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

Sixth Grade Science Topics & Activities for the Year!

Sixth grade science is all about digging deeper into scientific concepts, conducting experiments with data analysis, and making real-world connections. Students explore earth science, physical science, life science, and engineering while developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Below, you’ll find a breakdown of key sixth-grade science topics by season and a list of 20+ engaging activities to support interactive learning all year long!

Fall Science (Sept- Nov)

• Ecology & Environmental Science – Studying ecosystems, human impact, and conservation
• Forces & Motion – Newton’s Laws, inertia, friction, and acceleration
• Weather & Atmospheric Science – Understanding global weather patterns and storms
• Matter & Chemical Reactions – Investigating physical vs. chemical changes

Fall Science Activities:

1. Ecosystem Energy Flow Diagram – Map out how energy moves through a food web
2. Friction Experiment with Different Surfaces – Test how different materials affect motion
3. Storm Tracking Investigation – Study how hurricanes form and move
4. Elephant Toothpaste Experiment – Explore exothermic chemical reactions
5. Balloon Car STEM Challenge – Build a balloon-powered car to explore Newton’s Laws

Winter Science (Dec- Feb)

• Earth’s Water Systems & Ocean Currents – How water shapes land and climate
• Electricity & Magnetism – Exploring electromagnets and circuit designs
• Heat Transfer & Insulation – Conduction, convection, and radiation in action
• Natural Selection & Evolution – How species adapt and change over time

Winter Science Activities:

6. Ocean Current Model with Colored Water – Simulate how warm and cold water move in the ocean
7. Electromagnet Experiment – Create an electromagnet using a battery and wire
8. Heat Conductivity Test – Compare how different materials transfer heat
9. Beak Adaptation Experiment – Use different tools to mimic bird beaks collecting food
10. Homemade Lightning with Static Electricity – Create mini sparks using friction

Spring Science (Mar- May)

• Cell Biology & Microorganisms – Learning about plant and animal cells
• Plate Tectonics & Earth’s Structure – Earthquakes, volcanoes, and shifting plates
• Energy Conservation & Renewable Resources – Exploring how we use and save energy
• Simple Machines & Engineering – Investigating levers, pulleys, and gears

Spring Science Activities:

11. Cell Model Project – Build a plant or animal cell using household materials
12. Earthquake Shake Table – Construct a model city and test how earthquakes affect structures
13. Solar Energy Cooking Experiment – Create a solar oven to cook a small meal
14. Lever & Pulley Exploration – Test how simple machines make work easier
15. Wind Turbine Design Challenge – Build a mini wind turbine to generate energy

Summer Science (Jun- Aug)

• Astronomy & Space Science – Learning about planets, moons, and galaxies
• Density, Buoyancy & Fluids – Investigating why objects sink or float
• STEM Engineering Challenges – Applying problem-solving to real-world scenarios
• Scientific Inquiry & Experimental Design – Conducting student-led investigations

Summer Science Activities:

16. Phases of the Moon Model – Use Oreos or foam balls to demonstrate moon phases
17. Buoyancy Test with Different Liquids – Compare how objects float in fresh vs. saltwater
18. DIY Water Bottle Rocket – Launch a bottle rocket using air pressure
19. Build a Hovercraft – Experiment with air flow and friction using a balloon and CD
20. Independent Science Fair Project – Encourage students to design and test their own experiment

How to Use These Science Activities

• Encourage student-led inquiry – Let students ask their own questions and design tests
• Connect concepts to real-world issues – Discuss how science affects daily life
• Analyze data & results – Help students track changes and improve their experiments
• Use science notebooks – Have students document hypotheses, observations, and conclusions

Fifth Grade Science Topics & Activities for the Year!

Fifth grade is a pivotal year for science learning as students begin to analyze data, design experiments, and apply critical thinking skills to complex concepts. This year emphasizes physical science, life science, earth science, and engineering, encouraging independent investigation and hands-on learning.

Below, you’ll find a breakdown of key fifth-grade science topics by season and a list of 20+ engaging activities to spark curiosity and deepen scientific understanding!

