Description
Complete guide to teaching kindergarten science through exploration, experimentation, and wonder. Align with NGSS standards while nurturing curiosity and scientific thinking in young learners.
Your kindergartener is a natural scientist. They notice everything. Why is the sky blue? How do plants grow? What makes things sink or float? Where do butterflies come from? Why does ice melt? Their curiosity is endless, their questions relentless, their wonder genuine.
This is exactly the mindset science education should nurture and expand.
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) for kindergarten aren’t about memorizing facts or filling out worksheets about the water cycle. They’re about asking questions, making observations, conducting investigations, and constructing explanations based on evidence. They’re about thinking like scientists, not just learning about science.
If you’re a homeschool mom wondering how to teach “real science” to a five-year-old, a kindergarten teacher trying to fit science into an already packed schedule, or a parent wanting to support your child’s natural curiosity—you need practical, engaging, standards-aligned activities that actually work with young children.
Here’s what you need to know: Kindergarten science happens best through hands-on exploration, not lectures or videos. Your kindergartener learns more from planting seeds and watching them grow than from any worksheet about plant parts. They understand forces and motion better from building ramps and racing cars than from reading about it.
The challenge? Finding time, gathering materials, knowing what concepts to teach, and making it all align with standards while keeping five-year-olds engaged.
This comprehensive guide gives you everything you need to teach kindergarten science successfully—whether you’re in a classroom with 20 students or homeschooling one child at your kitchen table.
What you’ll discover:
NGSS Kindergarten Standards Explained:
- Physical Science (forces, motion, matter)
- Life Science (plants, animals, needs of living things)
- Earth and Space Science (weather, seasons, sky patterns)
- Engineering Design (planning, building, testing, improving)
- How standards translate to real activities
Essential Science Concepts:
- Forces and motion (pushes, pulls, speed, direction)
- Properties of matter (observing, describing, sorting)
- Plant and animal needs (water, food, air, shelter)
- Weather patterns and seasonal changes
- Sun, moon, and stars
- Engineering and problem-solving
Hands-On Activities:
- 50+ engaging experiments and investigations
- Using everyday materials (no expensive kits needed!)
- Indoor and outdoor explorations
- Seasonal science projects
- STEM challenges
Teaching Science Effectively:
- The scientific method for kindergarteners
- Asking questions that spark thinking
- Observation and documentation skills
- Science notebooks for five-year-olds
- Integrating science across subjects
Monthly Science Themes:
- Month-by-month progression
- Seasonal connections
- Literature integration
- Assessment strategies
Let’s turn your kindergarteners into confident, curious scientists who ask questions, seek answers, and understand the world around them!
Understanding NGSS Kindergarten Science Standards
Before diving into activities, let’s clarify what kindergarten science actually looks like according to Next Generation Science Standards.
NGSS is different from old science standards. It’s not about memorizing vocabulary or labeling diagrams. It’s about doing science—asking questions, investigating, and using evidence to explain phenomena.
The Three Dimensions of NGSS
Every NGSS standard integrates three dimensions:
Dimension 1: Science and Engineering Practices What scientists and engineers actually DO:
- Asking questions
- Planning and carrying out investigations
- Analyzing and interpreting data
- Constructing explanations
- Engaging in argument from evidence
- Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information
Dimension 2: Crosscutting Concepts Big ideas that connect across all sciences:
- Patterns (things happen in regular, predictable ways)
- Cause and Effect (events have causes)
- Structure and Function (the way something is shaped affects what it can do)
Dimension 3: Disciplinary Core Ideas The actual content (physical science, life science, earth science)
Traditional approach: “Students will learn that plants need water, sunlight, and soil.”
NGSS approach: “Students will plan and conduct an investigation to determine what plants need to survive, analyze their observations, and construct an explanation based on evidence.”
See the difference? Active investigation, not passive learning!
Kindergarten NGSS Performance Expectations
These are the standards kindergarteners should meet by year’s end:
Physical Science: Forces and Interactions
K-PS2-1: Motion and Stability Plan and conduct an investigation to compare the effects of different strengths or different directions of pushes and pulls on the motion of an object.
