Kindergarten science activities include the investigation of life sciences, the scientific study of living organisms, like plants, animals, and human beings.
Children use their senses to observe the similarities and differences of local plants and animals and share their discoveries through discussion, questions, drawings, collections and play.
Young children begin by observing the characteristics of a variety of life forms in their immediate surroundings such as spiders or bean plants. Play with life science toys and objects help children understand the anatomy and the changes living things encounter.
The resources below are all linked to Amazon.com.
Life sciences – characteristics of living things
Children are learning:
- that there are many kinds of animals and plants
- that animals move in different ways
- that each kind of animal needs its own kind of food to survive
- that animals need a safe place to live
- that most plants make seeds
- that most plants need water, light, minerals, warmth and air
Life cycle stages toys allow children to participate in kindergarten science activities that help them learn about animal life cycles with play. Kits are available for earthworms, ants, silkworms, ladybugs and more. Introduce new vocabulary as children play with them, sort them and talk about them.
Habitat Science Kits
Habitat science kits allow children to see insect metamorphosis up close. Most are reusable and collapsible.
Insect Lore Live Butterfly Garden
Live specimens for the Butterfly Garden above. Children see the transformation of caterpillar to butterfly.
After children have had a chance to observe how animals change throughout their lifecycle (caterpillar to butterfly), use these puzzles to help them cement their knowledge.
Life Cycle of a Northern Leopard Frog Jigsaw Puzzle, 48-Piece
Observation
Children’s Microscopes
Microscopes and magnifying glasses help children describe characteristics of local plants and animals e.g. color, shape, size, texture. Let children describe their observations in their own words, e.g. for a leaf found in winter…”This leaf has no skin on it.”
Stethoscopes
Animal Anatomy Models
Many different see through animals are available. They help children describe the appearance and behavior of a variety of animals and give them insight into animal structures such as skeletal, muscle and organ systems.
Puppets
Preschool and kindergarten science activities that include playing with realistic animal puppets help children learn what plants and animals need to stay healthy. Amazon has a variety of realistic looking animal puppets available. See here….