Science Tips for Families

Science can be fun for the whole family as you help your preschooler learn about living things and how the world works. Look for everyday objects around the house and outdoors for your child to investigate using all his senses. The following activities offer fun ways for you to explore basic science concepts together.

Sensory Walk

As you walk around your neighborhood together, ask your child to identify the sounds she hears. Point out details you see, ask about smells, touch the textures of buildings, trees, and plants, and talk about the taste of a special snack you have along the way. You might ask, “Where is the wind? Can you see it? Do you hear it? Can you feel it? Can you smell or taste the wind?” Talk about all five senses.

Window Garden

Help your child start a window garden where he can care for his own plants and watch them grow. Try starting fast-growing seeds, such as marigolds or beans, in paper cups or egg cartons. Talk about what the plants need to grow. If possible, visit a local garden shop or florist and encourage your child to ask questions and get advice for his garden.

Mixing Up Science

Food preparation is a great way to explore science with your child. When making pudding, for example, ask her to notice changes as you combine and stir the ingredients. What does she see happening to the powdered mix? What happens to the liquid? How does the appearance and texture of the pudding mixture change as it gets beaten? What happens when you put it in the refrigerator? How does it smell? And of course, how does it taste?

Where Does Food Come From?

Most foods come from plants and animals. As you prepare different foods, talk with your child about where they come from. Apples, corn, milk, and eggs are good foods to focus on because we use them in so many different forms. If possible, take your child to visit a farm or to talk with your local grocer about how food gets from production to your table.

Helping the Planet

You can talk to your child about recycling and how it helps protect and save living things. He will take pride in helping the environment by finding ways to reuse and recycle paper to help save trees. Collect old stationery, business cards, or greeting cards you would normally throw away so he can draw on the back or cut out the words and pictures. He can help you reuse, save, and store newspaper and other paper containers in creative ways. This is recycling!