What this looks like: Students push toy cars with different amounts of force. They observe that harder pushes make cars go farther/faster. They pull wagons in different directions and notice the wagon follows the pull.
K-PS2-2: Engineering Design Analyze data to determine if a design solution works as intended to change the speed or direction of an object with a push or a pull.
What this looks like: Students build ramps at different heights, test which makes cars go fastest, record observations, determine which design works best.
Life Science: From Molecules to Organisms
K-LS1-1: What Living Things Need Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive.
What this looks like: Students observe classroom plants—some watered, some not. They notice patterns: plants with water grow, plants without water wilt. They construct explanation: plants need water to survive.
Earth and Space Science: Earth Systems
K-ESS2-1: Weather Patterns Use and share observations of local weather conditions to describe patterns over time.
What this looks like: Daily weather observations recorded on chart. After weeks of data, students notice patterns: it rains more in spring, it’s sunnier in summer, temperature changes with seasons.
K-ESS2-2: Living Things Change Environment Construct an argument supported by evidence for how plants and animals (including humans) can change the environment to meet their needs.
What this looks like: Students observe squirrel burying acorns, bird building nest, beaver dam in photos/videos. They argue: animals change their environment (dig holes, gather materials, build structures) to get food or shelter.
Earth and Human Activity
K-ESS3-1: Living Things Need Their Environment Use a model to represent the relationship between the needs of different plants or animals (including humans) and the places they live.
What this looks like: Students create habitat dioramas showing fish need water, camels need desert, penguins need cold. The model shows the connection between organism and environment.
K-ESS3-2: Weather Forecasting Ask questions to obtain information about the purpose of weather forecasting to prepare for, and respond to, severe weather.
What this looks like: Students ask: “Why do we need to know if a storm is coming?” They learn weather forecasts help us prepare (bring umbrella, stay inside during tornado).
K-ESS3-3: Humans Impact Environment Communicate solutions that will reduce the impact of humans on the land, water, air, and/or other living things in the local environment.
What this looks like: Students identify problems (littering, pollution) and propose solutions (recycling, reducing waste, planting trees). They create posters communicating solutions.
Engineering Design (Integrated Across K-2)
K-2-ETS1-1: Define Simple Problems Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.
K-2-ETS1-2: Develop Solutions Develop a simple sketch, drawing, or physical model to illustrate how the shape of an object helps it function as needed to solve a given problem.
K-2-ETS1-3: Compare Solutions Analyze data from tests of two objects designed to solve the same problem to compare the strengths and weaknesses of how each performs.
What engineering looks like in kindergarten: Problem: Our pencils keep rolling off desks. Students design solutions: add eraser on both ends, make pencils hexagonal instead of round, create pencil holder. They sketch designs, build prototypes, test them, compare which works best.
Teaching the Scientific Method to Kindergarteners
The scientific method sounds complicated, but kindergarteners can absolutely learn it when simplified!
The 5-Step Process for Young Scientists
Step 1: Ask a Question
Start with genuine curiosity!
“I wonder what will happen if…” “Why does…” “How can we…”
Teacher modeling: “I noticed our plant by the window is growing taller than the plant in the corner. I wonder why? What do you think?”
Student questions: “Why do leaves change color?” “What makes things sink or float?” “How does a caterpillar turn into a butterfly?”
Step 2: Make a Prediction (Hypothesis)
“What do you THINK will happen?”
Important: There are no wrong predictions! This is educated guessing based on prior knowledge.
Teacher: “We’re going to test if this rock will sink or float. What do you predict?” Student: “I think it will sink because it’s heavy.” Teacher: “Interesting thinking! Let’s test it and see!”
Step 3: Test It (Experiment)
Actually DO the investigation!
This is the hands-on part kindergarteners love. They’re not just watching—they’re manipulating materials, observing changes, collecting data.
Example: Testing sink/float Students place objects in water tub one by one. They observe what happens. They sort objects into “sink” and “float” categories.
Step 4: Observe and Record (Collect Data)
“What do you see? What happened?”
