Preschool Science & STEM

Preschool is a critical time for children to begin to explore the world around them and develop key science skills. Science development during the preschool years can provide children with a strong foundation for their future learning.

Through preschool science, children develop a better understanding of the world around them. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) activities help preschoolers become problem solvers and develop their critical thinking skills.

Preschool Science Learning Objectives

Preschoolers learn best through play, so science learning objectives should focus on developing their sense of exploration and discovery. Here are some important science learning objectives for preschoolers:

Identify and name basic shapes and colors.
Recognize and describe similarities and differences between objects.
Identify and classify objects according to their characteristics.
Identify and name simple tools used for everyday tasks.
Begin to understand basic concepts of light, sound, and motion.
Understand the concept of cause and effect.
Develop an awareness of animals and their habitats.
Show an interest in observing the natural world around them.
Develop an understanding of basic science processes such as mixing, sorting, and observing.
Develop an understanding of basic scientific vocabulary.

Preschool Science Activities

Preschool science and STEM activities are designed to help children develop the skills they will need in the future.Preschoolers can learn about the natural world through activities like exploring the outdoors, observing plants and animals, and engaging in sensory play. By engaging in these activities, children can learn to think scientifically and become more confident in their abilities.

Physical Science Activities
Preschoolers can explore physical science concepts such as forces and motion, magnetism, and electricity.
Some popular Physical Science activities for preschoolers include:

Make a Rainbow: Use colored filters and a flashlight to show how light is composed of different colors.
Magic Milk: Use a few drops of dish soap and food coloring to explore surface tension.
Oobleck: Mix cornstarch and water to create an interesting slime-like substance that can be solid and liquid.
Walking Water: Place colored water in two glasses and connect them with a paper towel to see how liquid moves through porous materials.
Make a Cloud: Bring a cup of warm water and a few ice cubes outside to observe how clouds form.
Balloon Rockets: Attach a string to a balloon and blow through it to create a rocket.
Make a Tornado: Place a few drops of food coloring in an empty two-liter bottle and spin it to observe how a tornado works.
Water Filters: Use different materials, such as sand, gravel, and charcoal, to create a water filter.
Build a Lemon Battery: Connect a lemon and a few pieces of metal to a voltmeter and measure the current.
Build a Volcano: Combine vinegar and baking soda to create a volcano eruption.

Life Science Activities
Preschoolers can develop an understanding of life science by learning about the basic needs of living things, the life cycles of plants and animals, and how organisms interact in their environment. Some popular preschool life science activities include:

Plant a garden—This is a great way to introduce children to the life cycle of a plant and the importance of taking care of the environment.
Create a terrarium—This activity allows children to observe and care for a miniature ecosystem.
Explore bird watching—This activity teaches children about different species of birds and the importance of conservation.
Observe insects—Children can learn about the life cycle of different insects and their importance in the environment.
Visit a farm—This allows children to observe different farm animals and learn about their needs and the role they play in the environment.
Make a food chain—This activity helps children understand the relationships between different species and how energy flows through an ecosystem.
Raise butterflies—This activity teaches children about the life cycle of a butterfly and the importance of pollinators.
Visit a zoo or an aquarium—This allows children to observe different species in the wild and learn about their natural habitats.
Investigate using your senses—This activity helps children understand their senses and how they help them interact with the world.

Earth & Space Science Activities
Preschoolers can learn about earth and space science by learning about the earth’s features, the seasons, weather, and the solar system. Some popular preschool earth and space activities include:

Making a model of the solar system
Create a constellation with stars made out of glow and the dark stars.
Create a sedimentary Jar
Make a cloud in a jar - fill a jar with warm air, water vapor, and a bit of smoke to create a cloud. 
Make a water cycle in a bag - set up a water cycle experiment in a plastic bag with water, food coloring, and ice.
Sort rocks
Observing the night sky
Observing Different Types of Weather (Set up a Rain Gauge, Record the Weather, Set out a Wind Sock).
Observing different types of Clouds
Experimenting with a magnifying glass and sunlight to explore how light travels.
Track the moon—This activity helps children recognize the patterns of the moon’s phases and understand the relationship between the sun and moon.
Sorting recycling and discussing ways to reduce, re-reuse and recycle different materials.

Through hands-on activities, play-based learning, and guided conversations, children can develop a fascination with the natural world and begin to build a strong scientific foundation.

STEM Activities

STEM activities can take on many forms, such as building structures with blocks, experimenting with simple machines, or exploring patterns and shapes.

Preschool Science Learning Centers

It's important to make space for exploring, and learning about science in your program. You can find tips for creating a Science Learning Center in your classroom here. If you are short on space, consider setting up a sensory table, or even a light table that will allow you to easily rotate materials every few weeks.