Learning about Science

A scientific journal is another way for preschoolers to learn about science. They can draw pictures of the experiments. They'll be thinking more about what they observed and locking those observations into their minds so they can drawn upon when doing later experiments. When an adult asks them questions about their drawings, the preschoolers will have a further chance to discuss the experiment and ask more questions. Maybe they didn't remember fully what happened, or maybe they're using their imaginations to create a totally new experiment.

Reinforces an Experiment

The journal gives preschoolers something to refer back to, if they don't remember about an experiment. How many educators get blank looks and shakes of the heads when they ask a preschooler to recall a lesson. But with the scientific journal, preschoolers can turn back to what they drew about the experiment, and recall the conclusions, to some degree.

It's 'Their' Scientific Journal

It also gives preschoolers something that's completely theirs. It's also a wonderful memory for parents to pack away and pull out when their preschoolers go off to college.

Teaches the Scientific Process

In addition, a scientific notebook teaches your preschooler about how to do scientific experiments—high school and college science classes have to teach students to document everything. If your child always knows this, they'll be way ahead of the learning curve.

Getting your Prescholer's Scientific Journal

Finally, you don't have to run out to the store to buy a specific scientific journal for your preschooler. A simple wire-ringed notebook is great. You can add anything your preschooler wants to the pages—everything from stickers, drawings, even photos of the experiments.

Hi! I'm Theresa Halvorsen, the preschool science and nature writer for Preschoolrock.com. I have twin boys and am blown away by their fascination with preschool science and how the world works around them. I am always looking for fun and simple science activities so preschoolers can learn about science and the natural world. Please contact me with any suggestions, ideas or questions you have about this site.

Helpful Tips for Parents

• Record results with drawings or photographs. Scientists document — preschooler scientists should too. A simple science journal develops both literacy and scientific habit.

• Accept wrong predictions gracefully — "Interesting! The result was different from what we predicted. Why do you think that happened?" Models scientific resilience.

• Connect science observations to real-world applications: "This is why bridges are built this way" or "This is how your body does that." Application makes science relevant.

• Science fear is learned, not innate. Preschoolers approach science with natural confidence — protect that confidence by keeping science joyful and low-stakes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make science experiments safe for preschoolers?

Keep experiments to food-safe or food-grade materials whenever possible: vinegar, baking soda, cornstarch, salt, food coloring, and dish soap cover most preschool science. Always supervise hands-on experiments. Establish and enforce the rule: "We only put things in our mouth that adults say are safe." Keep experiments away from eyes — vinegar and salt water sting. Wash hands after all experiments. A pair of toy safety goggles adds a "scientist" identity bonus while providing real protection from splashes.

What everyday household materials are best for preschool science?

The essential preschool science pantry: baking soda, white vinegar, cornstarch, salt, sugar, food coloring, dish soap, and water. These materials enable: acid-base chemistry (baking soda + vinegar), non-Newtonian fluids (cornstarch + water = oobleck), color mixing (food coloring), surface tension (dish soap), crystal growing (salt and sugar), and density experiments (sugar solutions). Beyond kitchen supplies: magnets, a flashlight, a magnifying glass, and ice are the other essentials. The best science lab is an accessible kitchen shelf.

Related reading: See also our garden science guide and our weather science for more ideas on this topic.

🎓 Skills Your Child Will Develop

• 📝 Recording & Documentation — Drawing what they observe, recording measurements, and noting results gives children their first experience of scientific documentation — and connects science to literacy and numeracy in an authentic context.
• 🌍 Nature Literacy — Learning the names, habits, and relationships of plants, animals, and natural phenomena builds the nature literacy that connects children to the living world and lays the groundwork for environmental stewardship.
• 🔍 Observation Skills — Paying close attention to what happens during an experiment — noting colors, textures, movements, and changes — builds the observational precision that all scientific and analytical work requires.
• 🔬 Scientific Method — Even a simple experiment teaches the predict-test-observe cycle that is the foundation of scientific thinking — and preschoolers who internalize this process approach problems with genuine scientific confidence.

Why would you want to create a scientific journal for preschoolers when most preschoolers can't write? Having a special place for your preschooler to make notes, scribble and draw about science experiments is very important.