For kindergarteners, recording means:
- Drawing pictures
- Sorting objects
- Making tallies or check marks
- Dictating observations to teacher
- Taking photos
Teacher: “What did you notice about the rock?” Student: “It went down to the bottom really fast!” Teacher: “Great observation! It sank. Let’s draw that in our science notebook.”
Step 5: Share What You Learned (Communicate)
“What did we discover?”
Students share findings:
- Turn and talk with partner
- Share with whole class
- Draw conclusions together
Teacher: “So what did we learn about heavy things?” Students: “Heavy things usually sink!” Teacher: “Let’s write that in our science notebook: Heavy things usually sink.”
Example Investigation Using All 5 Steps
Topic: Plant Growth
Question: “Do plants need sunlight to grow?”
Prediction: “I think plants need sun because I see plants growing outside in the sun.”
Experiment: Plant two identical bean seeds. Put one by sunny window, one in dark closet. Water both equally. Observe for 2 weeks.
Observe/Record: Draw plants each week. Measure height. Notice color changes.
Communicate: “The plant by the window grew tall and green. The plant in the closet stayed small and looked yellow. Plants DO need sunlight to grow healthy!”
This simple investigation covers multiple NGSS standards while being totally doable in any classroom or homeschool!
Month-by-Month Kindergarten Science Themes
Our Complete Kindergarten Curriculum organizes science into monthly themes that align with seasons, student interests, and standards progression.
September: All About Me & Five Senses
Perfect start to the year—science about themselves!
Science Concepts:
- Humans are living things with needs
- Five senses help us observe the world
- Our bodies have parts with different functions
Investigations:
- Five senses exploration stations
- Texture walk (touch different surfaces, describe)
- Taste test (sweet, salty, sour, bitter)
- Sound scavenger hunt
- Smell jars (identify by scent alone)
NGSS Connections:
- K-LS1-1: What living things need
- Science practices: making observations, using tools (senses!)
Literature Integration:
- “My Five Senses” by Aliki
- “I Spy” books
- “The Listening Walk” by Paul Showers
October: Fall Changes & Pumpkin Science
Seasonal changes are happening—perfect for observation!
Science Concepts:
- Seasons cause observable changes
- Plants have life cycles
- Objects have properties we can observe and describe
Investigations:
- Pumpkin investigation (observe, measure, compare, dissect, count seeds)
- Leaf collection and classification
- Apple science (sink/float, taste comparison, oxidation)
- Fall nature walk with observation notebooks
- Seed dissection (bean seeds, pumpkin seeds)
NGSS Connections:
- K-ESS2-1: Weather patterns
- K-LS1-1: Living things need to survive
- Science practices: observation, measurement, classification
November: Animal Needs & Habitats
Students love learning about animals!
Science Concepts:
- Animals need food, water, air, shelter
- Different animals live in different habitats
- Animals have adaptations
Investigations:
- Habitat dioramas (desert, ocean, forest, arctic)
- Comparing animal coverings (fur, feathers, scales)
- Bird watching and documentation
- Worm observation lab
- Animal tracks in playdough
NGSS Connections:
- K-ESS3-1: Relationship between needs and environment
- K-ESS2-2: Animals change environment
Literature:
- “A House for Hermit Crab” by Eric Carle
- “Over and Under the Snow” by Kate Messner
December: Winter Weather & States of Matter
Winter weather provides perfect context for matter investigations!
Science Concepts:
- Weather changes with seasons
- Matter can be solid, liquid, or gas
- Temperature affects matter
Investigations:
- Ice melting experiments (which melts faster: sun, shade, salt, regular?)
- Freezing water observations
- Snow/ice magnification
- Making frost (ice + salt in bag = super cold!)
- Snowflake observation (if you have snow!)
NGSS Connections:
- K-ESS2-1: Weather patterns
- K-PS2-1: Forces (temperature as force of change)
January: Forces & Motion
Hands-on physics perfect for post-holiday wiggles!
Science Concepts:
- Pushes and pulls make things move
- Force affects speed and direction
- Ramps change motion
Investigations:
- Ramp races (test different heights, surfaces)
- Magnet exploration
- Push/pull sorting
- Force of wind (blow objects with straws)
- Pendulum experiments
NGSS Connections:
- K-PS2-1: Pushes and pulls
- K-PS2-2: Engineering design for motion
- K-2-ETS1: Engineering design process
February: Human Body & Health
Valentine’s month—perfect for hearts and health!
