Kindergarten and Preschool Science
Physical Science - the study of non-living things

Kindergarten and preschool science activities need to be experienced and based on observation. Talking about science, looking at videos and reading books about science is not the same as experiencing science. Young children begin with observing the characteristics of objects and materials and noting similarities and differences.

The following items are useful resources for young learners to actively explore, think and reason about physical science phenomenon. Ideas for using the items are included.

Science center materials:
Page 1 -Earth Science Resources
This page - Physical Science Resources
Page 3 - Life Science Resources

Toys for teaching physical science...

Physical science is the study of the physical world. It includes acoustics, chemistry, electricity, magnetism, matter, mechanics, nuclear science, and optics. Click on the links to purchase kindergarten and preschool science equipment from Amazon or check out your local second hand stores or garage sales if you have the time.

		Ideas for use
MAGNETS Horseshoe Magnets		Kindergarten and preschool science students sort items that stick to magnets and items that don't. Children record their observations about the forces of magnetism.
2 Magnetic Wands & metal ringed chips		Use the 3/4 inch metal ringed chips for games or experiments. The magnetic wands quickly collect the chips after play. Test how many chips one wand will pick up, count and record.
6 inch bar magnets		Have at least 2 bar magnets in your center. Children love to experience the how bar magnets repel and attract each other.
Magnetic Construction Kits		Children can build all kinds of geometric objects and also high rises, towers, bridges and arches. My students love these. I also use them for teaching numbers (what designs can you build with only 6 magnets?) In kindergarten and preschool science centers, use these with the felt fabric and cookie sheet below.
MAGNET PLAY AREAS Cookie sheets with a layer of acrylic craft felt on top This craft felt is good for keeping the noise down with math activities also.		Lining cookie sheets (the kind with edges) with felt fabric keeps magnets and other science toys from rolling on the floor and keeps the centers quiet.
Magnetic Boards		Individual magnetic boards are great for sorting items that will and won't stick to a magnetic surface. They are easy to use on a table and the children can record their observations or results in a Science book at the same time.
LIGHT AND COLOR Transparent color paddles		Help children understand the principles of color mixing.
Old glasses with a variety of lenses		Collect old glasses to put in the science center for a light unit. For safety reasons, children use these while sitting down at the center.
LiteBrite™		Children sort pegs by color and observe how light travels through the transparent plastic pegs.
Flashlights Check that the flashlights are narrow enough for kids to hold and that the button is easy to push on and off.		Set up a large cardboard box area (to make it dark) for children to experiment with flashlights and transparent and opaque colored plastic or paper squares. Children sort results. See Light and Color Theme.
Collect:	Strips of colored transparent and opaque plastic, transparent ribbons, holographic gift bags and papers (dollar store type), old goggles, samples of colored cellophane.	Let kids experiment with flashlights to see which of the items on the left allow light to travel through them and which items reflect light.
BALANCE Bucket Balance		Besides getting an introduction to the principles of weighing and comparing both solids and liquids, children have opportunities to make observations and predictions with these toys.
Incline planes or ramps		Make with blocks and sturdy mat board for lots of experimentation fun. Read more...
Balance Toys		There are many commercial toys that provide opportunities for children to experiment with balance.
Construction Toys		Construction toys help children learn to find a placement for objects and experiment with balance. Children learn the basic knowledge of physics and architecture.
ACOUSTICS Tuning Fork & Striker		Place in the science center and allow children to test how sounds from the tuning fork vary with different tapping with the striker.
GENERAL Primary Science Set		Science tools that are designed for little hands support hands-on early science investigations and introduce measurement markings. This set includes activity cards to help cover preschool science process skills, living and nonliving things, physical science, senses and more.