Try evergreen science sensory play! Winter is the perfect time of the year to examine evergreen branches. We cut down a Christmas tree this weekend and had some extra branches. They smelled lovely and had a great texture. Why not set up a simple activity for examining and observing them? Gather your science tools and get started! We also made a fabulous evergreen sensory science oobleck! 

Evergreen Science ObservationPin

Observing in Preschool Science

Observation is a crucial aspect of preschool science activities as it plays a fundamental role in a child’s early learning and development. Here are several reasons highlighting the importance of observation in preschool science activities:

Find it: More Preschool STEM Activities here.

Promotes Curiosity: Observation encourages children to be curious about the world around them. It sparks their interest in exploring and understanding the environment, fostering a sense of wonder about the natural world.

Develop Critical Thinking Skills: Children learn to analyze and interpret information through observation. They begin to make connections between cause and effect, identifying patterns and relationships in the things they observe. This lays the foundation for critical thinking skills.

Enhances Vocabulary and Language Skills: Describing what they see during science activities helps children develop their vocabulary. They learn to articulate their observations, ask questions, and engage in conversations with peers, which contributes to the development of language skills.

Encourages Hands-on Learning: Preschool science activities often involve hands-on experiences. Observation allows children to actively engage with materials and phenomena actively, promoting experiential learning. This kinesthetic approach enhances their understanding and retention of scientific concepts.

Fosters Inquiry-Based Learning: Observation is a key component of inquiry-based learning, where children are encouraged to ask questions and seek answers through exploration. This approach empowers them to actively participate in learning, promoting a lifelong love for learning.

Supports Social Skills: Science activities often involve group participation. Observing and discussing findings with peers promotes teamwork, cooperation, and communication skills. Children learn to share their thoughts, listen to others, and collaborate on projects.

Builds a Foundation for Scientific Thinking: Early exposure to observation lays the foundation for scientific thinking. Children learn to make predictions, draw conclusions, and develop hypotheses based on observations. These skills are essential for later scientific inquiry.

Cultivates Patience and Focus: Observation requires patience and concentration. As children spend time carefully watching and exploring, they develop the ability to focus on details and persevere in their efforts—a valuable skill in both academic and life pursuits.

Connects Learning to Everyday Life: Children can relate scientific concepts to their daily lives by observing natural phenomena or everyday objects. This connection helps them see the relevance of science in understanding the world around them.

Read more: What is Observing in Science?

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Preschool Examination and Observation Activity

Evergreen Science Set Up

  • evergreen branches
  • sensory bin
  • science tools: magnifying glass, tweezers, eye dropper, safety glasses, scissors, ruler
  • water bottle to make a science sensory bottle
  • pine cones

Gather your supplies and fill a sensory bin with your trimmed evergreen branches. Add a tray with your science tools next to it. I also like adding an eye dropper with a small water container for further examination.

Evergreen Science Sensory Observation and Examination

Fantastic open-ended exploration for preschool evergreen science sensory play! What a great and easy sensory bin for science play! Examining, observing, and exploring is all about preschool science!

Create curiosity and peak interest with an invitation to discover! He measured, snipped, and soaked the evergreen branches. He also learned that these lovely little green things are called needles and are the leaves of this tree.

Evergreen Science preschool exploring evergreensPin

Learn About the Pine Tree Life Cycle

Grab this free pine tree investigation pack to explore the pine tree life cycle and pine cones!

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We have been discussing change lately, and here is an excellent example of the dead needles on the branch.

Evergreen Science Observing branchesPin

We also examined the pine cones and discussed how pine cones are called the fruit of the tree and inside are seeds. He explored, measured, snipped, shook, and observed the pine cones in our evergreen science activity. What a great sensory bin for science!

Read More: All About Sensory Bins

Evergreen Science Examining Pine Cones PlayPin

We also made these simple discovery bottles for our evergreens and pine cones to get a different view of them! All you need to do is add evergreens and water to a plastic bottle!

Evergreen sensory bottles pine cone sensory bottlesPin

So much open-ended exploration this morning! I love it when he dives right into an invitation to discover and produces mini-activities. He truly enjoyed collecting his tools, using his tools, and examining the evergreen branches. Preschool science can be so easy and natural using what’s available. Simple, evergreen science!

More Evergreen Activities

If you have more evergreens handy, don’t let the fun stop. Try evergreen oobleck or one of these neat science activities.

Preschool Winter Resources

Printable Preschool Winter Theme Pack

Our Winter Theme Pack is perfect for 3-to 6-year-olds in a preschool classroom, learning center, or home. Easy to set up and use with one kiddo or a classroom. This themed pack includes a book and supply list to help you easily set up the activities.

⭐️ Tip: Grab the Preschool Themes Growing Bundle and save money! ⭐️ 

Activities Include:

  • Flip Books
  • Dot Mittens 
  • Sensory Bin
  • Sequencing
  • Geoboard Templates
  • Writing Center
  • Tracing Cards
  • Board Game
  • Cover Up Game
  • Matching Game
  • Puzzles
  • Playdough Mats

There are so many fun ways to explore the winter season.

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