Science Concepts:
- Our bodies have systems that work together
- Healthy habits keep us well
- Exercise affects our bodies
Investigations:
- Heartbeat before/after exercise
- Lung capacity (blow up balloon)
- Germ spread demonstration (glitter or powder on hands)
- Healthy vs. unhealthy food sorting
- Skeleton exploration
NGSS Connections:
- K-LS1-1: What humans need to survive
- Science practices: measuring, comparing
March: Plant Life Cycles
Spring is coming—time to grow!
Science Concepts:
- Plants have life cycles
- Plants need water, light, air, nutrients
- Seeds contain baby plants
Investigations:
- Plant growth experiments (varying conditions)
- Seed germination observation
- Parts of plant exploration
- Root growth in water (sweet potato, avocado)
- Flower dissection
NGSS Connections:
- K-LS1-1: What plants need
- Science practices: investigation, documentation over time
April: Earth & Environment
Earth Day perfect timing!
Science Concepts:
- Humans impact the environment
- We can reduce, reuse, recycle
- Earth has different materials (rock, soil, water, air)
Investigations:
- Recycling sort
- Composting observation
- Soil exploration (different types)
- Water filtration
- Litter impact discussion
NGSS Connections:
- K-ESS3-3: Reducing human impact
- K-ESS2-2: Changing environment
May: Insects & Small Creatures
Culminating study—highest engagement!
Science Concepts:
- Insects have specific body parts
- Living things go through life cycles
- Animals need habitats
Investigations:
- Butterfly lifecycle observation (live caterpillars!)
- Bug hunt with magnifying glasses
- Ant farm observation
- Building bug hotels
- Comparing insects (count legs, wings, body parts)
NGSS Connections:
- K-LS1-1: Living things needs
- K-ESS3-1: Needs and habitats
- Science practices: long-term observation
Our Complete Kindergarten Curriculum provides detailed lesson plans, investigation guides, recording sheets, and assessment tools for each month’s science theme.
Access the full year at https://ebookstorify.com/complete-kindergarten-curriculum-2900-pages-kinder-bundle/ or individual months at https://ebookstorify.com/kindergarten-monthly-curriculum/
50+ Hands-On Science Activities for Kindergarten
These activities require minimal materials, maximum engagement, and align with NGSS standards.
Physical Science: Forces & Motion
- Ramp Races Build ramps at different heights using blocks and cardboard. Race toy cars down. Which goes fastest? Why?
Science concept: Height of ramp affects speed (steeper = faster)
- Push vs. Pull Sort Give students pictures of activities. Sort into pushes (pushing shopping cart, kicking ball) or pulls (pulling wagon, opening door).
- Magnet Exploration Provide magnets and variety of objects (paper clips, pennies, rubber bands, keys). Test which objects magnets attract. Sort: magnetic/not magnetic.
- Balloon Rockets String fishing line across room. Tape straw to balloon, thread line through straw. Blow up balloon, release. It races across line!
Science concept: Air pushing out creates force that moves balloon forward.
- Friction Investigation Roll toy car on different surfaces (carpet, tile, sandpaper, aluminum foil). Which surface makes car go farthest? Which stops it quickly?
Science concept: Rough surfaces create more friction, stopping motion faster.
- Pendulum Painting Fill cup with paint, poke hole in bottom, suspend from string. Swing over paper. Creates beautiful patterns!
Science concept: Pendulum motion, gravity
- Marble Mazes Use cardboard and straws to build maze. Test if marble can roll through successfully. Redesign and improve!
Engineering design!
- Wind Power Create simple pinwheels. Test: does strong wind (fan) or gentle wind (breath) make it spin faster?
- Catapult Building Use popsicle sticks, rubber bands, plastic spoon to build catapult. Launch pom-poms. Measure distance.
- Parachute Drop Create parachutes from coffee filters, string, small toy. Drop from height. Which design falls slowest?
