Look! We're Learning!

Early Learning. Happy Teaching.

  • Shop
  • Printables
  • Homeschool
  • Crafts
  • Parenting
  • Blog

15 Simple Leaf Science Activities for Preschoolers

August 24, 2020 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

As the air gets cooler and the days get shorter, it won’t be long before we start to see leaves fall off the trees in our neighborhood.

Down here int he South, it takes a little longer for us to see evidence of fall. But once it starts, it’s glorious.

Leaves are always one of my favorite early childhood themes. And they’re also wonderful opportunities to explore science with little ones.

Which is why I’m sharing this list of 15 simple leaf science activities for preschoolers!

Leaf Science Activities for Preschoolers

These are simple (and engaging) leaf-themed science ideas for preschoolers and kindergartners.

And they also include sensory fun, math skills, and more!

See the full list below.

Be sure to check out our fun Fall Leaves Count and Match Game for more preschool learning inspiration!

These simple leaf science activities for preschoolers are perfect for a fall science unit!

15 Simple Leaf Science Activities for Preschoolers

As leaves fall off the trees, we get so many opportunities to explore science. We’re literally watching it happen right in front of us.

We can learn about leaf colors and how they change, compare types of leaves to learn about tree species, and much, much more.

Since preschoolers love to go outside, this is a wonderful time of year to explore nature with them.

15 Simple Leaf Science Activities for Preschoolers

So these simple leaf science ideas make learning about nature even easier!

If you decide to try any of these this year, I’d love to know which ones your students liked the most!

Fall Playdough Mats

Simple Leaf Activities for Preschoolers

These simple leaf activities for preschoolers are a wonderful addition to a fall early learning unit!

There are hands-on ideas here for STEM construction, science experiments, observation activities, nature learning, and more!

Printable Leaf Identification Flashcards

Take these printable leaf identification flashcards out for a nature walk! Perfect for helping little ones learn the names of common leaf varieties!

Photo Credit: alittlepinchofperfect.com

Easy Fall Leaf Science Experiment: Exploring Colors & Chlorophyll with Kids -

Show preschoolers how chlorophyll affects the color of leaves with this simple experiment! This is also good for learning about colors.

Photo Credit: preschoolpowolpackets.blogspot.com

Preschool Leaf Science Experiment

Explore textures and states of matter with this preschool leaf science experiment. Also includes ideas for sensory play!

Photo Credit: teachpreschool.org

Preschool Leaf Science and Math Exploration

Examine how leaf textures change over time with this leaf exploration activity. Use the suggestions to add a few math concepts as well!

Photo Credit: littlebinsforlittlehands.com

Salt Crystal Leaves Science Experiment and Fall STEM Activity for Kids

Make actual leaf art through this crystallization science experiment! Easy enough for little learners!

Photo Credit: buggyandbuddy.com

Science for Kids: Exploring How Water Travels Through Leaves

Watch leaves "eat" in real time with this simple science activity. Good for teaching children about the importance of water too!

Photo Credit: www.steampoweredfamily.com

Best fall simple science for kids - why do leaves change colour?

Show preschoolers how leaves change color with the seasons! This is a beautiful and easy color experiment for little ones.

Photo Credit: preschooltoolkit.com

Observing Autumn Leaves Preschool Unit

Preserve leaves with preschoolers to see how leaves change after falling off trees. This is also good for exploring why leaves need tree roots to live.

Photo Credit: gosciencekids.com

Autumn STEAM: tracing the veins of a leaf – Go Science Kids

Add a few art activities into your fall science unit with this STEAM idea. Show kids the veins in each leaf and then use those as an art activity!

Photo Credit: www.shareitscience.com

Science Experiment: The Hidden Colors in a Leaf

You only need a few basic supplies to try this chromatography experiment. It's great for showing preschoolers the hidden colors in fall leaves!

Easy Nature STEAM: Leaf Painting for Kids

Explore the patterns and textures of leaves with this simple leaf painting STEAM activity. Make prints and then examine how leaf vein patterns vary!

