Are you hoping to promote active engagement, stimulate creativity, develop fine motor skills, and foster a deeper understanding of science concepts for your young learners? Hands-on science experiments can make learning more concrete and relatable.
Why hands-on science matters for young learners
It’s never too early to learn science! Studies show that by kindergarten, kids who have not been exposed to science are already likely to fall behind—and stay behind. Science4Us gives young kids a head-start in STEM. Designed for your youngest learners, introductory science topics are presented through interactive lessons that create authentic learning situations centered on critical thinking.
Hands-on science is critical for young students. Active exploration and experimentation fosters deeper understanding, engagement, and problem-solving skills. By tapping into active participation and the natural curiosity of young learners, abstract concepts become concrete and memorable.
Simple and fun science experiments for K-2 students
Kids’ science experiments don’t have to be elaborate to be effective. Introducing young students to everyday science topics and phenomena spark a sense of wonder about the world around them. With simple science experiments for kids, Science4Us makes it easy to encourage exploration and build confidence. Students can directly interact with science concepts by using everyday materials that might already be in the classroom.
Take a look at some engaging, easy-to-do experiments your students will love!
Physical science experiments for kids
Physical science has to do with how the world around us works, making it perfect for those curious young learners. Don’t just tell them about matter, energy, force, and motion. Show them!
- For kindergarten: Examine the concept of magnets and motion with the Magnets Make It Move Experiment.
- For 1st grade: Quick Changing Water helps students see that water doesn’t disappear, it changes phase and evaporates.
- For 2nd grade: Students learn about vortexes by creating the Tornado in a Bottle Experiment.
Early childhood life science experiments
Young students naturally have a keen interest in life science. Because of their curiosity about bugs, puppies, or plants, students often have a large body of knowledge that they can build on. Life science experiments provide a perfect opportunity for students to build more complex skills.
- For kindergarten: Create a bookmark to study plants in their habitat with Nature’s Bookmark Experiment.
- For 1st grade: Animal Parts Science Activity: Sorting and Grouping allows students to demonstrate mastery with picture cards.
- For 2nd grade: With Blood Cells Experiment, students learn what makes up their blood by creating a model of components that make up blood.
K-2 Earth and space science experiments
Earth and Space are vast and complex topics! They also capture the imagination of young learners. Build on what they know with our earth and space easy science experiments for kids.
- For kindergarten: Students will see what happens when clouds can't store more water with Storm in a Glass Experiment.
- For 1st grade: Patterns in Motion: Earth in Space Activity allows students to create different patterns using a variety of characteristics.
- For 2nd grade: Discover what happens in the process of weathering with Water Beats Rock.
How to make science hands-on and engaging at home or in the classroom
Teaching K-2 students hands-on experiments encourages active learning through direct engagement with concepts. For parents and teachers, hands-on learning should include engaging environments, spark curiosity, and make learning fun. Connect learning to everyday life, games, and the students' interests.
Remember that questions are good – they’re part of inquiry-based learning and help students connect concepts. Integrate technology to enhance science for kids with research-based tools designed with developmentally appropriate activities. And be a role model for learning as you move through the day to show kids that science is everywhere.
Explore more early science learning with Science4Us
Science4Us delivers critical foundational science topics and skills through literacy-infused lessons. Students are introduced to complex concepts using interactive games, songs, virtual notebooks, hands-on experiments, and more.
With 28 modules (covering topics in physical, life, inquiry, and earth/space science), Science4Us is full of online and offline activities that take as little as ten minutes to complete. Finding time for science has never been easier, especially when it’s combined with literacy and math! Start a free trial with access to the entire science curriculum today.