Life Science: Plants & Animals
- Plant Growth Experiment Plant identical seeds. Variables: one gets water, one doesn’t. Or: one gets light, one doesn’t. Observe and compare growth.
- Seed Dissection Soak large beans overnight. Carefully open. Find baby plant inside!
- Root Observation Suspend sweet potato in jar of water (toothpicks hold it up). Watch roots grow over weeks.
- Parts of a Plant Dissect flower. Identify: petals, stem, leaves, center. Draw and label.
- Plant Needs Investigation Three plants: one gets water+light, one only water, one only light. Which thrives?
- Butterfly Life Cycle Order live caterpillars (Carolina Biological, Insect Lore). Observe transformation to butterfly! Most magical science experience!
- Bird Watching Hang bird feeder outside classroom window. Observe and document: how many birds? What colors? What do they do?
- Worm Observation Dig up earthworms. Observe in clear container with soil. Notice: how they move, what they do to soil. Return to garden.
- Animal Sorting Sort animal pictures by: habitat (land, water, air), covering (fur, feathers, scales), diet (herbivore, carnivore, omnivore).
- Creating Habitats Build diorama or shoebox habitat showing animal in its environment. Include food, water, shelter.
Earth & Space Science
- Daily Weather Observation Each day: observe sky, temperature, precipitation. Record on chart. After month, analyze patterns.
- Cloud Watching Go outside, look at clouds. Describe shapes. Learn types: cumulus (fluffy), stratus (flat), cirrus (wispy).
- Rain Gauge Create simple rain gauge (clear container with measurement marks). After rain, measure amount.
- Seasonal Changes Documentation Photograph same tree/location each month. Create display showing how it changes with seasons.
- Shadow Tracking Go outside at different times of day. Trace shadow with chalk. Notice: shadows move as sun moves!
- Moon Observation Each night for a month, observe and draw moon shape. Notice pattern: new moon → crescent → half → full → half → crescent → new.
- Sunrise/Sunset Times Track when sun rises and sets each day for a month. Notice: times change with season!
- Rock Collection & Classification Collect rocks on nature walk. Sort by: size, color, texture, weight.
- Soil Exploration Compare different soil types (sandy, clay, potting soil). Which holds water best? Which is best for plants?
- Water Cycle in a Bag Draw ocean and sun on ziplock bag. Add water. Seal. Tape to sunny window. Watch water evaporate, condense, “rain” down!
Matter & Materials
- Sink or Float Collect objects. Predict: sink or float? Test in water tub. Sort by results.
- Mixing Colors Primary colors (red, yellow, blue) in paint or colored water. Mix: what colors do you make?
- States of Matter Solid: ice cube. Hold it. Describe. Leave in sun. What happens? Liquid: water. Pour it. Describe. Gas: steam from hot water (carefully!).
- Dissolving Experiment Test what dissolves in water: salt, sugar, sand, flour, oil. Stir and observe.
- Absorbency Test Test materials: paper towel, fabric, aluminum foil, plastic. Which absorbs water? Which repels it?
- Freezing & Melting Freeze water with objects inside (toy, flower). Observe frozen block. Leave out. Watch ice melt, objects release.
- Oil & Water Pour water and oil in clear jar. Do they mix? Add food coloring. What happens?
Engineering & Design Challenges
- Bridge Building Challenge: Build bridge between two chairs using only newspaper and tape. Must hold weight (book or toy).
- Tallest Tower Use materials (blocks, cups, cards). Build tallest tower that stands for 10 seconds.
- Boat Design Create boat from aluminum foil. Test: does it float? How many pennies can it hold before sinking?
- Egg Drop Protection Design container to protect egg when dropped from height. Use: straws, cotton balls, bubble wrap, tape.
- Paper Airplane Flight Fold different paper airplane designs. Test which flies farthest. Measure and record.
- Marble Run Use paper towel tubes, cardboard, tape. Build track for marble to roll through. Test and redesign!
- Shelter Building Challenge: Build shelter for stuffed animal using natural materials (sticks, leaves) or classroom materials.
- Windmill Design Create windmill that spins in wind. Test different blade designs. Which spins best?