Photo Credit: www.science-sparks.com

How to Preserve Leaves - Easy Fall Science For Kids

Collect lots of fall leaves, pinecones, and acorns and see how to keep for a memory book! This idea is perfect for a fall preschool table.

Photo Credit: alittlepinchofperfect.com

Autumn Leaves STEAM Absorption Art and Free Template -

Make gorgeous leaf art with this absorption activity! And teach preschoolers how water affects paper too!

Photo Credit: www.creativelittleexplorers.com

Exploring Leaf Shapes - Nature Walk Activity

Show preschoolers how to make scientific observations with this leaf shapes examination activity! Little ones can collect leaves and compare them with others.

Photo Credit: theeducatorsspinonit.com

FALL STEM Challenge for Kids: Building Leaf Sculptures

Add some STEM learning into your fall leaves unit with this challenge. Preschoolers will love turning leaves into structures that stand up!

How to Make a Leaf Garland

One of our favorite leaf science activities is making a leaf garland.

It’s such a simple way to explore how fall leaves change over time and add a little fall decor to the home.

Plus, kids can try their hand at making art patterns and exploring colors as they work.

Simple Fall Leaf Garland

See how to make a simple DIY Fall Leaf Garland with little ones for yourself!

Looking for more preschool fall learning ideas? Try some of these!

Make up a batch of this scented pumpkin pie playdough to have some fall sensory fun with the kids! You only need a few household ingredients!
Use simple supplies to make this easy fall color matching activity for preschoolers! Perfect for fall preschool lessons!
These no prep fall counting worksheets for preschoolers feature a fun farm theme! Use them for classwork or at math centers!

Farm Fun Bundle TPT Quote Box Ad

Filed Under: Science Tagged With: fall activities, leaf activities, preschool, science for kids

Simple Science Experiments: Simple Light Refraction Experiment

December 28, 2017 by Selena Robinson 9 Comments

This simple light refraction experiment for kids is an awesome way to learn about the properties of light!
Simple Light Refraction Experiment - Look! We're Learning!

We’re continuing with our simple science experiments this week by taking a look at light refraction. I found a great light refraction experiment video on YouTube and decided to try it with Tigger.

Full disclosure: I didn’t know that refraction was what this experiment demonstrated. I actually had to look it up first. But the experiment is super easy and quick, so that’s a big plus!

Simple Refraction of Light Experiment

Check out this easy way to teach kids about light with this simple light refraction experiment!

And, if you like this one, try some of our other science activities, including how to make an egg float and our easy heat conduction experiment!

Study the properties of light with this simple light refraction experiment!

Simple Light Refraction Experiment

Watching the original light refraction experiment on YouTube will give you a great look at what’s involved in this activity. But you really only need four things:

  • A sticky note (I used a Post-It)
  • A marker
  • An empty transparent bottle
  • Water

Experiment on Refraction of Light

Draw two arrows on a sticky note. Make sure that each arrow points in a different direction. Stick the note to a blank wall.

Next, fill up the water bottle. Oh – put the lid on before you do this too! You don’t want water spilling out when you move the bottle around…lol.

Simple Refraction Experiment

The alternating arrows on the note point to the left and the right. Let the kids gradually move the water-filled bottle in front of the sticky note. As the bottle moves in front of the sticky note, something amazing happens.

Investigating Light Refraction

The arrows appear to change direction! The top arrow, which points to the left, appears to point to the right. And the bottom arrow, which points to the right, appears to point to the left!

Simple Light Experiment

Move the bottle back to see the arrows return to their original directions.

So what exactly is going on? We learned that refraction occurs because light bends when it passes through substances, such as water and plastic.

As the light travels through a substance, it becomes concentrated into a focal point, usually near the center. After light passes through the focal point, the rays cross over each other and cause images to appear reversed.

Turns out you can’t believe your eyes after all! 🙂

Books with Simple Science Experiments:

If you liked this simple science experiment, take a look at these books with even more easy activities! (Affiliate links provided here for convenience. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

  1. Science is Simple: Over 250 Activities for Preschoolers
  2. 365 Simple Science Experiments with Everyday Materials
  3. The Everything Kids’ Science Experiments Book
  4. Safe and Simple Electrical Experiments

Don’t miss the rest of our Simple Science Experiments!

