20 Super Simple Science Experiments For Toddlers

Here’s a roundup of 20 super simple science experiments for toddlers in early learning settings. These activities are sensory-rich, safe, and designed to spark curiosity while introducing foundational science concepts.

20 Super Simple Science Experiments For Toddlers

Experiment	Concept	Materials
Magic Milk	Surface tension	Milk, food coloring, dish soap
Color Mixing Bags	Primary colors	Ziplock bags, paint
Baking Soda & Vinegar Fizz	Chemical reaction	Baking soda, vinegar
Ice Excavation	Melting, temperature	Frozen toys in ice
Shadow Tracing	Light and shadow	Sunlight, paper, objects
Rain Cloud in a Jar	Condensation	Jar, shaving cream, colored water
Ocean in a Bottle	Density	Oil, water, glitter
Ivory Soap Expansion	Air and heat	Ivory soap, microwave
Salt & Ice Melt	Temperature change	Ice, salt, food coloring
Bubble Wrap Stomp	Cause and effect	Bubble wrap, tape
Dancing Raisins	Buoyancy	Soda water, raisins
Puffy Paint	Texture and heat	Flour, salt, water, microwave
Butter in a Jar	State change	Cream, jar
Balloon Rockets	Air pressure	Balloon, straw, string
Melting Snow (or Ice)	Solid to liquid	Snow/ice, container
Germ Spread with Glitter	Hygiene	Glitter, lotion, soap
Water Displacement	Volume	Jar, rocks, toy
Fizzy Lemon Volcano	Acid-base reaction	Lemon, baking soda
Magnet Hunt	Magnetism	Magnets, metal objects
Sound Bottles	Vibration and pitch	Bottles, rice, bells

Linking To The EYLF

Here’s how you can link your 20 toddler science experiments to the EYLF using official guidance and educator resources:

EYLF Outcome	How It Connects to Science
Outcome 4: Confident and Involved Learners	Toddlers explore cause and effect, problem-solving, and inquiry through hands-on experiments like Magic Milk, Bubble Wrap Stomp, and Fizzy Lemon Volcano.
Outcome 5: Effective Communicators	Children express discoveries through gestures, sounds, and emerging language — e.g., describing colors in Color Mixing Bags or reactions in Rain Cloud in a Jar.
Outcome 2: Connected with and Contribute to Their World	Activities like Melting Snow, Butter in a Jar, and Water Displacement foster understanding of nature, sustainability, and physical change.
Outcome 1: Strong Sense of Identity	Science play supports autonomy and agency — toddlers choose materials, test ideas, and build confidence.
Outcome 3: Wellbeing	Safe, sensory-rich experiments like Sound Bottles and Puffy Paint promote emotional regulation and motor development.

EYLF-Linked Science Resources

Exploring Science in Early Childhood—Aussie Childcare Network—includes examples of EYLF integration, inquiry-based learning, and educator strategies.
ACER Early Years Science Series—downloadable educator resources linked to EYLF outcomes, including floating/sinking, light/shadow, and mixtures.
Little Scientists Program—Australian Government STEM Support—inquiry-based STEM activities mapped to EYLF and the Australian Curriculum.