Why I Love Fall Science Experiments For Preschoolers

Watching my son grow, I continually seek avenues to support his blossoming curiosity.

One afternoon, I noticed his eyes light up not during a typical science lesson but in those unexpected moments of discovery.

Fall science experiments for preschoolers offer a captivating gateway into STEM. For young minds, these hands-on activities lay vital groundwork.

By nurturing their budding curiosities, parents are investing in a foundation for future academic and career success, emphasizing that learning can be both enjoyable and profoundly meaningful.

15 Of My Favorite Fall Science Experiments For Preschoolers

Dive into the enchanting world of autumn with these 15 handpicked fall science experiments designed especially to captivate and educate our curious preschoolers.

Let’s embrace the seasonal magic!

1. Apple Science Activity

Merging fun with learning, children observe changes, predict outcomes, and draw conclusions, all while delving into the natural world. This is a great easy science activity for preschoolers because your kiddo can jump right in to start learning right away.

• Materials Needed: Apples, lemon juice, water, bowls, and a knife (adult supervision required).
• Duration: About 20-30 minutes.
• Ideal Age: Perfect for preschoolers aged 3-6 years.
• Science Discipline: Biology, focusing on plant anatomy and oxidation.

2. Fall Sink Or Float

Using fall-themed items, children can predict, observe, and conclude which natural treasures will float or sink. You can couple this activity with another nature science experiments for preschoolers to help your little ones understand the world around them

• Materials Needed: A clear container filled with water and assorted fall items (like leaves, acorns, small pumpkins).
• Duration: Approximately 20-30 minutes.
• Ideal Age: Perfect for preschoolers aged 3-6 years.
• Science Discipline: Physics, specifically buoyancy.

3. Learning Resources Primary Science Deluxe Lab Set

Thoughtfully designed for budding scientists, this kit offers a perfect blend of fun and foundational learning. Vibrant tools draw kids in, making complex concepts approachable.

• Materials Included: Beaker, magnifying glass, funnel, eyedropper, flask, tweezers, goggles, large and small test tubes with stand.
• Duration: Activities range from 15-45 minutes.
• Ideal Age: Tailored for children aged 3-7 years.
• Science Discipline: Broad spectrum, touching on biology, chemistry, and physics.

4. Sorting Leaves & Seeds

With this simple pre-K science activity, children classify, examine, and relish the intricate details of autumn’s bounty.

• Materials Needed: A variety of leaves and seeds from different trees and plants.
• Duration: Approximately 20-30 minutes.
• Ideal Age: Perfect for children aged 3-6 years.
• Science Discipline: Botany.

5. Witch’s Brew: Fall STEM Sensory Play

This activity melds the magic of Halloween with the exploratory essence of science. As children mix, pour, and concoct their bewitching brews, they’ll unwittingly delve into foundational STEM principles, all while basking in the sensory-rich wonders of the activity.

• Materials Needed: Baking soda, vinegar, food coloring, glitter, and containers.
• Duration: About 20-30 minutes of brewing fun.
• Ideal Age: Tailored for curious little ones aged 3-6 years.
• Science Discipline: Chemistry and sensory exploration.

6. Explore The Life Cycle Of A Pumpkin

Crafted to entice young minds, it gives preschoolers a tangible, hands-on experience, allowing them to understand, touch, and feel the evolution of this fun science experiment for preschoolers.

• Materials Needed: Fresh pumpkins (in various growth stages if possible), lifecycle charts, and magnifying glasses.
• Duration: About 45 minutes.
• Ideal Age: Tailored for preschoolers ages 3-5.
• Science Discipline: Biology, specifically plant growth and life cycles.

7. SNAEN Science Kit

Beautifully packed with engaging tools and experiments, it’s a bridge between playful exploration and educational discovery, offering both parents and preschoolers a delightful way to connect with the essence of science.

• Materials Included: Comprehensive kit with various tools, chemicals, and detailed instruction booklet.
• Duration: Activities vary, typically ranging from 15-45 minutes.
• Ideal Age: Perfect for children aged 6 and above.
• Science Discipline: Multidisciplinary – covering chemistry, biology, and physics.

8. Bubble Science With Pumpkins

Children will be enthralled as they witness the effervescent reaction inside the hollows of pumpkins, making science both festive and fascinating. A memorable fusion of fall charm and scientific exploration awaits!