Simple Science Experiments - Colorful Celery

Simple Science Experiments: Make an Egg Float

Simple Heat Conduction Experiment

For more science homeschooling ideas, follow my It’s Science board on Pinterest!

P.S. Get more fun learning ideas in our email newsletter!

Filed Under: Science Tagged With: homeschool science, homeschool science experiments, light experiment, light refraction, light refraction experiments, refraction, refraction experiment, science, science experiments, science experiments for kids, science for kids, simple light refraction experiment, simple science experiments

25 Insect Activities for Kids

October 10, 2016 by Selena Robinson 11 Comments

Kids just love learning about insects! Maybe it’s because they’re so small. Or because they make grown adults (like myself) flee in terror. Either way, bugs are a super popular topic for learning in our family.

If you have budding entomologists in your home, they’ll love these insect activities for kids! There are printables, hands-on experiments, crafts, and games for kids of all ages who want to find out more about these amazing, creepy-crawly creatures!

For more buggy fun, try these cool picture books about bugs for kids to read!

These fun insect activities for kids are perfect for learning about our creepy-crawly animal friends!

25 Insect Activities for Kids

1. Bug Printables Pack – Look! We’re Learning!

2. Insect Sensory Bin – Stir the Wonder

3. Melting Insect Sensory Painting – Crayon Box Chronicles

4. Insect Small World – Childhood 101

5. Draw the Missing Half Insect Printables – Adventure in a Box

6. Insect Play Dough Prints – Learning 4 Kids

7. Insects Unit Study – Gift of Curiosity

8. Insect Emergent Readers – The Measured Mom

9. Montessori-Inspired Insect Unit – Living Montessori Now

10. Insect Nature Study Printables – Homeschool Creations

11. Insect Investigation Worksheet – Kitchen Counter Chronicles

12. DIY Insect Memory Game – Kids Activities Blog

13. Insect Hotel Activity – Teach Beside Me

Hands On Insect Activities for Kids

14. Picture Books about Bugs – Look! We’re Learning!

15. Insect Counting Cards – Pre-K Pages

16. Build an Insect Activity – Handmade Kids Art

17. Insect Movement Game – Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas

18. Insect Do a Dot Printables – Housing a Forest

19. Insect Lab Nature Investigation – Inner Child Fun

20. Indoor Bug Hunt – No Time for Flashcards

21. Melting Insects in Ice Activity – Learning 4 Kids

22. Learning about Insect Body Parts – Gift of Curiosity

23. Bugs in a Jar Math Game – The Measured Mom

24. Insect Alphabet Matching Game – Pre-K Pages

25. Ladybug Learning Activity Pack – Look! We’re Learning!

Insect Activities for Kids - Look! We're Learning!

Don’t miss these other fun bug-themed activities!

Free Bug Printables Pack

Picture Books about Bugs

These printable ladybug playdough mats are so fun for preschool motor skill practice!

Find more ideas for teaching kids about animals on my It’s Science Pinterest board!

This post is part of the 31 Days of ABCs series! Read on to see other great posts!

31 Days of ABC - October 2016 | Alldonemonkey.com

After taking a break last year due to the arrival of Baby #3, we are back with one of my favorite series, the 31 Days of ABC! You can look forward to 31 more days of activities, crafts, books, apps, and more, all dedicated to teaching young children the alphabet.

I am so happy to be working with an amazing group of kid bloggers, who will be sharing their amazing ideas with us in the coming days. And this year for the first year we are also adding a giveaway, so be sure to scroll to the end and enter for a chance to win!

So join us as we jump, skip, hop, and read our way through the alphabet this October!

