STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education is essential for young children, helping them develop problem-solving skills, curiosity, and creativity. Introducing preschoolers to STEM through simple, hands-on activities makes learning fun and engaging. Whether at home or in the classroom, these activities encourage critical thinking and lay the foundation for future scientific exploration.
Below, we’ve compiled over 30 easy STEM activities for preschoolers to enjoy!
30+ STEM activities for preschoolers
Here are 25 fun, simple, and engaging STEM activities that require minimal materials and provide maximum learning!
Science Activities
1. Baking Soda & Vinegar Volcano
Create a mini-eruption using everyday kitchen ingredients. Mix baking soda and vinegar in a small container to watch it fizz and bubble like a volcano.
2. Color Mixing with Ice
Freeze colored water and let kids explore how colors blend as the ice melts. This activity teaches basic color theory and sensory exploration.
3. Walking Water Experiment
Teach capillary action by using colored water and paper towels. Place cups of colored water next to empty cups with a paper towel bridge and watch the water move.
4. Shadow Tracing
Use the sun to trace and observe how shadows change throughout the day. This helps children understand light and shadow movement.
5. Sink or Float Test
Gather objects and predict whether they will sink or float in water. A great way to introduce basic physics and buoyancy concepts.
6. Growing Beans in a Bag
Watch a bean sprout using a plastic bag and wet cotton balls. This demonstrates how plants grow from seeds.
7. Oil & Water Experiment
Demonstrate how oil and water don’t mix by adding food coloring and dish soap to see how they interact.
8. Cloud in a Jar
Use shaving cream and colored water to simulate rain clouds, helping kids understand the water cycle.
9. Magic Milk Experiment
Add food coloring to milk and watch what happens when soap is added. This shows the effects of surface tension.
10. Egg in Vinegar Experiment
Soak an egg in vinegar and observe how the shell dissolves, teaching children about chemical reactions.
Technology Activities
1. DIY Telephone with Cups & String
Teach sound waves using simple materials by creating a telephone with cups and a string.
2. Coding with Arrows
Create a coding game using arrows to guide a toy through a maze, introducing kids to programming logic.
3. Building with Magnetic Tiles
Explore magnetism and structure by using magnetic tiles to build various shapes and designs.
4. Interactive Storytelling with a Tablet
Use educational apps to tell interactive STEM-based stories and enhance digital literacy.
5. Digital Shape Matching
Use an online shape-matching game to introduce geometry and spatial reasoning.
6. DIY Flashlight Constellations
Cut star patterns into paper and shine a flashlight through them to explore constellations.
Engineering Activities
1. Building Bridges with Blocks
Experiment with different bridge structures using wooden blocks to learn about engineering stability.
2. Popsicle Stick Catapult
Construct a simple catapult to explore force and motion using popsicle sticks, rubber bands, and a spoon.
3. Egg Drop Challenge
Design a contraption to protect an egg from breaking when dropped, encouraging problem-solving and innovation.
For more creative project setups and tips, explore our Egg Drop Ideas guide — packed with fun variations and classroom-tested experiments!
4. Paper Airplane Contest
Experiment with different airplane designs to see which flies farthest, learning about aerodynamics.
5. Cup Tower Challenge
Stack cups in different formations and test stability, introducing the concept of balance and structure.
Math Activities
1. Counting with Beads
String beads on a pipe cleaner while counting them aloud to reinforce number recognition.
2. Color by Number
This fun and engaging Color by Number worksheet is designed for preschoolers to develop their number recognition and fine motor skills while enjoying a creative coloring activity. Featuring a chicken illustration, the worksheet includes numbered sections corresponding to a color key with five vibrant colors.
Download and print this worksheet for your students here!
3. Counting fingers
This Counting Fingers worksheet is a great way for preschoolers to practice number recognition, counting skills, and one-to-one correspondence. The activity encourages young learners to count the fingers shown on the left and match them with the corresponding dice representation on the right.
Download this amazing worksheet here!
4. Count and Match
Count and Match worksheet is a fantastic way for young learners to develop their counting and matching skills in a fun, engaging way!
Download this amazing worksheet here!
5. Trace the number
Tracing the Number worksheet is a fantastic resource for young learners who are just starting their journey into numbers! With engaging visuals, interactive activities, and guided tracing practice, this worksheet provides a well-rounded introduction to the number 1 while also strengthening essential early learning skills.
Getting this amazing worksheet today!
6. Dice Addition Game
Roll two dice and add the numbers together to practice early addition.
7. Measuring with Non-Standard Units
Use hands, feet, or toy cars to measure objects around the room.
8. Pizza Fractions
Cut a paper or real pizza into slices to introduce the concept of halves, thirds, and quarters.
With over 100 STEM activities available, you can find endless ways to keep preschoolers engaged in learning through play!
FAQs
1. What are some good STEM activities for preschoolers
Good STEM activities for preschoolers include simple, hands-on experiments like the baking soda volcano, color mixing with ice, and building with magnetic tiles. These activities encourage curiosity and problem-solving while making learning fun.
2. Are STEM activities good for preschoolers?
Yes! STEM activities promote critical thinking, creativity, and a love for exploration. They help preschoolers develop foundational skills in science, math, and engineering while fostering hands-on learning and curiosity about the world.
Final thoughts
STEM activities for preschoolers don’t have to be complicated. Simple, hands-on activities can spark curiosity and a lifelong love of learning. Whether you’re at home or in the classroom, these easy STEM activities help young learners develop essential skills while having fun. Try them today and watch your child’s imagination and understanding of the world grow!