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

Fall Science (Sep- Nov)

• Ecosystems & Biomes – Understanding the balance of plants, animals, and their environments
• Forces, Motion & Newton’s Laws – Exploring gravity, friction, and acceleration
• Weather & Climate – Comparing long-term patterns with short-term weather changes
• Mixtures & Solutions – Investigating chemical and physical changes

Fall Science Activities:

1. Biome Diorama Project – Build a 3D model of a desert, rainforest, or tundra
2. Ball Drop Gravity Test – Experiment to see how mass affects falling speed
3. Weather vs. Climate Sorting Activity – Classify different weather and climate events
4. Dissolving Race Experiment – Test how fast different substances dissolve in water
5. Air Resistance Challenge – Design parachutes and test how they slow falling objects

Winter Science (Dec- Feb)

• Earth’s Water Cycle & Conservation – How water moves through the environment
• Electricity & Circuits – Exploring conductors, insulators, and energy transfer
• Thermal Energy & Heat Transfer – Investigating conduction, convection, and radiation
• Adaptations & Natural Selection – How species survive and change over time

Winter Science Activities:

6. Water Cycle Model with Heat Lamp – Simulate evaporation, condensation, and precipitation
7. Build a Series & Parallel Circuit – Test how electricity flows through different pathways
8. Thermal Energy Transfer Test – Compare heat retention in different materials
9. Camouflage Investigation – Observe how different backgrounds affect an animal’s ability to hide
10. DIY Water Filtration System – Create a working model of a water purification process

Spring Science (Mar- May)

• Photosynthesis & Plant Growth – How plants make food and use energy
• Human Body Systems – Exploring circulatory, respiratory, and digestive systems
• Earth’s Layers & Plate Tectonics – Understanding earthquakes, volcanoes, and land formations
• Energy Transfer & Conservation – How energy moves through ecosystems and systems

Spring Science Activities:

11. Leaf Starch Test for Photosynthesis – Use iodine to test for starch in plant leaves
12. Build a Model Lung – Demonstrate how the diaphragm helps us breathe
13. Earthquake Shake Table Experiment – Construct buildings and test stability against vibrations
14. Food Web Investigation – Create a food web diagram and explore predator-prey relationships
15. Pendulum Energy Transfer Experiment – Observe how potential energy converts to kinetic energy

Summer Science (Jun- Aug)

• Renewable & Nonrenewable Energy – Solar, wind, water, and fossil fuels
• Simple & Complex Machines – How machines make work easier
• Buoyancy & Density – Why some objects float and others sink
• Engineering & STEM Challenges – Applying science to solve real-world problems

Summer Science Activities:

16. Solar Panel Test with a Small Motor – Observe how solar energy powers movement
17. Pulley System Experiment – Test how pulleys reduce the force needed to lift objects
18. Floating & Sinking Saltwater Experiment – Investigate how density affects buoyancy
19. Egg Drop Engineering Challenge – Design a structure to protect an egg from breaking
20. Bridge-Building STEM Challenge – Construct a bridge using different materials and test its strength

How to Use These Science Activities

• Encourage inquiry-based learning – Let students ask questions and test hypotheses
• Connect science to everyday life – Help students see how science is all around them
• Support critical thinking – Encourage students to analyze results and improve their experiments
• Use science journals – Have students record observations, data, and conclusions

Fourth Grade Science Topics & Activities for the Year!

Fourth grade is an exciting time for science! Students begin to think critically, conduct more detailed experiments, and apply scientific reasoning to real-world problems. This year covers physical science, life science, earth science, and engineering concepts, encouraging hands-on exploration and discovery.

Below, you’ll find a breakdown of key fourth-grade science topics by season and a list of 20+ engaging activities to keep students learning all year long!

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

Fall Science (Sept – Nov)

• Ecosystems & Food Webs – How organisms interact and depend on each other
• Forces, Motion & Gravity – Exploring Newton’s Laws of Motion
• Weather & Climate Patterns – Understanding how weather systems form
• Matter & Its Changes – Physical vs. chemical changes in materials

Fall Science Activities:

1. Ecosystem in a Jar – Create a small, self-sustaining ecosystem
2. Gravity Drop Test – Compare how different objects fall at the same speed
3. Weather Tracking Chart – Observe and record temperature, precipitation, and wind patterns
4. Baking Soda & Vinegar Reaction – Demonstrate a chemical change with fizzing CO₂ release
5. Balloon Rocket Experiment – Explore Newton’s Third Law with air-powered movement

Winter Science (Dec – Feb)