31 Days of ABC

Teaching the ABCs – October 1

All Done Monkey: Creating a Preschool Letter of the Week Curriculum

A – October 2

Frogs and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails: Apple Scented Glitter Glue and Apple Craft

B – October 3

Witty Hoots: How to Make Fabulous Button Bookmarks

C – October 4

Preschool Powol Packets: Construction Truck Preschool Action Rhyme

D – October 5

ArtsyCraftsyMom: Printable Dinosaur Alphabet Sequencing Puzzle

E – October 6

Preschool Powol Packets: Elephant Art Project and Thailand Lesson

F – October 7

Spanglish Monkey: Spanish-English ABC Flashcards

G – October 8

Royal Baloo: Simple Ghost Painting Project

H – October 9

Peakle Pie

I – October 10

Look! We’re Learning!

J – October 11

All Done Monkey

K – October 12

Preschool Powol Packets

L – October 13

Raising a Trilingual Child

M – October 14

Creative World of Varya

N – October 15

Peakle Pie

O – October 16

For the Love of Spanish

P – October 17

Little Hiccups

Q – October 18

All Done Monkey

R – October 19

Sugar, Spice & Glitter

S – October 20

Crafty Mama in ME

T – October 21

Discovering the World Through My Son’s Eyes

U – October 22

Witty Hoots

V – October 23

Creative World of Varya

W – October 24

X – October 25

All Done Monkey

Y – October 26

Our Daily Craft

Z – October 27

123’s – October 28

Hispanic Mama

Prewriting – October 29

Sugar Aunts

Books, Songs, & Apps – October 30

The Jenny Evolution

Alphabet Clip Cards – October 31

The Kindergarten Connection
Find more great resources in 31 Days of ABCs 2013 and 2014!


Filed Under: Homeschooling, Science Tagged With: activities about insects, activities about insects for kids, activities for kids, activities for kids about insects, bug activities, bug activities for kids, homeschool science activities, insect, insect activities, insect activities for kids, insects, science, science for kids

10 Kids’ Picture Books about Bugs

April 19, 2016 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

Bugs are super popular with kids, especially during the warm months when we start to see more ants, bees, and other creepy critters around more often. Personally, I’m not a fan. But my boys (in particular) think they’re super cool!

So, I’ve worked up the nerve to start putting together a bug unit study. And part of that unit is reading some great picture books about bugs!

Here are ten kids’ books about bugs that are awesome for showing kids different kinds of insects and helping them learn about how they live and co-exist along with us.

Picture Books about Bugs

10 Kids’ Picture Books about Bugs

  1. Bugs: A Stunning, Pop-Up Look at Insects, Spiders, and Other Creepy-Crawlies by George McGavin
  2. Bugs A to Z by Caroline Lawton
  3. Ultimate Bugopedia: The Most Complete Bug Reference Ever by Darlyne Murawski
  4. Bugs Galore by Peter Stein
  5. Big Book of Bugs by DK Publishing
  6. On Beyond Bugs: All About Insects (Cat in the Hat’s Learning Library) by Tish Rabe
  7. Everything Bug: What Kids Really Want to Know about Bugs by Cherie Winner
  8. Caterpillars, Bugs, and Butterflies: Take-Along Guide
  9. Because a Little Bug Went Ka-Choo by Rosetta Stone
  10. The Bugliest Bug by Carol Diggory Shields

10 Picture Books about Bugs

If you try one of these, let me know which one is your favorite! And if I missed a great bug book, tell me your pick in the comments!

For more buggy fun, check out these posts!

Free Bug Printables Pack

These fun insect activities for kids are perfect for learning about our creepy-crawly animal friends!

Activities for the Grouchy Ladybug

And get more ideas for science learning from my It’s Science board on Pinterest!


Filed Under: Book Lists, Science Tagged With: book lists, books about bugs, books for kids, bugs, children's books, learning about bugs, reading, science, science for kids

Hi! I'm Selena, a teacher and a veteran homeschool mom to four. I'm so glad you're here!
About Me Contact Terms of Use Privacy Policy Places I Share
Facebook Twitter Pinterest Instagram
Homeschool Printables Unit Studies Shop the Store
Copyright ©2023, Look! We're Learning!. All Rights Reserved. Design by Pixel Me Designs