Five Senses & Observation
- Mystery Boxes Object hidden in box. Students reach in (can’t look!), describe what they feel. Guess object.
- Sound Shakers Fill containers with different materials (rice, beans, pennies). Shake. Match pairs by sound.
- Smell Test Cotton balls soaked in scents (vanilla, peppermint, coffee). Can students identify by smell alone?
- Texture Walk Walk around school or neighborhood. Touch different surfaces. Describe: rough, smooth, bumpy, soft, hard.
- Taste Test Sample foods representing: sweet, salty, sour, bitter. Describe and sort.
Get Free Learning Activities!
Join thousands of parents and teachers who receive our best activities, tips, and printables every week. Plus, get instant access to our exclusive resource library!
No spam, ever. Unsubscribe anytime.
Creating Science Notebooks for Kindergarten
Science notebooks build observation, documentation, and communication skills!
What Goes in a Science Notebook?
For kindergarteners, notebooks include:
- Drawings of observations
- Labels and simple sentences
- Predictions and results
- Data collection (tallies, check marks)
- Dictated explanations
- Photographs (printed and glued in)
Notebook Setup
Option 1: Composition Notebook Marble composition notebook. Students draw and write directly in it.
Option 2: Folder Portfolio Two-pocket folder. Add pages as you go. Easier for younger students.
Option 3: Digital Notebook Take photos, voice record observations, compile digitally. Print pages to create book.
What Each Entry Includes:
Date (Teacher writes or students copy)
Question/Topic “What do plants need?”
Prediction Picture or sentence: “I think plants need water and sun.”
Observation Drawing with labels: picture of plant, labeled parts
Data/Results Simple chart or tally marks
Conclusion Dictated or simple sentence: “Plants need water and sun to grow.”
How to Use Notebooks
Before Investigation:
- Write/draw prediction
- “What do you think will happen?”
During Investigation:
- Draw what you observe
- Add labels
- Record data (tallies, checks, numbers)
After Investigation:
- Draw final result
- Write or dictate conclusion
- Reflect: “What surprised you?”
Not every activity needs a notebook entry! Save it for significant investigations (2-3 per month).
Integrating Science Across Subjects
Science connects naturally with reading, writing, math, and art!
Science + Literacy
Read-Alouds Choose non-fiction books aligned with science topics:
- Studying plants? Read “The Tiny Seed” by Eric Carle
- Learning about weather? Read “The Snowy Day” by Ezra Jack Keats
- Exploring animals? Read National Geographic Kids books
Informational Writing After investigation, students write:
- All About books (“All About Frogs”)
- Fact lists
- Observation reports
Science Vocabulary Teach content vocabulary in context:
- observe, investigate, experiment
- hypothesis, data, conclusion
- habitat, life cycle, adaptation
Science + Math
Measurement
- Measure plant growth weekly
- Measure how far toy car rolls
- Measure rainfall in rain gauge
Graphing
- Graph daily weather (sunny, cloudy, rainy)
- Graph results of sink/float test
- Graph favorite animals, seasons, etc.
Counting & Data
- Count seeds in pumpkin
- Count how many objects sink vs. float
- Count petals on flowers
Comparing
- Which ramp made car go farther?
- Which plant grew taller?
- More objects sank or floated?
Science + Art
Nature Art
- Leaf rubbings
- Flower pressing
- Rock painting
- Pinecone creatures
Scientific Illustration Teach students to draw what they observe:
- Draw plant as it actually looks (not cartoon)
- Add details (colors, textures, parts)
- Label parts
Science + Social Studies
Community Helpers Scientists, meteorologists, veterinarians, engineers are community helpers!
Environmental Stewardship Caring for Earth connects to citizenship and responsibility.
Seasonal Traditions Many cultural traditions connect to seasons, weather, harvest.
Science Assessment for Kindergarten
How do you know if students are learning? Science assessment looks different than math or reading!
Observation-Based Assessment
Watch students during investigations:
- Do they make predictions?
- Do they observe carefully?
- Can they describe what they see?
- Do they record data?
- Can they explain results?
Anecdotal Notes Keep clipboard during science time. Jot quick notes:
- “Emma noticed the ice melted faster in sun—great observation!”
