Do scientists use tools? Yes! Scientists use tools to explore the world around them. Whether observing the stars with binoculars, measuring the weather, or studying life in a drop of water, science tools are essential for making discoveries and setting up simple science experiments!
Using Scientific Tools
Science is all about asking questions and exploring the world! Different types of scientists use various tools in their labs to measure, observe, and experiment to find answers to their questions.
💡 With these tools, young scientists can explore everything from biology and chemistry to physics and earth science. Through hands-on experiments and lessons, kids can dive into exciting exploration while learning about the world around them.
Recommended Grade Levels: This list of favorite science tools is perfect for elementary school students from kindergarten to 5th grade (even middle school). It’s a great introduction to simple, more advanced science equipment that kids can use safely. See Pre-K recommendations below.
Favorite Science Tools for Kids
Go ahead and assemble a science kit with some of these tools! Add them to a science center with a specific theme or leave a few loose, such as a magnifying glass, for any observation time.
💡 Make sure to learn about the scientific method and variables to expand on your activities.
- Test Tubes: Small glass containers used to hold liquids during experiments, especially in chemistry.
- Microscope: A tool that helps you see things too tiny for the naked eye, like plant cells or water droplets—perfect for biology!
- Beaker: A container used to mix or heat liquids during science activities.
- Dropper: A tool for transferring small amounts of liquid, great for careful measurements.
- Thermometer: Measures temperature, whether it is how hot the sun is or how cold ice is.
- Magnet: Used to explore magnetism and how it interacts with different materials.
- Scale: Helps weigh objects or measure how heavy things are, like rocks or fruits.
- Petri Dish: A small dish that grows tiny organisms like mold or bacteria.
- Goggles: Protects your eyes during experiments—safety first!
- Ruler: Measures lengths and distances, perfect for comparing plant growth or measuring objects.
- Magnifying Glass: A classic tool for scientists to observe small details up close, like the veins on a leaf or the texture of a rock.
- Stopwatch: Times your experiments, great for activities that involve observing changes over time.
- Molecule Model: Helps students understand what molecules look like and how different atoms connect to form compounds.
- Binoculars: A tool that helps you see things far away, great for outdoor exploration of animals or nature.
Hands-On Science Experiment Suggestions for Older Kids
Now that you know some key science tools, let’s experiment! Here are some fun and simple science experiments you can do with these tools in a science lab.
💡 For more science investigation suggestions, use the drop down menu on our homepage to search by grade or theme. Or check out this fantastic collection of the best science experiments for kids.
Water Drop Microscope (Grades 2-5) Use a microscope to examine drops of pond water. What tiny organisms can you spot? Science Tool: Microscope, Petri Dish
Ice Melting Experiment (Grades K-2) Measure how fast different materials (salt, sugar, sand) melt ice. Record your results using a thermometer and a stopwatch. Science Tools: Thermometer, Stopwatch
Magnet Maze (Grades 3-5) Use a magnet to guide a small metal object through a paper maze. Explore how magnets attract certain objects. Make this simple magnet maze. Science Tool: Magnet, Ruler
Temperature Challenge (Grades 1-3) Use a thermometer to compare temperatures in different parts of your home or classroom. Find the warmest and coldest spots! Try our seasonal temperature challenge. Science Tools: Thermometer, Ruler
Weight of Different Fruits (Grades 2-4) Weigh different fruits or vegetables on a scale. Which one is heaviest? Which one is lightest? Predict before measuring! Science Tools: Scale, Beaker
Mixing Liquids Experiment (Grades K-3) Use test tubes and droppers to mix water with different liquids like oil, dish soap, or vinegar. Observe what happens to the liquids! Explore density! Science Tools: Test Tubes, Dropper
Plant Growth Observation (Grades K-5) Use a ruler to measure how much a plant grows over time. Record your measurements in a science journal. Science Tools: Ruler, Test Tube (for watering)
Molecule Models (Grades 3-5) Create models of different molecules using modeling clay or small balls to represent atoms. Use your molecule models to explain how atoms form compounds. Make this Atom Model. Science Tool: Molecule Model
Special Tools for Preschool Science
Preschoolers love hands-on exploration, and while they may not need advanced tools, there are special science tools designed just for little hands to spark their curiosity.
- Plastic Magnifying Glass: A simple, child-safe tool that lets young scientists get an up-close look at bugs, leaves, and rocks.
- Kid-Sized Tweezers: These are perfect for small hands to pick up objects like seeds, pebbles, or tiny insects for observation.
- Sensory Bottles: Sealed plastic bottles filled with water, glitter, beads, and other objects, allowing preschoolers to observe movement, color, and floatation in a mess-free way.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Great for water play, sand exploration, or simple science experiments where preschoolers can measure, pour, and compare quantities.
- Color Mixing Droppers: Droppers filled with safe, colored water that help kids explore the concept of color mixing and observation.
- Binoculars: Lightweight and easy-to-use, preschool binoculars allow kids to explore the outdoors and observe birds or clouds at a distance.
- Simple Thermometer: A color-changing or easy-to-read thermometer can help preschoolers understand hot and cold concepts in weather or water play.
- Observation Jars: Clear plastic jars with magnifying lids allow young kids to observe small objects they collect during outdoor exploration safely.
Hands-On Experiment Ideas for Preschoolers:
Our Printable Preschool Science Pack is a fantastic introduction to the world of science for our youngest explorers. Add the activities to your science centers all year.
Color Mixing: (Ages 3-5) Use color-mixing droppers with water to blend primary colors and see what new colors appear! Science Tools: Color Mixing Droppers, Measuring Cups
Nature Observation: (Ages 4-5) Collect small nature items in observation jars or use a plastic magnifying glass to observe them up close. Kids can describe what they see. Science Tools: Plastic Magnifying Glass, Observation Jar
Sink or Float: (Ages 3-5) Use measuring cups and different objects (like stones, leaves, or plastic toys) to explore what sinks and what floats in water. Science Tools: Measuring Cups, Sensory Bottle
Outdoor Bird Watching: (Ages 3-5) Head outdoors with binoculars and observe birds or clouds. Kids can point out shapes, colors, and movements. Make a bird feeder to get started and print our free mini bird pack. Science Tools: Binoculars, Kid-Sized Tweezers (for collecting leaves or other small objects)
Magnetic Treasure Hunt: (Ages 3-5) Hide small magnetic objects (like paperclips or coins) in a sandbox or sensory bin. Let the children use magnets to “hunt” and pull the treasures out of the sand! Science Tools: Magnet, Kid-Sized Tweezers
Make a Science Kit
Take a look at some of my favorite science tools for young kids and some choices for older kids.
💡 Have fun with your science tools, and avoid glass beakers and flasks until your kids are older. Science can get slippery, too (even for adults)!
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More Science Resources
You can extend the learning with a variety of additional resources, even for your youngest scientist! There’s no time like now to learn how to talk like a scientist, learn the best science practices, and read a few science-themed books!
- Science Vocabulary
- Science Books for Kids
- Best Science Practices
- Scientific Method
- Science Fair Projects
These lists are great! What an awesome way to quickly remember what to have on hand for science!
This would make a great science kit to give as a gift too!
Science experiments with microscope is really interesting. Kids would be so curious on the world that we don’t usually see. Let them explore this things be amaze by their curiosity.