There is no better way to teach science to preschoolers than with a farm theme. With all the animals, plants and various objects found on a farm, there are endless possibilities for a fun and educational science activities. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Animal Senses
Animals have different senses than us humans, but they all help them to survive in their environment. This activity will help children to think about and understand how animals use their senses. Have the children form groups of two or three and have them pick an animal that can be found on a farm. Give each group a set of supplies such as construction paper, markers, crayons, scissors and glue. Ask them to create a poster that shows how the animal uses its senses to survive.
For example, if the group chooses a cow, the poster might include pictures of grass (taste), a cow bell (hearing), an image of the cow’s eyes and ears (sight and hearing), and a picture of the cow’s nose (smell). Ask the groups to present their posters to the class and discuss what they learned.
Plant Life
Many children have never had the chance to really get up close and personal with a plant. This activity will help them to observe and learn more about plant life. Take the children outside (if possible) and have them pick a plant to observe. Ask them to use their five senses to explore the plant. Have them draw or write down their observations.
If you have access to a microscope, have the children observe the plant up close. Ask them to draw or write down their observations. Ask each child to present their observations to the class and discuss what they learned.
Farm Animal Care
Animals on the farm need to be taken care of, and this activity will help children to learn about different ways to take care of animals. Have the children form groups of two or three and have them pick an animal that can be found on a farm. Give each group a set of supplies such as construction paper, markers, crayons, scissors and glue. Ask them to create a poster that shows how to care for the animal.
For example, if the group chooses a horse, the poster might include pictures of a healthy diet, shelter, grooming, and exercise. Ask the groups to present their posters to the class and discuss what they learned.
Gardening
Gardening is an important part of any farm, and it can be an exciting activity for preschoolers. Depending on the season and your region, you can start a garden with flowers, fruits, or vegetables. Have the children pick a plant they’d like to grow and provide them with instructions on how to plant and take care of the plant. Have them draw pictures of the plants at different stages (seeds, sprouts, flowers, etc.). Ask each child to present their observations to the class and discuss what they learned.
Harvesting
Harvesting is a great way to teach children about where their food comes from. Have the children pick a fruit or vegetable they’d like to harvest. Take them outside (if possible) and have them pick the fruit or vegetable. Have them draw or write down their observations. Ask each child to present their observations to the class and discuss what they learned.
Farm Art
This activity will help children to learn about the various objects found on a farm and how to use them to create art. Have the children form groups of two or three and have them pick an object that can be found on a farm. Give each group a set of supplies such as construction paper, markers, crayons, scissors and glue. Ask them to create a piece of art using the object.
For example, if the group chooses a cow, the art might include a cow made out of construction paper, markers or crayons, and glue. Ask the groups to present their art to the class and discuss what they learned.
Milking a Cow
This activity will teach children about the process of milking a cow. Have the children form pairs and provide each pair with a bucket, a toy cow, and a toy milking machine. Ask them to pretend to milk the cow and have them draw or write down their observations. Ask each pair to present their observations to the class and discuss what they learned.
Farm Games
There are many fun farm-themed games that can be used to teach children about animals, plants, and other objects found on a farm. Examples include “Pin the Tail on the Cow”, “Guess the Farm Animal”, “Farm Bingo”, and “Farm Memory”. Provide the children with instructions for the game and have them play. Ask each child to present their observations to the class and discuss what they learned.
Science activities for preschoolers don’t have to be boring. With a little creativity and the right supplies, you can create fun and educational activities that will help children to learn and explore the world around them.