.

In this captivating activity, children explore the fascinating world of static electricity by rubbing balloons against different materials and observing the surprising effects.

38. Sedimentary Rocks Model

The Sedimentary Rocks Model offers an immersive and educational preschool science experiment that takes young learners on a fascinating geological adventure. In this hands-on activity, children get to create their own sedimentary rock models.

Learn more: Preschool Powol Pockets

39. Layers of the Earth

Through hands-on exploration, children will create a simplified Earth model using different materials to represent its layers: the crust, mantle, and core.

By understanding the composition of our planet, they’ll gain insight into the forces that shape the Earth’s surface and its interior.

Learn more: Red Ted Art

40. LEGO Pendulum Painting

By experimenting with different string lengths, weights, and paint colors, they discover how the motion of the pendulum influences the patterns it creates.

Learn more: LEGO Pendulum

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• Top 100 Fine Motor Skills Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers
• 68 Best Chemistry Experiments: Learn About Chemical Reactions
• Top 58 Creative Art Activities for Kids and Preschoolers

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