- “Liam struggled to describe his prediction—need more practice with science vocabulary”
Science Notebook Review Look at notebook entries:
- Are drawings detailed and accurate?
- Do predictions show understanding?
- Are conclusions based on evidence?
Performance Tasks
Give students a NEW investigation (not one they’ve done before). Observe if they can:
- Ask a question
- Make a prediction
- Carry out investigation
- Record observations
- Draw conclusion
Example: Give student object they haven’t tested. “Will this sink or float? How can you find out?”
Watch their process!
Self-Assessment
Students reflect:
- “What did you learn today?”
- “What surprised you?”
- “What do you still wonder?”
Kindergarten Science Benchmarks
By end of kindergarten, students should be able to:
Science Practices:
- Ask questions about the natural world
- Make predictions based on prior knowledge
- Conduct simple investigations with guidance
- Make observations and describe what they see
- Record observations through drawing/dictating
- Share findings with others
Content Knowledge:
- Describe basic needs of plants and animals
- Identify pushes and pulls
- Observe and describe weather patterns
- Recognize that living things need specific environments
- Understand that humans impact the environment
These are PROCESSES and CONCEPTS, not memorized facts!
Setting Up Your Kindergarten Science Space
You don’t need a fancy lab! Here’s what makes science instruction easier:
Science Materials Station
Store in bins or on shelf:
- Magnifying glasses (5-10)
- Eyedroppers
- Small containers (cups, bowls)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rulers
- Tweezers/tongs
- Funnels
- Trays (for containing messes!)
Natural Materials Collection
Free from nature!
- Rocks, pebbles
- Sticks, pinecones
- Shells
- Leaves (pressed and laminated)
- Feathers
- Seeds, acorns
Science Investigation Center
Rotating materials based on current topic:
- This week: sink/float tub with objects
- Next week: magnets and magnetic/non-magnetic items
- Following week: plants and observation tools
Living Things
Start small:
- Classroom plant
- Bean seeds sprouting in cups
- Goldfish or hermit crab (if allowed)
- Worm farm or ant farm
- Butterfly garden (seasonal)
Science Library
Picture books and simple non-fiction about:
- Animals, plants, weather, space
- Scientists and inventors
- How things work
Anchor Charts
Create with students:
- Scientific method steps
- Science safety rules
- Current investigation question
- Data collection chart
Outdoor Classroom
Nature is the best science lab!
- Designate area for outdoor observations
- Keep magnifying glasses, collection jars in basket
- Regular nature walks built into schedule
Common Questions About Teaching Kindergarten Science
How much time should kindergarten science get?
Ideally 20-30 minutes daily or 45-60 minutes 3x per week. Many classrooms struggle to fit this in, so integrating science into literacy (non-fiction reading) and math (measurement, data) helps maximize time.
What if I don’t have science background?
You don’t need to be a scientist! You need to be curious alongside your students. Say “I don’t know—let’s find out!” Model wondering, investigating, looking things up. Your enthusiasm matters more than your expertise.
Do kindergarteners need to memorize science vocabulary?
No! Exposure and use in context is enough. They should hear words like “observe,” “investigate,” “data,” “habitat,” but don’t quiz them on definitions. Understanding concepts matters more than vocabulary.
Should kindergarten science include worksheets?
Minimally! Worksheets have a place (recording data, drawing observations) but hands-on investigation should be 80% of science time. Never replace experiments with worksheets about experiments.
What about science safety with five-year-olds?
Teach simple safety rules:
- Listen to directions before touching materials
- Keep materials out of mouth
- Wash hands after investigations
- Use materials gently and carefully
- Clean up spills immediately
Supervise closely during investigations, especially with water, small objects, or anything breakable.
How do I manage science with 20+ kindergarteners?
Strategies:
- Partner investigations (pairs work together)
- Station rotations (small groups rotate through different investigations)
- Whole group demonstration followed by partner practice
- Clear procedures taught and practiced
- Materials organized and accessible
- Assign jobs (materials manager, clean-up crew)
Can I teach science if my curriculum doesn’t include it?
