3 Early Years Science Experiment Ideas
Science does not need to be difficult or complicated. In the early years, science can be found in every aspect of the world around us. Every time a child learns something new about the natural world, they learn something new about science. Here are 3 of our favourite science-based activities to do at nursery to help your child develop a greater understanding of the world around them:
- Fizzing Volcanoes:
Most of us will remember taking part in this classic science experiment at school, and it is definitely one of our favourites at nursery. Make yourself a volcano cone from a material of your choice (you might choose papier mache or play dough) and paint it with bright volcanic colours with your child. While you do this, you can talk about volcanoes and what they do, as well as challenging your child to think about some of the volcano’s physical qualities such as ‘hot’ or ‘rocky’. After making your volcano, mix together washing-up liquid, bicarbonate of soda and water and pour it into the middle, then carefully add vinegar until the volcano fizzes and bubbles over, causing an eruption!
Top tip: try mixing the vinegar with red food colouring before adding it to your volcano for a more authentic lava experience!
- Magnets!
Find yourself a magnet and walk around your house or garden trying to find things it might stick to. Your child might notice that it sticks to certain materials, such as shiny or silver ones, more than others. See if you can work together to find out which things it sticks to best and make a note of the qualities they have in common.
- Shadow hunting:
Next time you’re making a den, try and make it as dark as possible and take different shapes and toys in there with you. Stand the different shapes and toys up on a sheet of white paper and shine a torch at it from different angles. Talk to your child about how shadows are created and show them how shadows can get bigger or smaller depending on where the light is coming from.
If you try any of these activities at home, don’t forget to tag us and use the hashtag #AlmondHouseScienceExperiments