Starting science early

Are there science experiments that a 2-year-old could do? Absolutely! Young children are rapidly learning about their world through their 5 senses and as such you can easily provide rich experiences that show how the world works just by targeting sight, hearing, smell, touch and taste. Beyond looking at the five senses, consider how you can teach toddlers about simple science such as pull and push/float and sink/hot and cold and more. The more you expose young kids to scientific concepts at an early age, the more you set them up for the future!

Using our senses to learn about our world!

When running science experiments with toddlers you do need to be aware of the materials that you are using; are they likely to cause an allergy issue or are there small parts that could cause a choking hazard. The following lists a variety of safe experiments that work very well with toddlers and early learners, although to be honest you can easily use these in primary school too!

Create rainbow flowers!

• A colourful experiment early learners love to watch over time.
• Just needs a bit of food colour, water & some white flowers

The classic volcano

• Simple ingredients
• Safe and engaging for kids!

Colour mixing using milk & detergent

• Show that colours can move and mix together
• Kids love this!

Make some slime!

• A tactile experience toddlers love
• Also good for discussing solids vs. liquids for young kids

Coloured shadows & light mixing

• Get some coloured lights and mix them in the dark
• Links well with rainbows and simple colour mixing

Ocean in a bottle

• Mesmerizing waves for kids!
• Show that oil does not mix with water

Prove that air takes up space

• A simple concept that kids can struggle with
• Helps show that air fills spaces and can push on things

The classic dancing sultana experiment!

• The sultanas rise and fall in soda water… why?
• A great way to introduce floating and sinking to toddlers

Sherbet making made simple

• Teach toddlers to mix materials in a procedure
• What happens if you add too much of one ingredient?

Observe sea monkeys!

• Teach toddlers to observe the natural world
• Great for teaching about life cycles

Make an ant farm

• A classic way for young kids to learn about insects
• An observation experiment every child can do

Happy teaching,

Ben Newsome.

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