Exploring Science Through Play: Simple Experiments for Under 5s

British Science Week (7th - 16th March 2025) is the perfect time to spark curiosity in young minds! Science isn’t just for labs—it’s all around us, and little ones naturally love to explore, test, and discover.

With a playful, hands-on approach, even the youngest children can engage in exciting science experiments that encourage problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking.

We’ve put together some fun and simple science activities that are safe, engaging, and perfect for ages 0-5.

These activities use everyday materials and focus on sensory exploration, cause and effect, and early STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) skills.

Let's jump right into Science Experiments for Under 5s!

1. Magic Colour-Changing Water (Cause and Effect)

For ages: 2+

What you’ll need:

• Three clear cups of water

• Lemon juice or vinegar

• Bicarbonate of soda

• A few drops of food colouring

How to do it:

1. Add a few drops of food colouring to the water.

2. Ask your child to stir in a spoonful of lemon juice—nothing happens yet!

3. Now, let them add a spoonful of bicarbonate of soda—watch the water bubble and change!

💡 Talk about how the fizzy reaction is caused by mixing an acid (lemon juice) and a base (bicarbonate of soda).

2. The Growing Bean Experiment (Plant Science)

For ages: 2+

What you’ll need:

• A clear plastic cup or jar

• A damp cotton pad or paper towel

• A dried bean (e.g., broad bean or kidney bean)

How to do it:

1. Place a damp cotton pad inside the jar.

2. Nestle the bean between the cotton pad and the glass so you can see it.

3. Keep the cotton pad damp and place the jar on a sunny windowsill.

4. Over a few days, your child will see the roots grow down and the shoot grow up!

💡 This is a wonderful way to introduce plant growth, life cycles, and patience!

3. Balloon-Powered Car (Forces & Motion)

For ages: 3+

What you’ll need:

• A small toy car

• A balloon

• Sticky tape

• A straw

How to do it:

1. Tape the straw to the back of the toy car.

2. Blow up the balloon (don’t tie it) and attach the opening to the straw.

3. Let go and watch the car zoom forward as the air rushes out!

💡 Talk about how air pushes the car forward, introducing the idea of forces and motion in a playful way.

4. The Floating and Sinking Experiment (Early Physics)

For ages: 1+

What you’ll need:

• A large bowl of water

• A mix of objects (e.g. toy car, leaf, spoon, feather, plastic bottle cap)

How to do it:

1. Let your child drop different objects into the water one by one.

2. Ask them to predict whether it will float or sink.

3. Watch and discuss—why does a leaf float but a spoon sinks?

💡 This activity helps build early physics skills and encourages observational thinking.

5. Magic Milky Swirls (Creative Science)

For ages: 2+

What you’ll need:

• A shallow plate of milk

• Food colouring

• Washing-up liquid

• Cotton buds

How to do it:

1. Add drops of food colouring to the milk.

2. Dip a cotton bud in washing-up liquid and touch it to the milk.

3. Watch as the colours swirl and dance!

💡 This happens because the washing-up liquid breaks the surface tension of the milk, pushing the colours away!

Encouraging a Love for Science at Home

Science is all about curiosity and exploration, and these simple experiments help children develop early STEM skills in a fun, hands-on way.

The best part? There’s no need for fancy equipment—just everyday household items and a little creativity!

Additional Resources

British Science Week - Activity Packs

First Discoverers - Importance of Science Education in Early Years

Fun Learning for Kids - Science Activities for Preschoolers

NAEYC - How Science Supports Early Years Learning

British Science Association - Benefits of Science Education for Early Years Learners