• Materials Needed: Small pumpkins, baking soda, dish soap, food coloring (optional), and vinegar.
• Duration: Approximately 20-30 minutes.
• Ideal Age: Best for children aged 3-7 years.
• Science Discipline: Chemistry, focusing on acid-base reactions.

9. Make Pumpkin Slime

Autumn’s magic isn’t just in falling leaves and cozy sweaters—it’s in the hands-on wonders we can create! Perfect for tiny hands eager to explore, it offers a gooey adventure that sparks both joy and learning.

• Materials Needed: Clear school glue, liquid starch, water, and pumpkin spice.
• Duration: Roughly 15-20 minutes.
• Ideal Age: Perfect for children aged 3-6 years.
• Science Discipline: Chemistry, focusing on combining materials.

10. Learning Resources Beaker Creatures Alien Experiment Lab

Fuel your child’s extraterrestrial imagination with the Learning Resources Beaker Creatures Alien Experiment Lab. This lab lets young explorers engage with real-life scientific principles while having out-of-this-world fun, perfect for rainy days or curious playtimes!

• Materials Included: The experiment set includes beakers, tubes, and alien-themed experiment tools.
• Duration: Activities range from 20-45 minutes.
• Ideal Age: Best suited for children aged 5-9 years.
• Science Discipline: Chemistry and simple physics.

11. Make A Magic Pumpkin

Merging the charm of pumpkins with the thrill of scientific discovery, preschoolers will be spellbound by the effervescent magic unfolding right before their eyes. It’s the perfect way to blend the spirit of Halloween with an engaging learning experience.

• Materials Needed: Small pumpkin, baking soda, vinegar, dish soap, and food coloring.
• Duration: Roughly 15-20 minutes.
• Ideal Age: Tailored for children aged 4-8 years.
• Science Discipline: Chemistry, specifically focusing on reactions.

12. Experiment With Dry Ice Bubbles

This magical pre-K water science experiment allows our little scientists to explore the wonders of sublimation, producing enchanting smoky bubbles that capture imagination and inquisitiveness.

• Materials Needed: Dry ice, warm water, soap solution, and a cloth strip.
• Duration: About 20-30 minutes.
• Ideal Age: Best for children aged 6 and above with adult supervision.
• Science Discipline: Chemistry, specifically focusing on sublimation.

13. Flow Absorption Experiment

Allow your little ones to turn vibrant blossoms into a mesmerizing canvas of colors, this experiment not only celebrates the beauty of flowers but also showcases their fascinating absorption abilities.

Tailored for little hands, it’s a delightful blend of visual appeal and scientific discovery, fostering a genuine appreciation for nature’s nuances.

• Materials Needed: White flowers, food coloring, and clear vases or jars.
• Duration: Initial setup takes 10 minutes; observation spans several days.
• Ideal Age: Suitable for children aged 4-8 years.
• Science Discipline: Biology, with a focus on plant physiology.

14. Ghost Eggs Experiment

Step into a spooky yet enlightening world with the Ghost Eggs Experiment! Perfect for little inquisitive minds, this activity transforms simple eggs into ghostly, translucent orbs, revealing the wonders of science in a fun, Halloween-themed setting.

• Materials Needed: Raw eggs, white vinegar, and a container.
• Duration: Prepping takes 5 minutes, but the transformation requires about 48 hours of wait time.
• Ideal Age: Best suited for children aged 4-8 years.
• Science Discipline: Chemistry, specifically focusing on acid-base reactions.

15. Make Cranberries Dance Experiment

Autumn brings with it the charm of cranberries, and what’s more delightful than turning them into little dancing wonders?

This delicious winter science project for prschoolers is a visual treat that combines the magic of the season with the fascinating world of science. It’s not just an activity; it’s a mesmerizing dance performance put up by cranberries right in your home.

• Materials Needed: Fresh cranberries, clear soda (like 7-Up or Sprite), and clear glass.
• Duration: Approximately 10-15 minutes.
• Ideal Age: Best suited for children aged 4-8 years.
• Science Discipline: Chemistry, particularly focused on gas and buoyancy.

With these fall science experiments, we’re not just observing nature but actively engaging with it with the best STEM science projects for kids.

Happy exploring, dear educators and parents