Preschool Science Topics & Activities for the Year!

Preschool science is all about exploration, sensory play, and hands-on discovery! Young learners are naturally curious, and this is the perfect time to introduce basic scientific concepts in a fun, engaging way. Through play, observation, and simple experiments, preschoolers develop early problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.

Below, you’ll find a breakdown of key preschool science topics by season and a list of 20+ hands-on activities to support learning all year long!

💡Check out the Libraries for printables or use the search bar.

Fall Science (Sep- Nov)

• The 5 Senses – Exploring how we see, hear, smell, taste, and touch
• Living vs. Non-Living Things – Identifying what is alive and what is not
• Weather & Seasonal Changes – Observing how fall brings changes in nature
• Pumpkins, Apples & Leaves – Exploring fall harvest and plant life cycles

Fall Science Activities:

1. Leaf Color Sorting – Collect leaves and match them by color
2. Pumpkin Exploration – Open a pumpkin and explore its seeds, texture, and smell
3. Apple Sink or Float Experiment – Test whether apples sink or float in water
4. Sensory Nature Walk – Listen for sounds, feel textures, and smell different fall scents
5. Cloud in a Jar – Use shaving cream and water to create a rain cloud experiment

Winter Science (Dec- Feb)

• Day & Night – Understanding light and dark differences
• States of Matter – Exploring solids (ice), liquids (water), and gases (steam)
• Animals in Winter – How animals hibernate, migrate, or adapt
• Hot & Cold Experiments – Learning about temperature changes

Winter Science Activities:

6. Melting Ice Cube Race – Test how fast ice melts with salt vs. warm water
7. Shadow Puppets – Explore how light creates shadows
8. Blubber Experiment – Use shortening in a bag to show how animals stay warm in the cold
9. Frozen Bubbles Experiment – Blow bubbles outside in freezing temperatures and watch them freeze
10. Snowflake Symmetry Art – Create paper snowflakes and discuss their unique patterns

Spring Science (Mar- May)

• Plant Growth & Gardening – What plants need to grow
• Baby Animals & Life Cycles – Learning about chicks, frogs, and butterflies
• Rain & Water Cycle – Where does rain come from?
• Sun & Shadows – How light creates shadows and moves throughout the day

Spring Science Activities:

11. Planting Seeds in a Cup – Watch seeds sprout roots and leaves
12. Butterfly Life Cycle Craft – Use pasta shapes to show different stages of a butterfly
13. Rain in a Jar Experiment – Simulate the water cycle using warm water and ice
14. Shadow Tracing with Chalk – Trace objects’ shadows outside at different times of the day
15. Worm Discovery Dig – Observe worms in soil and discuss their role in nature

Summer Science (Jun- Aug)

• Water Play & Sensory Exploration – Learning through splashing and pouring
• Ocean & Beach Science – Discovering sea creatures and waves
• Simple Machines for Play – Exploring ramps, wheels, and pulleys
• Sun & Heat – Understanding how the sun warms things up

Summer Science Activities:

16. Sink or Float Water Play – Test different objects in a water bin
17. Beach Sensory Bin – Explore shells, sand, and water in a hands-on sensory setup
18. Rolling Cars Down Ramps – Experiment with how objects roll on different surfaces
19. Melting Ice Science – Freeze small toys in ice and let kids experiment with melting techniques
20. Homemade Bubble Solution – Mix soap and water to create giant bubbles

How to Use These Science Activities

• Encourage hands-on exploration – Let kids touch, feel, and observe
• Use simple, safe materials – Everyday items make great science tools
• Ask open-ended questions – “What do you think will happen?” or “What do you notice?”
• Let kids make discoveries – Science is about play and learning through experience