Are you looking for winter science activities for your preschool or pre-k class? There are so many natural opportunities for learning that we encounter daily, in every season.
The cold winter weather may keep us inside often, but that doesn’t mean we can’t play and experiment with what Mother Nature has to offer!
Below are more than 20 winter science activities that will keep your kids learning and having fun all winter long!
Winter Science Activities
- Create, explore, and then melt some icebergs.
- Do you have snow in your yard or on your playground? Have fun experimenting with this Indoor Snow Melt activity.
- Are your preschoolers hooked on Frozen? (you know, that movie) Take a look at this fascinating experiment where you can make ice grow!
- Use Instant Snow in the classroom and take a look at these observation opportunities before and after adding water. (free printable included)
- Here is something that is sure to interest every preschooler I know. Why does salt melt ice?
- Dropping temperatures produce crystals. Make your own crystals with this winter science experiment.
- What is winter without a snowman? This foaming snowman will delight any preschooler with an exciting chemical reaction.
- Many animals store fat for the winter. Let your preschoolers experience how fat works to keep animals warm. Check out this awesome Blubber Experiment on YouTube!
- Create a frozen bubble! A fun introduction to solids and liquids.
- Why do animals that live in cold areas have such big paws? This winter science experiment is a very kid-friendly way of explaining it to a preschooler.
Check out this research-based, playful learning unit in our curriculum shop!
The Ultimate Pre-K Winter Lesson Plan Bundle
Winter bundle activities. Includes 22 resources for math, literacy, science, fine motor and dramatic play and more. Make learning fun!
- Learn about the Science of Sledding while you are playing outside in the snow.
- Excavation is great fun for preschoolers. Use animals, dinosaurs (ice age anyone?) even a Lego man!
- Experiment with common pantry supplies for a fantastic winter freezing science experiment.14. Not only are these crystal sun catchers pretty, but they’re also easy to make.
- Does Snow Sink or Float?
- Make your own frost in a can.
- How about a Baking Soda Snow Volcano? What could be more fun than exploding, indoor snow volcanoes?
- This Pine Cone science experiment for kids is great for observation over time. Discover why Pinecones open.
- Create colorful icicles! Your kids will have a blast making their very own colored icicles!
- Another classic with a winter snowflake twist! Get up close with these fizzing snowflakes.
- Not only are these crystal sun catchers pretty, but they’re also easy to make.
- Polar Oobleck Science
Winter Science Units for Preschool
Want a little more structure to your winter science lessons rather than a bunch of random ideas? Our Animals in Winter and our Ice and Snow science units are just what you need to ensure that your students are getting the age-appropriate, high-quality science experiences they deserve. Each unit includes detailed lesson plans, activities, color photos, and word cards, so you can rest easy knowing that you’ve got your winter science centers covered.
Did you know our complete science curriculum includes 18 different units and more than 113 done-for-you center activities? Imagine having everything you need to create engaging, hands-on science experiences all-year long. No more scrambling for ideas or piecing together random activities—the curriculum is all set and ready to go. All you have to do is bring the excitement, and let the magic of science unfold!
Browse the entire winter theme collection here.
What are you experimenting with this winter in your classroom?
Fun Ways to Stay Busy When It’s Cold Outside
Looking for more ways to keep your little learners active when it’s too cold to go outside? Just fill out the form below to have our FREE indoor recess printable emailed to you.
