Science in the backyard

Looking for some fun and creative science ideas this summer? I gathered some amazing activities for you🙌 These all require limited materials and hit several science standards for all ages.

1. Human Sundial

On the next extra sunny day, show kids how shadows tell time! This is perfect for older kids. Draw a chalk circle in a spot that receives sun all day. Mark cardinal directions around the edge. Have a child stand in the middle around 9am, around noon, around 3pm, and around 6pm. Trace the outline of their shadows and record the time in chalk. Discuss why the shadow has moved and gotten shorter or longer over the course of the day.

2. What Melts?

Kids, especially little ones, will love this experience! On a very sunny and warm day, fill a muffin tin with a variety of solid objects, some of which will melt in the sun and some that won't. Have kids write down their guesses about which objects will melt and which will melt the fastest. Record the results. Making predictions or hypotheses is a classic first step for budding scientists.

3. Explore nature shapes

Go on a shape hunt! This activity is great for kids age 3-6! This aligns with GA math standards for grades K and 1st! What items can you find that represent various shapes? Leaves, rocks, etc!

4. Scavenger hunts for living things

This activity would be perfect for kids 6 and older! It aligns with GA science standards for grades k-2nd! Have your child find living things and then have them “research” about it! They can use books or the internet with supervision, of course! Brainpopjr has several videos on livings thing. You might find: plants, trees, bugs, or even animals!

5. Sink or float: gather up some random items from outside or inside, and a bowl or baby float! Have your child predict whether the object will sink or float! Item ideas: spoon, rock, leaf, twig, flower bud, paper clips, magnet. Older kids can record their predictions and findings! This activity aligns with GA science standards in grades K and 1st.

6. Rain collection: make your own rain gauge with a measuring cup or plastic cup with measurements on it. This would be amazing for all ages. Record how much rain falls over a time period!

7. Recording weather and temperatures each day: this is a perfect activity for kids age 4-8. It goes with GA science standard for grades K and 1st! Have your child record the weather with drawings or pictures each day in a journal! They can also make predictions.

8. Paint rocks: wonderful activity for any age! Have your child collect rocks and let them paint faces or pictures on them.

9. Plant things and have your child take care of them: another great activity for ALL AGES. Have your child help with daily lawn/outside chores like watering plants, planting seeds, etc. This aligns with GA Science standards for K and 1st!

I hope this gave you some ideas of things to try with your LO! Tag me if you try any @motivatelearngrow on instagram!