These easy science projects for preschool and kindergarten teachers will make your life easier!

Read on to see how these simple science experiments will have your little learners excited to explore and engage in the best ways!

Easy Science Projects for Preschool and Kindergarten Teachers: Tips and Inspiration

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I love easy science projects! Don’t you? Science education is a fundamental aspect of early childhood development, sparking curiosity and nurturing the natural inquisitiveness of young children! These easy science projects for preschool and kindergarten teachers have the ability to turn everyday ingredients into moments of awe and discovery for young minds.

Today I’m sharing some of my favorite kindergarten and preschool science activities. These projects are simple to set up and a great way to engage little scientists! I’ve been teaching for almost two decades and I find that kindergarten and preschool children are always excited to get to work in our science center. I really enjoy working on an easy science experiment while we are meeting in small groups. 

Have you found yourself searching for an easy way to incorporate the scientific method, steam activities, and a fun science experiment into your day?

I’ve done all of the hard work for you! You can grab this resource that is packed with kindergarten and preschool lesson plans, planning and reflection sheets, troubleshooting tips, and so much more! This unit was created for homeschool and classroom teachers. I’ve included my top 10 science projects that use simple ingredients to dive into this great subject! This resource includes classroom-approved, experiments that I’ve tried with young kids and is an excellent way to make sure you have a simple experiment on hand any time you need one!

Science exploration and these important science concepts can be so much fun with these hands-on science activities. We will introduce kids to the wonders of science, as it sets the foundation for a lifelong appreciation of the world around them. Engaging in simple, hands-on science projects not only fosters a sense of wonder but also helps in developing critical thinking, observation skills, and a love for learning. 

Here is a sneak peek at 5 of the 10 easy science projects that kindergarten teachers can use to ignite the spark of scientific curiosity in their young learners!

Easy Science Projects for Preschool and Kindergarten Teachers

1. Magic Milk Science Experiment 

​Materials: Whole milk, dish soap, food coloring, shallow dish.

This captivating experiment introduces children to the concept of surface tension. Pour a shallow layer of milk into a dish and add a few drops of different colored food coloring. Dip a cotton swab in dish soap and touch it to the surface of the milk. Watch as the colors swirl and dance as if by magic. T

his happens because the soap molecules disrupt the surface tension of the milk, causing the colors to move and mix. The bright colors make this a favorite of the easy preschool science experiments. It’s perfect for kindergarten and first grade too! You can grab your lesson plans, detailed photos, and troubleshooting tips for this easy science activity here.

Easy Science Projects for Preschool and Kindergarten Teachers

2. Inflating Curiosity: The Vinegar and Baking Soda Balloon Experiment

Materials: baking soda, vinegar, balloons, empty plastic water bottles, funnel, measuring spoon

The vinegar and baking soda balloon experiment is such a fun science activity that perfectly combines excitement with fundamental scientific principles. Vinegar experiments are some of my favorites because with just a little bit of vinegar, you can get a BIG reaction! Preschool and kindergarten teachers can use this simple yet captivating experiment to introduce their students to chemical reactions and the concept of gas expansion. Let’s dive into the details of this exciting project. Begin by gathering all your materials and setting up a designated experiment area. Using a funnel, carefully pour a small amount of baking soda into the balloon. You can use a teaspoon as a measuring tool. Aim for about one teaspoon of baking soda per balloon. Provide each student with a plastic water bottle that’s about one-third full of vinegar. Stretch the mouth of the balloon over the opening of the water bottle, making sure not to let the baking soda spill into the vinegar just yet. (Little hands will need help with this!) When everyone is ready, gently lift the balloon, allowing the baking soda to fall into the vinegar. As the baking soda reacts with the vinegar, it produces carbon dioxide gas. This gas will start to inflate the balloon, causing it to expand. Watch as the balloon inflates and discuss what’s happening. I know easy science projects for kindergarten and preschool teachers are always needed and this is such a fun and exciting one!

Ask questions like:

• Why do you think the balloon is getting bigger?
• What do you notice about the balloon now compared to before?
• What do you think is making the balloon inflate?

You can use different materials to extend the learning. 

• Use different amounts of baking soda and vinegar. How does this affect the size of the balloon?
• Try using different sizes of balloons. Does the size of the balloon matter in the reaction?
• Add a few drops of food coloring to the vinegar before the reaction. Observe what happens to the color as the gas inflates the balloon.

Chemical Reaction: The mixture of baking soda (a base) and vinegar (an acid) initiates a chemical reaction. This reaction produces carbon dioxide gas, which is responsible for the inflation of the balloon.

