Hands-On Earth Science Activities for Preschool and Kindergarten

Earth Science might sound like a complex subject for preschool and kindergarten, but it’s actually perfect for their natural curiosity and love of sensory experiences. Young children are already fascinated by the world around them—digging in dirt, splashing in puddles, and collecting rocks. This comprehensive guide will show you how to channel that enthusiasm into meaningful learning about our amazing planet!

Exploring the wonders of the universe with young learners is a great way to ignite their natural curiosity and foster a love for science. A well-designed Earth Science unit can introduce key concepts through hands-on, interactive activities that early learners find both fun and meaningful.

This comprehensive 5-lesson unit plan is designed to help preschool and kindergarten teachers guide young learners through an exciting exploration of Earth Science. From discovering the features of our planet to exploring land, water, weather, and the patterns of day and night—this unit makes learning about Earth engaging and fun. Let the adventure begin!

Explore Earth Science

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Take a look at What’s Inside the Earth Science Lessons and Activities!

A Well-Rounded, Engaging Curriculum:

In order to provide a complete and captivating learning experience, our Earth Science theme includes a diverse range of resources, such as:

5 Engaging Earth Science Lessons for Your Classroom:

• What Is Earth Made Of? (Layers of the Earth)
• Rocks, Dirt, and Sand – What’s the Ground Made Of?
• Water, Water Everywhere!
• Earth Helps Things Grow (Soil + Compost)
• Earth and Weather – How Earth Changes
  

And Learning Delivered Through:

• Hands-on experiments and activities
• Interactive games, movement tasks
• Curated list of children’s books
• Printable worksheets and visual aids

Why Earth Science for Preschoolers?

Early exposure to Earth Science helps children:

• Develop observation skills and scientific thinking
• Connect with the natural world
• Build vocabulary through descriptive language
• Engage in sensory-rich experiences that support brain development
• Lay foundations for environmental stewardship

The beauty of Earth Science at this age is that it doesn’t require complicated equipment or extensive scientific knowledge—just a willingness to explore alongside your little scientists!

By completing this Earth Science unit, preschool and kindergarten children will develop a range of foundational science concepts and skills:

Scientific Knowledge & Skills:

• Recognize that Earth has different layers (crust, mantle, outer core, inner core)
• Identify and compare Earth materials (rocks, soil, sand) by their properties
• Make observations using multiple senses
• Compare and classify materials based on observable properties
  

Literacy Connections and SEL Development:

• Begin documenting their thinking through drawing and emergent writing
• Use the “I See, I Think, I Wonder” framework for reflection
• Build persistence through scientific inquiry
• Practice collaboration during group experiments

These learning outcomes are achieved through developmentally appropriate, play-based activities that engage children’s natural curiosity rather than through memorization of facts. The focus is on building foundational understanding and scientific thinking skills that will support future science learning

Interested in more science activities?