Science experiment ideas for under 5's?

Question

Anyone got any ideas for an interactive outdoor science experience I could offer children in a preschool who are aged from 3-5? Im on teaching practice and I'm having someone come in and observe me so I'm trying to think of something really exciting and fun the children will all enjoy.

Any ideas would be appreciated

Answer 1

Ice - in the shade and ice in the sun what is going to happen to it?

Shadows - can you find shadows?

                 - what are shadows made of?

                 - can you pick a shadow up?

                 - can you run away from your shadow?

What makes the best sandcastle - wet or dry sand? why?

Rolling toy cars down ramps

- get some flat long blocks/ pieces of wood

- have races at rolling cars down them

- how can you make your car go slower/faster

Good Luck & have fun :)

Answer 2

Come of the activities we have used in my preschool "science" learning center have been:

SCIENCE Ideas:

- An aquarium!  We started ours on an "underwater theme" and have learned all about the ph levels, how fish breathe/ gills, algae, how a filter works, etc.  Each child had a partner and they had to help one of us teachers clean out the aquarium and check the levels and record what we saw, etc.  It was great- this project has stuck around in our science corner for almost a year now!

- Growing Lima Beans- Although I read your comment above about not using food products (Our NAEYC center also has this policy)- we have used Lima Bean seeds as a project before.  Each child is given a seed, their own ziplock baggie, a moistened paper towel and all assemble their bags together.  Next, all of the baggies are taped to a window where light can reach them.  Each day at a designated time, the children check their bags and see how their seed is growing, if it needs a few sprays of water, etc.  and writes in their journal about how their plant is doing, etc.  At the end of the section, the kids are to take their "plant" home...

- Liquid Discovery: We used this a while back...Previous to the activity we had talked about how some minerals combine and others don't, etc.  Each child got their own plastic water bottle (empty and clean of course).  A small amount of oil was added to the bottles as well as water where the kids could add food coloring to.  They were also given the choice to add glitter or cut up plastic streamer to their bottles.  After hot-gluing (teachers only) the caps onto the bottles and allowing them to settle, the kids got to watch how the oil seperated from the water no matter how they twisted it, shook it, swished it, etc.  They LOVED this project.

-To Rust or Not to Rust: Another project we completed with the above theme (minerals, substances and how they change) was an experiment on rust.  We got chains of about 1 foot each in length.  We then talked about the different substances and how they affect metal, wood, etc.  We soaked the different chains in different materials (vinegar, water, mud, salt water and of course one with nothing.) We then placed them in our science corner each on their own nail.  We checked back daily to see if any rust had formed, took photos of them, recorded in our journals, etc.  Then we presented the project to the parents on Family Day!  It was great- and although it sounds advanced the preschoolers really enjoyed it too!

- Discovery Bottles: I created discovery bottle for my class as an addition to the "science area".  We were doing a theme on "Adventure" and learning about archaeology and observation of science among other things.  I got clear 20 oz. water bottles (clear) and added small items and then added sand.  The kids were then given a list of the items in the bottle and given the task of twirling, shaking and moving the bottle to try and spot the items...You can see photos and full instructions on how I did these on my website: http://www.gems-for-the-teacher.com.

Hope some of these work out for you!

Answer 3

I would like to add that I've also had great success with the volcano experiment.  We did multiple variations.  First we examined a visual of a volcano; then we did the bottle volcano with the balloon on top (when the baking soda falls out of the balloon and into the vinegar it blows the balloon up again); we then made large volcano outdoors in the sand box (which was a hit!) and then we made individual volcanoes that they could take home out of modeling clay.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Make a telephone thing with two cans and a yarn strings. When my brother made one for school, he was playing it nonstop for a week or so.

Answer 5

something i thought was cool when i was younger is make a volcano experiment: make a mound of dirt with a hole in the top and put baking soda in the hole then when you add vinegar foam will come out like lava but harmless you can also add little cars and trees and some red or orange food coloring

Answer 6

electronics are usually a good starter. batteries, bulbs, moters, buzzers, switches and wires.

Answer 7

I like this, but you would have to adapt it to a discussion, rather than written responses!



Soft-shelled Eggs

http://www.kidzone.ws/science/egg.htm

Have fun, whatever you choose! :)

Answer 8

Grow wheat in cottonwool in orange halves.  Or even mung beans, sprouts - they grow quickly.