Gas Expansion: As the carbon dioxide gas is released in the reaction, it fills the space inside the balloon. This gas takes up more space than the liquid and solid components (baking soda and vinegar) did individually, causing the balloon to expand.

Conclusion:The vinegar and baking soda balloon experiment is a fantastic way to introduce young learners to the magical world of chemical reactions and gas expansion. Through this hands-on activity, kindergarteners can observe firsthand how simple ingredients can create intriguing and dynamic transformations. Not only does this experiment spark curiosity, but it also lays the foundation for understanding fundamental scientific concepts that will serve as building blocks for their future explorations in science. So, get ready to inflate their minds with wonder and excitement as you embark on this engaging experiment in the classroom. Grab everything you need here!

Easy Science Projects for Preschool and Kindergarten Teachers

3. Colors in Motion: Crawling Rainbow Experiment

Materials: clear cups or containers, water, paper towels (cut into strips or folded), food coloring

This fun experiment is the perfect way to captivate young minds than with a colorful and mesmerizing science experiment! The Crawling Rainbow experiment is a simple and engaging activity that introduces children to the concepts of color mixing, capillary action, and water absorption. This hands-on project will have your kindergarteners wide-eyed with excitement as they watch colors come to life and “crawl” across paper towels. Let’s dive into the details of this captivating experiment. Gather all the materials and set up a designated experiment area. Fill each clear cup or container with a small amount of water, about halfway full. Invite the children to assist you in this step, promoting active engagement. Gently dip the bottom of the paper towel strip into the water-filled cup, ensuring that the colored section is just above the waterline. Rest the top part of the paper towel on the rim of the cup.Observe and Predict As the paper towel absorbs the water, the colors will begin to migrate upwards. Prompt the children to make predictions about what will happen to the colors. Will they mix together? How far will they “crawl”? Watch the Crawling Rainbow Over the course of the next 15 to 30 minutes, the colors will slowly climb up the paper towel. With a little patience, the children will be amazed as they witness the colors blending and spreading, creating a beautiful crawling rainbow effect.

Ask Questions: Once the experiment is complete, gather the students to discuss their observations. Ask questions like:

• What did you notice happening to the colors?
• Why do you think the colors climbed up the paper towel?
• What other things in nature might use a similar process to move liquids?

Extend the ExperimentFor an extra dose of exploration, encourage the children to try different color combinations or even various types of paper towels to see how they affect the crawling rainbow. You will be surprised how much different objects can change the outcome!

Scientific Concepts Explained:

Capillary Action: Capillary action is the ability of liquids to flow in narrow spaces without the assistance of external forces like gravity. In this experiment, the water is drawn upward through the tiny gaps in the paper towel fibers, carrying the colors along with it.

Color Mixing: As the water travels along the paper towel, it carries the water-soluble pigments from the markers with it. The colors mix and blend, creating a crawling rainbow effect as they move upwards.

Conclusion:The Crawling Rainbow science experiment is a delightful way to introduce kindergarteners to the magic of color mixing and capillary action. It truly is one of my favorites of the easy science projects. Through hands-on exploration, children witness firsthand the scientific principles that make colors come to life and seemingly crawl across paper towels. This experiment not only sparks curiosity and excitement but also cultivates observation skills and critical thinking. By engaging in the Crawling Rainbow experiment, young learners lay the groundwork for their ongoing scientific journey, where each discovery leads to new questions and exploration. So, get ready to dive into the world of colors and motion with this enchanting experiment that will leave a lasting impression on their inquisitive minds.

4. Sink or Float: Discovering Buoyancy

Materials: Various small objects (coins, buttons, balls, paperclips, cork, small toy), a large container of water, towel (for drying hands)

The sink or float experiment is a classic and engaging activity that introduces children to the concepts of buoyancy, density, and scientific observation. By testing various objects and making predictions, kindergarteners can learn how different materials interact with water and why some items sink while others float. Let’s delve into the details of this hands-on experiment that will surely make a splash in your classroom. Gather the students and introduce the concept of sinking and floating. Ask questions like:

• What do you think will happen when we put things in the water?
• Can you think of things that might sink? What about things that might float?
• Why do you think some things float while others sink?

Time to predict! Show the students a few objects from your collection. Encourage them to predict whether each item will sink or float in the water. Record their predictions on the chart. Invite the students to take turns choosing an object and placing it in the water. Observe whether the object sinks or floats. Encourage them to use descriptive language to explain their observations. As each object is tested, record the actual results on the chart. Use different colors for sinking and floating to make the chart visually engaging. Gather the students around the chart and discuss the results. Ask questions like:

• Were there any surprises? Did anything float that you thought would sink, o r vice versa?
• Can you find any patterns in the results? Are there objects that are similar in material but have different outcomes?

