Science Experiments for K

[lincap]

My DS is 4.5 yrs old and likes doing "investigations" (yes- like Sid the Science Kid). He likes experimenting with sunblock on construction paper in the sun, water and ice, freezing anything and everything etc etc He likes drawing pictures in a notebook of what he sees.

 

Does anyone have any good resources, can be entire curriculum, book, or website that has little science experiments for a K age?

 

I am just looking for little experiments with some explanation, something at a little guys level.

 

Thanks!

 

We will be starting MFW K and Progress in Math K soon.

[LittleIzumi]

Mudpies & Magnets 1 & 2

NOEO Science Kits

Anything by Janice Van Cleave

[SailorMom]

Fun :)

Always the classic baking soda/vinegar volcano

Those wonderful clear glass contraptions to watch veggies grow roots

Keep a carnation in colored water to see how plants take in water

Sort and identify leaves

Get a tadpole and a tank - watch it grow :)

Same with butterflies and ladybugs

Make homemade string instruments

Make different bird feeders and keep track of which birds come to each one (pinecone with PB and seeds, humingbird feeder, dried corn, etc)

[mommyagain]

Elemental Science Intro to Science!! I got this to use this year with my K and 1st grader. I am so excited to get started! It has lots of sweet, simple experiments and the kids will have their own science notebook (which makes them think they are SO grown up!!). You need More Mudpies to Magnets, Usborne First Science Encyclopedia and Handbook of Nature study to go with it.

http://www.elementalscience.com

 

 

ETA: The author frequents this board and there is also a yahoo group for support.

[Farrar]

Science is Simple is a preK science curriculum that we used some parts of and liked.

 

We did many of the Magic School Bus science kits for K along with lots of library books, such as the Let's Read and Find Out series. These are just great.

[patchfire]

We have some of the Magic School Bus kits as well as several of the Thames and Kosmos Little Labs, alongside some of the Rookie Read About Science books & the Let's Read and Find Out series. So far, it's working very well for us!

[JumpedIntoTheDeepEndFirst]

Janice VanCleeve actually has a book targeted to the youngest learners.

 

http://www.amazon.com/Janice-VanCleaves-Book-Science-Projects/dp/0787989282/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1283120386&sr=8-8

 

See if you can look at a copy of this and scale upwards as necessary.

 

Mud Pies and Magnets is also a good choice.

[FairProspects]

Elemental Science Intro to Science!! I got this to use this year with my K and 1st grader. I am so excited to get started! It has lots of sweet, simple experiments and the kids will have their own science notebook (which makes them think they are SO grown up!!). You need More Mudpies to Magnets, Usborne First Science Encyclopedia and Handbook of Nature study to go with it.

http://www.elementalscience.com

 

 

ETA: The author frequents this board and there is also a yahoo group for support.

 

We are doing this program as well this year, and while we really like it so far, I would not recommend it for a 4 y.o. It is deceptively simple, but due to the notebooking/narrations and the concepts covered, even my 6 y.o. reaches to grasp it (although he really enjoys it). Most of the experiments are geared to ages 5 +, and my almost 4 y.o. doesn't get usually them at all other than thinking they are fun and messy.

 

I would suggest something like Sonlight Science K, which has loads of fun experiments & large picture readings, or the first Mudpies to Magnets book, which is geared to a little bit younger ages than the More Mudpies to Magnets book used in Elemental Science K. HTH!

[Dobela]

This was part of an email newsletter I recieve regularly called The Dollar Stretcher. This is from today's issue:

 

How to Create an Outside Science Wall

by Andra Land

Create a year-round learning tool in your backyard

 

Many parents and teachers remember a childhood consisting of

long days of outdoor play and exploration. In our modern

world, lots of gadgets and comforts keep children inside most

of the time. Lure them out again with a Science Wall. Nothing

can replace hands on learning when it comes to the natural

world. This idea is a frugal way to cover science standards

when homeschooling older children or to introduce concepts to

preschoolers. A Science Wall is a cinch to put together with

things you may already have at home. In one day, it is

possible to create this year-round learning tool!

 

1. Select a location for the Science Wall. Use an existing

wooden fence panel, chain link fence, or even the side of a

storage shed or barn. When choosing the right spot, remember

that the wall should be exposed to sun, wind, rain, and snow.

 

2. Scrounge around and find a notebook, windsock, outdoor

thermometer, and yardstick. If you need to purchase them, the

dollar store has these items often. Nails or hooks will be

needed too, so buy these if you don't already have them. If

using a chain link fence for the Science Wall, wire is the

best way to attach objects.

 

3. Hang the items on the Science Wall. Use nails or hooks

according to your preference. Place the items where your

children can easily observe them. Attach the yardstick so that

its bottom end is touching the ground.

 

4. Label the notebook with the words "Science Wall Data."

Designate a spot for it near your door. Keep a pencil with it.

 

5. Observe wind direction and estimate its speed with the

windsock. Track temperature and rainfall with the thermometer

and gauge. Use the yardstick to measure snowfall or the height

of nearby plants. Record findings in your notebook.

 

Tips:

 

- If no panel or wall is available, a tree is an interesting

alternative!

- Use what you have. Recycle a vegetable can by attaching it

to the Science Wall for a lesson about rust.

- Take pictures periodically. Tape them in your notebook for a

visual record.

 

A Science Wall will add interest to your outdoor environment

wherever you choose to put it. You can be as elaborate or

simple as you like with the items you decide to hang there.

See where a Science Wall takes the imagination and education

of your little learners!

_______________________

 

Andra Land teaches Preschool in Indiana, where she lives with

her husband, three extraordinary kids, and two cats.

 

Take the Next Step:

- For more great ideas for educational activities, please

visit <http://www.stretcher.com/menu/topic-d.htm#familyedu>

[Sherry in OH]

Many of the books in the Let's Read and Find Out Science series include experiments.

[Disney Dreaming]

Sonlight Science K

[2_girls_mommy]

I second the Lets' Read and Find Out series. I also like the Usborne Science in the Kitchen book. There are others I haven't looked at like Science w/Water, and Science w/Plants also.

[*Jessica*]

Apples, Bubbles, and Crystals

 

I'm using it with my Ker and we're enjoying it. I found it through a recommendation on the American Chemical Society website.

[give_me_a_latte]

Have you looked at Science Play? It's got a lot of cute experiments for this age group.

[whybenormal]

My kids enjoyed this book at that age:

Usborne Science Activities Vol. 1

http://www.amazon.com/Usborne-Book-Science-Activities-Vol/dp/0746006985

 

Each two-page spread is an investigative experiment using easily found things around the house.

[King Alfred Academy]

I HIGHLY recommend Super Science Concoctions. We had so much fun working through the book this year with our chemistry science. You use common materials and the explanations are super easy to understand.

[BatmansWife]

Science Excursion

 

http://www.scienceexcursion.com/Curriculum/Grades/Kindergarten/

Edited August 31, 2010 by ~AprilMay~

[iquilt]

Mudpies to Magnets - best book around for fun, easy to explain science experiments that can be done over and over again. I used this book as a teacher in preK and it is a favorite with us.