STEM Kids: Science Activities for Preschoolers That Won’t Break the Bank

Introducing your preschooler to the world of science doesn’t have to be expensive. You can discover budget-friendly experiments and projects to ignite their curiosity. In this blog, we’re here to show you that science activities for preschoolers don’t have to break the bank. This guide will share some of the best science activities perfect for preschoolers and young kids.

There’s something for everyone, from exploring magnets to building homemade solar ovens. The materials you need for these experiments are likely lying around the house. So grab your notepad! It’s time to dive into the world of STEM with your preschooler.

What are STEM activities?

STEM activities bring all four areas of STEM to life through hands-on learning experiences. These activities include making a DIY volcano, exploring nature, performing simple physics experiments, and using math skills to measure objects. STEM activities help kids learn problem-solving skills, develop their scientific reasoning abilities and have fun! Plus, most of these activities don’t require expensive materials or supplies.

Simple Science Activities

Kids love experimenting with things they find around the house — so why not use a sink or float experiment to teach them about density? Fill a bowl or bucket with water, then have your preschooler drop in items like pebbles, an apple, a rock from their rock collection, or even a piece of wood. Ask them which items they think will sink and which will float.

Making your bubble solution is a great way to teach kids about surface tension and pressure without breaking the bank. All you need is some water and dish soap. Mix the two ingredients in any ratio you’d like until you get a consistency that works — then grab a bubble wand and enjoy!

Everyone loves making a volcano! You only need an empty plastic bottle (or even an empty milk carton), play dough or paper mache, and baking soda. Once you’ve made your volcano model, add some red food dye to some vinegar to your volcano, then watch as it erupts!

Low-Cost Science Tools

Magnifying glasses are an inexpensive tool that can be used to explore the natural world – from looking at plants up close to examining insects more closely. Ensure your magnifying glass has an adjustable focus so kids can experiment with different magnification levels.

Binoculars are another great tool for little explorers; they’re much easier for little hands to manage than adult binoculars. Look for kid-sized binoculars at your local store, or make your own out of cardboard tubes for an even lower-cost option.

Even simple magnets can offer preschoolers many exciting exploration opportunities as well as collecting paperclips in a jar and constructing sculptures using steel nuts and bolts from their rock collection.

Exploring Nature

Bugs are everywhere – so grab a magnifying glass and head outside! Have kids look for insects among the trees or even in their backyard garden, then have them draw what they find or create their insect journal where they can write down what they observe about each bug species they come across.

Planting a garden with fruits and vegetables is an exciting way for kids to connect with nature — plus, it gives them something to look forward to as their plants grow. However, ensure you keep safety in mind when gardening with children by avoiding dangerous plants or tools while supervising closely during planting sessions.

Grab your binoculars and take a nature walk around your neighborhood. Have kids identify different plants, trees, and animals they come across during their walk (and keep a friendly distance from any wildlife you encounter along the way). Then, if you’re feeling adventurous, why not explore further by heading out into the woods on a camping trip?

Conclusion

STEM activities are a great way to get kids interested in science from a young age and don’t have to be expensive. From simple experiments like sink or float to exploring nature and making keepsakes from your rock collection, plenty of activities keep your preschooler engaged and learning while having fun. So get creative and explore the world of STEM with your preschooler today!