If you want to extend their learning, consider these extensions:

• Have the students group objects based on whether they are made of plastic, wood, metal, etc., and predict if the group as a whole will sink or float.
• Discuss real-life scenarios where knowing about sinking and floating is important, like when building boats or designing swimming toys.

Scientific Concepts Explained:

Buoyancy: Objects either sink or float based on the relationship between their weight and the amount of water they displace. Objects that are less dense than water will float, while those denser than water will sink.Whether you use cold or warm water – it doesn’t matter!

Density: The density of an object determines whether it sinks or floats. If an object is denser than the liquid it is placed in (like water), it will sink. If it is less dense, it will float.

Conclusion:The sink or float experiment is a wonderful way to introduce kindergarteners to fundamental scientific concepts while sparking their natural curiosity. Through hands-on exploration and observation, children learn about buoyancy, density, and the properties of different materials. This experiment fosters critical thinking, encourages predictions, and allows young learners to test their hypotheses. By immersing themselves in this interactive activity, kindergarteners take their first steps into the world of scientific discovery, laying the groundwork for future explorations and a lifelong love of learning. So, grab your objects, fill your tub, and let the excitement of the sink or float experiment inspire your classroom’s scientific journey!

This classic experiment helps kids grasp the concept of buoyancy. Gather a variety of small objects and let the children predict whether each item will sink or float in water. Drop the items into the water one by one and observe the outcomes. Discuss the results and help them understand how the shape, size, and material of an object affect its buoyancy.

​5. Rainy Clouds: Shaving Cream and Food Coloring Rain in a Jar Experiment for Kindergarten

Materials: clear glass or jar, shaving cream, blue food coloring, dropper or pipette, water

Exploring the wonders of weather can be an exciting adventure for kindergarten students. The rain in a jar experiment using shaving cream and food coloring is a playful and visually captivating activity that introduces children to the concept of precipitation and the water cycle. By creating a colorful “cloud” in a jar and watching it release “rain,” young learners can experience the magic of rain formation in a hands-on and engaging way. Let’s dive into the details of this delightful experiment!

Begin by gathering the students and discussing the water cycle, focusing on how water evaporates to form clouds and then falls as rain. Create the cloud! To do this, fill the jar about two-thirds full with water. Then, using a spoon, carefully add a layer of shaving cream on top of the water in the jar. This represents the cloud. In a separate container, mix a few drops of blue food coloring with a small amount of water to dilute it. Use a dropper or pipette to drop the colored water onto the shaving cream cloud. Get ready! As the colored water saturates the shaving cream, it will eventually become heavy and start to drip down into the clear water below, simulating rain falling from the cloud. Finally, you’ll want to observe and discuss. Encourage the students to watch as the “rain” falls from the cloud and mixes with the clear water below. Ask questions like:

• What do you notice happening to the shaving cream cloud?
• How does this experiment remind you of real rain?
• Can you see the connection between the colored water and rain?

Afterwards, gather the students and discuss their observations and experiences. You can also extend the activity by exploring other questions like:

• How does the “rain” affect the color of the water in the jar?
• What happens if you add more or fewer drops of colored water to the cloud?
  
  There are several scientific concepts touched on with this experiment.

Precipitation: In the rain in a jar experiment, the shaving cream cloud becomes saturated with the colored water, causing it to release liquid “rain” that falls into the clear water below. This simulates the process of precipitation, where water vapor in real clouds condenses and falls to the ground as rain.

Water Cycle: The experiment offers a simplified representation of the water cycle by demonstrating the stages of evaporation, condensation, and precipitation in a playful and tangible way.

Conclusion: The shaving cream and food coloring rain in a jar experiment is a wonderful introduction to the water cycle and the formation of precipitation. Through hands-on exploration, kindergarteners can witness the transformation of a cloud and the release of colorful “rain.” This experiment fosters curiosity, observation skills, and understanding of basic weather concepts. By engaging with this interactive activity, young learners lay the groundwork for their future scientific inquiries and build a foundation of knowledge about the natural world. So, gather your materials and get ready to create a storm of excitement in your classroom as you embark on this rainy adventure!

Easy Science Projects for Kindergarten and Preschool Teachers Conclusion

The Kindergarten and Preschool years are a magical time for introducing children to the wonders of science at a young age. I love to incorporate these simple, hands-on projects at any time of year. This was just a sneak peek of the 10 experiments that will captivate their curiosity, teach them important scientific concepts, and set the stage for a lifelong love of learning. Each of these easy science projects provide engaging and age-appropriate ways to explore the world around us, fostering critical thinking, observation skills, and a sense of wonder in young minds. Through these activities, kindergarten and preschool teachers can pave the way for future scientists, thinkers, and problem solvers!

