Science experiments can be a fun and exciting way to teach toddlers and young children about the world around them. By providing simple and easy experiments, toddlers can learn the basics of science in a fun, interactive way. Through these experiments, toddlers can learn the basics of cause and effect, predicting outcomes and the scientific method.

Safety Precautions

When undertaking experiments with toddlers it is important to take some basic safety precautions. Depending on the age of the toddler, parents and caregivers should either provide assistance or be within close reach of the toddler when the experiment is being conducted. It is important that any potentially dangerous items such as matches, chemicals, or sharp objects be kept out of reach of the toddler. Also, be sure to provide adult supervision for any experiment that involves heat, flames or electricity.

Experiment Ideas

Discovery Bottles

Discovery bottles are a great way to introduce toddlers to the basics of science. Discovery bottles can be created using an empty plastic bottle, such as a water or soda bottle. Place a few items inside the bottle, such as buttons, glitter, or small toys. Fill the bottle with water and then add a few drops of food coloring. Secure the lid and let the toddler shake the bottle to mix the items inside. The toddler can then observe the items inside the bottle and discover how the food coloring changes the color of the water.

Ice Melt Experiment

This experiment is a great way to teach toddlers about cause and effect and the properties of water. Fill an ice cube tray with water and then place it in the freezer until the cubes are frozen solid. Place a few of the cubes in a plastic or glass bowl and provide the toddler with a few items to drop into the bowl such as coins, buttons, or small toys. As the toddler drops the items into the bowl, the ice cubes will start to melt. The toddler can observe the effect of the items on the ice and watch as the items sink to the bottom of the bowl.

Fizzy Lemonade

This experiment is a great way to teach toddlers about the properties of chemical reactions. Fill a bowl with lemon juice and add a few tablespoons of baking soda. Stir the mixture and watch as it starts to fizz. The toddler can observe the fizzing reaction and learn about how different ingredients can cause a reaction when mixed together.

Floating Eggs

This experiment is a great way to teach toddlers about the properties of water. Fill a bowl with water and then gently place an egg into the bowl. The egg should float in the bowl and the toddler can observe the effect of the water on the egg. Then, add a few tablespoons of salt to the water and mix it in. The egg should sink to the bottom of the bowl. The toddler can observe the effect of the salt on the egg and learn how the properties of water can be manipulated by adding salt.

Volcano Experiment

This experiment is a great way to teach toddlers about the basics of volcanoes. You will need a plastic bottle, some modeling clay, and a few drops of food coloring. Place the modeling clay around the opening of the bottle to form a volcano-like shape. Then, fill the bottle with water and add a few drops of food coloring. Add a teaspoon of baking soda to the bottle and watch as the mixture starts to bubble and fizz.

Colored Milk Experiment

This experiment is a great way to teach toddlers about the properties of color and liquids. Place a few drops of food coloring into a bowl of milk. Dip a cotton swab into a bowl of dish soap and then place the swab into the colored milk. The toddler can observe the effect of the dish soap on the colored milk and watch as the colors start to swirl around the bowl. This experiment can also be used to teach toddlers about the basics of surface tension.

Bubble Foam Experiment

This experiment is a great way to teach toddlers about the properties of bubbles and the basics of chemical reactions. Mix together equal parts of dish soap, baking soda, and water in a bowl. Add a few drops of food coloring and stir the mixture until it starts to foam. The toddler can observe the bubbly foam and watch as it changes colors as the food coloring is mixed in.

Make Your Own Telescope

This experiment is a great way to teach toddlers about the basics of optics. You will need two small plastic cups, some string, and a few pieces of tape. Place the two cups together so that the bottoms of the cups are touching. Secure the cups together with the string and tape. Then, have the toddler look through the cups and observe how objects appear closer and bigger.

Conclusion

Science experiments can be a fun and exciting way to teach toddlers and young children about the world around them. By providing simple and easy experiments, toddlers can learn the basics of science in a fun, interactive way. Through these experiments, toddlers can learn the basics of cause and effect, predicting outcomes and the scientific method. Safety should be a priority when undertaking experiments with toddlers and adult supervision should always be provided.