20 Preschool Physics Experiments and Activities

Physics is one of those science fields that is really easy to study with kids. Many of the basic concepts involve materials you have at home. Young children can begin to understand simple physics concepts. This will help prepare them for future science learning and understanding more complex physics principles. Plus these preschool physics experiments and activities are just plain fun!

Preschool Physics Experiments and Activities

Exploring Color and Temperature – This is an easy to set up experiment. Learn about how different colors affect heat absorption. Your preschooler can probably handle all of the steps by himself.

Cars and Blocks Measuring Experiment – Such a fun way to turn a child’s love for cars and blocks into an experiment!

Inventing a Bouncy Ball Machine – 4 year old Aiden invented this bouncy ball machine. It combines two simple machines, a lever and an inclined plane, to release bouncy balls on the ground. What kind of machine will you build?

How to Make a Rainbow – Use supplies you find around your house to make a real rainbow.

K is for Kinetic Energy – A great introduction to kinetic energy for toddlers and preschoolers using ramps!

Kinetic Energy Experiments and Activities – More kinetic energy ideas: Learn with ramps, convert elastic potential energy into kinetic energy, and explore the transfer of kinetic energy.

Make a Rubber Band Powered Car – Design your own vehicle and then power it using rubber bands!

Make a Hovercraft – Build a hovercraft and then practice measuring skills.

G is for Gravity – Conduct a simple gravity experiment with toddlers or preschoolers.

What Can You Learn from a Cardboard Tube? How about a little introduction to friction. Let your toddler experience this concept while having fun!

Dump Truck Counting Game – Get your little ones thinking about balance {a physics concept} while playing a fun counting game.

Density Experiments

D is for Density – Ideas for teaching density to toddlers and preschoolers.

Saltwater Density Investigation – Learn how to make density layers using saltwater. {Great investigation for many age groups.}

Layering Liquids Density Experiment – Use fruit juices to make density layers in this colorful experiment.

Holiday Themed Physics Activities for Kids

Easter

Easter Egg Rocket Races – Make rockets from plastic eggs and send them flying through the air on a string.

Egg Drop Experiments – Tips for conducting the classic egg drop experiments plus 8 different versions to try.

Launching Easter Eggs Experiment – How far can you launch a plastic Easter egg? Does the size or weight of the egg impact the distance traveled?

Christmas

Sleigh Races – Build paper sleighs, attach some wheels, and race them down a ramp. Change the size of the sleighs, the height of the ramp, and more.

Exploring Magnetism at Christmas – Which Christmas themed items are magnetic?

Christmas Listening Game – Play What’s that Sound? with Christmas objects.

What are your favorite physics experiments and activities?

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