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about these easy science projects for kindergarten and preschool teachers!

Do you want to grab the resource full of lesson plans, planning, reflection sheets, photos, and more? Head here to make your life easier!

Are you looking for more engaging ideas to teach CVC words to kindergarten students? Head here!

I’m loving the apple volcano project in my Johnny Appleseed unit. Head here to read about it!

Happy Teaching & Parenting this week, friends!

P.S. I’d love to hear if you try one of these easy science projects for kindergarten and preschool teachers with your kids! Let me know!

Science of Reading Literacy centers will help students practice essential phonemic awareness skills. These mapping mats are perfect to help students segment and blend words!

Science of Reading Literacy Centers

The more I learn about the Science of Reading approach, the more it all just makes sense! I have always been confused about why we are trying to get students to memorize so many words. Shouldn’t we spend more time teaching them basic phonemic awareness and phonics skills? Of course, the answer is yes!

After implementing my Sound Wall, I have seen a major change in the way my students are able to read and spell new words. If you are implementing the Science of Reading approach, make sure to head over here to learn about why research says you should replace Word Walls with Sound Walls!

Today I’m sharing how I use these literacy centers with my students. These centers help kids really practice those essential skills that research says is a necessary part of the learning to read progression.

Segmenting Words

In order to write words, students must know how to segment a word into the individual sounds or phonemes. If you say “mop”, are students able to recognize that /m/, /o/, and /p/ make up that word? There are so many ways to practice this skill.

I like to have students say the word, tap the word, map the word, and finally write the word. You can see that in the above photo.

Say it!

First, children should say the word aloud. This helps them to hear the sounds and recognize the way their mouths pronounce the sound. I like to ask students to put their pointer finger on the picture as they say it out loud.

Have you heard this fun song? It is to the same tune as the nursery rhyme we know as “Brother John” or “Frere Jacques”. I sing it every time I want them to use their index finger. I start with my pointer finger (index finger) behind my back and bring it out in the middle of the song like I just found it.

It goes like this, “Pointer finger! Pointer finger! Where are you? Where are you? Will you come and help me? Will you come and help me? Touch and name? Touch and name!”

Tap it!

Next, it’s important that students can segment the word. One way to do this is to “Tap it!”. You can ask students to simply use a finger or a pencil. Another way to do this is to use a magician’s wand or fairy wand. This is just one way to make it more fun for children!

Map it!

Then, children will “map” the word. Mapping the word helps students visually see how many phonemes are in each one. You can do this by asking students to write the letters in the “Map it!” spot or simply use any kind of manipulative there. I love to use mini erasers for this purpose. Remember, that you can pair these mats with any small object of your choice. Use your imagination and switch it up each time to make these mats seem fresh and new for kids!

You may have guessed that I have a teensy obsession with mini-erasers by this point! The kids love walking over to choose any type they want. I love that you can find packs of them for just a dollar and engagement goes through the roof when they get to have that choice!

By the way, if you love mini-erasers as much as I do, head here to see how I use them with task cards!

Write it!

Finally, I ask kids to write the word. This is where students use their knowledge of graphemes and really connect those sounds to letters. I let my students use a pencil on the black and white mats when they are working on these for extra practice.

However, to really add excitement, simply slide these mats in dry erase pockets and let them use a dry erase marker. They LOVE using those!

Science of Reading Literacy Centers with Play Dough

I personally think it’s so fun to use play dough with my students to practice this skill. Let’s be honest, what child doesn’t love play dough?

To begin, roll 3 small balls for each word. Students will quickly press the balls down while segmenting the word. This is so fun in the “Tap it!” section. Something about that play dough really adds to the engagement and excitement!

Mapping Mats

These mats can be found here. For the sake of these photos, I just set these out to take the picture, but if I was using these with my students, I slide them in a dry erase pocket or sleeve. This way you can use them again and again! You will find dozens of options for every short vowel in both color or printer-friendly black and white.

I like to use the color ones with a small group, for early finishers, or morning work. I send the black and white ones home as extra practice so students can show parents what they are working on.

The way we teach kids to read is changing and this is a great way for children to “teach” their parents.

Science of Reading Literacy Centers Bundle

Of course, the best way to try these with your students is to grab the bundle. This bundle is PACKED with so many ways to practice skills aligned with the Science of Reading approach. You get the best value for your money but also SO MANY ways to practice essential phonemic awareness skills. The flip it mats you see above are so much fun and part of the bundle.

