Looking for free science activities for kindergarten or first grade students? I have you covered! Science is all about exploration and curiosity, making it the perfect subject for hands-on learning in kindergarten and first grade! If you need engaging, simple science activities to try in your classroom, you’re in the right place. These three activities require little prep and will have your students thinking like real scientists!

1. Sink or Float Experiment

Kids love water play, so why not turn it into a science lesson? Fill a tub with water and gather various small objects (a spoon, a rock, a sponge, a toy, etc.). Before testing, have students make predictions about whether each object will sink or float. Then, let them test their theories and discuss why some objects behave differently in water. This activity builds critical thinking skills while introducing concepts like density and buoyancy.

2. Plant a Bean in a Bag

Watching a seed sprout is a magical experience for little learners! All you need is a clear plastic bag, a damp paper towel, and a few dried beans. Place the beans inside the bag with the damp paper towel, then tape the bag to a sunny window. Over the next few days, students will observe the beans as they sprout and grow. This is a great way to introduce the parts of a plant and the life cycle of plants in a hands-on way.

3. Push and Pull Playground Investigation

Help your students understand force and motion by taking science outside! Head to the playground and have students identify different ways they can push and pull objects—swinging, sliding, kicking a ball, or pulling themselves up a ladder. Ask questions like, “What happens when you push harder?” or “How does pulling the swing back change how high it goes?” This real-world connection makes learning about forces fun and relatable.

Take Science Further with These Ready-to-Go Resources!

If you’re looking for more structured science lessons, these engaging resources make teaching science in kindergarten and first grade easy and fun:

• Push and Pull Worksheets & Activities – Perfect for reinforcing force and motion concepts with hands-on activities.
• All About Plants Unit – A complete resource for teaching plant parts, life cycles, and plant needs.
• What is a Scientist? – Teach your students about the role of scientists and help them develop inquiry skills!

With these science activities and resources, your young learners will be excited to explore the world of science. 

Looking for more science activities? Check out my post here all about teaching the scientific method!