• The Water Cycle & Weathering – How water shapes the Earth’s surface
• Electricity & Circuits – Understanding simple and parallel circuits
• Heat Transfer & Insulation – Conduction, convection, and radiation
• Animal Adaptations – How animals survive in extreme conditions

Winter Science Activities:

6. DIY Water Cycle Model – Simulate evaporation, condensation, and precipitation in a plastic bag
7. Simple Circuit Challenge – Build a basic circuit using a battery, wires, and a lightbulb
8. Hot vs. Cold Insulation Test – Experiment with different materials to see which keeps heat in best
9. Camouflage Science Investigation – Test how animals blend into their environments
10. Erosion Experiment – Use sand, water, and wind to observe how landscapes change over time

Spring Science (Mar- May)

• Plant Growth & Photosynthesis – How plants use sunlight to create food
• Rock Cycle & Fossils – Exploring how rocks change over time
• Energy Transfer & Motion – How energy moves through systems
• Sound & Light Waves – Investigating how waves travel

Spring Science Activities:

11. Plant Growth Under Different Conditions – Test how light, soil, and water affect plant growth
12. Make Your Own Fossil – Use salt dough to create fossil imprints
13. Pendulum Motion Experiment – Explore how energy moves through a swinging pendulum
14. Prism Light Experiment – Use a prism to split light into a rainbow
15. Rubber Band Sound Test – Investigate how vibrations create different pitches

Summer Science (Jun- Aug)

• Renewable & Nonrenewable Energy – Understanding solar, wind, and fossil fuel energy
• Simple Machines & Engineering – Levers, pulleys, and inclined planes in action
• Buoyancy & Density – Why some things sink and others float
• STEM Challenges & Real-World Problem Solving – Applying science in creative ways

Summer Science Activities:

16. Solar Oven Cooking – Harness the sun’s energy to cook s’mores
17. Pulley System Build – Experiment with lifting objects using a pulley
18. Density Tower Experiment – Layer different liquids to observe density differences
19. Egg Drop Challenge – Design a structure to protect an egg from a fall
20. Build a Wind-Powered Car – Use wind energy to move a homemade vehicle

How to Use These Science Activities

• Encourage hands-on learning – Let students explore with materials and ask their own questions
• Make connections to real life – Show how science explains everyday phenomena
• Support critical thinking – Encourage students to predict, observe, and explain their findings
• Use science journals – Have students record hypotheses, observations, and conclusions

Third Grade Science Topics & Activities for the Year!

Third grade is an exciting year for science! Students are ready to ask deeper questions, test ideas, and analyze results. This year introduces more complex scientific concepts, hands-on investigations, and connections to the real world.

Below, you’ll find a breakdown of key third-grade science topics by season and a list of 20+ engaging activities to support hands-on learning throughout the year.

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

Fall Science (Sep – Nov)

• Ecosystems & Food Chains – How plants and animals depend on each other
• Weather & Climate – Understanding seasonal changes and patterns
• Forces & Motion – Exploring friction, gravity, and pushes/pulls
• Properties of Matter – Investigating solids, liquids, and gases

Fall Science Activities:

1. Food Chain Sorting Activity – Organize plants, herbivores, and carnivores into a food web
2. Friction Ramp Challenge – Test how different surfaces affect how objects slide
3. Pumpkin Weathering Experiment – Observe how a pumpkin decomposes over time
4. Wind Speed Measurement – Build an anemometer to track wind speed
5. Matter Observation Walk – Identify and classify objects as solid, liquid, or gas

Winter Science (Dec – Feb)

• The Water Cycle – Understanding evaporation, condensation, and precipitation
• Heat Transfer & Insulation – Exploring conduction, convection, and radiation
• Animal Adaptations – How animals survive in cold environments
• Magnetism & Forces – Investigating magnetic fields and attraction/repulsion

Winter Science Activities:

6. Water Cycle in a Bag – Watch evaporation and condensation in action
7. Hot & Cold Experiment – Test how different materials conduct heat
8. Camouflage Blending Activity – Explore how animals use color to hide in different environments
9. DIY Compass with a Magnet – Learn how Earth’s magnetic field affects a needle
10. Ice Cube Insulation Challenge – Test different materials to see which keeps ice from melting

Spring Science (Mar- May)