As always, please me know if you have any questions friends!

Happy Teaching and Parenting this week!

All of the research behind the Science of Reading confirms it’s time to start using Sound Walls in the classroom. Today I’m sharing reasons why you should dive in and make the switch. In addition, I’m sharing an exclusive and helpful freebie!

Of course, when I first started hearing about Sound Walls in the classroom, I honestly wondered if it was just another swing of the pendulum. Is this a fad or something I’m going to invest time and money in only to hear that we’ve moved on to the next thing?

Know Better, Do Better

First, I read Know Better, Do Better by David and Meredith Liben and honestly, my mind was blown. Why in the world have we been teaching reading in such a confusing way? I highly recommend this book if you, like me, are wondering where to begin.

Eventually, I started to realize that some of our methods were teacher focused instead of student focused. They are based on practices that make sense to us but don’t make sense to a beginning reader. I came up with 5 reasons why it was time to get rid of my Word Wall and replace it with a student-friendly Sound Wall.

Why YOU Should Make the Switch

1. They Make Sense

That’s right! When you really dig into bringing Sound Walls in the classroom, it just makes sense for our students. Unfortunately, Word Walls can be downright confusing. Just watch a child’s face as they try to find a word with a beginning sound that doesn’t match the most common sound made by that letter. For example, students would likely listen to the /n/ sound at the beginning of the word “know” and attempt to find it under the “N” section of a Word Wall. With a Sound Wall, students would hear the /n/ sound, locate the /n/ phoneme, and understand that “kn” is one way to read and spell the /n/ sound. To clarify, Sound Walls in the classroom are based on a student’s understanding while Word Walls are created based on a teacher’s prior understanding of the variety of spellings we have for each sound.

2. The Science of Reading is Based on Extensive Research

Recently, you’ve likely heard much about the Science of Reading. The Science of Reading is not a book or a new curriculum. It is an extensive body of research completed throughout the last forty years. It clarifies myths that memorizing hundreds of words or guessing what a word is are effective ways to teach reading.

In my own life, I am seeing my daughters try to guess words over and over rather than using phonics skills necessary to decode a difficult or unknown word. This leads to frustration for each of us and a continual reminder that they have the skills necessary to figure out the word. There is no need for their eyes to leave the word and dart around the pictures for clues. Unlike speaking, reading does not happen naturally. Instead, it needs to be explicitly taught in a systematic way in order for our students to become proficient and fluent readers.

3. Include Mouth Formation Visuals

Effective Sound Walls in the classroom include mouth formation visuals for students to reference. This year, it was a real eye opener when I kept seeing a group of my ELs put their tongues OVER their teeth to pronounce the /l/ sound. However, now that I use Sound Walls in the classroom, I am able to show them the mouth formation visual. I also give them a mirror so they can check to see if they are forming the sound correctly.

4. Improve Spelling and Decoding Skills

Now, you will be amazed at the difference in your children’s ability to decode and spell difficult words. For so many years, we have taught that certain words HAD to be memorized and that they were just “rule breakers”. This is simply untrue. Many of the words that we teach students to memorize actually don’t have to be as long as we instill phonemic awareness within our students. When Sound Walls are used in the classroom, students learn new spelling patterns helping them both spell and decode unfamiliar words.

5. Make it Interactive!

Finally, let’s face it – some of you have a word wall that is more like wallpaper. It looks pretty but it’s not REALLY being utilized by students. Perhaps you are a unicorn and consistently use your word wall with students. Is it really interactive? To clarify, Sound Walls in the classroom work best when you build them WITH your students. Your students should be getting up and removing the sound spelling cards. Mine take those new sound spelling cards to their tables to use as references. In addition, children pull the mouth articulation cards out and compare their own mouths to the visuals using the provided mirrors. I know that Sound Walls in the classroom may look overwhelming at first. In reality, they are a tool created by and FOR the students!

Ready to Try?

Well, did I convince you yet? Maybe you are willing to give Sound Walls a try. I have a gift just for you! I want you to feel confident and avoid the overwhelm that comes with making the big switch. To help, I have a ring of helpful tips and tricks that I created just for you. I’ve included everything you may have questions about in the freebie.

Click here to sign up for my newsletter and get your free ring of Teacher Tips!

Today, I’m giving you everything you need for building Individual Student Folders. Both of these helpful items are included in this freebie!

Looking for more classroom inspiration? Try this post about our Teddy Bear Picnic and Sleepover or see how we use technology to practice retell strategies using our favorite fairy tales and nursery rhymes!

Be sure to leave a comment and let me know if you plan to use Sound Walls in the classroom!

Happy Teaching and Mommy-ing this week friends!