Science experiments are a great way to get preschoolers excited and engaged in learning. Not only do they get to explore and discover new things, but they also get to have fun in the process. Science experiments can easily be adapted to fit the specific age and level of each preschooler. Here are some easy and quick science experiments for preschoolers that you can do at home or in the classroom.

Floating and Sinking

This experiment is great for helping preschoolers understand the concepts of floating and sinking. Fill a shallow container with water and grab a few everyday items such as a paperclip, piece of wood, feather, and plastic spoon. Ask the preschooler to predict which items will float and which will sink. Then, have the preschooler test out their theories by placing the items in the container of water. Talk about what happened and why certain items float while others sink.

Mixing Colors

This experiment is a great way to introduce young children to color mixing. Fill two bowls with warm water and add a few drops of food coloring in each bowl. Place a white piece of paper in one bowl and a piece of black paper in the other bowl. Have the preschooler observe the change in color in each bowl. Explain that when the two colors are combined, the result is a new color.

Grow a Bean

This experiment is a great way to teach preschoolers about the process of planting and growing. Get a wet paper towel and place a few beans in the center. Then, fold the paper towel around the beans and place it in a plastic bag. Place the bag in a sunny spot and have the preschooler observe the changes in the beans over time. Talk about how plants need water and sunlight to grow.

Vinegar and Baking Soda Reaction

This experiment is a fun way to introduce preschoolers to chemical reactions. Place a spoonful of baking soda in a bowl and add a few drops of vinegar. Ask the preschooler to observe the reaction and explain that a chemical reaction has occurred. Talk about how the vinegar and baking soda combined to create a new substance.

Cloud in a Bottle

This experiment is great for helping preschoolers understand the concept of clouds and how they form. Fill a clear bottle with hot water and add a teaspoon of salt. Have the preschooler shake the bottle vigorously for a few minutes and ask them to observe what happens. Explain that the salt and hot water combination forms a cloud inside the bottle.

Ice Cube Painting

This experiment is a great way to introduce preschoolers to the concept of melting and freezing. Fill an ice cube tray with water and add a few drops of food coloring. Place the tray in the freezer and wait until the cubes are completely frozen. Then, place the frozen cubes on a piece of paper and ask the preschooler to watch the colors as they melt and mix together. Talk about how the colors change as the ice melts.

Rainbow in a Jar

This experiment is a great way to introduce preschoolers to the concept of light refraction. Fill a clear jar with water and add a few drops of food coloring. Place the jar in direct sunlight and ask the preschooler to observe what happens. Explain that the sunlight is refracted by the water and the colors mix together to form a rainbow.

Make a Tornado

This experiment is a fun way to introduce preschoolers to the concept of wind and storms. Fill a clear plastic bottle with water and place it in the sink. Have the preschooler swirl the bottle in a circular motion for a few minutes and observe what happens. Explain that the water creates a mini tornado inside the bottle.

Lava Lamp

This experiment is a great way to introduce preschoolers to the concept of density. Fill a clear jar with water and add a few drops of food coloring and a teaspoon of oil. Place the jar in direct sunlight and ask the preschooler to observe what happens. Explain that the oil and water have different densities and the oil rises to the top, creating a lava lamp effect.

Conclusion

These are just a few of the many quick and easy science experiments that you can do with preschoolers. Science experiments can be a fun and engaging way to introduce young children to new concepts and help them understand the world around them. Not only will they learn something new, but they’ll also have a lot of fun in the process.