{Color Changing Milk – Steve Spangler Science}
We always seem to have a lot of science play going on – experimenting, making concoctions, building inventions, exploring outside, etc. In addition, our homeschooling studies this year included learning about the basics of the scientific method – asking a question, making a hypothesis, experimenting, observing, and discussing our results. The scientific process part, I have found, comes quite naturally to kids – they are always asking questions and trying things out! I just pair the scientific words with the things they are already doing.
I’m always on the look-out for simple, safe demonstrations and experiments that don’t require a lot of extra materials or ingredients. I love being able to pull together something interesting without a lot of prep.
Some of the places I get ideas for science play are:
- Steve Spangler Science
- Science Bob
- AIMS Education Foundation: They have a few free lesson plans, as well as a store full of inexpensive downloadable lessons.
- Science Explorer activities from the Exploratorium Museum
- Bill Nye the Science Guy Home Demos
- Science experiments & projects from Lakeshore Learning Teacher’s Corner
Many of the demonstrations and experiments on these sites are appropriate for preschoolers and up – with help from a willing grown-up, of course!
How can you incorporate more science play into your child’s playtime?
- Keep some basic materials on hand for easy-prep science projects: salt, baking soda, vinegar, cornstarch, food coloring, oil, borax, balloons, etc.
- Have a Family Science Night – just like a Movie Night or Game Night, spend an evening doing experiments together!
- Set-up an experiment at night so you can grab-and-go the next day when the mood strikes.
- Remember that science play is all about experimenting and discovering – prepare for mess and go for it!
What does science play look like in your house or classroom? Do you have a great science resource for young kids? If so, please share!
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
You may enjoy The Happy Scientist as well. Some of the content is free and his photo blog is quite good – http://thehappyscientist.com/blogs/rkrampf.
Thanks for the link – his photos are excellent!
THANK YOU for posting this! I have been trying to put together some ideas for Science experiments over the summer and this will be very helpful!
You’re welcome! Hope you find some great ideas to keep you kiddos busy this summer!
Yes, thank you for putting this together! I have been trying to come up with activities for the summer too and I never even thought of having a science night…great idea! I’ve been using some of the ideas from Prekinders for our little ones, they have some good ideas too http://prekinders.com/
You’re welcome! And, I love PreKinders – such an awesome resource.
I love this Australian site:
http://science-at-home.org/
A really excellent resource!
Awesome site! I will definitely have to spend some time browsing all the goodness there…thanks!
I think we’re getting this as a birthday gift this summer – http://www.learningresources.com/product/parents/shop+by+subject/science/science+fairs+-+kits/primary+science+set.do Fun ideas!!
Looks like a fun gift – love the giant test tube! Thanks for stopping by!
There are loads of ideas on http://www.arvindguptatoys.com. I find this man a genius who promotes science through making toys.
Hi Amy,
I find your site so inspiring. My daughter just turned 2, and we’ve been busy experimenting with all sorts of fun things — this idea will be in the works tomorrow, for sure. Also, I hope it’s alright that I’ve added a link to your site off of mine — do let me know. And keep the great ideas coming!
Cheers,
Rachelle
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