• Plant Life Cycles & Photosynthesis – How plants grow and make their own food
• Animal Life Cycles – Comparing amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals
• Rocks & Minerals – Investigating types of rocks and how they form
• Simple Machines – Levers, pulleys, and inclined planes in everyday life

Spring Science Activities:

11. Bean Plant Growth Experiment – Observe how plants grow in different conditions
12. Frog Life Cycle Model – Create a 3D representation of tadpoles turning into frogs
13. Rock Sorting Challenge – Identify igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks
14. Pulley System Exploration – Build and test a simple pulley system
15. Photosynthesis Leaf Experiment – Observe how plants release oxygen in sunlight

Summer Science (Jun – Aug)

• Energy & Renewable Resources – Learning about solar, wind, and water power
• Light & Sound Waves – Investigating how light reflects and how sound travels
• Buoyancy & Density – Why some things sink while others float
• STEM Engineering Challenges – Applying science to real-world problem-solving

Summer Science Activities:

16. Solar Oven S’mores – Harness the sun’s energy to melt marshmallows and chocolate
17. DIY Sound Waves Experiment – Use a string phone to explore how sound travels
18. Floating vs. Sinking Experiment – Test objects in water and predict their buoyancy
19. Build a Wind-Powered Car – Use basic materials to design a vehicle powered by wind
20. Shadow Science Investigation – Observe how shadows change based on light sources

How to Use These Science Activities

• Encourage hands-on learning – Let kids explore, build, and test their ideas
• Make real-world connections – Show how science explains things they see every day
• Ask deeper questions – Encourage “why” and “how” thinking
• Use science journals – Have students record their observations, predictions, and results

Second Grade Science Topics & Activities for the Year!

Second grade is a big year for discovery, observation, and hands-on learning! Students are ready to ask more questions, make predictions, and explore science in greater depth. Throughout the year, they will investigate the natural world, experiment with simple science concepts, and start thinking like scientists!

Below, you’ll find a breakdown of key second-grade science topics by season and a list of 20+ engaging activities to bring science learning to life!

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

Fall Science (Sep – Nov)

• Plant & Animal Adaptations – How living things survive in different environments
• Weather & Climate – Understanding patterns in temperature, rainfall, and seasons
• Matter & Its Properties – Exploring solids, liquids, and gases
• Energy & Motion – Introduction to forces like push, pull, and gravity

Fall Science Activities:

1. Leaf Investigation – Compare different types of leaves and their textures
2. Pumpkin Decomposition Experiment – Observe how a pumpkin breaks down over time
3. Wind Speed Test – Make an anemometer and measure wind strength
4. Building a Catapult – Experiment with force and motion
5. Mixing Solids & Liquids – Test which substances dissolve in water

Winter Science (Dec – Feb)

• The Water Cycle – Evaporation, condensation, and precipitation in action
• States of Matter – How materials change between solid, liquid, and gas
• Heat & Temperature – Exploring how heat moves and how insulation works
• Animal Hibernation & Migration – How animals survive cold temperatures

Winter Science Activities:

6. Water Cycle in a Bag – Watch condensation and precipitation inside a sealed plastic bag
7. Snow & Ice Melting Test – Experiment with different materials to see what melts ice the fastest
8. Blubber Experiment – Use shortening in a bag to model how animals stay warm
9. Condensation Experiment – Breathe on a cold mirror to observe water droplets forming
10. Hot vs. Cold Balloon Experiment – See how temperature changes air pressure by inflating and deflating a balloon

Spring Science (Mar- May)

• Plant Growth & Needs – What plants need to survive and how they grow
• Life Cycles of Animals – Comparing different life cycles (butterflies, frogs, birds)
• Ecosystems & Habitats – Understanding different living environments
• Simple Machines – Learning about levers, pulleys, ramps, and wheels

Spring Science Activities:

11. Planting a Bean in a Cup – Observe roots and sprouts grow in real-time
12. Butterfly Life Cycle Craft – Use pasta to represent different stages of metamorphosis
13. Habitat Diorama Project – Build a model of a desert, ocean, or rainforest
14. Building a Mini Pulley System – Explore how pulleys help lift objects
15. Food Chain Sorting Game – Arrange plants and animals into a food chain

Summer Science (Jun – Aug)

• Forces & Magnets – Exploring attraction, repulsion, and invisible forces
• Sound & Light – Understanding how vibrations create sound and how light travels
• Oceans & Marine Life – Investigating ocean animals, tides, and waves
• Recycling & Environmental Science – Learning about reducing waste and taking care of the planet

