5 Fun Winter Science Experiments for Preschoolers

As we embrace the approaching shorter days, winter offers a perfect opportunity to engage preschoolers in fun and educational science experiments within the cozy comforts of your home. These experiments not only enhance fine motor skills but also expand their creative and analytical thinking.

Gather the family, and let’s kickstart your winter science adventure, here are 5 Winter Science Experiments for Preschoolers to try out:

Crystal Snowflakes

What you’ll need:

• Pipe cleaners
• Scissors
• String
• A pencil or pen
• A wide-mouth glass jar
• Tape
• A measuring cup
• Adult supervision
• ¼ cup salt
• 1 cup of very hot water

Grow your own beautiful snowflakes! Heat a cup of water and dissolve as much salt as possible. Allow the solution to cool, then place a pipe cleaner shape (like a snowflake) into the cup. Leave it undisturbed for a few hours or overnight. As the water evaporates, stunning salt crystals will form on the pipe cleaner, creating a unique snowflake shape.

Snow Slime

What you’ll need:

• 1 Tbs instant snow
• 1 Cup glue
• ¾ Cup Water
• 1 tsp borax
• Glitter
• Container

Prepare for pure amusement and wonder as you introduce the concept of snow slime. This magical mixture of equal parts white craft glue and borax creates a stretchy, gooey substance that mimics the texture of real snow. To make the experience even cooler, consider adding fake snow or instant snow powder and glitter! As they squish and stretch the slime, the children will be captivated by the unique sensation it offers, fostering their curiosity and providing a springboard for discussions about changes they observe.

Melting Snowman Experiment

What you’ll need:

• Snow
• Pan/Container
• Food dye (optional)

Brace yourself for adorable and enlightening exploration with the melting snowman experiment. Preschoolers will have a blast building their own unique snowmen indoors! The real excitement comes when you bring the snowman indoors and observe what happens as it starts to melt. As they witness the snowman’s gradual disappearance, the children will be filled with wonder and curiosity, prompting discussions on the science behind melting. Have more fun and dye the snowman different colours with food dye!

Winter Ice Excavation

What you’ll need:

• Ice cube tray
• Small toys that fit inside the ice cube trays
• Salt
• Spray bottle
• Spoons

This hands-on experiment begins by freezing small toys or objects in a container of water overnight. The next day, armed with spoons, spray bottles filled with warm water, and a sprinkle of salt, the preschoolers become little archeologists, chipping away at the ice to unearth the hidden treasures locked within. As their fine motor skills are put to use, they’ll also be introduced to the concept of freezing and how different materials interact with ice.

Snowstorm in a Jar

What you’ll need:

• Mason Jar (16-ounce size)
• Baby Oil
• Glitter
• White Paint
• Alka Seltzer

To make a snowstorm in a jar, mix water, and white paint, add it to a jar of baby oil with glitter, drop in pieces of Alka Seltzer, and watch as a mesmerizing snowstorm forms. Repeat the experiment to prolong the effect. Enjoy the magic of this winter science activity!

Remember, the key to successful science experiments with preschoolers is to focus on hands-on exploration and observation. Keep it simple and let their curiosity guide the learning process. We always advise full adult supervision as well.

Have fun and stay warm!

Winter Science Experiment Resources:

To see photos and further instructions of these experiments, follow the links below:

Crystal Snowflakes: https://www.ontariosciencecentre.ca/media/1786/growacrystalsnowflake.pdf

Snow Slime: https://www.instructables.com/Snow-Slime/

Winter Ice Excavation: https://www.science-sparks.com/ice-excavations-challenge-4/

Snowstorm in a Jar: https://onelittleproject.com/snowstorm-in-a-jar/

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Kinder Buddies Oakville Daycare is a Quality First Daycare and Infant Care facility in Oakville, Ontario. We take care of children from the age of 6 weeks to 5 1/2 providing nutritious meals and fun activities all day long.