Young children are thinking scientifically all the time. From toddlers, experimenting with cause and effect, to making predictions about the sequence of the day's events.
Preschool aged children then begin to add a wider vocabulary and a larger range of tools to experiment and make observations.
And with support, Pre-K children are then able to compare and categorize observable phenomena, use measurement tools, scientific talk, and effectively represent their ideas.
Reference: https://headstart.gov/interactive-head-start-early-learning-outcomes-framework-ages-birth-five
I'm sure as parents and caregivers to young children, you are no stranger to the experimenting, questions, and constant exploration they engage in. I wanted to share what have been the most popular experiments and play I've observed in the classroom that's easy to do at home too.
Water cycle Experiment
Using different food dyes, shaving cream, and water. Kids can observe how condensation collects in clouds until it's returned to groundwater. Plus you can introduce important new vocab, like evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.
Dyeing Flowers
Using white flowers with cut stems, the kids get to create colored flowers through capillary action. Celery and lettuce works too, and if your child is already familiar with this experiment you can compare how different lengths of stems affect the process. It's a great way to visualize how plants "drink", plus using food dye and trimming plants is always a sure way to grab their interest.
https://www.engineeringemily.com/color-changing-plants-steam-experiments-for-kids/
Rock Candy
Of course creating candy is a great way to pique interest. With just a few simple ingredients you can create rock candy, but it opens the door for observing big ideas like changing physical states and crystals. Plus, you need to practice observation and patience waiting for your crystals to form.
These engaging activities expand scientific vocabulary and cognitive skills, plus are a great way to spend time on a rainy afternoon. However, there's not always time to set these types of experiments up. To support children's natural curiosity and findings, giving access to tools and instruments is an easy way to support their play and learning.
Magnifying glasses, measuring cups, reference books, droppers, and writing/drawing materials are accessible in the Hummingbird classroom and used daily. Last week, a trail of ants somehow made its way into the classroom. What happened next was completely child-led science. Instead of killing the ants, we brainstormed how to collect them and observed their behavior. The Hummingbirds set up a "trap" of dried fruit and a cracker to lure ants into their clear container. They got to observe how once one ant found the food, it left and came back with friends, once most were contained they observed the ants and made many drawings of their findings like what was the more popular snack and how many legs ants have. Proving spontaneous science can often be best!
