100 Science activities for ages 4-8

Looking for science activities your kids will love? Look no further!

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For the past week, we’ve had the joy of exploring a fabulous new science book from Asia Citro, the brilliant creator of Fun at Home with Kids.

The Experiments

In the book, you’ll find a variety of experiments for kids ages 4 to 8.

1. Plants and seeds
2. Water and ice
3. Mold, bacteria, and fungus
4. Engineering
5. Food and candy
6. Baking soda and vinegar (my kids’ favorite!)
7. Environmental science
8. Living things

Check out some of the science fun we’ve had!

My Seven loved experimenting with different liquids to see which one made the greatest reaction with baking soda. (Who knew that lemon juice would beat out vinegar?)

My Five learned that warm water with sugar will help yeast make the most bubbles.

My Five also observed that oil and water don’t mix, even when you use a spoon.

My Three learned that you can make the most vivid reaction in 1% milk.

Of course, these are just a handful of over 100 creative, hands-on science activities in the book. We can’t wait to try more of them!

Why I love this book as a teacher

I taught for eight years, and my speciality was literacy.  I could talk your ear off about teaching children to read and write, and I can do a fair job with teaching math concepts. But science… it was a challenge for me as a teacher and still now as a mom. How much do I say?  How prescriptive should experiments be?  What do I need to make sure the kids know?

No worries.

Asia, also an experienced teacher, has an MEd in Science Education.  Her introduction helps us understand that science doesn’t need to be complicated.  We should be focused more on developing our kids’ science skills than the actual outcome of an experiment.

Whew!  The pressure’s off, and now I know that standing back and watching my kids try different things is actually helping them. It’s more fun for both of us, too!

The experiments have helpful hints and extension ideas that will show you the right amount of guidance your child needs – while also showing you how to step back and let your child experiment.

Why I love this book as a mom

These experiments are super easy to set up and do.  Many require ingredients you have right at home. (We didn’t buy anything for the experiments you see above!)  And kids love them.

See the oil and vinegar experiment above? That was right after my Five had a meltdown about a disagreement with his siblings. He needed some cheering up.  The tears magically dried up as soon as I mentioned doing a science activity from the book!

Some of the activities can work well with a group of children, but we chose to make them one-on-one time with Mom.  The kids were each begging for their turn!

How to get it

You can purchase this book on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or (for international residents) Book Depository.

Give it as gift

This book would make a fabulous birthday or Christmas gift for curious kids – and you can also make your own science kit using products from the grocery store or Amazon!

Visit Fun at Home with Kids for a list of commonly used supplies in the book.  You can make a bin of these items so that your little scientist has everything he or she needs to do quite a few of the activities.

You can also put together a kit of specialty supplies. You’ll find those listed in the appendix of the book.

Have fun!

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