Take science outdoors! Set up a nature investigation table for preschool science and allow your kids to experiment and observe the natural world around them with simple materials suitable for kids to explore at their own pace.
Nature Investigation Table
A nature investigation table can be set up almost anytime of the year and would be a fun way to incorporate seasonal changes into your science lessons.
Kids have their own way of investigating, experimenting, and exploring nature. A simple science table set up outdoors can lead to many wonderful discoveries.
Supplies
- Magnifying Glass
- Plastic Test Tubes and Test Tube Racks {or Small Plastic Cups}
- Pipettes and Container of Water
- Paper, Pencils, and Crayons
- Tongs or Tweezers
Nature Investigation Table Set-up
Keep it simple! Set your materials and supplies on an outdoor table. Use a log or tree stump! Or you can place the items on a picnic table or even the ground.
Nature Investigation Activities
Kids will enjoy exploring nature samples with a simple outdoor science table set up.
The first activity is to simply explore nature! What do you see? What do you feel? Allow kids to investigate the outdoor area and gather samples that interest them with their Plastic Test Tubes and tongs or tweezers.
Nature samples can include rocks, dirt, twigs, leaves, pine needles, and whatever else is common to your area. Also, if you don’t have test tubes, use small plastic cups to gather samples.
Next, kids can explore how their chosen samples interact with water, and they can even practice fine motor skills using pipettes! Encourage kids to carefully observe any changes that might be happening as the water is added.
This is also a great time to take out paper and colored pencils or crayons and draw these observations! Drawing observations is a great way for kids to learn how to begin recording scientific data and learning how to draw conclusions from the data.
Ask questions! What happens when soil and water mix? What floats in water? What sinks in water? Learning how to observe and collect data, even through very simple and playful science activities like this, is very important for young kids and helps to develop critical thinking skills early on.
Extend the learning by showing kids how to measure the circumference of a tree with a soft measuring tape or even string! Challenge your kids to find the biggest and smallest tree. This is a great way to incorporate math into your outdoor science lesson.
Another terrific outdoor activity that combines art and science is taking tree rubbings. Show kids how to use paper and crayons to make rubbings from the bark of trees. Try to find different species of trees and compare the markings.
As your children explore, they will begin to ask questions and wonder about things. Talk about their ideas. Read books or search online sources for more information.
Earth Science Books for Preschool
Physical Science Books for Preschool
Life Science Books for Preschool
Restock your nature table regularly. As children explore, they may want additional tools (scales, measuring tape, lights). Look for ways to encourage exploration and STEAM activities with your table.
BIO: Sarah is the creator of Little Bins for Little Hands where she shares simple science experiments, STEM activities, and tactile sensory play recipes. She is also the proud mom of a busy little boy. Check out their favorite science experiments and STEM projects all year long! You can connect with her on Facebook and Pinterest.
More Science Ideas