Yes! Even 15 minutes 2-3x per week makes an impact. Use read-alouds about science topics. Integrate investigations into existing themes. Do science during literacy or math block (measuring plant growth = science AND math!).
What if students’ investigations “fail”?
Perfect! Failed experiments teach that scientists don’t always get expected results. Discuss: “Our prediction was different from our results. Why do you think that happened? What could we try differently?”
Science is about process, not getting “right answers.”
Free and Low-Cost Science Resources
You don’t need expensive kits!
Free Online Resources
Mystery Science Free kindergarten science lessons (video + hands-on activities). Excellent quality! mysteryScience.com
PBS Learning Media Free videos, games, lesson plans aligned to standards. pbslearningmedia.org
National Geographic Kids Amazing photos, animal facts, videos. kids.nationalgeographic.com
NASA Kids Club Space science for young children. nasa.gov/kidsclub
The Kid Should See This Curated science videos for kids. thekidshouldseethis.com
Apps (Free or Low-Cost)
Toca Nature – Explore ecosystems (paid but worth it: dollar 3) Peekaboo Barn – Animal sounds and facts (free) The Human Body by Tinybop (paid: dollar 3) Simple Machines by Tinybop (paid: dollar 3)
Household Materials for Science
You already have these:
- Plastic containers, cups, bowls
- Aluminum foil, plastic wrap
- Paper towels, coffee filters
- Straws, popsicle sticks
- Rubber bands, paperclips
- Tape, glue
- Food coloring
- Vinegar, baking soda
- Salt, sugar, flour
Nature Provides Free Materials:
- Sticks, rocks, pinecones
- Leaves, flowers
- Water, dirt, sand
- Insects to observe (return to habitat!)
- Seeds, acorns
Dollar Store Science Supplies:
- Plastic tubs for water investigations
- Magnifying glasses
- Measuring cups
- Plastic eyedroppers
- Small toys for sink/float
- Clear containers
Conclusion: Nurturing Young Scientists
Teaching kindergarten science isn’t about covering content or memorizing facts. It’s about fostering wonder, curiosity, and the confidence to ask questions and seek answers.
Every time your kindergartener wonders why the sky changes colors at sunset, notices a butterfly landing on a flower, or asks how ice becomes water, they’re thinking like a scientist. Your job isn’t to have all the answers—it’s to help them find those answers through observation, investigation, and evidence.
The five-year-old who plants a seed and watches it grow, who builds a ramp and tests how fast cars roll, who observes clouds and tracks weather patterns—that child is developing scientific thinking that will serve them throughout their education and life.
Science in kindergarten should be:
- Hands-on and engaging
- Question-driven and student-centered
- Connected to real world and nature
- Process-focused, not answer-focused
- Integrated with other subjects
- Joyful and wonder-filled
You don’t need fancy equipment or a science degree. You need curiosity, a willingness to explore alongside students, and the understanding that messy, active, hands-on learning is exactly what kindergarten science should look like.
Ready to teach science with confidence?
Our Complete Kindergarten Curriculum includes comprehensive science instruction for the entire year—monthly themes, detailed lesson plans, investigation guides, materials lists, science notebook templates, assessment tools, and integration with literacy and math.
Every investigation aligns with NGSS standards while being developmentally appropriate and genuinely engaging for five-year-olds.
Pre-K Kindergarten Animal Alphabet Workbook – Habitats Tracing Handwriting Dot Marker
My Busy Book – Cut Match Activities for Preschool and Kindergarten
Ultimate Homeschool Planner – Complete Learning Kit
Looking for monthly and seasonal preschool unit themes? We also offer monthly kindergarten curriculum units with ready-to-use lesson plans, printables, and activities for themes like Back to School, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Fall, Winter, Spring, Easter, and more.
👉 Explore our Monthly Kindergarten Curriculum Units ★
Explore related topics:
- Kindergarten Reading & Phonics
- Kindergarten Math Skills
- Kindergarten Writing & Handwriting
- Kindergarten Assessment & Progress Monitoring
Your kindergarteners are natural scientists. Let’s help them discover their world with wonder, questions, and hands-on exploration!