Summer Science Activities:

16. Magnet Maze Challenge – Guide an object through a maze using only magnets
17. Homemade Kazoo – Learn how sound vibrations travel through different materials
18. Ocean Layers in a Bottle – Create a model of the ocean’s layers using liquids of different densities
19. DIY Sun Print Experiment – Use sunlight and special paper to create nature prints
20. Recycled Paper Making – Learn how old paper is turned into new paper

How to Use These Science Activities

• Encourage exploration & observation – Let students ask questions and test ideas
• Connect science to real life – Show how these topics apply to things they see every day
• Use simple materials – Many of these activities use household items
• Let kids record their findings – Science notebooks or printable worksheets help build early scientific thinking

First Grade Science Topics & Activities for the Year!

First grade is a time for curiosity, exploration, and hands-on learning in science! This year builds on kindergarten concepts, introducing simple experiments, observations, and early problem-solving skills. Below is a breakdown of key first-grade science topics by season and a list of 20+ engaging activities to help young learners discover the wonders of science throughout the year.

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

Fall Science (Sep – Nov)

• Animal Life Cycles – Understanding how animals grow and change
• Weather Patterns – Tracking changes in temperature, wind, and precipitation
• Basic Needs of Plants & Animals – What all living things need to survive
• Seasons & Changes in Nature – Why leaves change color and why the weather gets cooler

Fall Science Activities:

1. Leaf Sorting & Rubbing – Explore different types of leaves and their textures
2. Apple Life Cycle Craft – Learn how apples grow from seeds to fruit
3. Pumpkin Sink or Float Experiment – Test different pumpkins in water
4. Tracking Weather with a Chart – Observe daily weather and seasonal changes
5. Bird Feeder STEM Challenge – Create a simple bird feeder to observe local wildlife

Winter Science (Dec – Feb)

• Day & Night Cycle – Why do we have daytime and nighttime?
• States of Matter – Learning about solids, liquids, and gases
• Energy & Heat – Exploring how heat is produced and transferred
• Animal Adaptations & Hibernation – How animals survive cold temperatures

Winter Science Activities:

6. Melting Ice Experiment – Test what melts ice the fastest: salt, sugar, or warm water
7. Shadow Length Investigation – Measure and compare shadows throughout the day
8. Hot vs. Cold Experiment – Compare how quickly different materials warm up in the sun
9. Blubber Glove Experiment – Learn how animals stay warm in winter
10. Snowflake Science & Symmetry – Cut and observe different snowflake patterns

Spring Science (Mar- May)

• Plant Growth & Needs – How do plants grow, and what do they need to survive?
• Insects & Pollination – How bees and butterflies help plants
• Water Cycle – Understanding evaporation, condensation, and precipitation
• Living & Non-Living Things – Identifying and classifying objects in nature

Spring Science Activities:

11. Germinating Seeds in a Bag – Watch seeds sprout and grow roots
12. Bee Pollination Demonstration – Use a cotton ball to transfer “pollen” between flowers
13. Make a Rain Gauge – Measure and track rainfall over a week
14. Sorting Living vs. Non-Living Things – Classify pictures or real-life objects
15. Water Cycle in a Bag – Create condensation and precipitation inside a sealed plastic bag

Summer Science (Jun- Aug)

• Simple Machines – How ramps, levers, and pulleys help us do work
• Sound & Light – How vibrations create sound and how light travels
• Oceans & Marine Life – What lives in the ocean and how waves form
• Magnets & Forces – Exploring push, pull, and magnetic attraction

Summer Science Activities:

16. Building a Paper Roller Coaster – Experiment with ramps and gravity
17. Exploring Shadows with a Flashlight – Test how different objects block light
18. Floating & Sinking Ocean Science – Test what items sink or float in water
19. Magnet Sorting Activity – Find objects that are magnetic and non-magnetic
20. Homemade Kazoo Experiment – Learn how vibrations create sound

How to Use These Science Activities

• Encourage hands-on exploration – Let kids experiment, make predictions, and observe
• Use real-world connections – Relate science to everyday life (e.g., observing weather, planting a garden)
• Ask open-ended questions – “What do you notice?” “What do you think will happen next?”
• Make it fun! Science is about exploring, questioning, and discovering